You’re Wasting Your Money If You Book These 4 Disney World Lightning Lanes First

Disney World’s Lightning Lane system can seem a bit overwhelming at first. However, there are ways to play it strategically, including some definite dos — and don’ts — regarding which attractions to try and snag first!

Before we get started, a quick rundown on Disney’s current Lightning Lane offerings: Lightning Lane Multi Pass allows guests to plan ahead of their visit and choose up to 3 Multi Pass experiences and arrival windows in a theme park (7 days in advance of their stay for Disney hotel guests and 3 days in advance for non-hotel guests). Lightning Lane Single Pass allows guests to “Save time in line with a Lightning Lane Single Pass for one of our most in-demand attractions — those not available with Lightning Lane Multi Pass.” Single Passes are eligible to be purchased in the same time as their Multi Pass equivalents. Finally, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass  “allows one-time entry to each Lightning Lane experience in a theme park—to enjoy at your leisure that day,” which can once again be purchased beginning in the same purchase window.

So, with that out of the way, which are the best — and worst-first ride options for Lightning Lane Multi Pass options for each park? Let’s see…

*First, a quick caveat: While there is something to strategically planning Lightning Lane usage, if you have a specific ride that is an unequivocal “MUST DO” for you, then go for it!*

Magic Kingdom

Best: Peter Pan’s Flight

While Walt Disney World’s original park has countless classic attractions, there is arguably none with a more consistently long wait than Peter Pan’s Flight. No matter the time of day, no matter the time of year, the classic attraction is always busy… and arguably, the ride experience itself isn’t “worth” the wait. Therefore, if you want to experience the Fantasyland staple, it’s wise to use a Lightning Lane as quickly as possible.

Worst: “it’s a small world”

Listen, we love “it’s a small world” – some of us more than others – and the attraction is a classic for a reason. However, it’s also a massive people-eater attraction designed to keep crowds moving in large hourly numbers and tends to have a low wait time thanks to its ride system. Therefore, there’s no reason to use an early Lightning Lane on the attraction. The same can be said for the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.

EPCOT

Best: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

The Pixar dark ride in EPCOT’s French Pavilion is still heavily in demand years after its debut, and its placement right near the park’s International Gateway entrance makes it ideal to try and score an early Lightning Lane for those entering through the park from the Skyliner.

Worst: Journey into Imagination

The modern version of Journey into Imagination with Figment is… um… well, it certainly still exists. If you’re planning on riding the attraction, you really don’t need to waste an early Lightning Lane on it, as the wait is rarely in the double digits.

Hollywood Studios

Best: Slinky Dog Dash

While Hollywood Studios is chock-full of popular attractions, this Toy Story-themed coaster’s low capacity, popularity, and propensity for downtime and weather-stoppages makes it ideal to use an early Lightning Lane if possible.

Worst: Star Tours

Star Tours, even in its refurbished state, is an iconic and historically popular attraction. However, the simulator’s high capacity and the popularity of the park’s other Star Wars attractions has left it to dip in wait times, with Star Tours often pulling in waits of 10 minutes or below.

Animal Kingdom

Best: Na’vi River Journey

While the Na’vi River Journey is a beautiful experience and definitely worth riding, especially for the Shaman of Song animatronic, it’s a short experience that’s arguably not worth the long wait times it often draws.

Worst: Dinosaur OR Kali River Rapids

So, this is a slightly complicated answer. During the summer months, the answer is Dinosaur (for now). While the opening day attraction is a cult favorite, it doesn’t often draw the kind of wait that would merit an early Lightning Lane, even with its closure confirmed.

However, during the colder months of the year, waits for Kali River Rapids are (understandably) even shorter.

Next time you’re headed to the “Most Magical Place on Earth”, be sure to keep these tips in mind when booking your Lightning Lanes! Stay tuned to AllEars for more on planning your Disney World vacation.

I Asked 6 Disney Experts Which Lightning Lane They Book First — They All Said the Same Thing

Which rides do you like to use your first Lightning Lane on? Let us know in the comments below.

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