Starting July 24 at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, the Disney Genie+ service will be called Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and Individual Lightning Lane will be called Lightning Lane Single Pass.
In 2021, the complimentary Disney FastPass+ service at Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts was replaced by the paid Genie+ service (with the short-lived MaxPass making an appearance in between at Disneyland only).
Disney's expedited entry systems have allowed clients to reserve return times for select attractions instead of waiting in standby queues. The main challenge of the paid Genie+ service was that it did not include the most high-demand attractions in each park. Those were only offered on a separate (and also paid) a-la-carte basis known as individual Lightning Lane, resulting in a confusing and often user-unfriendly system. But Disney is now trying to solve the problem.
"Disney heard what the guests’ major pain points were with Genie+ and it has come up with changes," said Kirsten Andrade, concierge travel planner with Favorite Grampy Travels. "Whether or not these will be loved as much as guests loved FastPass+, or for those outliers like me who loved Genie+, will be determined pretty quickly."
How Does Lightning Lane Multi Pass Work?
The optional Lightning Lane Multi Pass is available for purchase per person, per day at variable costs. In Florida, clients can buy the pass for a single park or for all four; the multi-park option is the most economical for clients planning to visit more than one park on the same day. In California, the pass applies to both Disneyland and California Adventure parks.
Clients who purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass can select an available return time for an attraction, but after entering the queue, they can select another, based on availability. Disney notes that guests can access an average of two to three attractions per day using Lightning Lanes, but clients who visit during slower seasons can often ride more.
The new system aims to solve problems reported by park goers about the previous pass structure.
Credit: 2024 Disney Parks and ResortsWhat Is the Lightning Lane Single Pass?
The Lightning Lane Single Pass is for high-demand attractions not included on the Multi Pass (often the newest rides). Up to two of those attractions per day can be purchased at an additional cost per person (pricing varies by date and attraction).
"Lightning Lane passes will blend features from our current services and the previously offered FastPass+ service, giving guests the choice to plan ahead and removing the hassle of planning during their vacation," wrote Eric Scott, senior manager of communications for Disney, in the Disney Parks Blog. "The app will also be updated to make it quicker and easier to purchase and plan, with fewer steps and a new option to purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass and Lightning Lane Multi Pass in one transaction."
The app will also be updated to make it quicker and easier to purchase and plan, with fewer steps and a new option to purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass and Lightning Lane Multi Pass in one transaction.
While these services aim to maximize the vacation experience by minimizing time spent waiting in line, the cost can add up. Therefore, clients visiting off-season, or who are frequent parkgoers, may opt to utilize standby queues instead.
When Can Lightning Lane Be Purchased?
Lightning Lane Multi Pass is available as a pre-arrival add-on to park tickets and vacation packages or as a single-day purchase after entering a theme park, based on availability.
For Disneyland, return time selections and Individual Lightning Lane purchases can only be made after entering the theme park. This will remain the same after the name change on July 24.
Tips and Tricks to Maximize the New Lightning Lane Passes
Walt Disney World guests can currently only make selections starting at 7 a.m. on the day of their visit; however, beginning July 24, they will be able to make up to three selections in one theme park up to three days before their visit — and once they use their first selection, they can make an additional selection, subject to availability. Lightning Lane Single Pass will also be available for advance purchase.
"One of the biggest complaints we heard was that someone had to be awake at 7 a.m. each day of their vacation," Andrade said. "Even for guests who prefer to rise with the sun and hit the parks early, being able to pre-select attractions before even arriving at their resort or into the theme park can give them the flexibility to sleep in, relax, have some downtime or just enjoy each other a bit more."
Even for guests who prefer to rise with the sun and hit the parks early, being able to pre-select attractions before even arriving at their resort or into the theme park can give them the flexibility to sleep in, relax, have some downtime or just enjoy each other a bit more.
Clients staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel and other select hotels will be able to make selections up to seven days in advance for their entire stay (up to 14 days), a change Andrade notes will likely play a big part in whether clients decide to stay on- or off-site as on-site guests will have "a distinct advantage."
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For advisors looking for "tips and tricks" to snag clients’ favorite attractions, Andrade recommends being ready to make selections as soon as the booking window opens and strategizing which attractions to choose first and which will likely be available later in the day when clients can make an additional selection.
"I'm sure travel professionals will be watching patterns that are established with the tiered attraction system for this program," she said. "Prioritizations are something we heavily leaned into during our award-winning Genie Masterclass, which will be revamped for the launch of this new product. The class is open to travel professionals who want to become Genie/Lightning Lane Masters and parkgoers looking to learn the ins and outs of Disney's line-skipping systems so they can maximize their trip."
