Everything You Need to Know About the Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Walt Disney World
(And How It Compares to Other Lightning Lane Options)
The Lightning Lane Premier Pass is Walt Disney World’s newest way for guests to maximize their park experience by skipping lines at all top-tier attractions. But there’s an important caveat: only guests staying at Deluxe Walt Disney World properties, Deluxe Villa resorts, Swan and Dolphin, or Shades of Green are eligible to purchase this exclusive pass.
Additionally, this highly anticipated pass will be available for the first time on October 30th, 2024. With limited availability, you’ll need to plan ahead to secure it for your trip.
In this article, we’ll break down the Premier Pass by park, discuss the expected costs, and show how it compares to the other Lightning Lane options. If you’re ready to book a vacation and need help, please grab a spot on our calendar to get started.
What is the Lightning Lane Premier Pass?
The Lightning Lane Premier Pass offers all-inclusive access to Lightning Lane attractions across all four parks. This means you can skip the line at rides like Rise of the Resistance, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Flight of Passage, and more—all without needing individual Lightning Lane reservations or purchases.
The Premier Pass is perfect for guests looking to experience Disney’s top attractions without worrying about standby lines or reservation windows. However, keep in mind that availability will be limited, and only guests staying at the eligible resorts listed above can purchase it.
Park Hoppers Should Note: At this time, it appears that purchasers can use the premier pass in only one park per day.
How to Purchase the Lightning Lane Premier Pass
The Premier Pass will be available to purchase in the My Disney Experience app starting 7 days before your stay. Because demand is expected to be high, we’re recommending that guests be logged into their My Disney Experience app right at 7AM EST to purchase the pass for the day they’re interested in. Demand could be high and once it’s gone, it’s gone!
Breakdown by Park
Magic Kingdom Premier Pass
Magic Kingdom is packed with iconic rides, and the Premier Pass gives you access to all of them.
- Included Attractions: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, and even high-demand rides like TRON Lightcycle / Run and many more.
- Expected Cost: Around $329-$449 plus tax per person, depending on crowd levels and season.
EPCOT Premier Pass
EPCOT’s Premier Pass gives you priority access to some of Disney’s newest and most thrilling rides.
- Included Attractions: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and Test Track (and more).
- Expected Cost: Around $169-$249 plus tax per person.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Premier Pass
Hollywood Studios is home to some of Disney’s biggest blockbuster rides.
- Included Attractions: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and Slinky Dog Dash. Not to mention a whole lot more.
- Expected Cost: Around $269-$349 plus tax per person.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Premier Pass
Although this park has fewer rides, the Premier Pass provides excellent value for its most popular attractions.
- Included Attractions: Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, Na’vi River Journey and many more.
- Expected Cost: Around $129-$199 plus tax per person.
How Does the Premier Pass Compare to the Multi Pass?
The Lightning Lane Multi Pass is a good alternative for guests who want multiple Lightning Lane experiences but don’t need the full flexibility of the Premier Pass. However, it comes with limitations:
- Reservations required: The Multi Pass still requires guests to make reservations for each attraction, unlike the Premier Pass, which offers all-access without reservations.
- No top-tier rides: Some high-demand rides like Rise of the Resistance and TRON are not included in the Multi Pass and require additional fees.
- Cost: The Multi Pass typically costs $17-$35 per person, per day.
How Does the Premier Pass Compare to the Single Pass?
The Lightning Lane Single Pass is purchased for one (top-rated) attraction at a time. It is only available for the few top attractions in each park.
- One attraction at a time: The Single Pass limits you to one reservation at a time, while the Premier Pass allows access to all lighting lanes in the park it’s purchased for.
- Cost: The Single Pass is the most budget-friendly option, costing $10-$20 per person, per ride.
First Day of Availability: October 30th, 2024
Exciting news: the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be available starting October 30th, 2024! Keep in mind, availability is limited, and passes can be purchased 7 days in advance of your stay. Given the high demand, we strongly recommend being inside your My Disney Experience app at 7AM EST at the 7-day mark to make your purchase for the park and day you want.
Which Lightning Lane Pass Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Premier Pass: Best for guests staying at eligible resorts who want all-inclusive access to all rides, including the top-tier attractions, with no need for reservations. Prices range from $169-$449 per person per day (plus tax) depending on the park.
- Multi Pass: Great for those who don’t mind making reservations and don’t need access to the highest-demand attractions. Costs range from $17- $35 per person per day (plus tax).
- Single Pass: Ideal for those on a budget who want to experience one or two must-see attractions with shorter wait times. Prices range from $10-$20 per person, per ride.
Final Thoughts
The Lightning Lane Premier Pass is a game-changing option for guests staying at Walt Disney World’s most luxurious resorts. It offers incredible convenience and the ability to experience Disney’s most popular rides with ease.
Be sure to plan ahead if you’re looking to purchase this pass, and remember, availability starts 7 days before your stay—so set your alarm for midnight EST to ensure you don’t miss out!
Need help planning your Disney trip or deciding which pass is best for you? Contact us, and let’s make sure your next Disney vacation is as magical as possible!
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