Well, if nothing else, Disney sure knows how to keep us on our toes!
As I’m sure you remember, earlier this year we saw both Disney World and Disneyland do away with the Genie+ skip-the-line system and introduce Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass. But like I was saying, just when we really got the hang of this new system, Disney went ahead and introduced a whole new pass — Lightning Lane Premier Pass. After we recovered from the shock, we had a moment to check out the details and that’s when we noticed that this brand-new pass isn’t even out yet and there’s already one big problem with it!
As we were saying, Disney went ahead and introduced the all-new Lightning Lane Premier Pass to go along with the current Multi Pass and Single Pass.
Let’s break it down. Starting October 30th at Disney World and October 23rd at Disneyland, this brand-new Lightning Lane Premier Pass will allow you to skip the line, as the current passes do, but you won’t need to make reservations on your phone — you can just arrive at the attraction and immediately enter the Lightning Lane. With Lightning Lane Premier Pass, you will be able to use the pass to skip the line at each participating attraction once per day.
But here’s the twist: for Disney World guests, the Premier Pass will only be available to those staying at Deluxe and Deluxe Villas hotels. Guests at these hotels will be able to purchase their Premier Pass up to seven days in advance of their stay.
Here is the list of the hotels eligible for Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Disney World:
Now, as for the price, it will will vary by park and date. Here’s what you can expect per day at Disney World:
- Magic Kingdom: $329-$449 plus tax
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $129-$199 plus tax
- EPCOT: $169-$249 plus tax
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $269-$349 plus tax
For anyone heading to Disneyland, the Premier Pass will be open to all park guests, not just those staying at the fancier resorts. Disneyland’s version of the Premier Pass, launching October 23rd, will cost $300 to $400 per person, per day depending on the date (all 2024 dates are $400), and can be purchased up to two days in advance of your park reservation. It’ll even cover both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure for the same day.
All of that is well and good, but here’s where things get sticky. (Did you see the problem already?)
The Big Problem: No Park Hopping
Sure, the price tag for the Premier Pass is steep, but if we’re honest, it isn’t all that surprising. But what’s really concerning is that, for Disney World, there is NO PARK HOPPER OPTION for this new pass. (Just in case you’re new to the whole Disney scene, park hopping is when you visit more than one park in a single day.)
This brand-new Premier Pass will be park-specific, meaning that if you fork over $400 for the Magic Kingdom Premier Pass, for example, because that’s your park reservation for the day, you won’t be able to swing by Hollywood Studios for a quick thrill on the Tower of Terror. Essentially, you’re locked into the park you choose when you buy your Premier Pass, and at those prices, that’s a tough pill to swallow.
Disney hasn’t said if a Park Hopper version of the Premier Pass is coming later, but for now, it’s park-specific all the way.
Is It Worth It?
So, what’s the verdict? Well, for those staying at Disney’s Deluxe hotels, the Premier Pass could be a game-changer. You’ll get to skip the lines at your chosen park, enjoy your Disney day in style, and leave the long wait times behind. But if you’re at Disney World, without the ability to park hop, you might feel like you’re missing out on a big part of the Disney experience, especially with such a hefty price tag.
If you’re a Disneyland visitor, the Premier Pass might be more appealing since it covers both Disneyland Park and California Adventure in the same day. That means you’ll still get some flexibility. But again, you’re going to be shelling out some serious cash for that convenience.
At the end of the day, whether the Lightning Lane Premier Pass is worth it really depends on what kind of Disney guest you are. If you’re all about maximizing time in a single park and can justify the price, it could be a great way to enhance your trip. But if you’re at Disney World, and you’re used to park hopping and want to keep that option open, this new offering might leave you feeling a bit boxed in.
We’ll keep an eye on whether Disney introduces a Park Hopper option for the Premier Pass down the line. Until then, stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney news!
EVERYTHING You Need To Know About Lightning Lanes at Disney World
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