Disney dropped some massive news this week, but the biggest might have been concerning the new Lightning Lane Premier Pass.
The Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be a separate offering from the existing Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass. Like those passes, though, the new Premier Pass will allow Disney World visitors to skip the standby lines at rides and get access to those rides’ Lightning Lanes, which will have shorter waits. If you’re considering purchasing Lightning Lane Premier Pass, we’re going to break down the easiest way to use it.
What is Lightning Lane Premier Pass?
Like Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass, Lightning Lane Premier Pass allows those who purchase it the ability to use a ride’s Lightning Lane. However, Premier Pass goes one step further in that you don’t have to actually book those Lightning Lanes in advance (like you have to with Multi Pass and Single Pass). Instead, you can just hop in any Lightning Lane at any time.
This new option will begin to roll out in a pilot program starting on October 30th, 2024. Premier Pass will be park-specific and will have variable pricing depending on the day you purchase it. As of now, no park hopper option for the pass is available. Here’s how much Lightning Lane Premier Pass will cost per person per day for 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
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Stay at a deluxe resort
If you want to use Lightning Lane Premier Pass in Disney World, you’ll have to stay at a deluxe resort (at least for now). That’s because the pass is ONLY available to Disney World deluxe resort guests. So you’ll need to spend a little extra $$$ on accommodations if you want to use it.
If you’ve already booked a deluxe resort for your next Disney World vacation, you’re all set and should be able to purchase Premier Pass. Disney has not indicated when Premier Pass will be available to purchase for other guests NOT staying at deluxe resorts.
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Be quick to buy it
As a guest at a deluxe Disney World hotel, you’ll be able to purchase Lightning Lane Premier Pass seven days before the first day of your trip. You’ll want to be ready to purchase it quickly, though, because the pass has limited availability, and once it’s gone for a particular day, it’s gone.
You’ll want to make sure you’re on the My Disney Experience app on that seven-day mark at 7AM EST to grab Premier Pass. Set that alarm! You’ll be able to purchase for the entire length of your hotel stay (up to 14 days).
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Be sure you know HOW to purchase it
Before the day arrives when you can purchase Lightning Lane Premier Pass, you might want to learn HOW to purchase it and learn your way around the My Disney Experience app. You’ll also want to make sure you have a credit card attached to your account so your purchase can go through easily and quickly.
So play around with My Disney Experience app BEFORE the big day arrives so you’ll know what to do at 7AM seven days out from your trip.
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Know which park or parks you want it for
Because Lightning Lane Premier Pass is park-specific, you’ll want to know ahead of time which park or parks you plan on purchasing it for. Make sure you’re familiar with the prices, too, because it will be dependent on the park and which day you’ll be buying it for.
You might want to consider how many rides in each park offer Lightning Lane and use that as your starting point for figuring out if it’s worth it for that park or not.
Everything You Need to Know about Lightning Lane Premier Pass in Disney World
Have your whole party loaded into the app
If you’re purchasing Lightning Lane Premier Pass for a group, you’ll want to make sure that they are all loaded and linked in the app. If you don’t, then those who aren’t linked to your group will not be able to use the pass to access rides’ Lightning Lanes.
You’ll want to make sure you do this BEFORE you get to the parks so that everyone in your group will have access.
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Know what rides it includes
You also need to look over the list of rides that are included with Premier Pass. Note that you’ll be able to use it for EVERY ride that has a Lightning Lane, regardless of whether it’s included in Multi Pass or is a Single Pass ride.
If you’re looking for a full list of rides covered by Lightning Lane Premier Pass, check out the link below.
FULL LIST of Rides Included in NEW Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Disney World
We’ll be trying out Premier Pass when it debuts on October 30th! Stay tuned to DFB for more.
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Will you be considering Lightning Lane Premier Pass for your next Disney trip? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments!
Randi B says
Here is a question that just occurred to me – Will the regular lightning Lane and fast pass system still remain? Does Premier do away with those or will there now be three systems?
DFB Gigi says
Hi Randi! The other two will remain. Premier is in addition to those and may only be purchased by guests staying at deluxe resorts.
Winston Warrington says
Wow. So WDW just put all of its AP holders at an even greater disadvantage for LL access relative to one-time on-property guests…. With Epic tickets going on sale next week wonder how many WDW AP holders will dump their passes…. We sure will…