Guests pass a statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World on July 14, 2023, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Walt Disney Company is introducing a new pass aimed at helping visitors skip long lines at its U.S. theme parks, but the price may be too steep for some.
Starting this fall, Disney will launch the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which will be available in limited numbers. The pass will make its debut at Disneyland on October 23 and at Disney World on October 30. It allows guests to access a faster line for one-time entry to each ride offering the Lightning Lane option. However, visitors will still need to buy regular admission tickets to get into the parks.
The new pass works similarly to Disney's existing options, like the Lightning Lane Single Pass and Multi Pass, which let guests bypass standard lines. Many visitors use these passes to maximize their time in the park by experiencing more rides, shows, and character meet-and-greets. This new offering responds to guest feedback requesting more flexible, time-saving options.
One major advantage of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass is that it doesn't require guests to reserve a specific time for each ride, unlike the current passes, which do. This added flexibility could appeal to those looking for a more spontaneous park experience.
At Disneyland in California, the Premier Pass will cost $400 per person, per day through the end of the year for access to both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, as long as guests have a valid Park Hopper ticket. Starting next year, the price will fluctuate between $300 and $400 based on the date and demand. Guests will be able to check prices in the Disneyland app up to two days before their visit.
Over at Disney World in Florida, the Premier Pass will only be available to guests staying at select deluxe hotels and resorts. Prices will vary depending on the park and date, ranging from $129 to $449. The highest prices are expected during peak travel periods. The pass will grant access to Lightning Lane entrances at one park per day, with no option to use it across multiple parks.
While the Lightning Lane passes offer a quicker way onto rides, guests can still opt for traditional standby lines at most attractions. For some rides, Disney also provides a virtual queue, which eliminates the need for a physical line altogether.
