Exciting Update: Disney Announces Ride Changes Sure to Delight Travelers

According to The Street, For Disney park enthusiasts who want to enjoy attractions without waiting in long lines, several options are available to skip the queues, which seem to grow longer with each visit.

Navigating the Queue: Options for Fast Access

In addition to the usual tips of arriving early and planning visits around popular rides, Disney previously offered the Genie+ pass, which allowed holders to bypass lines for select rides. This pass was eventually replaced by Lightning Lane passes, granting access to a shorter line at various attractions. The most affordable option currently starts at $25 per person, with multi-pass versions allowing multiple reservations throughout the day.

Introducing the Lightning Lane Premier Pass

Disney has announced a new wait-skipping option—the Lightning Lane Premier Pass—set to launch on October 23 at Disneyland in California and October 30 at Disney World in Florida.

Like existing Lightning Lane passes, the Premier Pass will be sold separately from admission tickets and allows holders one Lightning Lane entry at each ride that offers the service. These rides are typically the most popular attractions, known for drawing the longest lines.

Pricing and Availability

At its launch, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be priced between $129 and $449, depending on the crowd levels on any given day. By 2025, the price is expected to stabilize within the $300 to $400 range per day. Passes can be purchased on the spot through the Disney app or up to seven days in advance of a planned visit.

Importantly, this pass is limited to one park and cannot be transferred between different parks at Disney World. However, it can be used in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure if the ticket includes the park-hopper benefit.

Features of the Premier Pass

Disney describes the new Lightning Lane Premier Pass as allowing “one-time entry to each available Lightning Lane experience in both of the Disneyland Resort theme parks to enjoy at your leisure that day,” although valid park admission is required.

A significant change from existing Lightning Lane passes is that the Premier version does not require users to register their arrival through the app. Instead, guests can simply show up and utilize the expedited lane.

Limited Availability and Purchasing Guidelines

Disney has stated that the rollout of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be “piloted with very limited quantities available.” Interested guests can search for “Lightning Lane Premier Pass” in the Disney app to check availability for purchase up to two days before their visit.

To purchase passes for everyone in your party, it’s essential to ensure that all members have valid theme park admissions and park reservations linked to a MyDisney account for the same date.

Concerns Over Accessibility

While the Lightning Lane Premier Pass promises to enhance the Disney park experience by significantly reducing wait times, many fans have voiced concerns over its steep price. Critics argue that this high entry cost raises questions about the increasing inaccessibility of Disney parks for middle-class families, potentially making the experience less enjoyable for those who opt for the basic fare.