Wallets have officially been opened.
As Thanksgiving approaches, a familiar pattern has taken shape inside Magic Kingdom. The high-end $429 Lightning Lane Premier Pass has officially sold out for the peak week of November 22–27, marking a repeat of last year’s heavy demand for early access and shorter waits.
According to tracking data from WDW Magic, this premium skip-the-line perk isn’t showing up at all on the calendar for six straight days—Saturday through Thursday—signaling sizable crowds ahead.
Notably, availability varies across the resort. Some parks still list lower-tier Lightning Lane options, but those offerings now range between roughly $179 and $339, depending on date and location.
Dynamic pricing continues to influence the system, meaning the higher the demand, the more prices shift upward. Guests planning a visit during this stretch are being encouraged to prepare backup plans in case their first-choice Lightning Lane becomes unavailable.
The Magic Kingdom Premier Pass, in particular, has vanished from the Thanksgiving schedule—something that might serve as a signal to anyone still hoping to secure one. With the sellouts already in motion, strategy becomes the name of the game. Even if you don’t land the top tier, navigating the holiday rush will likely require flexibility, early mornings, and careful planning.
Beyond the queues, Disney’s latest earnings report offers context. According to the company’s filing, revenue from the Disney Experiences division—home to the theme parks—reached record levels. However, attendance inside U.S. parks saw a slight dip of around 1% compared to the previous year. Despite that small decline, Disney still reported a 9% domestic increase in operating income, while international parks surged with a 25% rise.
A big factor? Higher guest spending. Food, drinks, and merchandise purchases climbed an estimated 6% in 2025, with per-guest spending up around 3%. Disney’s resorts and cruise operations also added momentum, contributing to a 5% increase in vacation revenue. Globally, international park attendance edged upward, helped in part by Disneyland Paris, which helped offset lower domestic numbers.
Altogether, the data points to a shift in priorities: fewer guests overall, but more value from each visit. While the park experience still feels energetic and familiar, the business underneath is clearly evolving.
How do you feel about Premier Pass sellouts during the holiday surge? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
