Monique Clark

Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass: A Luxury Experience or a Rip-Off?

Well, Disney is at it again. This time they have announced the new Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which carries a rather hefty price tag. Once again, this shows that they are catering to the wealthy.

For what Disney states below, you will get a one-time entry to Lightning Lane experiences for between $129-$449 PER PERSON in one park. I can tell you that the average person can’t afford this, especially when it’s nearly $450. I think about all the families that save, for maybe years, to be able to take their once-in-a-lifetime Disney trip. Can you even imagine tacking these prices on to what is already a pricey vacation?

“Lightning Lane Premier Pass allows one-time entry to each Lightning Lane experience in a theme park—to enjoy at your leisure that day.”

“Beginning October 30, 2024, we will begin piloting the rollout of Lightning Lane Premier Pass with very limited quantities for Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and other select hotels.”

“Prices for Lightning Lane Premier Passes vary by date and theme park. At launch, prices will range from $129 to $449 (per pass, plus tax), with the highest prices falling on a limited number of days over peak travel periods.”

The passes won’t be available to everyone, at least for now. Disney has a list of who will be eligible to purchase them when the rollout begins. You’ll note that the availability is for the resorts that charge the most for rooms.

“We will begin piloting the rollout of Lightning Lane Premier Pass to Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resort hotels, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and other select hotels, for park visits during their stay.

Eligible Guests can purchase Lightning Lane Premier Passes up to 7 days before the first day of their Resort stay—for their entire length of stay (up to 14 days)—starting at 7:00 AM Eastern Time.”

ELIGIBLE RESORT HOTELS

Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels

Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

Other Eligible Hotels

For this extra cost, you can experience any Lightning Lane attraction once on one day, you won’t have to set up times to visit the attractions because you can arrive when you want, and you’ll get digital photo or video downloads on select attractions.

To compare, I looked up the current Express Pass prices at Universal Orlando Resort. Mind you, their more costly resorts offer you free Express with your stay.

  • Universal Express – One time for each participating ride, $89.99-$289.99
  • Universal Express Unlimited – Unlimited number of times at participating rides, $$119.99-$319.99
  • Volcano Bay Express – One time for participating rides at VB, $19.99-$169.99

SeaWorld also offers an option called Quick Queue. All are unlimited rides.

  • Quick Queue Unlimited – Starting at $24.99
  • Reserved Seating + Quick Queue Unlimited – Starting at $29.99
  • Reserved Seating + Unlimited Quick Queue Plus – Includes one ride on Penguin Trek & Pipeline, starting at $39.99

I for one do not think this is a value or something I’d be willing to pay for, even if I had a heap of disposable cash. Now, I’m sure that there will be folks out there willing to shell out for this Lightning Lane option. I’m just not someone who would entertain it.

What do you think of this new option? Do you think it’s another luxury item to tack on, available only to the wealthy? Just another Disney money grab?A straight-up rip-off? Or do you think it’s worth the price?

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