This Could Be a Lightning Lane Game-Changer in Disney World

Since its introduction to Disney World several years ago, the Lightning Lane system has been an incredibly popular — if somewhat controversial — addition to Disney World’s offerings.

However, some improvements and additions could totally change the game of the skip-the-line system for the better.

Before we get started, a quick rundown of how the Lightning Lane System works:

• 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 at the same time as their Multi Pass equivalents.
• 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, some proposed additions and changes:

More Hotel Benefits

Guests staying at Disney World hotels already have an advantage in booking Lightning Lanes. Those staying at Disney World Hotels can begin booking their Lightning Lanes Multi Passes and Single Passes 7 days in advance of the first day of their stay for the duration of their stay (up to 14 days). This is 4 days SOONER than non-Disney guests who’ve purchased theme park tickets.

However, what about if, in addition to that, guests who book Walt Disney World vacations received some complimentary extra Lightning Lanes with their booking? Perhaps Deluxe Resort Tier guests could get 3 per person, Moderate Tier guests 2 per person, and Value Tier 1 per person?

Swapping?

While booking Lightning Lanes far in advance is a definite benefit, there’s a chance something could change by the day of your park visit. Maybe your stomach is feeling too ill for a coaster, or the weather is too chilly for a water ride? How great would it be if Disney had a swap window early in the day that allowed you to swap your Lightning Lane for a different ride in the same or lower tier? IE, You can swap a Tier 1 Lightning Lane Multi Pass for another available Tier 1 or a Tier 2, but you could hypothetically only swap a Tier 2 for another Tier 2.

Get Festive

Okay, so we know that to some Disney guests, adding MORE Lightning Lanes is the last thing they want, but it may be beneficial to bring temporary Lightning Lanes in for EPCOT festival events like the Garden Rocks concert series, the Eat to the Beat concert series, and the Candlelight Processional. That would cut down the amount of huge lines that have taken over World Showcase – -remember the Beach Boys? — during those events in recent years.

It would also be nice if they were added for special parade viewing areas and meet and greets, like FastPass offered.

While Disney World’s Lightning Lane system is already quite popular, these potential changes could bring it to the next level. Stay tuned to AllEars for more Disney thoughts.

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What changes would you like to see come to the Lightning Lane system? Let us know in the comments below.

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