Lightning Lane - Options of ways to experience Disney attractions
Options to experience Disney attractions
You choose what works for you and your family

There are four different ways to experience Walt Disney World Resort attractions. Each has their own unique properties:

  • Standby queue
    • Benefit: NO additional cost;
    • BUT... You have to wait in line.
  • Lightning Lane Single Pass
    • Benefit: You can select a time and skip the regular line at one of a handful of The Walt Disney World Resort's most popular attractions;
    • BUT... There is a cost - and it is only for that specific attraction. (Details below.)
  • Lightning Lane MultiPass
    • Benefit: Skip the regular line at most Walt Disney World Resort attractions throughout the day;
    • BUT... There is a cost - and you have to schedule them throughout the day. (Details below.)
  • Lightning Lane Premier Pass
Lightning Lanes at The Walt Disney World Resort

An explainer - What you need to know (updated 07.28.2024)

If you've visited The Walt Disney World Resort before, you have have heard of Disney Genie+ or even FastPass+. Well... both of those systems have been retired.

Enter... the Lightning Lane system - Ka-Chow!

This can feel complicated, but... it isn't that bad. Really! I'm going to walk you through it... step by step.

Lightning Lane 101 

  • Lightning Lane is a paid system that allows you to get shorter wait times. Lightning Lane MultiPass gives you access to many rides and attractions at The Walt Disney World Resort throughout your day.
  • You do NOT have to purchase Lightning Lanes. Every attraction at The Walt Disney World Resort has a free option -- either a stand-by queue or, for a handful of attractions, a virtual queue;
    • The most often asked question I get: 'Is it worth it?' Unfortunately, assessing value is something that is very personal. Your metrics will be very different from the next person's assessment. For me, I generally purchase Lightning Lanes when I'm visiting - and I regularly purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass for those headliner attractions (which also tend to have longer stand-by queues.) 
  • There are now three kinds of Lightning Lane:
    • Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, previously called Disney Genie+ or FastPass+ -- this gives you access to multiple attractions throughout the day - and even across multiple theme parks. This is the most used version of Lightning Lane.
    • Lightning Lane Single Pass is for a handful of headliner attractions -- think of them as the E-ticket-plus attractions. These attractions are NOT included in Lightning Lane Multi-Pass. Therefore, if you want to skip the regular line, you need to purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass.
    • Lightning Lane Premier Pass is more expensive, but... it gives you the ability to skip the regular line at every available attraction at a single theme park for the day. No need to keep checking your mobile device. No need to schedule anything. Just tap and go. (A more detailed primer on Lightning Lane Premier Pass here.)
  • You can purchase Lightning Lane MultiPass and/or Lightning Lane Single Pass and/or Lightning Lane Premier Pass - they are separate products.

That means that most attractions at The Walt Disney World Resort have two lines:

  • A stand by queue, where you walk up and wait in line - NOTE: A handful of attractions have a 'virtual queue,' which also does not cost anything, but you do need to get into the virtual queue at 7a on the day of your visit;
  • A Lightning Lane, which will be a much shorter wait time -- essentially skipping the regular line.

HOW MUCH

  • I'd love to give an easy answer, but... it depends. Pricing will vary depending on crowds -- think surge pricing that you see on ride share apps;
  • I generally recommend people budget for $30.00 to $35.00/per person per day;
  • Pricing will also vary depending on which park you are visiting;
  • Dreams content team at The Dis found that pricing on launch day on July 24, 2024 ranged from $18.00/plus tax at Disney's Animal Kingdom park to $29.00/plus tax at Disney's Magic Kingdom park.

WHAT

  • You can purchase three attractions before you arrive.
  • For Lightning Lane MultiPass, you can pre-select three attractions. (For three of the Walt Disney World theme parks, there are two tiers - you can select one Tier 1 attraction, and two Tier 2 attractions. See the list of Lightning Lane attractions below.)
  • As you use those Lightning Lane passes, you can select another one throughout the day. You can then select other Lightning Lane attractions throughout the day -- as you use a Lightning Lane, you can select another one.
  • Lightning Lane Single Pass - For several of the most popular attractions at The Walt Disney World Resort, if you want to skip the regular line, you can purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass. This is for five attractions -- see the full list is below... and I have more details on those below.

