Walt Disney World Lightning Lane 2024 Updated Guide
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Walt Disney World Lightning Lane 2024 Updated Guide
Big changes are coming soon to Walt Disney World, changing the way you can plan your vacation! Genie + is being replaced by Lightning Lane Multi Pass, let's take a look at what this means for your next trip:
Lightning Lane Pass is Disney’s paid service that allows guests to skip the standby queue and more quickly ride attractions via the Lightning Lanes - replacing Genie+. Starting July 24, 2024 you can purchase Lightning Lane passes and make selections up to 7 days in advance of your arrival giving you more time to plan your visit. Let's explore frequently asked questions about Lightning Lane Multi and Single Pass, how to use them, and if utilizing this service is the best choice for your Disney vacation!
What are Lightning Lane Passes?
Lightning Lane Passes are Disney World's newest paid way to skip the standby line for most rides and experiences in Walt Disney World. This is not just a renaming of Genie+, it is a complete revamping of the line 'skipping' services, allowing guests more control over planning their days at the parks. Lightning Lane Multi Pass is replacing Genie+ and Lightning Lane Single Pass is replacing Individual Lightning Lanes. This service allows you to bypass the standby line and enter the shorter 'Lightning Lane' line, eliminating much of the time you would otherwise spend waiting in line for rides, giving you more time in your day to enjoy other experiences Walt Disney World offers, like parades, character meets, and other entertainment!
What is a Lightning Lane Multi Pass?
Lightning Lane Multi Pass (LLMP) is the new service replacing Genie+. Much like Genie+ you are paying to be able to schedule a window of time for an attraction where you can skip the standby queue and enter through the Lightning Lane. Unlike Genie+ you will be able to book your selections up to 7 days prior to your arrival and select 3 different experiences. You will also receive digital downloads of select attraction photos from your day, captured with Disney PhotoPass Service. Plus, access Disney PhotoPass Lenses!
What is a Lightning Lane Single Pass?
Lighting Lane Single Passes are replacing Individual Lightning Lanes. Each park has one or two premium attractions that are not included within Lighting Lane Multi Pass and are purchased separately. You do not have to use Multi Pass to purchase these. Unlike Individual Lightning Lane, you will be able to book your selection(s) prior to your arrival. You will have the ability to make selections and pick your return window prior to purchase.
What are some of the advantages of Lightning Lane Multi Pass over Genie+?
The biggest advantage is being able to manage this pre-arrival, rather than having to wake up at 7am while on vacation to book your first selection for the day. Additionally, you can see availability and make attraction selections and pick times prior to purchase, ensuring you are happy with your initial selection(s) prior to payment. Finally, LLMP offers the ability to hold up to 3 selections at one time. After using one of your pre-booked selections, you can book additional Lightning Lane Multi Passes throughout the day, keeping a maximum of 3 active at any time.
The complimentary features of Disney Genie Service will continue to be available in the MDE app
When does the switch from Genie+ to Lighting Lane Multi Pass take place?
Starting July 24, 2024 you can purchase Lightning Lane passes and make selections up to 7 days in advance of your arrival giving you more time to plan your visit.
What is a Lightning Lane?
Lightning Lanes are Disney's alternative to the standby queue, allowing guests to have a much shorter wait before experiencing an attraction. You must purchase a Lightning Lane Pass (or have DAS) to enter a Lightning Lane.
With Multi Pass, can I choose from any three Lighting Lane experiences?
Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios have a tiered system. You may pick one experience from Tier 1 and two (or all three) from Tier 2. Animal Kingdom only has one tier, and any three experiences that are available may be chosen. We talk about the different groups further down.
When can you buy Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass?
The booking window starts at different times depending on whether you are staying on site at a Disney World Resort hotel or off property:
For guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, Lightning Lane Passes, both multi and single passes, can be purchased up to 7 days in advance of check-in, for their entire stay.
Off property guests with date-based theme park tickets can purchase Lightning Lane passes and choose experiences and return times for the total number of valid admission days starting 3 days in advance.
AP, who are not staying on property, and guests with other ticket types must purchase 3 days before their park visit, one day at a time.
What time will guests be able to purchase Lightning Lane Passes?
Guests can purchase Lightning Lane Passes for the days they have valid theme park admission starting at 7:00 AM Eastern Time on their first day of eligibility.
How do I purchase Lighting Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass?
Passes will be available for purchase in the My Disney Experience app
Open the MDE app, then tap the Lightning Lane Passes section on the home screen
Select a date and theme park
Select Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Single Pass, or both
Follow all prompts to complete your purchase
From the confirmation screen, you can tap “Plan another day” to purchase another pass or “View My Day” for details about your selection
*Lightning Lane passes are nonrefundable and nontransferable but can be modified pending availability*
When can international guests purchase Lightning Lanes?
International travelers can only purchase Lightning Lane passes and make selections upon arrival into the United States.
How much does Lightning Lane Multi Pass cost?
