
In October 2021, Disney faced criticism for its decision to eliminate the free FastPass system. It was replaced by Disney Genie+, which required guests to pay a daily fee. After less than three years, Disney announced that Genie+ would be ending and introduced a brand-new service called Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
Unlike Genie+, the Lightning Lane Multi Pass allows guests to purchase the service in advance and make ride reservations, similar to the former FastPass+. Despite complaints about having to pay for a service that was once free, both Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane Multi Pass have gained popularity, as many guests feel it’s essential to buy them in order to enjoy all the attractions they desire.
Related: Disney Parks to Implement Double Price Increases in October, Confirms CEO Bob Iger
In mid-October, Disney stirred controversy again by introducing a new type of Lightning Lane Pass: the Lightning Lane Premier Pass.
This Premier Pass allows guests to pay up to $400 to bypass the Lightning Lane reservation process and access the front of the line for each attraction once. It resembles the Universal Express Pass, which has been available for years and has received its own criticisms from visitors. In its effort to generate more revenue and emulate Universal, Disney has launched a more expensive option that many believe does not match the value of the Universal Express Pass.
Let’s take a look at Disney World’s new Lightning Lane Premier Pass and see how it simply doesn’t measure up to Universal Orlando’s similar option.
Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass
Disney’s new Lightning Lane Premier Pass will launch on October 30 and will initially be available in limited quantities at Disney’s Deluxe Resort hotels.
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According to Disney, on less busy days, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will cost $129 (plus tax) per guest at select theme parks. This price will increase, reaching as high as $449 (plus tax) per guest per day during peak times at certain parks. This means that a family of four visiting during a busy season could pay an additional $1,800 for just one day to access the front of the line at a single park.
No Lightning Lane Reservations Required
The biggest advantage of Disney’s new Lightning Lane Premier Pass is that you don’t need a Lightning Lane reservation to enjoy your favorite attractions. There’s no need to keep checking your phone for ride times or availability. With the Premier Pass, you can just approach the ride, scan your pass, and enter the Lightning Lane directly.
Price Varies By Theme Park
As mentioned earlier, the lowest price for the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be $129 per guest per day, but this rate is only applicable at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Disney has indicated that prices for the Premier Pass will differ by park.
Here are the prices through the end of 2024:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $129 to $199 per person, plus tax
- EPCOT: $169 to $249 per person, plus tax
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $269 to $349 per person, plus tax
- Magic Kingdom: $329 to $449 per person, plus tax
No Worries Over Individual Attraction Selections
The Lightning Lane Multi Pass enables guests to reserve certain attractions in advance. Guests can select one ride from a list of top-tier attractions, including Space Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Additionally, they can make two more reservations for second-tier attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion.
However, some attractions are not included with the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and must be purchased separately. These attractions are:
- TRON Lightcycle/Run – Magic Kingdom
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Magic Kingdom
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – EPCOT
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Avatar Flight of Passage – Animal Kingdom
However, with the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, guests won’t have to worry about any of that. There are no Individual Attraction Selections with Lightning Lane Premier because the rides are included as part of the pass. That means that you won’t have to worry about joining a virtual queue in order to ride any of the attractions listed above.
One Park Only Pricing
While $129 might initially seem like a reasonable price, your perspective may change when you realize that amount applies to just one park. Even if you spend $449 for a peak day at the Magic Kingdom, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass is only valid there. If you plan to visit another park on the same day, you’ll need to purchase a separate Lightning Lane pass for that park or wait in the regular standby line.
It’s possible that Disney may introduce a new — and potentially more expensive — Lightning Lane Premier Pass for multiple parks in the future. However, for now, guests will need to pay a premium price to skip the lines at attractions in just one of Disney’s theme parks.
Universal Orlando Express Pass
Universal’s Express Pass has been a staple for years, giving it an advantage over Disney, which traditionally offered a free service, while Universal charged for similar access. Even after Disney launched Genie+ and Lightning Lane Multi Pass, the costs remained lower than Universal Express.
