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Disney World has introduced a new skip-the-line service called Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, replacing the previous Genie+ system. This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about the new Multi-Pass and Single Pass options, including how to book, pricing, and pro tips for maximizing your experience.
What is Lightning Lane Multi-Pass?
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass is Disney World’s new skip-the-line service available across all four parks. It consists of two main components:
- Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
- Lightning Lane Single Pass
The system combines elements of the previous FastPass+ and Genie+ systems, with some new features and modifications.
Genie+ vs. Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
The new Lightning Lane Multi-Pass system is a big upgrade over Genie+.
One of the best changes is the ability to pre-select specific ride times, rather than being limited to the next available slot.
It’s now possible to book days in advance, with Walt Disney World Resort guests able to reserve up to 7 days prior to check-in, and non-resort guests up to 3 days before their visit! Say goodbye to early morning reservations!
Guests can now see ride availability before purchasing, making it easier to decide if the service is worth it.
The Lightning Lane Multi-Pass system has eliminated the infamous 120-minute rule and stacking feature from Genie+ (which even I never truly figured out), making the process a lot easier.
How Much Does Lightning Lane Multi-Pass Cost?
Just like Genie+, the price varies based on the park and date:
- Magic Kingdom Average Price: $25-$29
- Hollywood Studios Average Price: $24
- Epcot Average Price: $19
- Animal Kingdom Average Price: $17
Prices could be higher during peak seasons, with a potential cap of around $40 during holidays.
What’s Included In Lightning Lane Multi-Pass?
- Access to multiple attractions across all four parks
- On-ride photos and PhotoPass lenses
How to Book Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Disney Resort guests can book up to 7 days in advance (another reason why we recommend staying on Disney property), while non-resort guests can book up to 3 days in advance. Booking opens at 7:00 AM Eastern Time for all guests.
Initially, you can select up to three attractions, choosing either one Tier 1 and two Tier 2 attractions, or three Tier 2 attractions.
After tapping into your first attraction, you can book another one, allowing you to have three active Multi-Pass selections throughout your day.
Pro Tips for Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
As Disney World experts, we know how to maximize your time and money. Here are our best tips for making the most of your Lightning Lane Multi-Pass:
- Prioritize booking for busier parks: Focus on securing Multi-Pass selections for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios first, as these parks have higher demand and longer wait times.
- Stagger your selections: When booking multiple days, spread out your most wanted attractions across different days to increase your chances of getting them all.
- Use early morning for standby lines: Book your first Multi-Pass selection for later in the morning or early afternoon. This allows you to take advantage of shorter standby lines during the first hour or two after park opening.
- Combine with Genie+ strategies: Reach into your archives and apply Genie+ tactics like booking your first selection for 2 hours after park opening, then immediately booking your next one after tapping in.
- Park hopping: For those visiting more than one park in a day, book your initial selections for your first park, then use the modify feature to change later selections to a different park once you’ve tapped into your first attraction.
- Make a note of downtimes: If an attraction you’ve booked goes down during your window, you’ll receive an anytime pass. Use this opportunity to book another attraction in its place.
- Be flexible with your plans: By far our best tip. Sometimes, you will find better availability for popular rides later in the day. Be willing to adjust your schedule to take advantage of these opportunities. In Disney, nothing is certain!
- Make use of the “pin” feature: Pin your top attractions in each park to make them easier to find when modifying or booking new selections.
- Book less popular attractions for busy times: If you notice that midday has limited availability, book a less popular attraction for that time slot, then try to modify it later for something better. At least you’ll be riding something!
- Take advantage of “cancel and rebook”: If you see a better time for an attraction you’ve already booked, you can cancel your current selection and immediately rebook for the better time.
- Use Multi-Pass for shows: Book popular shows during peak crowd times to guarantee a spot while using standby lines for rides when crowds are lower.
- Consider splitting your party: If some members want to ride attractions others don’t, book the whole group for the popular ride, then modify individual selections afterwards.
What is Lightning Lane Single Pass?
Single Pass allows guests to purchase individual access to the most popular attractions.
These are your Individual Lightning Lanes from the Genie+ yesteryears. They are:
- Magic Kingdom:
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Tron Lightcycle Run
- Epcot:
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
- Avatar Flight of Passage
How Much Does Lightning Lane Single Pass Cost?
Just like the Multi-Pass, pricing varies by attraction and date. Rise of the Resistance is unsurprisingly the most expensive on average while Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is usually the cheapest.
- Rise of the Resistance Avg Price: $22-$25
- Tron Light Cycle Run Avg Price: $20
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Avg Price: $15-$17
- Avatar Flight of Passage Avg Price: $14-$16
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Avg Price: $11-$12
How to Book Lightning Lane Single Pass
Booking Lightning Lane Single Pass follows the same windows as Multi-Pass, with Walt Disney World Resort guests able to book 7 days in advance and non-resort guests 3 days in advance.
Guests are limited to two Single Pass selections per day, and these can be booked independently of Multi Pass. This means you don’t need to purchase Multi Pass to access Single Pass options, giving you flexibility in how you plan your Disney experience.
Tiers and Attractions for Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Attractions are divided into Tier 1 and Tier 2 categories. Guests can initially book one Tier 1 and two Tier 2 attractions, or three Tier 2 attractions.
Tier 1 Attractions
| Park | Tier 1 Attractions |
|---|---|
| Magic Kingdom | – Big Thunder Mountain – Jungle Cruise – Peter Pan’s Flight – Space Mountain – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure |
| Epcot | – Frozen Ever After – Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – Soarin’ Around the World |
| Hollywood Studios | – Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – Slinky Dog Dash |
| Animal Kingdom | None |
Tier 2 Attractions
| Park | Tier 2 Attractions |
|---|---|
| Magic Kingdom | – The Barnstormer – Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Haunted Mansion – It’s a Small World – Mad Tea Party – Magic Carpets of Aladdin – Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – Mickey’s PhilharMagic – Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor – Pirates of the Caribbean – Tomorrowland Speedway – Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid |
| Epcot | – Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival – Journey into Imagination with Figment – Living with the Land – Mission: SPACE – The Seas with Nemo and Friends – Spaceship Earth – Turtle Talk with Crush |
| Hollywood Studios | – Alien Swirling Saucers – Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage – Disney Junior Play & Dance! – For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration – Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – Muppet*Vision 3D – Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – Toy Story Mania! |
| Animal Kingdom | – DINOSAUR – Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain – Feathered Friends in Flight! – Festival of the Lion King – Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! – It’s Tough to be a Bug! – Kali River Rapids – Kilimanjaro Safaris – Na’vi River Journey |
A Note for International Guests
Most international guests will not be able to book until they are on US soil, with the exception of Canadian guests. Consider planning Disney visits later in your trip to allow for booking while in the US.
Final Thoughts
The new Lightning Lane system offers more flexibility and pre-planning options compared to Genie+. While it may require some strategy and phone use throughout the day, it can significantly improve your Disney World experience when used effectively.
Remember to balance Lightning Lane usage with other park experiences for the best overall visit! Stay tuned for everything Disney.
