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As the holiday season approaches, Disney World is making big changes to its popular Premier Pass. Starting November 26, guests visiting Animal Kingdom can expect to pay $179 for the all-access Lightning Lane Premier Pass. With Thanksgiving and Christmas crowds on the way, Disney is capitalizing on increased demand to raise prices on its most exclusive pass, allowing guests to skip lines at all Lightning Lane attractions within a park for a single price.
Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the Magic
Disney restructured its Genie+ system earlier this year, introducing the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Single Pass, and finally, the Premier Pass. The Premier Pass is pitched as a more seamless experience, giving guests priority access to Disney’s top attractions. Pricing varies by park and date, with Animal Kingdom usually being among the more affordable parks compared to EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom Park. However, the price increase on November 26 signals that Disney expects higher attendance.
Animal Kingdom, with fewer rides featuring Lightning Lane than other parks, typically charges less for its Premier Pass. But with Thanksgiving just weeks away, Disney is setting new records for pricing. On peak days like the ones on Thanksgiving and Christmas week, Premier Passes at Magic Kingdom can reach up to $399. There are even hints that Animal Kingdom’s Premier Pass could someday hit $199 during peak season, reflecting the growing demand for “quicker” access to Disney’s popular attractions.
Credit: Disney
Animal Kingdom Premier Pass Attractions
The Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Animal Kingdom gives visitors expedited access to the following attractions:
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- DINOSAUR
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- Feathered Friends in Flight!
- Festival of the Lion King
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
- It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
- Kali River Rapids
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Na’vi River Journey
Currently, this pass is only available to guests staying at select Disney hotels, including Disney Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villa Resorts.
Credit: Disney
Major Changes Coming to Animal Kingdom
Disney is also preparing for a big transformation within Animal Kingdom with the upcoming Pueblo Esperanza project. This new land, inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones, is set to replace DinoLand U.S.A. by 2027. The new theme promises fresh attractions that will replace older experiences, like the popular DINOSAUR ride, which is expected to close sometime in 2025 as part of the retheming. TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures will be the first to close on January 13, 2025. Further details on closing dates for DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus are still pending.
Credit: Disney
Disney has also announced that the It’s Tough to Be a Bug! attraction will soon be replaced by a new Zootopia-themed show. The attraction, called “Zootopia: Better Together!” will immerse guests in the vibrant biomes of the beloved movie and is set to open next winter, as Disney confirmed at the D23 Expo.
What do you think of Disney’s latest updates and rising prices for the Premier Pass? Is it worth the cost? Share your thoughts below!
