3 Things You’re NOT Being Told About Disney World Lightning Lanes (And Why You Should Care)

If there’s one thing that we’ve all experienced before at Disney World, it’s definitely long queue lines.

Long line for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

And that probably makes Disney World’s Lightning Lane system sound like a dream come true, but there are a few things you might not realize before you buy in. Yes, it lets you skip the long standby lines, but there are some hidden details that could impact your experience. So let’s talk about what you need to know before you shell out cash for Lightning Lanes on your next Disney World trip!

You Still Have to Stand in Line

It might be called “Lightning Lane,” but that doesn’t mean you’ll get to walk straight onto the ride. Many people assume that purchasing a Lightning Lane pass guarantees instant access, but that’s not exactly how it works.

Lightning Lanes are a way to bypass the standard standby line, but they still involve waiting. The wait times are usually much shorter than the regular line, but during peak hours or for super popular attractions (like Slinky Dog Dash), even the Lightning Lane can back up. If you’re expecting a no-wait experience, you might be disappointed.

Why should you care? If you’re planning your day down to the minute, thinking you’ll be in and out of a ride in seconds, you might need to adjust your expectations. Be prepared for at least a short wait and factor that into your itinerary.

Pre-Booking is Just the Beginning

Many guests think that once they select their initial three Lightning Lane experiences, they’re set for the day, but that’s actually just the start.

Here’s how it actually works: Once you use your first Lightning Lane reservation, you can book another. And after that one is used, you can book yet another, and so on. This means that if you stay on top of things and check availability throughout the day, you can maximize your Lightning Lane usage and get way more than just your original three rides.

Why should you care? If you only book your initial rides and don’t check back later, you’ll be leaving money on the table. Keep your phone handy and refresh the My Disney Experience app after each ride to snag additional Lightning Lane passes throughout the day.

Some Rides Just Aren’t Worth It

Not all Lightning Lane selections are created equal. Some rides have notoriously long standby waits (like Peter Pan’s Flight), making a Lightning Lane purchase worth it. But others? Well, not so much.

Attractions like The Magic Carpets of Aladdin or Spaceship Earth often have relatively short standby waits. If you’re paying extra for a Lightning Lane pass for these rides, you might not be getting much value. It’s usually better to save your money and wait in the (often short) standby line instead.

Why should you care? If you’re buying Lightning Lane access, you want to make sure you’re using it wisely. Prioritize high-demand rides that consistently have long waits, and don’t waste your selections on attractions that you could easily experience with a minimal wait.

At the end of the day, while Disney’s Lightning Lane system can be a great way to skip long lines, but with the right approach, you can still make the most out of your Disney World experience without feeling like you wasted time or money!

Until then, stay tuned to AllEars for more from Disney!