WHEN

  • You can pre-book your Lightning Lane selections - both Lightning Lane MultiPass and Lightning Lane Single Pass;
  • If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel*, you can purchase Lightning Lane and book your initial selections starting 7-days before you are scheduled to arrive at 7a ET... for your entire stay;
  • If you are NOT staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you can purchase and book your selections 3-days before your visit. (If you have a multi-day ticket, you can book Lightning Lanes for the length of your ticket.)

MORE DETAILS

  • You can purchase for specific days. You do NOT have purchase for ALL days. They are all a la carte and per person, so you can pick and choose what you want to do.
  • You will be able to park hop - and there is NO additional cost. You will need to book your three selections at your first park. Then, once you scan into one Lightning Lane, you'll be able to book the next one for ANY park.
    • NOTE: You have to scan into three attractions at your first park to be able to book and hold three at the next park.

Dreams' content team at The Dis also has a good overview -- New Lightning Lane Multi-Pass Launches at Walt Disney World – Here’s What You Need to Know 

LIGHTNING LANE PREMIER PASS - Disney has rolled out Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which lets you visit every Lightning Lane attraction at one theme park... for a higher price. Get more information about Lightning Lane Premier Pass here.

To skip the regular line at The Walt Disney World Resort - it's a whole new world...
Lightning Lane replaces Disney Genie+ and Fast Pass+

It may feel like Disney Genie+ is still new... and some people even still talk about FastPass+, which hasn't been around for years... but now... Disney Genie+ is out... 

Welcome Lightning Lane MultiPass and Lightning Lane Single Pass

IMPORTANT CAVEATS

  • The Lightening Lane system is a paid service. Pricing depends on the park and the day of visit. Therefore, it will fluctuate based of crowds -- think of surge pricing from your ride share service.
  • You do NOT have to purchase the Lightening Lane system. There are stand-by lines that you can use. 

ADVANTAGES - There are several benefits:

  • Guests can make Lightning Lane plans before you get to the parks
  • You can choose your experiences and times before purchasing
  • You can book Lightning Lane passes for multiple vacation days, all in a single day

NEW TERMINOLOGY - With those changes comes new terms

NEW PLANNING WINDOWS - With those changes come windows for when you can make your pre-plans

  • Onsite guests (includes Walt Disney World Resort hotels as well as Shades of Green, and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels) can book up to three Lightning Lanes per day of their trip 7-days ahead of their arrival... for their entire stay.
  • For most Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, there are two tiers - guests will be able to pre-select one Lightening Lane MultiPass reservations from Tier 1 attractions, and then two Lightening Lanes MultiPass reservations from Tier 2 attractions. (See the attractions below.)
  • Offsite guests can book 3 days before they are going to visit the park.

Read more...

How to Plan with Lightning Lane Passes at Walt Disney World
YenSid Travel Pro Tips
YenSid Travel Lightning Lane Pro Tips
A few ways to stay one step ahead of others

There are ways to stay ahead when you are managing your Lightning Lanes. These are some that we have picked up so far... if you have others, please let me know.

  • Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel has real perks - The Lightning Lane booking window might be the most tangible. Getting to book Lightning Lane reservations 7-days out for your entire trip will prove to be a significant advantage, I believe.
  • GO OR NO GO -- Decide if you are doing Lightning Lanes by before that 7-day window when you can start booking (assuming you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel*). Remember -- you do not have to purchase Lightning Lane. But if you are going to purchase Lightning Lane, get the most out of it by being able to select them 7-days before your arrival;
  • STRATEGIC SELECTING - Be smart about what you book. Balance early return times with attractions that get you the best possible time savings.
  • KEEP WATCHING - Keep an eye on what’s available throughout the day. Disney sometimes refills new slots for attractions or times that were “sold out”. Attractions will 'refill' at various times, so keep checking;
  • OVERLAPPING TIMES (KIND OF) - When pre-booking your Lightning Lanes, Disney will initially present suggested return times for you, which will not overlap. PRO-TIP - Grab ‘em... BUT... on the day you get to the park, your times can overlap! And the faster you can use your Lightning Lanes, the more you can get.
  • HAVE A PLAN - Have an idea what parks you would like to go to and what attractions are your priorities before that 7a window opens. That will enable you to move efficiently through the process;
  • USE IT - MODIFY IT - OR EXPIRE IT - Letting a Multi Pass expire counts as riding it! You can enter the Lightning Lane for a little while after your pass has technically expired (usually 15 minutes), but if you know you’re not going to make a reservation window, modify your Pass to something else before it expires so that you can get another Multi Pass for that attraction later.
  • BOOK FARTHER OUT FIRST- Get harder to get Lighting Lane attractions farther out on your trip (for guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels). For example, if you are staying for five days, there will be fewer people who have access to making reservations on your fifth day. (The same works for hard to get dining.)
    • IMPORTANT - Remember the most people have access to the 7-day and 3-day windows, so use this tactic for the particularly challenging attractions.
  • STAY TUNED -- I know it sounds trite, but... there are going to be changes. The Dreams' content team at The Dis tracks all of it... and I'll keep this page updated with what you need to know.
Lighting Lane at The Walt Disney World Resort - Frequently Asked Questions

