Updated February 25, 2025.
Introduction
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Big news, Disney fans! This morning, Disney officially announced the launch of their newest and priciest option in the skip-the-line game: the Lightning Lane Premier Pass. It’s set to debut at Disneyland on October 23, 2024, and at Walt Disney World on October 30, 2024. In this post, we’re diving into what this new pass is all about, the price points across the parks, and how it stacks up against Universal Studios’ Express Pass.
Lightning Lane Recap
But first, let’s rewind a bit. Over the past few months, we’ve seen some big changes as Disney transitioned from Genie+ to the Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Oh, and remember those Individual Lightning Lane selections? They’re now called the Lightning Lane Single Pass. One of the biggest updates for Walt Disney World is that guests can pre-select up to three ride reservations a whole seven days before checking into their Disney Resort. Plus, you can even check attraction availability before making a purchase. Need a refresher on using the Multi Pass in each park? Check out our touring plans linked below:
Lightning Lane Premier Pass
So, where does the Lightning Lane Premier Pass fit in? While the Multi Pass lets you schedule 3 ride times in advance, and the Single Pass gives you a time slot for a specific ride, the Premier Pass is in a league of its own. It includes all the attractions covered by both the Multi and Single Passes, but here’s the game-changer: you don’t need to select any ride times. That’s right—no need to lock in ride times. You just show up and go!
Here’s the scoop from Disney: Starting in October, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will roll out the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, available in very limited quantities each day. It will give guests one-time entry to each available Lightning Lane attraction at the park they’re visiting, with no reservation required. Just walk up, scan your magic band, and hop on the ride!
A few key things to note:
- Disneyland Resort: The Premier Pass will be available on a first-come, first-served basis starting up to seven days before your park reservation beginning February 25, 2025. It’s valid for both Disneyland and California Adventure.
- Walt Disney World: Premier Passes will be available to all guests beginning January 21, 2025. The pass is valid for one park per day, with the first available date being October 30, 2024. (No park hopper option is available at this time.)
- Bonus: The Premier Pass also includes all of your attraction photos and videos in Disney World and all of your PhotoPass photos in Disneyland
Pricing
Pricing for the Lightning Lane Premier Pass varies by date and park, just like the Multi and Single Passes. The launch prices range from $129 to $449 (plus tax) per person, per day. Here’s a quick breakdown by park:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $129 – $199 plus tax
- EPCOT: $169 – $249 plus tax
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $269 – $349 plus tax
- Magic Kingdom: $329 – $449 plus tax
Yep, it’s a hefty range, but it’s Disney’s answer to Universal’s Express Pass. For those not familiar, Universal offers two Express Pass types: the regular Express Pass, which lets you skip the line once per eligible ride, and the Express Pass Unlimited, which gives you unlimited line-skipping at each ride. Universal’s Express Pass pricing can range from $90 to $290 (plus tax), with the Unlimited version costing between $120 and $320. Here’s the kicker: Universal guests staying at Premier Hotels (Royal Pacific, Portofino Bay, and Hard Rock Hotel) get the Express Pass Unlimited included in their hotel stay—at no extra cost!
Disney’s Premier Pass seems more comparable to Universal’s regular Express Pass: one-time line-skipping per eligible attraction, but with no ride times to schedule and no app-wrangling required. Just scan your pass and you’re good to go!
If you’re willing to splurge on the $449 per person price tag for Magic Kingdom, it’s worth asking yourself: Would a VIP tour be a better deal? Especially if you have a larger group, that might be the way to go. Check out our blog post where we broke down a VIP tour from a few years ago here.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass offers one-time access to any Lightning Lane attraction, without the hassle of booking an arrival window. It also comes with Disney PhotoPass Lenses and digital PhotoPass downloads, which include ride photos at Disney World and all PhotoPass photos at Disneyland. But act fast—quantities are limited each day!
The My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps will keep you updated on what you’ve redeemed and what’s still available. The Lightning Lane Premier Pass is an alternative to the Lightning Lane Multi and Single Passes, available up to seven days before your check in day or park reservation.
Starting October 23, 2024 at Disneyland, all guests with valid tickets and reservations can purchase the Premier Pass through the Disneyland app. At Walt Disney World, the Premier Pass will be available for all hotel guests beginning January 21, 2025. Track your experiences in the app so you don’t miss out on any of the magic!
What do you think? Is the Premier Pass worth it for your family to skip the lines? Reach out to your favorite Love of the Magic Travel Advisor today to plan your next trip—whether or not you go to check out the brand-new Lightning Lane Premier Pass.