Walt Disney World has expanded its Lightning Lane Premier Pass offering, making it accessible to all park visitors. Previously available only to Deluxe Resort hotel guests (which includes all Disney Vacation Club resorts) or those staying at Walt Disney World resorts, the Premier Pass is now open for purchase by anyone. This new development simplifies access while still maintaining certain early-bird advantages for Disney Resort guests.
This article provides an overview of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, detailing what it offers, how it compares to other pass options, and what guests need to know before making a purchase.
What Is the Lightning Lane Premier Pass?
The Lightning Lane Premier Pass is Walt Disney World’s premium option for skipping lines at eligible attractions. The pass allows guests to access the Lightning Lane queue at participating rides and experiences once per day without the need to book a return time.
Unlike the standard Lightning Lane system, which requires guests to select a specific return time in advance, the Premier Pass gives holders the flexibility to walk up to an attraction and join the Lightning Lane immediately. This eliminates the concerns of availability, scheduling conflicts, or sold-out rides that often accompany standard Lightning Lane options.
Who Can Purchase the Premier Pass?
Initially exclusive to Deluxe Resort hotel guests during its trial phase, the Premier Pass gradually expanded to include all Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests. Now, it is available to all park guests, regardless of whether they are staying on-property, allowing everyone greater access to this time-saving service.
However, Disney Resort hotel guests still receive a booking advantage. They can purchase the Premier Pass up to seven days before their stay, covering the length of their visit (up to 14 days). Non-resort guests, including Annual Passholders and those staying off-site, can make purchases up to three days in advance of their park visit.
Cost of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass
The Premier Pass is priced significantly higher than the standard Lightning Lane options. For example, during peak holiday seasons, the cost at Magic Kingdom reached $449 per person per day. It’s important to note that the Premier Pass is sold on a per-park basis, meaning it cannot be used for Park Hopping.
For some guests, the price may be justified by the convenience and flexibility it offers, especially during busy times when standby lines tend to be long and Lightning Lane return windows are harder to secure.
How Does It Compare to Standard Lightning Lane Options?
| Feature | Single Pass | Multi Pass | Premier Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access Type | Single attraction | Multiple attractions (one tier 1 attraction + 2 tier 2 attractions – additional choices subject to availability) |
All attractions |
| Attractions Included | Single Pass Attractions List | Multi Pass Attractions List | All attractions |
| Booking Requirement | Requires booking a return window | Requires booking for return windows | No booking required |
| Availability | Limited to select top-tier attractions | Covers a broad range of attractions | Includes all Single and Multi Pass attractions |
| Price Range | Varies by attraction Ranges from $10 to $25 |
Varies by park and demand | Varies by park and demand – Premium pricing |
| Ideal For | Guests targeting specific rides | Families/groups wanting variety | Guests seeking maximum flexibility |
| Eligibility | Available to all guests | Available to all guests | Now available to all guests! |
| Park Hopping | Not applicable | Included, subject to change | Not included |
Standard Lightning Lane Passes
The standard Lightning Lane includes both “Single Pass” and “Multi Pass” options. These require guests to select return times for specific attractions, which can sometimes result in scheduling challenges. Additionally, high-demand rides may run out of available Lightning Lane slots entirely.
Advantages of the Premier Pass
With the Premier Pass, guests skip the need to schedule a return window, ensuring they can access eligible attractions at their convenience. This saves time, reduces stress, and provides a simpler experience for those who want guaranteed access to their favorite rides without worrying about availability.
Important Considerations
Disney has stated that the Lightning Lane Premier Pass remains in a pilot phase and is available in limited quantities each day. Guests interested in purchasing the pass are encouraged to plan ahead, particularly during peak travel periods when availability may be more restricted.
Additionally, since the pass only covers one park per day, those planning to visit multiple parks on the same day should consider whether the price aligns with their overall itinerary and preferences.
Conclusion
The expansion of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass to all Walt Disney World guests offers greater flexibility and convenience for park visitors looking to maximize their time. While it comes at a higher cost, the pass provides a hassle-free way to enjoy popular attractions without the need to plan return times.
For more updates on the latest developments at Walt Disney World, stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog and subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest articles delivered to your inbox.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
