Disney has just announced a brand new offering for park guests: the Lightning Lane Premier Pass. This new pass is set to shake up the fast pass system at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. Let’s break down everything you need to know about this exciting (and expensive) new option.
What is the Lightning Lane Premier Pass?
The Lightning Lane Premier Pass (LLPP) is a new offering that allows guests to skip the lines on most attractions that have a Lightning Lane. Unlike the current Genie+ system, which requires guests to make reservations for specific time slots, the LLPP allows for more spontaneous enjoyment of the parks. Guests can simply go to any attraction with a Lightning Lane and enter the fast lane without needing to schedule a return time.
Availability and Pricing
Walt Disney World
- Available starting October 30, 2024
- Price range: $129 to $449 per person (plus tax)
- Can only be purchased on the day of your visit
- Only available to guests staying at Deluxe Resorts or Deluxe Villa Resorts
- Valid for one park per day
Disneyland Resort
- Available starting October 23, 2023
- Price range: $300 to $400 per person
- Can be purchased up to two days before your visit
- Available to all guests
- Valid for both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure
What’s Included (and What’s Not)
The Lightning Lane Premier Pass allows you to skip the line on most attractions that have a Lightning Lane. However, there are some important exceptions and limitations:
- It does not include attractions without Lightning Lanes (e.g., Peter Pan’s Flight, Alice in Wonderland)
- It does not include high-demand attractions like Rise of the Resistance or Radiator Springs Racers (these still require separate individual Lightning Lane purchases)
- Each attraction can only be accessed once per day using the LLPP
Comparing to Other Options
Genie+
The current Genie+ system costs $32 per person at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. It requires guests to make reservations for specific time slots and has a two-hour waiting period between selections. The LLPP, while much more expensive, offers more flexibility and potentially more rides in a day.
VIP Tours
The LLPP can be seen as a watered-down version of Disney’s VIP tours (also known as plaid tours). While not as comprehensive as a full VIP experience, it does offer a taste of that skip-the-line luxury at a fraction of the cost.
Universal Express Pass
Universal Studios offers a similar system called Express Pass, which is included for free with stays at their deluxe resorts. The Universal Express Pass allows unlimited use on most attractions, making it potentially more valuable than Disney’s new offering.
Potential Impact and Considerations
- Limited Availability: Disney says they will sell a limited number of these passes each day, which could help maintain their value and prevent overcrowding in Lightning Lanes.
- Deluxe Resort Perk (Walt Disney World): By limiting the pass to deluxe resort guests at Walt Disney World, Disney is adding another incentive for guests to book their more expensive accommodations.
- Pricing Strategy: The wide price range suggests that Disney will likely charge more during peak periods and less during slower times, similar to their ticket pricing model.
- Psychological Pricing: Some speculate that the high price point of the LLPP might make the $32 Genie+ option seem more reasonable by comparison.
- Guest Experience: While this pass offers great benefits for those who can afford it, it may lead to longer waits for standby guests and potentially create a sense of inequality in the parks.
Final Thoughts
The Lightning Lane Premier Pass represents a significant shift in Disney’s approach to line-skipping offerings. While it provides an exciting new option for guests willing to pay a premium, its high price point and limitations may make it a tough sell for many families.
As with any new Disney offering, it will be interesting to see how this system evolves over time. Will guests find the value in this premium option? Will it affect standby wait times? Only time will tell.
For now, if you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort, consider your budget and priorities carefully when deciding whether the Lightning Lane Premier Pass is right for you. And remember, regardless of which line-skipping option you choose (or don’t choose), the magic of Disney is about more than just riding attractions – it’s about the overall experience and the memories you make with your loved ones.