Today, The Walt Disney Company announced the rollout of a brand-new skip-the-line offering coming to the Walt Disney World Resort. It is far from cheap. Called the “Lightning Lane Premier Pass,” guests who purchase this new pass will gain one-time entry to every Lightning Lane experience in a theme park for the day.
A Long-Rumored Addition to Lightning Lane
In our video breaking the rumor of the Lightning Lane service three years ago, we discussed an alternative option Disney was allegedly considering. Instead of a lower cost, high usage service, Disney also had the option to go with a very expensive ‘all-inclusive’ skip-the-line offering. Higher priced, less utilized skip-the-line services are employed at other theme parks in Orlando. In particular, Universal’s Express Pass is a popular example. Now, Disney is implementing their take on a premium skip-the-line offering.
When Does the Premier Pass Roll Out?
Starting October 30, 2024, Disney will begin making limited quantities of these passes available for guests to purchase. To start, Disney will be ‘piloting’ the service with guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and other select hotels. See the full list of resorts where guests staying will be eligible to purchase this pass.
How Much Will It Cost?
Prices for Lightning Lane Premier Passes vary by date and theme park. At launch, prices will range from $129 to $449 (per pass, plus tax), with the highest prices falling on a limited number of days over peak travel periods. Eligible Guests will be able to view prices in the My Disney Experience app.
Prices for Lightning Lane Premier Passes vary based on date and theme park; purchasing is subject to very limited availability.
How Does It Work?
Step 1 – Purchase the Lightning Lane Premier Pass
Only guests staying at select resorts will have the ability to purchase this new pass during its ‘piloting’ phase.
Eligible Guests can purchase Lightning Lane Premier Passes up to 7 days before the first day of their Resort stay—for their entire length of stay (up to 14 days)—starting at 7:00 AM Eastern Time.
Open the My Disney Experience app, find “Lightning Lane Premier Pass” on the home screen and then tap “Purchase”. Follow the prompts to complete your purchase—and receive a confirmation.
Step 2 – Use Your Premier Pass
Lightning Lane Premier Pass gives you one-time entry to each available Lightning Lane entrance in one park for one day. Here’s how to use it:
- Go to the Lightning Lane entrance and tap in using a MagicBand, MagicBand+, Disney MagicMobile pass, Key to the World Card or ticket card that’s linked to your valid theme park admission.
- You’ll skip the standby line and join a shorter line for that attraction or experience instead.
- Continue to enjoy other Lightning Lane experiences in the park—at your leisure.
Step 3 – Track Your Used Rides
To view the Lightning Lane experiences you’ve redeemed that day:
- Open the My Disney Experience app and tap “Today’s Plans” in the app menu. This will take you to the “My Day” feature.
- View your Lightning Lane Premier Pass and tap to see your experiences for that day—including which ones remain available and which ones you’ve already redeemed.
You can only use this pass once per ride per park per guest per day.
Can You Use the Premier Pass at Multiple Parks in One Day?
No. Lightning Lane Premier Pass gives you one-time entry to each available Lightning Lane entrance in one park for one day.
Additional PhotoPass Benefits
Lightning Lane Premier Pass includes the following photo perks:
- Receive digital downloads of select attraction photos and videos from your day, captured with Disney PhotoPass Service.
- Unlock Disney PhotoPass Lenses, which let you transform your photos with Disney-themed, augmented-reality effects.
Sections of this article are taken directly from Disney’s FAQ’s on this new service, you can find more details here.
Bookmark our site and check back often to stay up to date on the latest announcements for Walt Disney World. You can find comprehensive video reports on our YouTube channel.
