Everything You Need to Know About Disney's New Lightning Lane System
Welcome to the next era of skipping the lines at Walt Disney World! As of July 24, 2024, the Disney Genie+ service has been retired and replaced by Lightning Lane. This new system offers exciting changes, including the ability to pre-select up to 3 Lightning Lane experiences before you even arrive at the park. Let's explore how you can use the Lightning Lane Multi Pass to make your visit as magical and efficient as possible!
What Is the Lightning Lane Multi Pass?
The Lightning Lane Multi Pass allows you to bypass the long standby lines for multiple attractions and shows across Walt Disney World. This new pass offers enhanced flexibility, allowing you to secure your preferred attractions in advance and manage your time in the park more effectively.
@traveling.with.celeste In July 2024, Disney World launched its new lightning lane pass system. I got to try it out for the first time this morning. have you used it yet? How did it go? #disneyworld #lightninglanemultipass #disneyvacationplanner ♬ Morning Happy Background Music - Wavepaper ID
How to Purchase the Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to purchase and use the Lightning Lane Multi Pass:
1. When Can You Purchase?
Guests Staying at Eligible Walt Disney World Hotels: Can make pre-arrival selections up to 7 days before your visit.
All Other Guests: Can purchase and select attractions up to 3 days before their visit.
2. Finding the Purchase Page
Home Page: Look for the prominent card on the My Disney Experience app's homepage.
Tip Board: Access the purchase page via the top of the Tip Board screen.
3. Selecting Your Date and Park
Choose Date: Select the date of your visit from the calendar. For example, if you're visiting on July 24th, select that date.
Select Park: Choose the park you plan to visit, such as Disney's Hollywood Studios.
4. Choosing Your Pass
Multi Pass or Single Pass: You'll see options for both Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass. Tap on "Lightning Lane Multi Pass" to proceed.
5. Selecting Guests
Choose Guests: Select all eligible guests for whom you are purchasing the Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Ensure you're making selections for the entire party.
6. Attraction Selection
Top Tier Attractions: Select one attraction from the top tier.
Lower Tier Attractions: Choose up to two attractions from the lower tier. You can also opt to select all three from the lower tier if preferred.
Note: Attractions are categorized into tiers to manage demand and availability. For instance, popular rides like Slinky Dog Dash may be sold out quickly, so it's wise to have alternative choices ready.
7. Finalizing Your Selection
Modify Selections: You can adjust your choices within a 5-minute window before finalizing the purchase. Click "modify time" to see alternative return times if available.
Complete Purchase: Once satisfied with your selections, proceed to purchase. The system will confirm your Lightning Lane Multi Pass details on your My Disney Experience homepage or under the "My Day" tab.
How to Purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass
If you’re looking to purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass for specific attractions not covered by the Multi Pass, follow these steps:
1. Check Eligibility
Pre-Arrival: Guests staying at eligible Walt Disney World hotels can purchase Single Passes up to 7 days before their visit. Other guests can purchase them up to 3 days in advance.
2. Finding the Purchase Page
Home Page: Look for the prominent card on the My Disney Experience app's homepage.
Tip Board: Access the purchase page via the top of the Tip Board screen.
3. Selecting Your Date and Park
Choose Date: Select the date of your visit from the calendar.
Select Park: Choose the park where you want to use the Single Pass.
4. Choosing the Single Pass
Select Pass: Tap on “Lightning Lane Single Pass” to view available attractions and times.
5. Choosing Attractions
Select Attraction: Choose the specific attraction you want to access with your Single Pass. Note that you can purchase a Single Pass for up to 2 attractions per day.
6. Selecting Guests
Choose Guests: Select the guests who will use the Single Pass. Ensure that the pass is purchased for all members of your party who want to skip the standby line.
7. Finalizing Your Purchase
Review and Modify: Review your selection and modify if needed before finalizing the purchase.
Complete Purchase: Click “purchase” to confirm your Single Pass. Your pass details will be available in the My Disney Experience app under the “My Day” tab.
Tips for Using Your Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Pre-Select Attractions: If staying at an eligible hotel, use the pre-arrival window to select your Lightning Lane attractions early. This ensures you get the best possible choices and times.
Check Availability: Attraction availability can fluctuate. Keep an eye on the app and be prepared to adjust your selections if necessary.
Manage Changes: You can modify your selections within the 5-minute window before purchase. If you need to change your choices, do so promptly to avoid missing out on your preferred times.
Use Your Passes Wisely: With your Multi Pass, you'll have access to multiple attractions. Plan your day to maximize the benefits of skipping the standby lines and make the most of your time in the park.
Monitor Updates: Keep updated with any changes or additional information through the My Disney Experience app or Disney's official website.
Common Questions
Q: Can I buy both Multi Pass and Single Passes?
A: Yes, you can purchase both types of passes if desired. The Multi Pass covers multiple attractions, while Single Passes are for specific high-demand rides.
Q: What if I miss my reservation time?
A: Missing a reservation time means you'll need to join the standby line. Ensure you arrive at your reserved time to make the most of your Lightning Lane access.
Q: How does the Lightning Lane Multi Pass work with Park Hopper tickets?
A: You can use your Multi Pass across different parks if you have a Park Hopper ticket. Plan your park visits strategically to maximize your Lightning Lane benefits. There is no additional charge for Park Hopping, and you do not need to pay for the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass a second time. However, you must use your first Lightning Lane before making subsequent selections in different parks. If you try to modify Lightning Lane Multi-Pass selections from one park to another before using any of them, you will have to pay the difference. However, if you use your Lightning Lane first, then you can start making Lightning Lane selections in other parks without paying anything extra.
Q: Are there any attractions that are not available with the Lightning Lane Multi Pass?
A: Yes, some attractions may not be included in the Multi-Pass options. Check the app for the most up-to-date list of participating attractions.
The Lightning Lane Multi Pass is a fantastic new way to enhance your Walt Disney World experience by reducing wait times and giving you more control over your park day. Whether you're a seasoned Disney enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this new system offers flexibility and efficiency for a magical day at the parks.
Q: Can You Refresh and Rebook Ride Reservations with the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass?
Yes, and it's pretty easy with the modify button. Just like with the previous systems, you can use the ‘fiddle-faddle’ or ‘click clack’ (refresh) to snag better or more convenient return times or even check availability for other attractions without giving up your current reservation. No need to cancel and rebook; you can easily toggle between the "Modify Plan" button and the "Close" button to refresh and find new times. This way, you can secure the best possible options without losing your initial selection or settling for less.
Q: Does More Availability Get Added to Lightning Lane Multi-Pass Throughout the Day?
Yes, it does! Similar to how FastPass+ and Genie+ worked, ride reservations are refilled at set times during the day. I’ve already noticed new availability popping up for several rides throughout multiple park days that I have checked. Using the modify button makes it easy to search for these added slots. By combining this strategy with regular refreshing, you should be able to grab extra Lightning Lane reservations throughout the day.
Some other guides to help with your Disney Planning:
Walt Disney World 101: A Beginner's Guide (Part 1)
Walt Disney World 101: A Beginner's Guide (Part 2)
Stress Free Disney: Ultimate Disney Packing List
5 Tips for Planning the Perfect Disney Vacation
The Ultimate List of Money-Saving Tips for Your Disney Vacation