The price of Lightning Lane Multi Passes will vary by date and theme park. The prices for Lightning Lane Single Passes also vary both by date and attraction. Beginning July 24, 2024, prices will be available in the My Disney Experience app.
Can you make Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections in a different park if you are planning to Park Hop?
You must schedule your first three Lighting Lanes selections at the same park. If you have a Park Hopper ticket or an Annual Pass, once you redeem your first selection of the day, you can use the MDE app to choose another Lighting Lane return time in any of the other theme parks, subject to availability.
Is there an additional charge for using the Multi Pass when park hopping?
No. There is no additional charge for Park Hopping.
Can I book a Lightning Lane selection to the same attraction multiple times?
No. You may only use Lightning Lane Multi Pass to book an attraction one time each day. But you can always join the standby line to ride twice.
Can you use Lighting Lane Multi Pass with all the same experiences as Genie+?
No. Character meet & greets will no longer offer Lightning Lanes, nor will parades and other entertainment.
Rides Available for selection at each park:
Magic Kingdom:
Tier 1: Choose up to one experience from this tier:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Jungle Cruise
Peter Pan’s Flight
Space Mountain
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tier 2: Choose your other 2 experiences—or all 3—from this tier:
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
The Barnstormer
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Haunted Mansion
“it’s a small world”
Mad Tea Party
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The 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:
Tier 1 Choose up to one experience from this tier:
Frozen Ever After
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Soarin’ Around the World
Tier 2: Choose your other 2 experiences—or all 3—from this tier:
Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
Journey into Imagination with Figment
Living with the Land
Mission: SPACE
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Spaceship Earth
Turtle Talk with Crush
Hollywood Studios:
Tier 1: Choose up to one experience from this tier:
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Slinky Dog Dash
Tier 2: Choose your other 2 experiences—or all 3—from this tier:
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
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Toy Story Mania!
Animal Kingdom:
Animal Kingdom only has one tier. Any three selections that are available may be scheduled from the following experiences:
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
Naʻvi River Journey
In addition to Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can purchase up to 2 Lightning Lane Single Passes per day:
Magic Kingdom:
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
TRON Lightcycle Run
EPCOT:
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Hollywood Studios:
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Animal Kingdom:
Avatar Flight of Passage
Is it necessary to use the Lightning Lane Pass system?
Absolutely not. It is possible to tour the parks without purchasing a Lightning Lane Pass, almost every ride has a standby queue that can be used at no extra charge. The exceptions to this are TRON and Guardians of the Galaxy, which do not currently have a standard standby line, but do have a virtual queue. Depending on crowd levels, having LLMP can make it easier to fit in more rides. However, LLMP is not a requirement for having an enjoyable vacation! We do recommend using LLMP at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, especially if you are aiming experience more of the more popular attractions.
I am excited to use this new system on my upcoming trip!
Follow along on my socials for Disney tips and reach out when you are ready to plan your next Disney Destinations vacation, I would love to assist!
Get in touch with Chali Francis
Chali Francis
As your dedicated travel agent, I specialize in crafting magical experiences, with a focus on Disney Destinations, unforgettable cruises, and luxurious all-inclusive resorts. With a passion for creating seamless and joyful journeys, let me turn your travel dreams into reality. Embark on adventures filled with pixie dust, ocean breezes, and the finest resort amenities. Let’s make your next getaway a tale of enchantment and relaxation!
Chali Francis
Walt Disney World Lightning Lane 2024 Updated Guide
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As your dedicated travel agent, I specialize in crafting magical experiences, with a focus on Disney Destinations, unforgettable cruises, and luxurious all-inclusive resorts. With a passion for creating seamless and joyful journeys, let me turn your travel dreams into reality. Embark on adventures filled with pixie dust, ocean breezes, and the finest resort amenities. Let’s make your next getaway a tale of enchantment and relaxation!
An expert destination wedding travel agent near me with five star luxury travel packages with a luxury travel company, Vincent Vacations.
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There’s something extra magical about the holidays at Walt Disney World—and for my family, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a tradition we never miss. We look forward to it every year, and honestly, walking down Main Street, U.S.A. with “snow” falling and Cinderella Castle glowing in holiday lights never gets old.
From festive ride overlays to exclusive character greetings and jaw-dropping entertainment, this event truly transforms Magic Kingdom into a winter wonderland. It’s one of only two events where you can meet Jack Skellington and Sally, and it’s the only place to catch Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade—complete with toy soldiers, gingerbread men, and Santa himself!
If you’re thinking about attending in 2025, here’s everything you need to know:
🎄 2025 Party Dates
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will take place on select nights from November 7 through December 21, 2025.
November:
7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 30
December:
2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21
🎟️ Guests with a party ticket can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 PM, even though the party officially runs from 7:00 PM to midnight.
