Does Disney World have a Lightning Lane problem? Many of our readers seem to think so.
Lightning Lane
Disney World has a long history of skip-the-line systems. More recently, we saw Genie+ get replaced by Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass. Then we saw the introduction of the pricey Lightning Lane Premier Pass. With Disney shaking things up significantly with the Lightning Lane process, we reached out to you, our readers, to get a litmus test on how everyone’s feeling about Lightning Lane Multi Pass especially, and ya’ll had some thoughts.
We asked our readers on Facebook if you could make one change to Disney World’s Lightning Lanes, what would it be and there was no shortage of answers.
Unsurprisingly, only a small number of people were totally satisfied with how Lightning Lane Multi Pass works. Ever since Disney World moved away from FastPass FastPass+ after the pandemic, criticism has followed the company as it introduced a paid skip-the-line service.
Today, the primary service used is Lightning Lane Multi Pass, which is a tiered system that allows its users to pay to select three ride reservations in advance and then continue selecting ride reservations during select timed windows.
The service also comes with Disney PhotoPass and can be a bit complicated, so for a quick refresher, take a look at the pamphlet below.
Disney Lightning Lane Brochure
So what kind of changes would ya’ll make to Lightning Lane Multi Pass? The most popular answer was to eliminate it altogether.
Reader Steve wrote, “Honestly, I would eliminate ALL of the line-cutting options. Everybody should get the same experience.” Several readers agree that if you pay the price of admission, the wait time playing field should be level.
Tomorrowland Speedway Lightning Lane entrance
Reader Pam brought up an idea that many also agreed with: “Make it free.”
In the FastPass era, the skip-the-line service was free and was solely dependent on demand, time of day, and a little bit of luck. So many of us remember those days and it can be challenging to not look back on them fondly. The system worked and it seems like many of you regret Disney changing it.
Dumbo Lightning Lane
Another callback to the old FastPass service was brought up by Reader Julie, who wrote that Lightning Lane Multi Pass should have “the option of selecting the same ride and show more than one time”.
Right now, once you use a reservation for an attraction with Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you cannot redeem a second reservation for that day.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Lightning Lane
Reader Rachel added that there should be more options for pre-booking instead of the 3-ride limitation. Instead of offering three reservations, Rachel suggested that maybe Disney could offer seven instead, “This way the day is essentially booked and we don’t have to worry about rides running out of time slots during the day.”
One of Lightning Lane Multi Pass’ biggest downfalls is that it’s totally subject to availability and demand. There’s always a chance you don’t get your money’s worth. Adding pre-booking reservations could help ease that issue at least for guests who book in advance.
Mad Tea Party Lightning Lane
Finally, we saw one popular request get mentioned several times: BRING FASTPASS BACK! It’s clear the old skip-the-line service is still very much missed and we get it.
Former Tomorrowland FastPass+ Kiosk
Do you agree with these Lightning Lane Multi Pass takes? Let us know and continue to follow us here at DFB for all the latest Disney World news, tips, reviews, and more!
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I agree with eliminating all fast pass or skip the line options. Then we would return to the days of two queues, right and left. The the cast members would equally load the attraction vehicles without holding up the standby line while loading 20:1 lightening lane riders. Overall it would probably shorten wait times and give everyone an overall better experience without so much planning and zig zagging around the parks.
It would be great if Disney would bring back free Fastpass, but if we are in a world where that is gone for good, then I agree that Lightning Lane Multipass should be much better than essentially just a paid version what FP was for free. The suggestions noted in the article would be good – either allow more pre-booking, or allow rides to be chosen more than once, based on availability, or both. I don’t have an issue with Lightning Lanes because it’s just a matter of form rather than function – people are ahead of you whether they were standing in the same line, in front of you, or in a different one. Having only one queue wouldn’t really change that, it would only look more fair. People also minded a lot less when it was free, and available to everyone, and I do think Disney should try to bring back some version of that (although again, they will need to improve LLMP first if they want to keep the paid version). And I think true line-cutters are the bigger problem that Disney needs to address. I understand the issue is that some people are waiting less time just for paying more money, and that doesn’t sit well. But to Disney’s thinking (not that I’d defend it), this may be their answer over choosing to increase base ticket prices even more. And, most other theme parks offer a similar paid skip-the-line or faster line option one way or the other. I hope DIsney brings back a free version, but the paid options are likely here to stay.
Without a doubt, bring back the old fast pass system and offer it for free to all Disney Resort Guests. If you’re paying for a Disney hotel, it’s a perk that you get to book your first three 60 days before your trip. I bet most guests felt that it was the BEST option that Disney offered its guests before they took it away. All these other money grabbing options get confusing and really diminish the guest experience while at the parks. With the ticket prices going up exponentially on their own, the old Fastpass should be included in that price.
Bring back the free fastpass !!!
Fair to families of all incomes !
It would be amazing if Disney would actually listen to their fans on this issue. Get rid of it!
