Disney’s Lightning Lane system has a lot of rules, both official and unofficial. However, some are meant to be broken.
Let’s talk Lightning Lanes
Before we get started, a quick rundown on Disney’s current Lightning Lane offerings: Lightning Lane Multi Pass allows guests to plan ahead of their visit and choose up to 3 Multi Pass experiences and arrival windows in a theme park (7 days in advance of their stay for Disney hotel guests and 3 days in advance for non-hotel guests).
Lightning Lane Single Pass allows guests to “Save time in line with a Lightning Lane Single Pass for one of our most in-demand attractions—those not available with Lightning Lane Multi Pass.” Single Passes are eligible to be purchased at the same time as their Multi Pass equivalents.
Finally, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass “allows one-time entry to each Lightning Lane experience in a theme park — to enjoy at your leisure that day,” which can once again be purchased beginning in the same purchase window. So, with that out of the way, what “rules” are meant to be broken?
“Don’t Use Your Lightning Lane for Certain Rides, Even if You Want To”
It can be very easy to fall into the trap of trying to decide what rides are “worth” using a Lightning Lane on. In fact, we fall into this trap ourselves at times, but really, it’s not the best way to go about things.
Haunted Mansion
Look, there can be some strategy in picking Lightning Lane Multi Passes. However, if there is a Disney attraction that you absolutely MUST do and it’s eligible for a Lightning Lane, just DO IT. Don’t worry if it’s not the “right” ride to use a Lightning Lane on, just go with your heart.
Everyone has different rides that are important to them, and even if they aren’t part of the best Lightning Lane strategy, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make sure your personal priorities are met. Do you!!
“Waiting Too Long to Modify”
If plans change — whether the time you’ll be arriving at a park, or even your desire to ride a certain ride — you can modify your Lightning Lane selections. Disney breaks down the process as such:
©Disney
“To view and/or modify your selections, open the My Disney Experience app and tap on the Lightning Lane Passes section of the home screen. Then, you’ll be able to:
- View your Lightning Lane passes and selections, as well as other plans, such as dining reservations
- Modify your Lightning Lane selections, subject to availability.”
If you need to modify, don’t sit on your hands. Instead, do so as soon as possible to try and score the best option possible.
“Don’t Arrive Late Under Any Circumstance”
While we certainly wouldn’t advise arriving late on purpose, don’t fret if you find yourself running behind reaching a ride. During various tests with the system, we’ve discovered that there is a 3-hour grace period where you can still scan into your Lightning Lanes even if it’s past your scheduled return time.
Now, bear in mind, of course, that Disney can change this window at any time, especially during a busier time. Still, it’s absolutely worth checking to see if your Lightning Lane still works even if you arrive at the ride after your scheduled time.
Backed up Peter Pan’s Flight Lightning Lane
Next time you’re using the Lightning Lane system at Disney World, be sure to bear in mind what rules to follow and which ones can best be bent. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World tips.
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There are no rides worth the cost of LL. Stop buying them. Use your money on memory. Let the Standby lane move fast.
I completely agree with this post. I don’t mind some lines but there are some lines which are just painful. For example, everyone tells you to get Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh because they are long. But they both have amazing interactive elements in the line. It’s a small world, however, is another story. I adore that ride , but the Que is the most painful line out of all of them.