Well it’s been quite a whirlwind these past 24 hours, hasn’t it?
Disney just hit us with a TON of news, including the opening date of Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree in Disneyland, but then they followed it up with the announcement that a NEW tier of Lightning Lane is on its way. Don’t worry, Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass aren’t changing, there’s just a new tier being added, but there’s one MASSIVE problem we can’t get over.
Disney has just announced that Lightning Lane Premier Pass is coming to both Disney World on October 30th and Disneyland starting on October 23rd. This is a tier of Lightning Lane only available to those staying at Disney Deluxe Hotels or Villas in Disney World, but it’s not a FREE perk like Extended Evening Hours are (which are only available to deluxe hotel and villa guests). However, in Disneyland, it’s open to anyone.
Guests will be able to purchase Premier Pass in Disney World up to 7 days in advance of their trip (except for the first day of operation), and up to 2 days in advance in Disneyland. It will allow guests access to skip the line at every single attraction in a park once, without having to select when they’ll ride — you can just walk right up and go on whenever you want, but only once per ride.
But here’s the big problem — at this time there is NO park hopping option allowed for Lightning Lane Premier Pass. The pricing depends on which park you’re selecting, along with what day you’re going, but if you want to park hop? Sorry, you’ll either have to purchase for both parks separately (which we’re honestly going to have to see if you can do, you may only be able to purchase one per day), have to pay for Lightning Lane Multi Pass/Single Pass in your second park, or just choose to not skip the lines at all and wait in the regular queues.
This is especially interesting, because getting to skip ALL the lines in a park once whenever you want during the day means you could get through a park in just a few hours. Granted, you could spend the remaining time meeting characters, seeing shows, or trying some great snacks, and it would allow you more time for table service dining, but other guests may be very ride-centered and want to hop to another park and ride more attractions.
HOWEVER, Premier Pass bought in Disneyland can be used at all attractions in both Disneyland AND Disney California Adventure on any given day, which is why we’re curious to see if a park hopping option will be added for Disney World in the future.
As it currently stands, pricing for Lightning Lane Premier Pass is as follows:
- Magic Kingdom: $329-$449 plus tax per person
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $129-$199 plus tax per person
- EPCOT: $169-$249 plus tax per person
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $269-$349 plus tax per person
- Disneyland/Disney California Adventure: $400 plus tax per person in 2024, then $300-$400 plus tax per person in 2025
Not being able to park hop in Disney World with this service could be a huge downside for many guests, while others may be willing to pay to skip all the lines in one park, and then feel they’ll have plenty of time to experience all they’d like to in their second park waiting in lines like normal. We’ll be sure to keep you updated, so stay tuned to AllEars!
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How do you feel about this new service? Tell us in the comments!
Can you buy it for just certain parks? Aka buy it for Hollywood studios on the trip but not for AK?
Allowing parkhopping with the Premiere Pass would undercut Disney’s VIP tour sales (which does allow parkhopping along with unlimited re-rides for your favorite attractions). I know Disneyland does have VIP tours as well as Premiere Pass parkhopping, but with DL being primarily a locals park, they would be less likely to purchase PP without the added perk of parkhopping.
We should all remember that Disney has stated this is a “pilot” program, and there are likely changes coming in prices, perks, and availability in the coming months.