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 is available in two forms: Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass. Each has different eligible attractions; thus, each pass is valid only for its designated attractions and cannot be used interchangeably. Although Multi Pass and Single Pass attractions both use a Lightning Lane line, the two services are different, which can cause confusion. Think of it this way: Lightning Lane refers to the line that guests with either a Multi Pass or Single Pass will use; however, the two 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.
We’ll delve into the differences between Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass in greater detail below, along with other information about the services and which attractions qualify for each.
Multi Pass vs Single Pass
What is the difference between Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single 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.
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.
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 for making these selections.
How Much Is Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass?
The prices for Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass 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. Exact prices for your visit date can be viewed in the My Disney Experience app. It’s important to note that both Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass are charged per person.
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 passes up to 7 days before your stay. Otherwise, you can purchase Lightning Lane passes up to 3 days before your park visit. You can buy Lightning Lane passes for days you have valid theme park admission starting at 7 AM Eastern Time on your first day of eligibility.
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 Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Lightning Lane Single Pass—or even both—if a qualifying attraction is a must-do for you. 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.
