The Walt Disney Company is preparing to launch a new fast-access pass for visitors wanting to enjoy rides more quickly at its U.S. theme parks, but the financial aspect might deter some potential users.
On Wednesday, Disney announced that its Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be introduced at Disneyland starting October 23 and at Disney World on October 30. This pass grants users a one-time entry to each available Lightning Lane attraction within the parks. However, guests will still be required to buy a separate admission ticket to gain entry into the parks.
The new pass bears similarity to Disney’s current Lightning Lane Single Pass and Lightning Lane Multi Pass, both of which allow visitors to bypass the standby lines to use the typically shorter Lightning Lane entrance. Many park attendees prefer these passes as they help reduce wait times, enabling them to experience more rides and participate in other activities like live shows and interactions with characters.
An advantage of purchasing the Lightning Lane Premier Pass is that it does not require guests to select a specific arrival time for attractions, unlike the existing Lightning Lane Single and Multi Pass options where such selections are necessary.
At Disneyland in Anaheim, California, the cost of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass is set at $400 per person for a single day. This price is applicable for visits that include both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, provided that guests possess a valid admission ticket with Park Hopper benefits. Beginning next year, the price will fluctuate based on the date and demand, maintaining a range of $300 to $400, as noted by the company. Guests will be able to view price details in the Disneyland app up to two days prior to their visit.
At Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be available exclusively for guests staying at deluxe and select other hotels. Pricing will vary based on the date and the specific theme park selected, whether that be Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, or Hollywood Studios. Disney has indicated that initial prices will range from $129 to $449 per pass, with the higher prices allocated for limited days during peak visit periods.
The Lightning Lane Premier Pass for Disney World provides guests with access to one-time entries for each available Lightning Lane in a single park for that day. Currently, the option to use the pass across multiple Disney World parks in a single day is not available.
In addition to the passes, visitors will retain the option to use traditional standby lines at most attractions and experiences. A virtual queue system is also accessible for a select few rides that do not offer standby lines.
It’s important to note that Lightning Lane Premier passes will be offered in limited quantities, making them potentially a hot commodity among park-goers.