Big Changes at Disney: New Ride Adjustments Set to Impress Travelers

According to The Street, For Disney fans eager to enjoy their favorite parks without the hassle of long lines, several options are available to skip the wait times that seem to be getting longer with each visit.

Changes in Line-Bypassing Options

While traditional advice includes arriving early and planning visits around popular attractions, Disney has evolved its line-skipping offerings. The previous Genie+ pass, which allowed holders to bypass lines at select rides, has been replaced by the Lightning Lane passes. These passes grant access to a shorter queue for specific attractions, with prices starting at $25 per person for a single ride. For those looking for more flexibility, a multi-pass version is available for multiple reservations throughout the day.

Introduction of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass

The latest addition to Disney’s line-skipping options is the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, set to launch on October 23 at Disneyland in California and October 30 at Disney World in Florida. This new pass will be sold separately from park admission and allows holders to enjoy one Lightning Lane entry at every ride offering this feature, typically the most popular and busiest attractions.

Pricing and Availability

At launch, the Premier Pass will be priced between $129 and $449, depending on park attendance. By 2025, it is expected to stabilize within the $300 to $400 range per day. Passes can be purchased on-site through the Disney app or up to seven days in advance of a planned park visit.

While the pass is specific to one park and cannot be transferred between different parks at Disney World, it can be used in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure if the ticket includes the park-hopper option.

Features of the Premier Pass

According to Disney, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass allows for one-time entry to each available Lightning Lane experience in both Disneyland Resort parks. A significant advantage of this pass is that it does not require users to register their arrival via the app; instead, they can simply show up and use the expedited lane.

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Limited Availability and Purchase Instructions

Disney plans to pilot the new pass with very limited quantities available at first. Interested guests can check for availability by searching “Lightning Lane Premier Pass” in the Disney app up to two days before their visit. It’s essential for all party members to have valid theme park admissions and park reservations linked to their MyDisney account for the purchase.

Concerns Over Accessibility

While the Lightning Lane Premier Pass offers a considerable advantage in reducing wait times, it has drawn criticism from fans regarding its high entry price. Many worry this trend makes Disney increasingly inaccessible to middle-class families, detracting from the experience for those who choose to pay the base fare.