Answering your biggest Disney Lightning Lane FAQs, from the cost to how to use the service in Disney World and Disneyland.
Proving they learned nothing from the “let’s call everything Genie” experiment, Disney has very helpfully launched multiple products under the umbrella title of “Lightning Lane”, all of which allow you to bypass the standby queue in favor of a shorter line (or Lightning Lane). There is Lightning Lane Multi Pass, which, in Disney World, allows you to choose up to three experiences and arrival windows in a theme park in advance. In Disneyland you add Multi Pass selections one at a time.
There is also Lightning Lane Single Pass which allows you to book a single ride on one of the most in-demand attractions, which are not available through Multi Pass.
And then, just to keep everything clear, there is now Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which gives you one-time entry to each available Lightning Lane experience in a park for one day, with no need to book an arrival time.
Lightning Lane FAQs
We’re answering your most frequently asked questions about the service, from the cost to what happens if you miss your return window.
How much does the service cost?
Given that this is the answer people really want to know, Disney seems to be a little reluctant to give a simple answer. The reason is, of course, that it depends on what flavor of Lightning Lane you are looking for, and where you wish to use it. Pricing for each level varies with demand for dates, attractions and parks, and pricing is made available through the My Disney Experience app. Here are some recently observed price ranges, per guest, per day for Lightning Lane Multi Pass:
- Magic Kingdom: $20 to $39
- EPCOT: $15 to $32
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $20 to $35
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $15 to $29
- Disneyland Resort (Includes both parks): $30-$35
For comparison, here are recent costs at Walt Disney World parks for
Lightning Lane Single Pass:
- Avatar Flight of Passage: $12 to $16
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $15 to $17
- TRON Lightcycle / Run: $20
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $12 to $15
- Rise of the Resistance: $20 to $25
As well as Lightning Lane Single Pass costs at Disneyland:
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: $20 to $28
- Radiator Springs Racers: $18 to $25
Have you used up all of your “sticker shock”? Bet you haven’t, because here are some observed price ranges for Lightning Lane Premier Pass in the Disney World parks:
- Animal Kingdom: $129 to $199
- EPCOT: $169 to $249
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $269 to $349
- Magic Kingdom: $329 to $449
And Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Disneyland:
- Disneyland Resort (Both Parks) $300 to $400
Remember, all of those prices are per pass and plus tax!
How many rides can you ride?
Lightning Lane Multi Pass allows you to bookthree attractions in advance at Disney World, and allows you to pick one at a time at Disneyland. In each case you may continue to add selections after you have checked in at the Lightning Lane entrance, based on availability.
Lightning Lane Single Pass is for a single ride. It is extremely well-named.
The number of attractions available for Lightning Land Premier Pass varies from park to park, with 20 available attractions in the Magic Kingdom, 11 at EPCOT, 13 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, 10 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and 23 in the combined parks at Disneyland resort. There is no park hopping on a Premier Pass at Disney World.
Can a Lightning Lane sell out?
They can, and they do. If you are planning to book Lightning Lanes, consider making your purchases as soon as your window of availability opens.
How long do you wait in line versus standby?
Remember, you aren’t really “skipping the line”, you’re getting access to another, shorter line. If everyone with the same return window as you came back at exactly the same time as you, you would have a bit of a wait, but the odds of that are slim. Disney doesn’t guarantee how long you might wait, but it will always be shorter than the standby line.
How far in advance can you book?
Guests staying in Disney resort hotels may make their Lightning Lane selections 7 days before check-in for the entire length of their vacation.
When can guests who aren’t staying at Disney hotels book?
Guests who aren’t staying at a Disney resort hotel may purchase Lightning Lanes 3 days before their visit.
What happens if you miss your return window?
It’s best to make sure not to miss your return window, as whether you’ll be able to ride later is ultimately up to the discretion of the Cast Member. The best course of action is to take a screenshot of your return window, and speak with a Cast Member at the front of the attraction. They’ll be able to tell you whether you will be able to use it or not.
How many minutes late can you be for your return window?
Generally, your Lightning Lane return window is an hour, with a “five or ten minute” grace period. That grace period is not in any way guaranteed, or you would quickly have people asking for grace periods on their grace periods. If you are running late, go to the attraction and explain what happened to the Cast Member and hope for the best.
What happens if a ride is down during your return window?
You will be able to book another Lightning Lane right away, and you will be given an Experience Redemption Pass in the My Disney Experience, which you may use to book another.
Does Lightning Lane include PhotoPass photos?
When you purchase Multi Pass, your purchase will also include digital downloads of select attraction photos and videos from your day.
Will Disney refund Lightning Lanes for any reason?
Officially,they are non-refundable and non-transferable… so, no. But you may have some literally amazing reason that I have never heard before and cannot imagine, and it can’t hurt to have a try. Speak with Guest Services, do it kindly and in your very best “I know this isn’t your fault, but…” voice, and prepare for the fact that the answer will very likely still be “no”.
Can you cancel a Lightning Lane?
Lightning Lane passes are non-refundable and non-transferable. You do have the option to modify your pass or change the date you use it. This can be done directly in the My Disney Experience app.
Everyone wants to skip the queue, and each of these Lightning Lane options is appealing in its own way, though the extra expense builds up very quickly. Take the time to calculate what options might work within your vacation budget, and if making one of these Lightning Lanes part of your Disney adventure makes sense for you and your family.