The fairest system for line-skipping was the OLD paper-pass method. You had to be there, in park, at the dispensing kiosk by the ride and it didn’t cost a penny. You didn’t have to glue yourself to your phone. You could even hold a second fast pass if the window of the pass you held had opened. There was no limit to the number of fast passes you could get over the course of the day.
This system was not only fair to all guests, it seems to have worked fine with the DAS of the day. Its only flaw was that it didn’t generate any additional revenue. Guess that was the deciding factor.
I dislike having to rely on my cell phone so much at Disney. The FastPass system gave you the option of putting down the phone, which is a true vacation for me.
I find it funny how towards the end you say there is always a chance that because of availability, people may not get their moneys worth. How about everyone getting their moneys worth? Do the people that are in the standby lines get their moneys worth when they dump out lighting lanes? Absolutely not! Just eliminate them already!
I was not a fan of FastPass because of people being able to rebook rides. Diehards knew the system and it felt unfair to me. Because of that, there were whole trips to WDW my kids were never able to ride certain rides since there were completely booked for the entire trip (we have to fly a distance for our trip). I do appreciate the ride limitations. This way, the ride is available for others and not just those individuals to book over and over. I do however, think the up charging for these line services is crazy. I didn’t mind the original genie + that was $15. That was actually the first time I enjoyed Disney and didn’t feel stressed about it. The FastPass caused me so much anxiety. We haven’t had a trip since lightning lane. The family wanted to do a couple days at WDW after our upcoming DCL cruise and I don’t want to. It’s more stressful than fun. As a frequent DCL cruiser, I’m used to everyone on the ship’s booking windows being clear. Everyone has the same vacation days. When we’re at WDW, our vacation is in the middle of others, so we frequently encountered rides or restaurants not available for during our trip.
Yes bring back free fast pass. Because it was free anything you were able to book was a bonus! I liked the old school tickets. It was easy and everyone had the same chance. If Disney wants more money just charge more for the tickets and stop making things complicated. I hate resort fees and this is similar.
they need to bring regular FREE fast pass back this would accomodate everyone even guests with disabilities to which Disney has shut it eyes to. Free fast pass means everyone gets equal chance at access to the rides and not catering to the ones that can afford to spend hundreds per day per person for LL
I love the Fastpass system. Everyone is on the same playing field because we have a choice of what we want to do, either purchase fastpasses or don’t. I don’t like having to purchase a separate single ride pass for some specific rides. That can really add up.
I’m glad to see that there are more of us out there want the LL and or parts of gone. Bring back the days right after the Pandemic when the only thing out there was Stand-by. We got on more rides then ever. even with FF.
Use return time for those of the DAS that just cannot stand in large line,but put a low limit on amount of people in the time. Like 2 groups of 4 per 1/2 hour. That small amount would not hold up the flow of the Stank-by but still help the Kids that just cannot make it.
I can’t imagine anyone who would not love the old fast pass system back. However, well before Disney ever charges for front of the line passes, all other theme parks were already doing it. Is there any theme park you can go to that doesn’t charge for a front of the line service? Others were charging when fast pass was free. I’m not excusing it, just bringing awareness. A lot of theme parks make a lot of extra money on parking alone. Sadly, it’s more of a business and people keep paying and going anyway. Until everyone stops, nothing will change. I was never for monthly payment plans for annual passes. This made the CA. Parks insanely crowded. It’s not even fun to go walk around. Everyone who insists that the monthly payment plans is the only way they can afford an annual pass, it’s an illusion to make it appear affordable, you could save your money monthly every year and buy the same thing. They created demand with these monthly payments and it gives them an excuse to raise prices what seems like every 6 months, it gives them excuse to increase parking, and it gave them the excuse to start charging what was once a free fast pass. They justify it with demand.
I totally agree with,( Reader Julie, who wrote that Lightning Lane Multi Pass should have “the option of selecting the same ride and show more than one time”.) There are rides that we like and would like to ride more than once a day… Why charge so much and then limit you???
I do not think that Walt himself would be so happy with the new Disney rules and fees.
The price gouging gets worse and worse. They hypocritically wave virtue signal flags and call themselves inclusive because they encourage bearded men in dresses but where is the inclusion for the non-wealthy? It’s easy to be inclusive when it doesnt cost anything.
The only option is to bring back the original Fastpass system. It wasn’t broken, and they shouldn’t have messed with a crowd pleaser. If guests would refuse to cough up the ridiculous amount of money for the Lightning Lane options, it would have been history by now. How is Disney going to to get message when the guests complain, but still throw money at them? One thing Disney is not, is stupid!
Keep the current system. People claim Disney is just grabbing more money and catering to those with more wealth, but think of it thus way: the full price for the parks is entry plus Lightning Lane; to not purchase it is to go at a discounted price. You get what you pay for. This is not a new or foreign or unfair concept. Save up your money and buy it if you don’t like standing in long lines.
Return times for DAS needs to return.