For years, guests visiting Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort could bypass traditional standby queues by using the free FastPass system. Then, in 2021, Disney shocked and angered those guests by eliminating the popular program and replacing it with Disney Genie+, which cost money to use every day. Less than three years later, Disney Genie+ was replaced with the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass system.
While guests were upset at the removal of a free service, Disneyland and Disney World were actually the only Disney Resorts with the free service. Shanghai Disney, Hong Kong Disney, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney all already had a paid service called Premier Access.
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Purchasing the Disney Premier Access has become an essential part of the experience at Tokyo Disney Resort. Much like the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, the Premier Access Pass allows guests to make reservations at the most popular attractions and skip the line when their return time pops up.
However, unlike the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, the Tokyo Disney Premier Access Pass will soon also allow guests to pre-book priority seating at some of the resort’s most popular shows, including Club Mouse Beat and Mickey’s Magical Music World.
Guests can already pre-book priority seating to Mickey’s Big Band Beat at Tokyo DisneySea. Club Mouse Beat and Mickey’s Magical Music World will be added to Premier Access beginning November 13.
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Pricing for this service differs by show, with Big Band Beat priced at approximately ¥2,500 (around $16). Prices for Tokyo Disney’s Premier Access Pass now run anywhere between ¥1,500 (about $9) to ¥2,500.
However, specific rates for Mickey’s Magical Music World and Club Mouse Beat will be revealed closer to the launch date on November 13. The reserved seating ensures a premium experience compared to conventional viewing methods, where seating is typically acquired via a lottery system. The seats available for pre-booking will be in the center of the theater and close to the stage.
Of course, guests who do not wish to pay can still use the traditional lottery system. Tokyo Disney has noted, however, that if the guest does not get a seat via the lottery system, they will be able to purchase the Premier Access Pass and book a seat if there is still seating available.
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Here is more information on the Premier Access Pass, courtesy of the Tokyo Disney website:
Guests can select a designated time for admission in advance, and enjoy parades or shows from a designated viewing area.
- You will be able to purchase Disney Premier Access for another parade or show 60 minutes after purchasing Disney Premier Access, or after the admission time of your purchased Disney Premier Access (for parades or shows,) whichever is earlier.
- On your day of visit, please view the performance from the designated seat, or specified location with a corresponding number at your feet (the number indicating your specified location will be displayed on the screen of your mobile device after you have completed your purchase of Disney Premier Access).
- For information about performances with designated seats or specified locations within viewing areas, please check the page for each parade/show.
Tokyo Disney Resort’s Premier Access fundamentally differs from previously offered systems like FastPass and similar programs at other Disney parks, including Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass. While both FastPass and Lightning Lane allowed guests to skip standard lines for free (or at a basic charge), the introduction of a paid seating initiative represents a shift in Disney’s strategy.
Cost analysis reveals that while Premier Access offers better pricing (¥1,500 to ¥2,500) relative to the Lightning Lane Multi Pass (often between $30-$35), the combination of a paid system with existing lottery methods may create a tiered experience based on guest spending abilities. Unique features of Tokyo Disney’s offerings also include preferred seating arrangements, a benefit not currently available through other Disney parks.
The introduction of paid seating has sparked mixed reactions among guests. Some appreciate the opportunity for guaranteed seating at desired shows and events, while others express concerns that additional costs may alienate budget-conscious visitors. Feedback indicates that while guests are willing to pay for enhanced experiences, the notion of continually rising costs at theme parks is becoming increasingly bothersome.
Do you think paying more to pre-book Disney experiences has gotten a little out of hand? Or would you be more than willing to pay extra to guarantee a good seat at your favorite shows? Let us know in the comments!
