Lightning Lane
If you’re trying to maximize your time in the parks and love to make a plan, you will definitely want to utilize Lightning Lanes!
Designed to whisk you through the queues and straight to the fun, Lightning Lane promises to redefine how you experience your favorite attractions.
What is Disney’s Lightning Lane?
At Disney Parks there are a few ways to wait in line. There is the regular standby line with wait times posted and there are Lightning Lanes. Lightning Lanes allow you to schedule a time to enter the line and move quickly to the attraction without much wait.
Imagine bypassing the regular standby lines and stepping into a much shorter queue for some of Disney’s most beloved rides and experiences. That’s exactly what Disney’s Lightning Lane offers. Its a sort of electronic placeholder. You’ll still have to get in line, but it will be much more efficient and quick.
Types of Lightning Lane Passes
Disney offers three types of Lightning Lane passes:
1. Lightning Lane Multi Pass $$:
Select up to 3 attractions ahead of time.
After experiencing your first selection, you may even get to choose more, depending on availability.
Bonus perk: You’ll receive digital downloads of select ride photos and videos to cherish those magical moments forever.
2. Lightning Lane Single Pass $:
Provides access to one high-demand ride per pass.
You can purchase up to 2 single passes per day, subject to availability.
3. Lightning Lane Premier Pass $$$$:
Access to one-time entry to each available Lightning Lane attraction for one day at one park.
No need to choose specific arrival times.
Bonus Perk: digital downloads of select attraction photos and videos. Plus, unlock Disney PhotoPass Lenses.
How Does It Work?
Using Disney’s Lightning Lane is as easy as Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo:
Plan Ahead: Download the My Disney Experience app and select your desired attractions and arrival windows before your visit.
Purchase Your Pass: Open the app, choose your date and park, then decide between a Multi Pass, a Single Pass, or both.
Enjoy the Magic: On the day of your visit, head straight to the Lightning Lane entrance during your chosen time slot, scan your pass, and voilà – you’re in!
Tips for Maximizing Your Experience
Early Bird Gets the Worm: Passes can be purchased days in advance, so book early to secure your spot.
Flexibility is Key: Plans change? No problem. Modify your selections via the app up until the start of your arrival window.
Stay Informed: Prices and availability vary, so keep an eye on updates within the My Disney Experience app.
When can I purchase? How do I use it?
Walt Disney World, Florida:
WDW Resort Hotel guests can purchase as early as 7 days before their first arrival day, starting at 7am.
Other guests, dated tickets and annual Passholders may purchase 3 days in advance of park reservation.
Learn how to use HERE
Disneyland, CA:
Can be included with your ticket purchase. Or you can purchase after you’ve entered the park. Passes are limited.
You can book your first attraction as soon as you enter the park.
Book your next attraction after you’ve used your first or two hours after you booked.
Find the list of attractions HERE
What does Carole think?
I love the Lightning Lanes! If utilized well, you can skip most lines and move quickly through attractions. In order to make the best of it, you’ll have to decide what sort of park day you’d like to have. If you like to get up early and hit the top rides during early entry, you’ll want to start your LL passes for about an hour after opening. This way, you’ll be able to ride everything you’d like, quickly and efficiently.
If you like to do a late night, or a break in the day, you’ll want to use some in the morning and then book your times for later in the day. Just be aware that you may only get to use a few since times usually run out around 5 or 6. But if you’ve booked your favorite three for after that time, you’ll be good to go!
I suggest to book the lightning lanes you can in the area you are hoping to use your tier 1 ride in, so that you’re not wasting time running all over the park and wearing yourself out! Consider the Lightning lane holding your place in line. This way, while you’re waiting you can ride the other rides in an area before your time comes up.
