The Walt Disney Co. is set to introduce a new pass designed to expedite access to rides at its domestic theme parks, but the price may put it out of reach for some visitors. Disney announced on Wednesday that the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will debut at Disneyland on October 23 and at Disney World on October 30. The pass will allow one-time entry to each available Lightning Lane experience at the parks, but guests will still need to purchase a separate admission ticket.
The new pass operates similarly to Disney’s existing Lightning Lane Single Pass and Lightning Lane Multi Pass, letting guests bypass the standby line and use the typically shorter Lightning Lane entrance. Many park-goers prefer such options to save time and enjoy more attractions, shows, and character meet-and-greets. The Premier Pass aims to cater to those seeking additional convenience, a feature requested by numerous guests.
A key advantage of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass is that it does not require guests to choose specific arrival times for attractions, unlike the Single Pass and Multi Pass options which necessitate scheduling a time. This flexibility is a notable enhancement for park visitors.
At Disneyland in Anaheim, California, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will cost $400 per person, per day, for visits to both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure through the end of the year, provided the guest also possesses a valid admission ticket with a Park Hopper benefit. Starting next year, prices will fluctuate between $300 and $400 depending on the date and demand. Guests can view the pricing in the Disneyland app up to two days before their visit.
In Orlando, Florida, at Disney World, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be available to guests staying at deluxe resorts, deluxe villa resorts, and select other hotels. Pricing will vary based on the date and the specific theme park being visited—whether Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, or Hollywood Studios. At launch, prices will range from $129 to $449 per pass, with the highest rates applicable during peak travel days.
At Disney World, the Premier Pass grants one-time entry to each available Lightning Lane entrance in one park for a single day. There is currently no option to use the pass across multiple parks on the same day.
Despite the assortment of passes, guests can still opt for standby lines at most attractions and experiences. Additionally, a virtual queue is available for certain rides that do not support standby lines.