Which Disney World Rides to Skip When Booking Lightning Lane

Planning your Walt Disney World itinerary is exciting, but choosing how and when to use Lightning Lane can quickly become overwhelming.

With so many rides and experiences available, knowing which attractions are worth skipping when it comes to reserving your Lightning Lane can make a big difference in your day. Some attractions rarely have long waits or can accommodate large crowds efficiently, making it unnecessary to use a coveted reservation slot.

Here are 10 attractions that usually don’t require a Lightning Lane reservation—freeing you up for those must-do thrill rides and family favorites.

1. Magic Carpets of Aladdin – Magic Kingdom

This gentle spinner ride in Adventureland is similar in experience to Dumbo and rarely sees extended wait times outside of peak holidays.

Unless you’re visiting during the week between Christmas and New Year’s, it’s unlikely you’ll wait more than 15 to 20 minutes.

If you’re in the area and the line is short, it’s a fun ride with a great view of Adventureland. But there’s no need to use your Lightning Lane reservation here.

2. Journey Into Imagination with Figment – EPCOT

This whimsical ride featuring everyone’s favorite purple dragon usually has wait times hovering between 5 to 20 minutes.

It’s a nostalgic must-do for longtime fans, but it rarely draws the kind of crowd that warrants using a Lightning Lane.

Save your early reservations for bigger draws in EPCOT. Check for Figment availability later in the day if you want to add it as a bonus.

3. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This action-packed live show is performed in a large outdoor amphitheater that accommodates hundreds of guests at once.

As long as you show up 15 to 20 minutes before showtime, you should have no trouble getting a decent seat.

The show is thrilling and a great break from the crowds. Using a Lightning Lane reservation here is usually unnecessary unless your heart is set on front-row seating.

4. Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Magic Kingdom

Dumbo has long been a rite of passage for Disney guests, but the addition of a second spinner and an indoor, air-conditioned play area has drastically reduced wait times.

Even if there is a short wait, the play zone keeps kids entertained while parents relax in the cool shade.

Lightning Lane reservations are better used on nearby headliners like Peter Pan’s Flight or Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

5. Mad Tea Party – Magic Kingdom

Spinning teacups are fun and iconic, but they don’t usually require much of a wait.

Unless you’re visiting during peak hours, this attraction typically sees wait times of 10 minutes or less.

This is a great filler attraction to enjoy between bigger rides. But it’s rarely worth a Lightning Lane spot.

6. The Seas with Nemo & Friends – EPCOT

This gentle ride through an underwater adventure with Nemo and friends is great for families and rarely has a long wait.

Even during midday crowds, lines are typically under 20 minutes.

Save your Lightning Lane selections for bigger EPCOT draws like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

7. Prince Charming Regal Carousel – Magic Kingdom

This charming, classic carousel rarely sees long wait times and offers a picturesque experience in the heart of Fantasyland.

It loads guests efficiently and is often a walk-on, even during busier times of the day.

While it’s a lovely attraction, your Lightning Lane reservations are better spent on more time-intensive experiences.

8. Mickey’s PhilharMagic – Magic Kingdom

Located in Fantasyland, this 3D musical show offers continuous performances and seating for hundreds.

You might have a brief wait, but the theater empties and reloads quickly.

It’s a magical show that’s fun for all ages. But like many other theater-based attractions, it doesn’t benefit much from a Lightning Lane reservation.

Final Thoughts

Your Lightning Lane reservations are precious, especially when you’re trying to make the most of your day at Walt Disney World.

Focus on securing reservations for high-demand rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, or Slinky Dog Dash.

The attractions listed above are all enjoyable in their own way, but simply don’t require advance planning to experience comfortably.

Save your Lightning Lane picks for rides that tend to generate long waits, and enjoy these lower-demand experiences at your leisure.

What attraction do you think is the biggest waste of a Lightning Lane? Share your thoughts in the comments!