  • New Lightning Lane Multi-Pass Launches at Walt Disney World – Here’s What You Need to Know via Dreams' content team at The Dis;
  • How much does it cost? The short answer is... it depends. (Sorry!) Price for Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightening Lane Single Pass will vary based on date, theme park... and crowds;
  • How do I redeem my Lightning Lane selection on the day of my park visit? Go to the Lightning Lane entrance of your selected experience at your scheduled arrival window. To redeem your selection, you'll tap in at the Lightning Lane entrance using a MagicBand, MagicBand+, Disney MagicMobile pass, Key to the World Card or ticket card that is linked to MyDisneyExperience and your valid theme park admission.
  • Can I use Lighting Lane Multi-Pass, Lightning Lane Single Pass and Lightning Lane Premier Pass in one day? You can mix and match, but be sure you are aware of what you are doing. Remember that Lightning Lane Premier Pass gives you access to the Lightning Lane at each attraction at one park for one day. Make sure you will have time to get everything done and go everywhere you will need to go. But you absolutely can use multiple versions of Lightning Lanes.
    • One a recent trip, we had Lightning Lane Multi-Pass at Disney's Hollywood Studios - ˆ we also had a Lightning Lane Single Pass for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind - and (because I wanted to test it out) we had Lightning Lane Premier Pass for Epcot. This was absolutely NOT the most cost effective way to do a Disney trip, but... we did everything we wanted to do, including going on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind... twice.
  • Are Virtual Queues different from Lightning Lane? The short answer - YES. As of July 2024, there are only three attractions that use a virtual queue -- Tiana's Bayou Adventure in Disney's Magic Kingdom Park; TRON Lightcycle/Run in Disney's Magic Kingdom park, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot. Your first chance to get in the virtual queue will be 7a on the day of your park visit. And there is no cost to join the virtual queue. (More on the virtual queue at https://yensid.travel/WDW-VirtualQueue .)
  • After I purchase Lightning Lane passes, where can I view and/or modify my selections? You can view and/or modify your selections in the MyDisneyExperience app -- tap on the Lightning Lane Passes button.
  • How long do I have to wait before I can select a new Lightning Lane Multi Pass attraction? Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections can only be made one at a time. On the day of your park visit, once you redeem a selection, you can use the My Disney Experience app to check availability for another Lightning Lane Multi Pass experience—and add to your plans.
  • With Lightning Lane Multi Pass, can I make different selections for some members of my travel party?

    Yes. Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections can be modified (subject to availability) so that some members of your travel party can enjoy different multi pass experiences and/or arrival windows. Here's how:

    • When purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Passes for your travel party, you'll be prompted to select up to 3 multi pass attractions or experiences—which must be the same for each member of your travel party at that time.
    • After completing your purchase, you can modify the selected experiences and arrival windows for some members of your travel party, subject to availability.This gives your travel party flexibility—so you can share all the same Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections or enjoy different experiences.
  • Does a Lightning Lane Multi Pass include access to Lightning Lane Single Pass attractions? Unfortunately not. When you purchase a Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can choose from a variety of eligible multi pass attractions and experiences. For single pass attractions, Lightning Lane entry is only available with the purchase of a Lightning Lane Single Pass.
  • Can I use both Lightening Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass? Absolutely. Remember that Lightning Lane Single Passes are only available for a handful of attractions... and those attractions would not be available via Lightening Lane Multi Pass.
  • After you purchase Lightning Lane passes for your first day, can you purchase a Lightning Lane pass or passes for another eligible park day?

