There is a new way to get on rides coming to Walt Disney World Resort. This comes in the form of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass. Lightning Lane Premier Pass allows one-time entry to each Lightning Lane experience in a theme park. This allows for the the guest who purchases the Lighting Lane Premier Pass to determine their own schedule and enjoy these experiences on their own timeline.
The Walt Disney World Resort announced that this new pass will be offered as part of a pilot program that will begin on October 30, 2024. Read the announcement here: “Beginning October 30, 2024, we will begin piloting the rollout of Lightning Lane Premier Pass with very limited quantities for Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and other select hotels.”
Prices for the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will range from prices will range from $129 to $449 (per pass, plus tax). Prices will be determined by the demand of each day. The most expensive being be during peak days.
Below are the specifics on how this works. It looks like it is rather simple. Read here:
- Get one-time entry to any Lightning Lane experience throughout the day.
- Ride attractions you want at any time, no specific arrival times needed!
- Enjoy photo perks as well. This includes digital downloads of select attraction photos and videos. Plus, unlock Disney PhotoPass Lenses.
Lightning Lane Premiere Passes will be able to be purchased by eligible guests up to 7 days before the first day of the Resort stay. Guests will also be able to purchase the passes for the length of their entire stay (up to 14 days) starting at 7:00 AM ET.
Here is the list of hotels that will eligible for this pilot program of Lightning Lane Premiere Passes:
Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vacation Club Resort (eligibility applies to Disney Vacation Club Cabins only)
- Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Other Eligible Hotels
- Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
- Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
- Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
- Shades of Green Resort
In order to purchase a Lightning Lane Premier Pass, guests must have valid theme park admission. Park reservations may also be required, depending on the type of admission and the date of the visit. Please see theme park reservation requirements for specifics.
Here are the specifics on how to purchase Lightning Lane Premier Passes:
Before You Begin
Please review your Family & Friends list to make sure everyone in your party is connected, is a registered Guest at an eligible Resort hotel and has valid theme park admission. Park reservations may also be required, depending on the type of admission and date of your visit.How to Purchase
Open the My Disney Experience app, find “Lightning Lane Premier Pass” on the home screen and then tap “Purchase”. Follow the prompts to complete your purchase—and receive a confirmation.Price
Prices for Lightning Lane Premier Passes vary based on date and theme park; purchasing is subject to very limited availability.Prices will be displayed in the My Disney Experience app.
Make the Most of Your Pass
Lightning Lane Premier Pass gives you one-time entry to each available Lightning Lane entrance in one park for one day. Here’s how to use it:
- Go to the Lightning Lane entrance and tap in using a MagicBand, MagicBand+, Disney MagicMobile pass, Key to the World Card or ticket card that’s linked to your valid theme park admission.
- You’ll skip the standby line and join a shorter line for that attraction or experience instead.
- Continue to enjoy other Lightning Lane experiences in the park—at your leisure.
Keep Track of the Fun
To view the Lightning Lane experiences you’ve redeemed that day:
- Open the My Disney Experience app and tap “Today’s Plans” in the app menu. This will take you to the “My Day” feature.
- View your Lightning Lane Premier Pass and tap to see your experiences for that day—including which ones remain available and which ones you’ve already redeemed.
Important Information
View important details about Lightning Lane Premier Pass.
It should be noted that the Lightning Lane Premier Pass is good for one park per day. It does not work in multiple parks throughout the day. It also is worth remembering that this is a pilot program. It could be adjusted as Disney analyzes how it works and how it is received by guests.
What do you think of this new pass? Would you want to try it? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!