Disney World and Disneyland have introduced a new, exclusive top-tier pass known as the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which allows visitors to skip the long lines and access popular rides for a single day. This pass is different from the traditional fast pass system, as it allows users to skip the line one time at each eligible ride without having to choose a return time. With wait times for popular rides often exceeding an hour, this pass could potentially save visitors a significant amount of time.
However, this convenience comes at a price. Disneyland will charge a flat rate of $400 per day per person for the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, while Disney World pass prices will vary depending on the day. In Florida, the pass ranges from $329 to $449 at Magic Kingdom, $129 to $199 at Animal Kingdom, $169 to $249 at EPCOT, and $269 to $349 at Hollywood Studios. Some of the popular attractions that offer the Lightning Lane experience include the Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, “It’s a Small World,” Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain.
Critics have expressed their concerns about the rising costs of visiting Disney parks and have criticized the new pass. Some have pointed out that Disney seems to be monetizing every aspect of a visitor’s experience, which can be frustrating for tourists who feel nickel and dimed while on vacation. The launch of Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Disneyland is set for October 23, while Disney World visitors will have to wait until October 30 to access this pass, and it will only be available to guests staying at eligible hotels.
The passes are designed to cater to visitors who are willing to pay a premium for a more exclusive park experience. Disney Experience chairman Josh D’Amaro has stated that the goal is to offer a range of options that cater to individual visitor preferences, such as the type of hotel they want to stay in and the season they choose to visit a park. Differentiated pricing for various seasons, as well as exclusive access to the Lightning Lane Premier Pass for hotel guests, ensures that the experiences are tailored to meet the needs of different consumers.
Overall, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass is a high-end offering that provides visitors with the opportunity to skip the long lines and enjoy popular rides at Disney parks for a premium price. While this pass may appeal to some guests who are willing to pay extra for a more convenient and exclusive experience, it has also faced criticism for further increasing the cost of visiting Disney parks. As the pass becomes available to a limited number of visitors, it remains to be seen how it will be received among Disney fans and whether it will become a popular option for those looking to enhance their park experience.
