Disney World is making some big changes to its Lightning Lane service to simplify the process and let guests plan ahead. But Disneyland will also make a small change. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming updates.
What is Lightning Lane?
Lightning Lane is Disney’s system for skipping the regular lines at select attractions, available through the Disney Genie service for an additional fee. Some guests have been confused by the names Genie+ (the collective name for the paid line services), Lightning Lane (a collection of attractions you can schedule return times for), and Lightning Lane Individual Selection (which is not included with the other Lightning Lane rides and you pay for individually).
How Is Genie+ and Lightning Lane Changing?
Starting July 24, Disney Genie+ will become Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and individual Lightning Lane will be renamed Lightning Lane Single Pass. Here’s how those changes will work:
- Advance Planning: Guests will be able to make Lightning Lane selections before their visit, choosing experiences and times in advance. So, if you have a dining reservation and want to make sure your Lightning Lane times are well before or after that reservation, you’ll be able to plan that all in advance.
- Multi-Day Bookings: You’ll also be able to book your Lightning Lane passes for multiple days in one go. No need to wake up at 7am on the day of your visit to buy your Genie+ and book your attractions.
Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Here are the things you need to know about the Lightning Lane Multi Pass:
- You can make up to 3 attraction selections in advance (in a single park).
- Choose specific times for each selection.
- BONUS: Check the My Experience app on the day of your visit to make an additional selection from what’s still available.
Lightning Lane Single Pass
This will continue to function similarly to the current system but will now allow advance bookings for highly demanded attractions. You can book both your Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass at the same time.
How to Plan Your Lightning Lane in Advance
- Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Guests: Plan up to 7 days in advance for the entire stay (up to 14 days).
- All Other Guests: Plan up to 3 days in advance.
- Booking Options: Purchase and plan both Multi Pass and Single Pass in one transaction via the app.
What About Disneyland?
Disneyland will adopt the new names but will not change how the Lightning Lane system works. Because Disneyland has so many more local visitors who book only one day at a time, the resort will continue to allow Lightning Lane booking day of visit only. We think this is a good thing for the vast majority of Disneyland visitors.
When Will the New Lightning Lane Changes Take Effect?
The new Lightning Lane booking system will launch on July 24, 2024.
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Let’s Hear From You
Walt Disney World’s Lightning Lane is getting a makeover in the hopes of making planning easier and more flexible, with new names and the ability to book in advance. What do you think? Will this make WDW vacation planning easier? Any other Lightning Lane changes you’d like to see?
Because of the overuse of the system, we’re in favor of all attractions eventually becoming “Single Pass” so guests can prioritize only the most important rides to their family and the rest of the parks can go back to being easier to experience for everyone. But that’s just our view. What do YOU think?
The Lightning Lane changes are just the most recent tweaks to the guest experience at Walt Disney World. Here are some other changes in recent months:
