Disney Lightning Lane Premier Passes: All You Need to Know for Skipping Lines Like a Pro!
If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, the new Disney Lightning Lane Premier Pass is a game changer. As a luxury travel advisor specializing in Disney destinations, I know that waiting in long lines can be a big hurdle for our clients. That’s why I’m thrilled to share all the details about this new pass launching on October 23 for Disneyland and October 30 for Walt Disney World, which promises to make your Disney experience smoother and more enjoyable.
What is the Disney Lightning Lane Premier Pass?
The Disney Lightning Lane Premier Pass is the latest addition to Disney’s line-skipping options, offering exclusive benefits to all Disney Resort guests at Walt Disney World and all Disneyland visitors. This pass grants you one-time access to each participating Lightning Lane attraction within a single day—no need to choose specific arrival times. This flexibility means you can explore the parks on your terms, hitting all the must-see attractions with less planning and more spontaneity.
Why Choose the Premier Pass?
If you’ve experienced Disney Genie+ or other Lightning Lane options, you know that planning is essential to beat the crowds. But with the Premier Pass, you can enjoy all the attractions without the hassle of pre-planning or pre-booking time slots. Here are some compelling reasons to consider the Premier Pass:
- Ultimate Flexibility: Unlike the other Lightning Lane passes, the Premier Pass doesn’t require you to select specific arrival times, so you can decide on the fly which rides to tackle.
- Maximum Ride Availability: Because you are able to walk straight into the Lightning Lanes for each attraction, without scheduling a return time or waiting until your return time, you are able to fit more attractions in your day. This means you maximize the amount of attractions you can experience each day.
- No Crowds, No Problem: With one-time access to each Lightning Lane attraction, you can skip standby lines at popular rides like Space Mountain, Avatar Flight of Passage, or Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance without waiting in lengthy queues.
- Exclusive Access for Disney World Resort Guests: At Walt Disney World, only guests staying at Disney Resorts and Disney Villa Resorts can purchase the Premier Pass. This exclusivity helps manage the number of passes available, ensuring a premium experience.
How Much Does the Premier Pass Cost?
The Disney Lightning Lane Premier Pass pricing is variable based on the date and park, reflecting crowd levels and seasonality. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay per person, per day:
Walt Disney World
- Magic Kingdom: $329 – $449 (plus tax)
- EPCOT: $169 – $249 (plus tax)
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $269 – $349 (plus tax)
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $129 – $199 (plus tax)
As you can see, prices peak during holidays and other high-demand periods. Magic Kingdom, with its classic attractions, commands the highest price, so it’s best suited for those really looking to make the most out of a busy day.
Disneyland
- Disneyland Park & Disney California Adventure: $300 – $400 per day (available to all guests)
Disneyland has Premier Pass available to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis. Whether you’re eager to relive childhood favorites or experience the latest attractions, the Premier Pass helps you breeze through lines.
What Attractions are Included?
The Premier Pass covers all Lightning Lane attractions available through Disney’s previous options, including both the Multi Pass and Single Pass. Here are some highlights:
Walt Disney World Attractions
- Magic Kingdom: TRON Light Cycle Run, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
- EPCOT: Frozen Ever After, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Soarin’ Around the World, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
- Hollywood Studios: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Animal Kingdom: Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris
Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Attractions
- Disneyland Park: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Indiana Jones Adventure, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- California Adventure: Radiator Springs Racers, Incredicoaster, WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
How to Purchase the Premier Pass
Purchasing your Disney Lightning Lane Premier Pass is simple but requires some planning, especially for Disney World. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- For Walt Disney World Guests: Guests staying at a Disney Resorts can buy the pass up to seven days before their stay through the My Disney Experience app. If you’re planning a trip during peak periods, I recommend purchasing as soon as you can to secure your spot.
- For Disneyland Guests: You can purchase the Premier Pass two days ahead of your park reservation directly through the Disneyland app. Remember, availability is limited, so act quickly if you want to snag a pass.
Note: Each guest needs valid park admission, and park reservations may still be required based on your ticket type and visit date.
Purchasing and booking our clients’ Lightning Lanes prior to their arrival is a concierge service we are proud to offer!
Why the Premier Pass is Worth It
I’m Stephanie Howard, your personal luxury travel advisor at Traveling Ears Vacations, and I believe that experiences like the Premier Pass redefine what it means to visit Disney parks. For clients seeking a seamless, hassle-free Disney experience, the Premier Pass provides unmatched convenience.
Whether you’re a frequent Disney-goer or planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, the Premier Pass helps you maximize every magical moment. This pass not only cuts down on wait times but also allows you to fully immerse in the Disney experience without feeling as if you are scheduling your entire day through the app. This allows you to be present in each and every moment and fully enjoy your entire vacation experience.
Families who are looking to elevate their Disney vacation, and would like the ease of walking onto each and every major attraction, especially if traveling during busy peak seasons, are the families who will benefit the most from the Disney Premier Pass.
Planning Your Dream Disney Vacation
As a certified Disney specialist, I’m here to ensure your Disney vacation is as magical and effortless as possible. Helping our clients decipher if Premier Pass is a good option for them is just one of the small ways we assist in your vacation planning. From helping you choose the right accommodations and booking your dining reservations, to pre-booking your Lightning Lane selections and personalizing your itinerary, my goal is to help you unlock the ultimate Disney experience, maximize your time in the parks and minimize the amount of stress that a Disney vacation can potentially bring. I work with a team of assistants, allowing me to focus on curating your vacation while they handle the finer details.
So whether you’re interested in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or even a Disney Cruise, reach out to Traveling Ears and let’s start planning your dream trip today. And be sure to follow me on Instagram at @travelingearsvacations for more travel inspiration!