However, this dynamic has shifted with the introduction of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass. Although Disney still provides a more affordable option, when making a direct comparison, Universal Express now represents a significantly better value.
Related: Universal Studios Orlando Doesn’t Necessarily Want You to Know That at Its Parks . . .
More Than One Type of Express Pass
Disney provides a single type of Lightning Lane Premier Pass, while Universal offers two options for its Express passes: Universal Express and Universal Express Unlimited.
The standard Universal Express Pass allows guests to skip to the front of the line once for each attraction. In contrast, Universal Express Unlimited permits guests to enjoy front-of-the-line access as many times as they wish for each attraction throughout the day.
Similar to Disney’s Premier Pass, both Universal Express Pass and Express Pass Unlimited are valid at only one park — either Universal Studios Park or Islands of Adventure.
Certain Attractions Excluded
In contrast to the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, not all attractions at Universal Orlando are covered by the Express Pass. There are just two attractions excluded from the Express Pass: Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Pteranodon Flyers. While Jurassic World VelociCoaster was initially not part of the Express Pass when it opened, it is now included.
Universal Express Offers the BEST Value
Similar to the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, the price of Universal’s Express Pass fluctuates depending on the day of the week and the time of year. This means that guests visiting during peak periods will pay more for the service.
However, Disney’s steep prices for its Premier Pass make Universal Express appear quite economical by comparison.
On the most expensive days, Universal’s Express Pass can go up to $319 — over $100 less than the Premier Pass. Furthermore, that $319 rate is for the UNLIMITED Pass, allowing guests to enjoy front-of-the-line access multiple times for nearly every attraction, while the Premier Pass costs $449 for just one-time access.
Certain Guests Get Universal Express For FREE
When Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass debuts on October 30, it will be offered in limited quantities exclusively to guests staying at Deluxe hotels, Deluxe Villas, and select Resorts like the Swan and Dolphin. This means that those already paying a premium for their accommodations will have the “opportunity” to spend even more on the Lightning Lane Premier.
In contrast, Universal has taken a different approach with its Express Pass. Guests who stay at a Universal Orlando Resort Signature Hotel receive complimentary Universal Express Unlimited Passes.
That’s right! If you book a stay at the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay, or Loews Royal Pacific Hotel, you’ll enjoy front-of-the-line access to nearly every attraction throughout your visit. This can lead to significant savings, potentially amounting to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. It’s also a fantastic way for Universal to show appreciation to its guests.
Will Disney’s Greed Be Its Downfall?
When Disney unveiled its Lightning Lane, guests were shocked by the steep price tag. The costs at Disney have been rising across the board, from hotel stays to theme park tickets. Now, they’re asking for hundreds of extra dollars from guests who want to avoid lengthy waits in line, especially when their time in the parks is limited.
Of course, Disney isn’t compelling anyone to buy the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, and it’s possible the company may adjust its offerings based on the reactions of Deluxe Resort guests when it launches at the end of the month.
Disney has faced ongoing criticism for what many perceive as excessive charges. The company has eliminated complimentary services such as the Magical Express, FastPass, MagicBands, Extra Magic Hours, and even dining plans. Adding a service that many feel is overpriced—and possibly not worth the cost—might be seen as a step too far.
Disney’s stock has been in a delicate state for months, with a recent uptick. However, this positive trend hinges on shareholder confidence, which largely depends on guest sentiment. Unfortunately, recent feelings among guests have not been very positive.
Disney has acknowledged a decline in park attendance in 2023 and early 2024. Executives anticipate this downward trend to continue. While they attribute it to post-COVID travel challenges, many Disney fans believe that the rising costs are driving visitors away.
Now, with prices increasing further, it’s up to guests to communicate to Disney when they feel the company has gone too far.
Do you think Disney has gone too far when it comes to the cost of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass? Will it be as popular as Universal’s Express Pass? Let us know in the comments!