Disney in a Minute: What is a Lightning Lane?

A Lightning Lane is an alternate line to enter an attraction at Disney World or Disneyland. It will generally have a shorter wait than if you stood in the regular line. Disney aims to keep waits in the Lightning Lane at 15 minutes or less; often you’ll wait just a few minutes.

There are several ways to enter a Lightning Lanes. Most folks buy Lightning Lane passes, which are an add-on to park tickets. Lightning Lanes are also used for VIP tours, guests who qualify for Disability Access Service, and in a few more situations.

What’s the Difference Between Lightning Lane Pass Types?

When purchasing, there are three options: a Lightning Lane Multi Pass (LLMP), a Lightning Lane Single Pass (LLSP), or a Lightning Lane Premiere Pass (LLPP). Each is valid for one day. Note that none of these are group passes; you must buy one for each person who wants to be included. Pricing for Lightning Lane passes varies by date and park, increasing at the most popular dates for a visit (like around holidays). So what do you get for your money?

• Lightning Lane Single Pass: Reserve a time for Lightning Lane access to a single popular ride or attraction. LLSP is only offered at one or two attractions in each park.
• Lightning Lane Multi-Pass: Reserve a time for access to three Lightning Lanes in advance, then make more reservations on the day of your visit. Day-of reservations can be in your original park, or another one if your ticket includes park hopping.
• Lightning Lane Premier Pass: Use any Lightning Lane in your chosen park. You don’t need to reserve a specific time to ride; just walk into the Lightning Lane whenever you want.

Note that attractions offering Lightning Lane Single Pass can’t be reserved using Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, and vice-versa. Lightning Lane Premier Pass lets you use the Lightning Lane for an attraction no matter whether it uses Multi-Pass or Single-Pass for scheduled reservations.

At Disney World, all three Lightning Lane Pass options can be purchased in advance. On-site guests have access a bit earlier than those staying off-site. So, if you’re visiting at a busy time of year, this could be a point in favor of staying on-site. At Disney World, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass is only available for guests staying at Disney Resorts Collection hotels, as well as the Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve, and Shades of Green. At Disneyland, purchasing works a little differently and there are no advance reservations for LLSP or LLMP.

While none of these are cheap, it may sometimes be worthwhile to purchase Lightning Lane passes. For example, if you’re only going to be in a park for one day and want to experience the most popular rides, a Lightning Lane Multi-Pass may be just the ticket. But remember, no matter which pass you buy, you still wait behind other people who are also in the Lightning Lane.

Want to know more? Check out our in-depth explainer about when you can buy and how to use the system. How to Use Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Disney World: Step by Step.

Disney in a Minute is a series of short posts designed to help you better understand a Disney term or planning topic. Enjoy!

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