As a mom of six with kids ranging from 1 year to 20, visiting Disney World can be both exciting and overwhelming! One thing I know for sure is that maximizing your time is crucial.
Disney has recently revamped their system, replacing Genie+ with new options: the Lightning Lane Single Pass and the Lightning Lane Multipass. With these new Lightning Lane options at Disney World, you can skip the long lines and make the most of your magical visit.
Everything to Know About Lightning Lanes at Disney World
What is Disney Lightning Lane?
Disney Lightning Lane is a paid service that allows guests to skip the standby lines at select attractions and experiences across Disney World parks. With the recent updates, the Lightning Lane program offers two types of access.
Lightning Lane Multi Pass – Schedule Up to 3 Experiences in Advance
The Lightning Lane Multi Pass allows you to schedule up to three experiences in advance at selected attractions within a single theme park. When you purchase a Multi Pass, you choose designated return time windows for each attraction.
The attractions at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are categorized into two groups. You can pre-plan one experience from Group 1 and the remaining experiences from Group 2. Once you’ve used your initial selections, you can book additional Lightning Lane experiences throughout the day, based on availability.
If you have Park Hopper® benefits, after redeeming your first selections, you can select experiences from any of the four theme parks. This pass offers a structured way to enjoy multiple attractions with minimal wait times, enhancing your overall park experience.
Lightning Lane Single Pass – Best for Riding Highly Popular Attractions
The Lightning Lane Single Pass allows you to access the Lightning Lane entrances at select highly popular attractions that are not available with the Lightning Lane Multi Pass. It has a limit of up to two uses per day. When you purchase a Single Pass, you can choose your preferred times for the attractions right at the time of purchase.
This pass is designed for flexibility, letting you pick the top attractions you want to experience without the long waits. If you have Park Hopper® benefits, you can plan Single Passes in advance for attractions in two different theme parks.
Keep in mind that the Single Pass can be purchased on its own or alongside a Multi Pass, giving you even more options to optimize your visit.
How to Use Lightning Lanes
- Purchase Park Ticket and Reservation: Ensure you have both a park ticket and a reservation for the park you plan to visit.
- Open My Disney Experience App: On the day of your visit, open the app to manage your bookings.
- Reserve Your Spot: Make your first reservation starting at 7 AM on the day of your visit. For Lightning Lane Single Pass, choose your preferred times for up to two attractions. For Lightning Lane Multi Pass, schedule up to three experiences in advance within a single theme park.
- Select Attractions: Choose from a variety of attractions. The Lightning Lane Single Pass allows for up to two uses per day for top attractions, while the Lightning Lane Multi Pass lets you pre-plan up to three experiences, with additional bookings available throughout the day based on availability.
- Manage Changes: Use the app to keep track of your reservations and plan your day accordingly. If plans change, you can cancel and rebook through the app.
- Utilize Park Hopper Benefits: If you have Park Hopper benefits, plan ahead for experiences in different theme parks and enjoy flexibility in your itinerary.
PRO TIP: Spend your mornings waiting in line for less popular rides, and save the afternoon or later time in the day to book Lightning Lane for more famous rides. You can book on your phone every 120 minutes.
Tips for Maximizing Lightning Lane
These are the tips we have stood by over the last few years, as we experience the new system for the first time in the coming months we will be sure to add new tips and tricks!
- Early Bird Gets the Worm: Start making reservations as early as 7 AM to secure spots for popular attractions.
- Prioritize Must-Dos: Identify the attractions that are most important to your group and focus on securing Lightning Lanes for those first.
- Strategize: Use standby lines in the morning and save Lightning Lanes for peak times in the afternoon.
- Maximize Your Bookings: To maximize your experience, book the earliest possible slot for a ride and immediately book another once done. This strategy reduces wait times, especially during peak seasons.
- Book Your Next Ride While in Line: Once you are in line for one Lightning Lane ride, you can book your next one.
- Be Flexible: Plans can change, so stay flexible and be ready to adjust your strategy as needed.
- Availability: Lightning Lanes are available all day, but booking early ensures access to popular attractions.
- Grace Period: Arrive up to five minutes early to avoid losing access. If you anticipate being late, cancel your reservation in the app to rebook.
- Designate a Lightning Lane Expert: When too many hands are in the pot, things start to get complicated. Designate one person who has done their research or been to the park many times to be in charge of all of the Lightning Lane passes. It will ensure everyone in the group ends up with the same return time.
Deciding whether to use Lightning Lanes depends on your priorities and budget. While the costs for Lightning Lane Single Passes and Multi Passes can add up, I think they are well worth it for maximizing your Disney World experience by reducing wait times and allowing you to see more attractions.
If you’re staying for several days and prefer a more relaxed pace, waiting in standby lines can be a viable option. Ultimately, having a well-thought-out plan will ensure you make the most of your visit and experience the magic of Disney World to the fullest.
If you need help planning and booking your magical Walt Disney World vacation, contact our travel agency Best Day Ever Vacations. Our agents are truly Disney Experts, and not only are our services FREE, but we are dedicated to saving you both time and money!
Pin for later: Lightning Lanes at Disney World: Everything You Need To Know!
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