Disney just announced (another) NEW way to skip the lines at its four Florida parks. Spoiler alert: this new service isn’t cheap: prices will range from $129 to $449 (per person, plus tax) at launch. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s back up for a moment.
Grand Floridian Resort
Disney just announced a new skip-the-line service called Lightning Lane Premier Pass. This new pass will allow you to use the express lane (officially known as the “Lightning Lane”) for a shorter wait at various attractions. There are a few key differences between the new Premier Pass and the existing Multi and Single Passes, along with a BIG new perk, so let’s break it down.
OK, first, we need to discuss the two skip-the-line services currently available to anyone at Disney World.
Lightning Lane Multi Pass is an optional paid service available through the My Disney Experience app. This service allows you to bypass standby lines and enter the Lightning Lane at select attractions in the parks. With Multi Pass, you pay a base price for multiple attractions. Lightning Lane Multi Pass allows you to make up to three Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections in a park BEFORE your visit. Additionally, you can choose from available times as you make your attraction selections and can continue to hold up to three Lighting Lane Multi Pass selections at a time.
Lightning Lane
Then there’s also a separate service called Lightning Lane Single Pass. Lightning Lane Single Pass is essentially a pay-per-ride service you can purchase to utilize the Lightning Lane for an individual, in-demand attraction.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Lightning Lane
Both of these services will vary in price depending on the date, but in general, the price ranges from about $20 per person per day to $35 per person per day.
You can learn more about Lightning Lane Multi Pass in Disney World with our handy guide!
Now, let’s talk about the big NEW change. Disney just introduced a new service called Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which allows one-time entry to each Lightning Lane experience in a theme park. This skip-the-line pass can be used ANY time you want; no need to preschedule a reservation.
Haunted Mansion Lightning Lane Sign
Disney explained that Lightning Lane Premier Pass differs from Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass in three key ways:
- Added Flexibility: With Lightning Lane Premier Pass, you DO NOT have to choose arrival windows for Lightning Lane attractions and experiences. With the other two Lightning Lane services, you must choose an arrival window for each Lightning Lane attraction.
- Combines ALL Attractions (In a Single Park) Into One Pass: Lightning Lane Premier Pass gives you single-use entry to each available Lightning Lane attraction in one park. This means the Premier Pass combines Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass attractions.
- Photo Perks: With both Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Premier Pass, you get digital downloads of select attraction photos and videos, along with access to Disney PhotoPass Lenses.
Lightning Lane
When it launches on October 30th, 2024, Lightning Lane Premier Pass will ONLY be available in “very limited quantities” EXCLUSIVELY for those staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and other select hotels. That means Deluxe hotel guests have an exclusive new perk!
Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Below is a full list of all the eligible resort hotels. You need proof of valid park admission before purchasing a Premier Pass.
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
If you qualify, you can purchase Lightning Lane Premier Passes up to seven days before the first day of your stay for your entire length of stay (up to 14 days) starting at 7AM Eastern Time.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Keep in mind this is a brand-new service, and we will continue to share updates as we learn more. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.
JUST ANNOUNCED: Lightning Lane Premier Pass Is Coming to Disneyland
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I think Disney has a hell of a nerve to charge so much for the Premier Lightening lane pass. I am paying enough to stay at the Grand Floridian, Park tickets and additional ticket for Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party. Now they want over $300 each for 1 day at Magic Kingdom. That is outrageous. Disney World was supposed to be a great “family” vacation for all. They are getting so greedy. Walt is probably rolling over in his grave at the price of this. The concept is good but $500 per ticket for a day at Magic Kingdom is a bit much don’t you think?
What if I’ve already purchased a (pre-paid) LLMP as part of my vacation package? Is there an upgrade to LLPremier Pass that will be available for us, since we’ve already paid in advance?
Wow this means it will cost depending on where you are staying over $600.00 a day to go to Magic Kingdom. Now add on the hotel another $400 to $800 per day. I can think of many other ways to spend my money and have a good time for a fraction of the cost! We will not be renewing our passes next year.
Wow!! They call this a “perk”?? If I’m paying to stay at a deluxe resort shouldn’t I get that “perk “ at no extra charge??? I’ve been going to Disney since 1996, been there 15 or 16 times and lately they’ve gotten so greedy that I’m discussed.
First off , getting tired of hearing that Walt would be disappointed. He died 60 years ago and most families at that time couldn’t afford Disney. Also, Universal charges more for their ride passes and nobody complains about them. Yes, it’s expensive and we all long for past days but reality is costs will always go up.
Universal at least gives those who are paying more to stay at one of their “deluxe” hotels FREE UNLIMITED Express Pass. Now THAT’S a perk!
As a guest who opted for deluxe for my last and next trips, this is not a perk. It’s a crazy priced additional cost.