So You Didn't Get the Disney World Lightning Lanes You Wanted - Now What?

Even with Disney’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass programs in place, sometimes you can miss out on getting the Lightning Lane you wanted!

Quincy celebrating Lightning Lane Multi Pass on the day it launched!

Fear not, however, there are other ways to make sure you’re able to ride the attraction you want!

First off, let’s talk Lightning Lanes. If you can’t get the Lightning Lane you desired, you should still use all your available Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections. For starters, possibly use one on a ride you normally wouldn’t consider for a Lightning Lane, as (SPOILERS FOR BELOW) you may need some extra time during the day.

Lightning Lane Pamphlet in EPCOT

If nothing else, book a “throwaway” Lighting Lane for as early in the day as possible so you can try to book another (arguably better) one once you use that first one.

Now, as for the specific ride you missed out on, you have a few options:

First off, look at the ride’s average standby wait times (we’ve got you covered EACH WEEK) to try and calculate how long you may need to dedicate to waiting for the ride in a traditional queue, and in turn how you may want to rearrange your day with a potentially long wait in mind.

Look at those wait times!

At this point, it would likely also be wise to check and see if the ride has a Single Rider queue option. If you’re planning to ride by yourself or your party doesn’t mind being split up, this option could shave a decent amount of time off your wait.

Single Rider Line at Rise of the Resistance

Finally, if all else fails, we’d recommend looking into the rope drop option. Simply put, if the ride you want to ride often has a wait time that you’re unwilling to wait, then rope-dropping its given park and rising directly to the ride might be your only option. If you plan for this, just be sure to make sure you know all the specifics, including what time the park opens (especially if you’re a Disney hotel guest with early admission privilege), and the best route to get to the ride.

Early Entry

For example, if you’re planning to rope drop EPCOT to reach Cosmic Rewind as quickly as possible, know that it behooves you to arrive and enter the park via the front entrance by monorail/bus/car/rideshare as opposed to the International Gateway that can be reached by Skyliner, Friend Shop, or walking path.

Cosmic Rewind Line

Sometimes, even with the best planning, you can miss out on your choice of Lightning Lane at Disney World. However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck in being able to ride the attraction you want! Stay tuned to AllEars for more Disney World tips!