What Is Lightning Lane?
Lightning Lane is a paid service that acts as Walt Disney World’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 My Disney Experience app that allows you to make reservations for qualifying attractions. Before your visit, you can choose 3 participating attractions along with their arrival windows via the app. Once you’re in the park and have used your first pass, you can make an additional selection (subject to availability). 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 FastPass Plus 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 attraction photos and videos from your day, captured with Disney PhotoPass Service.
Lightning Lane Single Pass
Lightning Lane Single Pass is a paid feature in the My Disney Experience app that allows you to make a reservation for a qualifying attraction. It’s typically used for Walt Disney World’s most highly demanded attractions. With Lightning Lane Single Pass, you can purchase up to 2 Single Passes per day (subject to availibility) 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 My Disney Experience 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 one park for a single day, meaning it is valid for one day in one park only, and you cannot revisit the same attraction using the Lightning Lane. Lightning Lane Premier Pass also includes digital downloads of select attraction photos and videos from your day, captured with Disney PhotoPass Service.
How Do I Make Lightning Lane Reservations?
Download the My Disney Experience 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 My Disney Experience 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 and Premier Pass, the prices vary by date and theme park. For Lightning Lane Single Pass, the prices vary by date and attraction. Exact prices for your visit date can be viewed in the My Disney Experience app. It’s important to note that all Lightning Lane passes are charged per person, per day.
When Can I Purchase Lightning Lane Passes?
If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World hotel or another qualifying hotel, such as the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel or Shades of Green Resort, you can purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass up to 7 days before your stay. Otherwise, you can purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass up to 3 days before your park visit. You can buy these Lightning Lane passes for days you have valid theme park admission starting at 7 AM Eastern Time on your first day of eligibility. Lightning Lane Premier Pass is being rolled out in very limited quantities, starting with guests at a Disney Deluxe hotel and other qualifying hotels. 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.
Magic Kingdom
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Haunted Mansion
- it’s a small world
- Jungle Cruise
- Mad Tea Party
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Space Mountain
- The Barnstormer
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
EPCOT
Hollywood Studios
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
- Disney Junior Play and Dance!
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Muppet*Vision 3D
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Toy Story Mania!
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.
Magic Kingdom
Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom
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.
Magic Kingdom
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Haunted Mansion
- it’s a small world
- Jungle Cruise
- Mad Tea Party
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Space Mountain
- The Barnstormer
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
EPCOT
Hollywood Studios
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
- Disney Junior Play and Dance!
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Muppet*Vision 3D
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Toy Story Mania!
