Lightning Lane Multi Pass Basics
Navigating the Lightning Lane system at Walt Disney World can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. This guide will walk you through the differences between the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass, explain how to use them effectively, and provide strategies for making the most out of your Disney experience, whether you’re staying in one park all day or hopping between parks.
Understanding Lightning Lane Passes
Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Cost: Starts at $25 per person, per day.
What It Is: The Lightning Lane Multi Pass allows you to book access to shorter wait times across multiple attractions throughout the day.
How It Works: You can book one attraction at a time, with the ability to book your next Lightning Lane after either checking into your current attraction or two hours after booking (whichever comes first).
Attractions Available: Almost all attractions that offer a Lightning Lane option are included, except for a select few premium attractions (e.g., Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, and TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom).
Lightning Lane Single Pass
Cost: Starts at $25 per person, per day.
Cost: Prices vary by attraction and can range from $15 to $25 per ride.
What It Is: The Lightning Lane Single Pass is for those premium attractions not covered by the Multi Pass. You can purchase access to the Lightning Lane for these individual attractions.
How It Works: You can book up to two Single Passes per day, in addition to your Multi Pass bookings.
Attractions Available: Includes premium attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom.
Perks of Staying On-Property vs. Off-Property
On-Property Guests: Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, and Shades of Green Resort can purchase Lightning Lane passes—and choose experiences and arrival windows—starting 7 days before the first day of their Resort stay, for their entire stay (up to 14 days). This early planning benefit is a huge advantage, especially for high-demand attractions.
Off-Property Guests: Guests not staying at a Disney Resort hotel or other select hotel can purchase Lightning Lane passes 3 days in advance. They can start purchasing and booking at 7:00 AM Eastern Time on the first day of their eligibility.
Basic Strategy for Using Lightning Lanes
Plan Ahead: If you’re staying on property, take advantage of the 7-day advance booking window to secure popular attractions. Off-property guests should be ready to book as soon as their 3-day window opens.
Book Early: Whether you’re on-property or off-property, make your first Lightning Lane selection right at 7:00 AM on the day you’re eligible.
Prioritize High-Demand Rides: Use your Lightning Lane Multi Pass for popular attractions that tend to have the longest wait times. Save your Single Passes for those must-do premium rides.
Set Alarms: To ensure you’re maximizing your bookings, set a timer for when you’re eligible to book your next Lightning Lane.
Use Park Maps: Know the layout of the park so you can efficiently move from one attraction to another without wasting time.
Game Plans for Specific Starting Park Scenarios
Animal Kingdom (No Park Hopper)
Top Lightning Lane Picks: Avatar Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey, Kilimanjaro Safaris.
Strategy: Book Avatar Flight of Passage first. After using it, prioritize Kilimanjaro Safaris in the morning when animals are more active. Save Na’vi River Journey for later in the day.
Hollywood Studios (No Park Hopper)
Top Lightning Lane Picks: Slinky Dog Dash, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Tower of Terror.
Strategy: Start with Slinky Dog Dash, which has a high demand. Then, book Tower of Terror. If you have time, grab a Lightning Lane for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway before heading to your Single Pass attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
EPCOT (No Park Hopper)
Top Lightning Lane Picks: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After, Soarin’ Around the World.
Strategy: Start with Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, followed by Frozen Ever After. Use your next booking for Soarin’ Around the World. If you want to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, consider using a Single Pass.
Magic Kingdom (No Park Hopper)
Top Lightning Lane Picks: Peter Pan’s Flight, Jungle Cruise, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Strategy: Start with Peter Pan’s Flight, which often has long waits. Then, move on to Jungle Cruise. Save Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for later in the day. If TRON Lightcycle Run is on your must-do list, use a Single Pass for it.
Animal Kingdom (with Park Hopper)
Top Lightning Lane Picks: Naʻvi River Journey, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest.
Strategy: Use your Lightning Lane Multi Pass for Naʻvi River Journey, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and Expedition Everest. After redeeming these, look for other attractions like Kali River Rapids or DINOSAUR. Once you’ve made the most of your options here, begin booking for your next park, such as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom or Slinky Dog Dash at Hollywood Studios.
Hollywood Studios (with Park Hopper)
Top Lightning Lane Picks: Slinky Dog Dash, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Tower of Terror.
Strategy: Start with Lightning Lanes for Slinky Dog Dash, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and Tower of Terror. After redeeming these, consider adding Rock 'n' Roller Coaster or Toy Story Mania! if they become available. Once you’ve completed these, shift your focus to booking a Lightning Lane in your next park, such as Naʻvi River Journey at Animal Kingdom or Soarin’ Around the World at EPCOT.
EPCOT (with Park Hopper)
Top Lightning Lane Picks: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Soarin’ Around the World, Frozen Ever After.
Strategy: Book your Lightning Lane Multi Pass for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Soarin’ Around the World, and Frozen Ever After. After you’ve used these, look for availability at other EPCOT attractions like Spaceship Earth. Once you’ve completed these, move on to securing a Lightning Lane for a top attraction in the next park, such as Hollywood Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios or Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom.
Magic Kingdom (with Park Hopper)
Top Lightning Lane Picks: Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan’s Flight, Haunted Mansion.
Strategy: Begin by securing and using Lightning Lanes for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure or Peter Pan’s Flight, Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Once you’ve completed these, look for availability at another high-demand ride in Magic Kingdom, such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. After you’ve exhausted these options, focus on a Lightning Lane at your next park, like Slinky Dog Dash at Hollywood Studios or Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT.
Mastering the Lightning Lane system at Walt Disney World is all about timing and strategy. By understanding the differences between the Multi Pass and Single Pass, booking early, and following a tailored game plan for your chosen park, you can minimize wait times and maximize fun. Whether you’re sticking to one park or hopping between them, these tips will help you navigate your Disney day like a pro.