What is the Lightning Lane Premier Pass?
The Lightning Lane Premier Pass is Disney World’s most premium line-skipping option. It allows guests to use the Lightning Lane on every attraction in a single park without booking a return time, but with one key limitation—you can only use it once per ride. This pass also includes access to ride photos, which are automatically linked to your My Disney Experience app, providing a fun keepsake of your favorite moments.
Booking for the Lightning Lane Premier Pass opens on October 23, but here’s the twist: it’s only available to Deluxe Resort and Deluxe Villa (DVC) guests at that time. This early access allows premium resort guests to secure their passes before anyone else. It can be purchased 7 days prior to check in for the entire length of your stay.
Is the Lightning Lane Premier Pass Coming to Disneyland?
Yes! Disney has announced that the Premier Pass is also being released at Disneyland for $400. This option covers both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure in a single day. In addition to skipping the lines, the Disneyland Premier Pass includes ALL photos taken by Disney photographers, making it perfect for capturing magical memories across the parks.
This pass is ideal for guests looking to experience both West Coast parks in a single day, while also benefiting from unlimited Photopass photos and can be booked by anyone with park tickets 2 days prior to their dated park tickets or check in if staying on property. It will be released on October 30th.
Price Breakdown: What Are You Really Paying For?
Pricing for the Lightning Lane Premier Pass depends on the park and the time of year. For example, during off-peak times, you could pay as little as $129 per person at Animal Kingdom, but during holidays at Magic Kingdom, prices can soar to $449 per person. Here’s the price breakdown for each park (before tax):
Park | Price Range |
|---|---|
Magic Kingdom | $329 - $449 |
Hollywood Studios | $269 - $349 |
Epcot | $169 - $249 |
Animal Kingdom | $129 - $199 |
This means your per-ride cost can range dramatically. For example, at Magic Kingdom, with 18 rides, you could be spending upwards of $25 per ride. Conversely, at Animal Kingdom, with only 6 rides, your cost per ride could be as high as $33 during peak times.
For comparison, a Disney VIP Tour—which starts at $450 per hour, with a minimum of 7 hours—allows you to bypass lines at all four parks (as long as you have Park Hopper tickets) for a group of up to 10 people. The cost can go as high as $950 per hour, but when split between a group, it may offer a better value if you want to hit every major attraction across parks in one day.
Convenience vs. Cost: Is It Worth It?
For some, the convenience of skipping lines without worrying about booking specific times is worth the cost, especially if you’re visiting Disney during a busy holiday season. However, with prices that can exceed $30 per ride, it’s important to weigh the value of convenience versus the total cost of your Disney experience.
For larger families or frequent visitors, it might be worth considering alternatives like Disney’s VIP Tours, which offer exclusive perks, a private guide, and the ability to hit all major attractions in a single day for a group of up to 10 people.
Ready to Make the Most of Your Disney Experience?
The Lightning Lane Premier Pass offers a new way to enhance your Disney trip, providing the opportunity to skip lines at every attraction in a single park—an enticing option for families and dedicated Disney fans alike. With prices varying based on the park and season, it’s essential to assess whether the convenience aligns with your vacation budget.
Important Dates to Remember:
• Disney World: Bookings open on October 23 for Deluxe Resort and Deluxe Villa (DVC) guests.
• Disneyland: The Premier Pass will be available starting October 30.
Whether you’re considering the Premier Pass, exploring alternatives like VIP Tours, sticking to Lightning Lane Multipass/Singlepass, or ready to wait on Standby, I’m here to help you navigate your options and make your dream vacation a reality.
Contact me today for personalized planning assistance and to learn more about the best options for your family!