Everything You Need to Know About Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass

  • By Ellis Burke
  • Published 16 January 2025
  • Revised 17 January 2025
Everything You Need to Know About Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass
  • By Ellis Burke
  • Published 16 January 2025
  • Revised 17 January 2025
Everything You Need to Know About Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass
  • By Ellis Burke
  • Published 16 January 2025
  • Revised 17 January 2025
They say lightning doesn’t strike twice, but at Walt Disney World it does! Say hello to the new Lightning Lane Premier Pass. If you're planning a trip to one of Disney’s theme parks and want to make the most out of your time, you’ve likely heard about Disney’s Lightning Lane Pass. This exclusive service is designed to give guests the opportunity to skip the regular standby lines for popular attractions, offering a smoother and more efficient experience.  

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass is the third and most expensive option after the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass - but for good reason. Here’s everything you need to know about Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass, from how it works to its benefits and costs… 

Why did Disney make this change?

Disney made the Lightning Lane Premier Pass because of demand for a hassle-free line-skipping product, similar to the Universal Express Pass. Disney is always looking to enhance guest experience at their theme parks and with the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, they have done just that. This higher priced, more powerful Lightning Lane option was created to compliment the other two Lightning Lane options – Multi Pass and Single Pass, giving guests even more freedom to their ride hopping by allowing them Lightning Lane access to attractions at any time.

How does Lightning Lane Premier Pass differ from Multi Pass and Single Pass?

All three Lightning Lane Passes provide queue-skipping perks, however, there are a couple of added benefits to the Lightning Lane Premier Pass. With this pass you don’t need to choose arrival windows like you do with the Single and Multi Pass ones. This means you can enter Lightning Lane entrances for experiences when it suits you best. And with little ones in tow, you never know what might crop up. Lightning Lane Premier Pass also gives you one-time entry to each available Lightning Lane experience in one park for one day. This includes Lightning Lane Multi Pass experiences and Lightning Lane Single Pass experiences in that park.  

Who is eligible to buy a Lightning Lane Premier Pass?

While Disney is piloting this change, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass is only available to guests staying at Disney Resort Hotels as well as the Swan and Dolphin Resorts, Swan Reserve, and Shades of Green Resort. However, after the pilot phase it may be available to all guests, so be sure to watch out for any updates. 

How much does a Lightning Lane Premier Pass cost?

Prices will vary by date and park, but the pass will initially cost between $129 and $449. During peak travel times and holidays, you may have to pay a heftier price tag, but you will be able to view pricing in the My Disney Experience app before purchasing. 

Can Lightning Lane Premier Pass be used at multiple parks?

No, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass can only be used in one park for one day and cannot be used while park hopping. This is why it pays to use the Lightning Lane Premier Pass in a park that has your most desirable rides. You can combine this purchase with Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Single Pass at the same park, or additional parks as you like, subject to availability. During peak seasons or times when the park is particularly crowded, the Premier Pass can be a real time-saver, helping you avoid the long lines that can often make the theme park experience that little bit less enjoyable. 

How do you buy Lightning Lane Premier Pass?

Eligible guests can purchase their Lightning Lane Premier Pass up to seven days before the start of their stay. Like the Single and Multi pass, you can purchase it via the My Disney Experience app. In order to purchase any Lightning Lane pass, you must have valid park admission.  

What are the photo perks included with Lightning Lane Premier Pass?

When you purchase the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, you can expect to receive digital downloads of select attraction photos and videos, courtesy of Disney PhotoPass Service. With this pass you can also unlock Disney PhotoPass lenses, which transform your photos with Disney-themed effects. These perks also come with the Lightning Lane Multi pass but the Lightning Lane Single pass does not include them. This benefit can be great added value if you're looking to preserve your magical moments during your visit. 

Top tips for maximising your Lightning Lane Premier Pass

If you’ve purchased a Lightning Lane Premier Pass, you’ll want to make the most of it to maximize your experience and minimize time spent in lines. Here are some top tips to help you get the best value from your pass… 

Pick your park wisely

You will want to use your Premier Pass in a park where you can make the most use of it. That’s why Magic Kingdom is a great call due to the sheer number of attractions on offer. 

Don’t waste time on smaller rides

For less popular rides, consider skipping the Lightning Lane and just waiting in the regular line. Since the Premier Pass is more beneficial for high-demand rides, we recommend focusing on those first and take a more leisurely approach for the rest. 

Take advantage of Early Park Entry

Many Disney resorts and premium hotel guests receive early park entry privileges. This gives you access to the park before the general public, so you can enjoy popular rides with much shorter wait times, and your Lightning Lane reservations will be even more efficient later in the day.

Rest and recharge strategically

With priority access to attractions, you’ll be able to visit more rides without long waits, but be sure to take breaks to avoid burnout. Use the extra time you save to enjoy food, shopping, or relaxation spots, especially during peak hours when lines are the longest. 

Be the first in line for our fantastic World Disney World Package Holidays.

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