    Yes.

  • Can I add Lightning Lane Multi Pass and/or Lightening Lane Single Pass before I arrive? YES! That is the biggest change -- and you can even book times before you arrive -- 7-days before you arrive if you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel - for your entire stay... or 3-days before you arrive for other guests.
  • Do I have to purchase Lightning Lane - either Multi Pass or Single Pass? Absolutely not. The traditional standby queues are still available at most attractions and experiences. There are times when Disney uses a 'virtual queue' for select attractions or experiences, which you would get via the MyDisneyExperience app. But there is no cost to get into the virtual queue.
  • Can I purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass in the same day? The short answer - YES! You may purchase one Lightning Lane Multi Pass (which allows you to hold up to 3 Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections at once) and/or up to 2 Lightning Lane Single Passes per day, subject to availability.
  • When can I begin booking Lightening Lane reservations?See above, but...
    • For guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels, you can book them 7-days before you arrive... for your entire trip;
    • For other guests, you can purchase and book 3-days before your visit.
    • Disney Genie+ service and Lightning Lane selections are subject to availability and change.
  • Can I modify Lightning Lane selections?  Yes - subject to availability. To view and/or modify your selections, open the My Disney Experience app and tap on the Lightning Lane Passes section of the home screen. Then, you’ll be able to:
    • View your Lightning Lane passes and selections—as well as other plans, such as dining reservations
    • Modify your Lightning Lane selections, subject to availability
  • Does it make sense to purchase Lightening Lane Multi Pass if I'm arriving later in the day? In most cases, probably not, but you can check MyDisneyExperience and see what is available. It will really depend on how crowded the parks are on that particular day. BUT... we are still learning. This is all new.
  • What happens if I modify or cancel my confirmation? Lightning Lane Multi Pass is nonrefundable. If you cancel or modify your Resort hotel reservation after you’ve already purchased a Lightning Lane Multi Pass, then your selected attractions and arrival windows are subject to cancellation based on eligibility rules.
  • This is new... We are going to learn SO much in the coming weeks and month... and undoubtedly things will change.
  • CONFUSED? Not to worry -- it is why I am here. Don't be stressed -- just schedule a time to chat... you can find a time on my calendar here.
Attractions that run out of Lighting Lane reservations first...

Yes... certain rides and attractions will go through their allocation of Lighting Lane attractions. To help you determine what Disney Genie+ and/or Individual Lightning Lane selections are going to sell out fast, this is a a list of the most popular attractions in each Park (based on wait times) based on how quickly they book:

Magic Kingdom:

  • Tier 1
    • Tiana's Bayou Adventure *Because this attraction is particularly new, these are going fairly quickly;
    • Peter Pan’s Flight
    • Big Thunder Mountain
    • Jungle Cruise
    • Space Mountain
    • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train *Lightening Lane - Single Pass

EPCOT:

  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind *Lightening Lane - Single Pass
  • Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
  • Frozen Ever After
  • Soarin' Around the World
  • Test Track *when it returns

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance *Lightening Lane - Single Pass
  • Slinky Dog Dash
  • Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Disney’s Animal Kingdom park (no tiers):

  • Avatar Flight of Passage *Lightening Lane - Single Pass
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris




Disney News Flash
Lightning Lane Premier Pass
Skip every line at one park - for a price

Later this month, Disney will roll out Lighting Lane Premier Pass at The Walt Disney World Resort. 

  • For a set price - $129 to $449, depending on the park and depending on the date - guests can get one-time access to any Lightning Lane entrance at a single Theme Park.
  • Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park is the most expensive, ranging from $329 to $449/person, plus tax;
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park is the least expensive, ranging from $129 to $199/person, plus tax.

Get the YenSid Travel primer on Lightning Lane Premier Pass here - https://YenSid.Travel/LLPremierPass 

Feeling overwhelmed?
It can be confusing... That's why I am here...

All of this will seem easier once you are doing it -- and I definitely recommend spending some time with the MyDisneyExperience app before you arrive...

That being said, It can feel overwhelming. Please -- don't be overwhelmed. It is why I'm here!