New Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Disney World and Disneyland: Is Skipping the Lines Worth the Cost?

Oct 17, 2024

3 min read

If you've ever dreamt of coasting through every ride at Disney World or Disneyland without having to deal with that pesky Lightning Lane booking, you’re in luck! Disney just rolled out their shiny new Lightning Lane Premier Pass. But, spoiler alert: it's going to cost you. A lot.

Let’s break down what you need to know before you whip out your wallet and decide if bypassing the lines is worth its weight in Disney dollars.

What Is the Lightning Lane Premier Pass?

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass is the new VIP kid on the block, letting guests skip the lines at Disney World and Disneyland without having to book a Lightning Lane in advance. That's right—just walk up to your favorite ride like the Disney royalty you are, and hop in the Lightning Lane. No more frantically refreshing the app hoping to snag a last-minute ride time!

The pass is valid for one use per attraction, per day, and also includes PhotoPass downloads, so you can capture all your “I-just-paid-how-much-for-this?” moments.

How Much Does the Lightning Lane Premier Pass Cost?

Hold onto your Mickey ears, because the prices for this pass are as dizzying as Space Mountain:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $129-$199 per person, per day (plus tax)
EPCOT: $169-$249 per person, per day (plus tax)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $269-$349 per person, per day (plus tax)
Magic Kingdom: $329-$449 per person, per day (plus tax)

Yes, you read that right—up to $449 for a single day at Magic Kingdom. At these prices, you'll want to skip every line (and maybe skip lunch to save some cash).

For comparison, Universal Orlando’s Express Passes range from $89.99 to $289.99 per day. So if you're planning a multi-park vacation, that’s something to think about.

Who Can Get the Lightning Lane Premier Pass?

At Disney World, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass is in pilot mode starting October 30 and is only available to guests staying at Deluxe or Deluxe Villa (DVC) resorts. You'll be able to purchase the pass up to seven days in advance—if you're lucky enough to snag one.

Unlike your regular park tickets, there’s no Park Hopper option for now. So, if you're dreaming of park-hopping while skipping lines, you’ll have to pick one park per day.

At Disneyland, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass launches on October 23 and is available to all guests, not just the fancy Deluxe types. The pass covers both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, so you can skip lines at both parks in one day. The price? A casual $400 per person, per day. And yes, that includes kids aged three and up.

Still Too Pricey? Here’s What Else You Can Do

If you're reading this with your jaw on the floor thinking, “No way am I dropping $400 just to skip a line,” fear not! Disney’s still offering the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, formerly known as Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes. These options are more affordable and still let you skip some lines, but they do require some planning and booking in advance.

If you’re feeling extra savvy, you can always track wait times on the Disney app (hello, techy tourists!) or visit the parks during off-peak times for shorter lines and cheaper tickets. You can also use single rider lines—because who needs friends when you’re on a roller coaster, right?

Final Thoughts: Is the Lightning Lane Premier Pass Worth It?

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass is clearly not for everyone. It’s designed for the Disney die-hards who want to squeeze every ounce of magic out of their day without wasting time in line. But at these prices, the pass is a serious investment.

So, is it worth it? If you’re staying at a Deluxe resort, have the cash, and want to experience every attraction without worrying about reservations, this pass could be a game-changer. But for most of us, sticking to the old-fashioned Lightning Lane (or even just *gasp* waiting in line) might be the smarter choice.

Either way, Disney is giving guests more ways to experience the parks—if they’re willing to pay for it. And who knows? As Disney loves to tinker with their offerings, we may see some adjustments to the Lightning Lane Premier Pass down the road. Stay tuned!

Key Takeaways:

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass lets guests skip every line without booking in advance.
Prices at Disney World range from $129 to $449 depending on the park.
Disneyland's pass is $400 and includes both parks.
Only available to Deluxe resort guests at Disney World, but open to everyone at Disneyland.
Still too much? The original Multi Pass and Single Pass options aren’t going anywhere.