Starting soon, visitors at Walt Disney World and Disneyland will be able to enjoy Lightning Lanes without restrictions – but be prepared for the cost.

On Wednesday, both the Florida and California Disney parks introduced a new Lightning Lane Premier Pass, joining the existing Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass options. This new pass functions similarly to line-skipping options at other amusement parks, allowing guests to access Lightning Lane attractions at their leisure—no advance booking necessary; just arrive and enjoy.

This option has been highly anticipated since the introduction of Genie+ during the pandemic, but it’s important to note that it may not be suitable for every visitor.

Here’s what you need to know about this newly introduced pilot pass, which operates differently in Disney World compared to Disneyland.

What Comes with the Lightning Lane Premier Pass?

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass offers access to all attractions currently available via the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, previously known as Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes.

Guests can utilize this pass to enter each participating attraction once daily.

Additionally, the pass includes PhotoPass downloads for the day.

Lightning Lane Premier Pass for Disney World

The pilot program for Disney World’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass will start on October 30, but spots will be very limited.

Initially, this pass will be available exclusively to guests who are staying at Deluxe and Deluxe Villa (Disney Vacation Club) resorts. These guests can purchase Lightning Lane Premier Passes up to a week before their stay, except on the launch day, which won’t allow advance purchases.

The pass at Disney World will vary in price depending on the park and date, and currently, there’s no option to use a Park Hopper with this pass.

As with park entrance tickets, costs will peak during busy seasons. Pass pricing will be visible on a calendar in Disney World’s app, available 21 days in advance.

The price per person for the Lightning Lane Premier Pass is as follows:

• 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

For context, Universal Express passes range from $89.99 to $289.99 per person, per day at Universal Orlando Resort and start at $80 per day at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Lightning Lane Premier Pass for Disneyland

Disneyland will release its Lightning Lane Premier Pass on Wednesday, October 23. Generally, visitors can obtain this pass up to two days before their park reservation, but the initial launch will not allow for advance bookings.

In contrast to Disney World, Disneyland’s pass will be accessible to all guests on a first-come, first-served basis with limited availability. Moreover, unlike its Florida equivalent, Disneyland will permit Lightning Lane access at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on the same day with this pass.

For the remainder of 2024, Disneyland’s pass will be priced at $400 per person, per day. This rate applies to both adults and children (ages 3 and up) and is free from tax.

For 2025, Disneyland’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass will range from $300 to $400 per person, per day, based on the date, with this year’s price being higher due to the launch occurring during a peak visitor season, including Halloween Time and the holidays.

What Happens to the Other Lightning Lane Passes?

The Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, which were introduced this summer, will still be available for guests to purchase and use as they have been.

It should be noted that you don’t have to spend money to minimize wait times at Disney parks. Both Disneyland and Disney World have apps that help track wait times, and you can opt to use single rider lines where they’re available for shorter waits. Additionally, planning visits during non-peak times can help you find lower ticket prices, which are often highlighted on resort calendars.

Keep in mind that some attractions at Disneyland, especially in Fantasyland, do not offer Lightning Lanes.

Audience for Lightning Lane Premier Pass

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass isn’t intended for everyone; it is designed to diversify the options available for guests planning their Disney trips.

As Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, explained to YSL News, “What kind of hotel do I want to stay in? We have a variety of hotels for guests to pick from. What season should I choose for my visit to the parks? We will offer various pricing depending on the time of year. How do I want to approach dining? Should I eat at Napa Rose, or would I prefer quick service so I can enjoy more attractions in the park?”

When asked about Disney’s effort to keep experiences affordable for fans, he noted, “We’re focused on understanding what each consumer wants and providing options that allow them to enjoy the parks or cruise ships in a way that suits them.”

Depending on guests’ usage of the new Lightning Lane Premier Pass, Disney may consider making modifications to it in the future.