What Is Lightning Lane?
Lightning Lane is a paid service that acts as Disneyland Resort’s express line system. It allows you to bypass the regular line at select attractions, reducing your wait time.
Lightning Lane can be purchased in three formats: Multi Pass, Single Pass, and Premier Pass. Each option features varying eligible attractions and operates differently. Although all three services utilize a Lightning Lane line, they are distinct services, which can lead to confusion. Think of it this way: Lightning Lane refers to the line that guests with either a Multi Pass, Single Pass, or Premier Pass will use; however, the three services are not the same. You cannot purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass for attractions that qualify for the Multi Pass, and Lightning Lane Multi Pass cannot be used for Single Pass attractions. However, Lightning Lane Premier Pass is eligible for both Multi Pass and Single Pass attractions.
We’ll delve into the differences between Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Single Pass, and Premier Pass in greater detail below, along with other information about the services and which attractions qualify for each.
Multi Pass vs Single Pass vs Premier Pass
What is the difference between Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Single Pass, and Premier Pass?
Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Lightning Lane Multi Pass is a paid feature in the Disneyland app that allows you to make reservations for qualifying attractions. Once you enter a theme park, you can choose an available arrival window for participating attractions, one at a time, throughout the day (subject to availability) via the app. During the arrival windows for your selected attractions, you can head to the attraction and use the separate Lightning Lane line. Essentially, the system operates similarly to Disney’s retired MaxPass ride reservation. Note that Lightning Lane Multi Pass cannot be used at Single Pass attractions as they have different qualifying attractions. Lightning Lane Multi Pass also includes digital downloads of select photos from your day, captured with Disney PhotoPass Service.
Lightning Lane Single Pass
Lightning Lane Single Pass is a paid feature in the Disneyland app that allows you to make a reservation for a qualifying attraction. It’s typically used for Disneyland Resort’s most highly demanded attractions. With Lightning Lane Single Pass, you can purchase up to 2 different Single Pass attractions per day via the app. During the arrival window, you can head to the attraction and use the separate Lightning Lane line. Note that you cannot purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass for Multi Pass attractions as they have different qualifying attractions. Lightning Lane Single Pass is purchased individually (à la carte) and is valid only for the specific attraction it was bought for.
Lightning Lane Premier Pass
Lightning Lane Premier Pass is a paid feature available for purchase in the Disneyland app. Unlike Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, the Premier Pass can be used at every attraction that offers a Lightning Lane line, including both Multi Pass and Single Pass attractions. Additionally, you have the freedom to visit the qualifying attractions whenever you like—you don’t need to select arrival times, offering greater flexibility. Note that Lightning Lane Premier Pass allows for one-time entry to qualifying attractions in both parks for a single day, which means it is valid for one day across both theme parks, and you cannot return to the same attraction using the Lightning Lane. Lightning Lane Premier Pass also includes digital downloads of select photos from your day, captured with Disney PhotoPass Service.
How Do I Make Lightning Lane Reservations for Multi Pass and Single Pass?
Download the Disneyland app from the App Store or Google Play Store. After purchasing your theme park tickets, link them to your Disney account if you haven’t already. Make sure to link all of your party members’ tickets to the same account so that one member can make ride reservations for the entire group. In the app, you can purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass and make reservations for participating attractions. You can also purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass for eligible attractions using the app. Keep in mind that the Lightning Lane Premier Pass does not necessitate Lightning Lane reservations—you can visit an eligible Lightning Lane attraction at any time.
Do I Need a Phone to Make Reservations?
To make Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass selections, you must have a device with access to the Disneyland app. There are no kiosks in the parks to make your attraction selections.
How Much Is Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Single Pass, and Premier Pass?
The prices for Lightning Lane passes vary based on several factors. For Lightning Lane Multi Pass, the prices vary by date and theme park. For Lightning Lane Single Pass, the prices vary by date and attraction. The Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be priced at $400 per person for park visits through December 31, 2024. Starting in 2025, the pricing will fluctuate based on date and demand, falling within a range of $300 to $400. Exact prices for your visit date can be viewed in the Disneyland app. It’s important to note that all Lightning Lane passes are charged per person, per day.
When Can I Purchase Lightning Lane Passes?
You can buy Lightning Lane Multi Pass as a ticket add-on when purchasing your park tickets before you arrive. Lightning Lane Multi Pass can also be purchased on the day of your visit upon entering a theme park. Lightning Lane Single Pass can be bought upon entering a theme park on the day of your visit. Lightning Lane Premier Pass is being rolled out in very limited quantities; it can be purchased in the Disneyland app up to 2 days in advance of your park visit, starting at 7 AM Pacific Time. To view the latest information on when a Premier Pass can be purchased, click here.
Should I Purchase a Lightning Lane Pass?
It depends on your budget, crowd levels, and how much time you have in the parks. In some cases, you may want to purchase a Lightning Lane pass if a qualifying attraction is a must-do for you. If you aim to minimize crowds and enjoy as many rides as possible without having to plan your day around time slots, you might want to consider the Premier Pass. Otherwise, a Multi Pass or Single Pass could be more suitable depending on the attractions that interest you the most. However, if you’re visiting the same park at least twice or if wait times are manageable, we advise against it to save money.
Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attractions
The following attractions participate in the Lightning Lane Multi Pass service. Click on an attraction name to learn more about it.
Disneyland Park
- Autopia
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
- Haunted Mansion
- Indiana Jones Adventure
- it’s a small world
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
- Space Mountain
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Lightning Lane Single Pass Attractions
The following attractions participate in the Lightning Lane Single Pass service. Click on an attraction name to learn more about it.
Disneyland Park
Disney California Adventure
Lightning Lane Premier Pass Attractions
The following attractions participate in the Lightning Lane Premier Pass service. Click on an attraction name to learn more about it.
Disneyland Park
- Autopia
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
- Haunted Mansion
- Indiana Jones Adventure
- it’s a small world
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
- Space Mountain
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
