In the past, Walt Disney World Resort had what was known as the “off-season” — a time when crowds were smaller, wait times were shorter, and the weather was ideal for visiting. It was a magical time to experience the parks. Unfortunately, Disney World no longer truly has an off-season. While some periods are less crowded than peak times, the parks remain busy year-round.
It’s widely known that the two weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year’s are among the busiest of the year. Crowds can reach such high levels that the parks occasionally have to turn guests away. With so many visitors, popular offerings like the Lightning Lane Multi Pass tend to sell out quickly.
Related: Disney World Prepares for Date-Specific 2025 Crowd Surge
Guests staying at Disney resorts can secure their Lightning Lane Multi Pass up to seven days in advance, while off-property guests have a three-day booking window. Purchases open daily at 7 a.m. ET.
While the program helps guests bypass long queues, it has also sparked frustration for some visitors—particularly those staying off-property. A recent Reddit post by user u/Apocalypsezz detailed a personal experience with the system, accusing Disney of unfairly favoring on-property guests.
Reddit Post Sparks Heated Debate
The original post shares the user’s grievances with Disney’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass system:
Staying off property and went to book as soon as the 3 day booking window opened today at 7AM for me (was a bit late and woke at 7:45), only to notice every single parks multi pass this weekend was sold out before I even had the chance to purchase…
Meaning only people staying on property got the luxury of booking a multi pass. While I feel this may be an egregious oversight, where regular park goers cannot purchase their multi lane passes on disney’s own allotted 3 day window, I know its purposeful.
Its too late to reschedule the hotel for another less packed weekend, but I fear we may not be able to do much of anything at all this weekend. Incredible. Feeling pretty down right about now at all this money thrown out.
Related: Disney World Faces Safety Challenges During Busy Holiday Season, Endangering Hundreds
While the post was intended to highlight alleged shortcomings in Disney’s system, many commenters quickly turned the spotlight back on the original poster (OP), pointing out a key detail: they did not attempt to book their pass until 7:45 a.m., a full 45 minutes after the reservation window opened. In peak holiday crowds, that delay made a significant difference.
One user replied:
“You say you went to book as soon as the window opened but in the same sentence you say you did it 45 minutes after the window opened.”
Another added:
“Yeah, 45 minutes is an eternity in Disney reservations. Anything in demand is going to be gone 5 minutes after the window opens.”
Some commenters also defended Disney, stating that the company’s policies give on-property guests a competitive advantage as part of the perks of staying at Disney resorts. “This is how it’s been for years,” one user commented. “If you’re staying off-property, you just need to be ready the second the window opens.”
Understanding the System
Disney’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass system allows guests to reserve expedited access to certain attractions. However, there are strict rules around when these reservations can be made. Guests staying on Disney property can book their passes up to seven days in advance, while off-property guests can only book three days in advance.
Reservations open at 7 a.m. each day, and during peak times, such as the holiday season, these passes often sell out within minutes.
Lessons for Future Visitors
For travelers planning a visit to Disney World during busy times of the year, preparation is key. Here are some tips to navigate the Lightning Lane system successfully:
- Set Alarms: Ensure you’re ready to book the moment the window opens at 7 a.m.
- Stay On-Property: If possible, consider staying at a Disney resort for earlier access.
- Have Backup Plans: Crowds are inevitable during peak seasons, so prepare for longer wait times and explore alternative activities like shows or dining experiences.
While the original poster’s frustration is understandable, it also highlights the importance of understanding and preparing for Disney’s booking systems. As another commenter succinctly put it:
“Disney doesn’t punish off-property guests; it rewards on-property ones. That’s the reality of a vacation built on planning ahead.”
The debate surrounding the Lightning Lane system reflects a broader conversation among Disney fans about the balance between accessibility and exclusivity. While some see the perks for on-property guests as justified, others argue that the system creates unnecessary stress for off-property visitors.
Do you think Disney’s Lightning Lane system is fair? Should off-property guests have equal access? Share your thoughts in the comments!