🎁 What’s Included with Your Ticket
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade – Toy soldiers, classic characters, and Santa himself
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks – Fireworks paired with castle projections and holiday music
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration – A high-energy stage show in front of Cinderella Castle
Frozen Holiday Surprise – Watch Elsa transform the castle into a frozen masterpiece
Dance Parties – Club Tinsel and Disney Junior Jingle Jam light up Tomorrowland
Character Greetings – Meet Mickey & Minnie in festive outfits, Anna & Elsa, Santa Claus, and Jack & Sally
Attractions with Holiday Overlays, including:
Jungle Cruise (becomes the Jingle Cruise)
Space Mountain – Holiday Run!
Mad Tea Party with festive lights
TRON Lightcycle / Run
Complimentary cookies & cocoa
Snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A.
Exclusive holiday snacks and merchandise
💸 2025 Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary by date and age. Children’s pricing applies to ages 3–9.
Date
Adult Price
Child Price
Nov 7
$199
$189
Nov 10
$169
$159
Nov 11
$169
$159
Nov 13
$179
$169
Nov 14
$189
$179
Nov 16
$179
$169
Nov 18
$179
$169
Nov 20
$179
$169
Nov 21
$189
$179
Nov 25
$199
$189
Nov 26
$199
$189
Nov 28
$209
$199
Nov 30
$199
$189
Dec 2
$199
$189
Dec 4
$199
$189
Dec 5
$209
$199
Dec 7
$209
$199
Dec 9
$209
$199
Dec 11
$209
$199
Dec 12
$219
$209
Dec 14
$219
$209
Dec 16
$219
$209
Dec 18
$219
$209
Dec 19
$229
$219
Dec 21
$229
$219
💡 Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save on select party nights with special discounted pricing.
🗓️ When Can I Buy Tickets?
✅ Now Available – Tickets are currently on sale for Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests, including guests of the Swan, Dolphin, and Shades of Green.
🌐 July 22 – Tickets will go on sale for all other guests.
While most dates will not sell out immediately, I recommend booking early if you have your heart set on a specific night.
If you are ready to experience the magic of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party—or want help deciding which date works best for your family—I would love to help you plan a vacation full of holiday joy.
Reach out through my contact page or find me on social media @ChaliPlansMagic. Let’s make your holidays magical!
5/29 2025
Walt Disney World Park Reservation Update: What You Really Need to Know (July 2025)There has been a ...
Walt Disney World Park Reservation Update: What You Really Need to Know (July 2025)
There has been a lot of confusion—and frankly, quite a bit of misinformation—circulating about changes to Walt Disney World’s park reservation system beginning July 20, 2025. As a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder and travel advisor who specializes specifically in Disney travel, I wanted to take a moment to clear things up based on my direct conversations with the Annual Passholder line and trusted Disney contacts.
Here’s the bottom line:
👉 If your vacation package or tickets do not currently require a park reservation, this change does not affect you at this time.
The upcoming update is specific to Annual Passholders. Starting July 20, passholders will need a reservation to enter any park—even after 2 PM. This policy change is being implemented ahead of the opening of the highly anticipated new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away.”
It’s also important to note that while park hopping will remain available, it is always subject to capacity. Disney has indicated that due to expected crowds, Magic Kingdom may reach capacity, which could temporarily limit park hopping into that park.
✨ Disney is constantly evolving, and policies can shift quickly. If anything changes, I will provide updates right away to keep my clients informed and prepared.
One of the key benefits of booking your Walt Disney World vacation with a dedicated travel advisor like myself is that you will always be notified personally if a change could impact your travel plans. My job is to keep up with the fine print, so you do not have to.
Whether you are a seasoned Annual Passholder like me or planning your very first Disney trip, I am here to make sure your experience is magical, seamless, and stress-free.
Follow me on social media @ChaliPlansMagic for the latest Walt Disney World updates, planning tips, and important news that could impact your next Disney adventure.
If you are ready to plan, fill out the form below and let’s plan some magic together!
Hi! I’m Chali, a Travel Advisor specializing in all things Disney, and I’m currently at Walt Disney World to experience the exciting debut of The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, and all of the other exciting offerings launching today as part of Cool Kids Summer throughout the parks.
Originally listed as a Lightning Lane Multipass selection in the My Disney Experience app, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure was expected to be available for advance viewing selections.
However, guests waking up early this morning—Monday, May 27th—were disappointed to find that it is no longer listed as an eligible Multipass experience.
I was personally hoping to secure a Lightning Lane spot for the opening-day performance and was surprised to find that it now appears to be standby only.
If you are planning to catch this show during your upcoming vacation, be sure to allow extra time in your Hollywood Studios itinerary, as you will need to line up without the benefit of a reserved Lightning Lane time.
UPDATE: the marquee out front says “Lightning Lane coming soon” so hopefully it is in the works to be available very soon!
I’ll be sharing more updates soon after I’ve had a chance to fully experience the new shows and Cool Kids Summer offerings.
Follow along @ChaliPlansMagic on Instagram and TikTok for the latest Walt Disney World news, updates, and insider travel tips!