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Disney Expands Lightning Lane Premier Pass [Access All Lightning Lane Experiences]

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Chris Hassan
Edited by: Juan Ruiz
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Disney is making changes to its new Lightning Lane Premier Pass.

After rolling out the new Lightning Lane Single Pass and Multi Pass this summer, Disney World and Disneyland guests now have the option to purchase a Lightning Lane Premier Pass which includes 1-time entry to each Lightning Lane experience in a theme park.

The Premier Pass was first available only for select Disney resorts and hotel guests, but those restrictions have been lifted, and guests staying at all Disney-owned resorts can now purchase It.

With the amount of updates and changes we have seen to the beloved FastPass+ system, it can be overwhelming for the occasional visitor to keep up. We’ve got you covered.

Let’s take a look at the details.

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Lightning Lane Premier Pass

Since October of this year, guests have been able to purchase a Lightning Lane Premier Pass.

Lightning Lane Premier Pass Walt Disney World Resort
Ride the attractions you want, when you want. Image Credit: Disney

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass is essentially a supercharged version of the existing Lightning Lane Single Pass and Multi Pass program, somewhat similar to Universal’s Express Pass.

Guests with a Premier Pass can enjoy 1-time access to all Lightning Lane experiences in their chosen theme park without needing to reserve or schedule in advance.

Lightning Lane Premier Pass Walt Disney World Resort how it will work
Image Credit: Disney

In addition to stress-free line skipping, guests will have access to photo perks, including digital downloads of select attraction photos and videos, which make great souvenirs.

Lightning Lane experiences are subject to change and are listed on the Walt Disney World and Disneyland websites.

Cost and Availability

As you might imagine, this premier offering comes with a hefty price tag.

The date of your visit and the specific park you choose to explore will influence the cost and availability of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass.

Walt Disney World

At Walt Disney World, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be available to guests staying at any Walt Disney Resort Hotel. Previously, only guests staying at select Deluxe Resorts, Villas, and Vacation Club properties were eligible.

Disneys All Star Movie Resort Toy Story Car
Guests staying at any Disney hotel will be able to purchase the Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Walt Disney World. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

Eligible hotels now include:

  • Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
  • Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
  • Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort
  • Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
  • Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort & Gran Destino Tower
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Disney’s Beach Club Resort
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vacation Club Resort
  • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
  • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
  • Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort
  • The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Other eligible hotels include:

  • Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
  • Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
  • Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
  • Shades of Green Resort

Eligible guests will be able to purchase Lightning Lane Premier Passes starting at 7 a.m. ET up to 7 days before the first day of their stay for their entire length of stay (up to 14 days total).

At Walt Disney World, Lightning Lane Premier Passes will cost between $129 and $449 per person per day, depending on the park and date.

Disneyland

At Disneyland, all guests, regardless of where they’re staying, can purchase a Premier Pass.

Disneyland California Castle
Disneyland guests can buy Lightning Lane Premier Passes independent of their resort stay, unlike Disney World. Image Credit: Disney

Passes can be purchased via the Disneyland app up to 2 days before a park visit, starting at 7 a.m. PT.

At Disneyland, Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be priced at $400 per person per day for park visits through December 31, 2024.

In 2025, pricing will vary by date and demand within a $300 to $400 range.

Hot Tip:

Park hopping with the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be available at Disneyland but not at Walt Disney World.

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Final Thoughts

Disney is once again making adjustments to its line-skipping program.

Now, guests have a top-tier Lightning Lane option that will allow them to visit all available experiences in a park visit without the need to make reservations.

And, in true Disney fashion, this comes at a steep price. But if you don’t like dealing the scheduling rides and being on your phone the entire park day — and can afford it — the Premier Pass could be a great option for your next visit.

However, depending on how many people are at your party, it may be worth splurging for a VIP tour!

Chris Hassan's image

About Chris Hassan

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

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