Walt Disney World Resort, the crown jewel of Disney’s theme park empire, typically sees a bustling crowd of millions each year. However, even the Magic Kingdom isn’t immune to occasional lulls in attendance. With a major change on the horizon for Disney’s line-skipping services, the resort is preparing for a potential dip in guest numbers.
Disney Genie+ Bows Out: What’s Next for FastPass Fans?
Disney Genie+, the once-celebrated service designed to enhance your park experience, has officially been retired. Launched in late 2021, Disney Genie+ allowed guests to bypass regular standby lines by accessing the Lightning Lane, replacing the old FastPass+ system. The cost of Genie+ varied, ranging from $15 to $39 per person, per day, depending on demand.
For the hottest attractions, such as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and TRON Lightcycle Run, guests had to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane for an additional fee, typically between $10 and $25 per ride.
Meet the New Kids on the Block: Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass
As of late July 2024, Walt Disney World Resort bid farewell to Genie+ and introduced new options: the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass. These new passes maintain a similar concept but come with some exciting updates.
What Is the Lightning Lane Multi Pass?
The Lightning Lane Multi Pass allows guests to pay for expedited access to several attractions, including Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom Park, Frozen Ever After at EPCOT, Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
A notable upgrade with the Multi Pass is the ability to pre-book attraction time slots. Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel can book up to seven days in advance, while those staying off-property can book up to three days prior to their visit.
Pros and Cons of the Lightning Lane Multi Pass
The pre-booking feature is a game-changer, eliminating the stress of early morning selection, which was previously available only at 7 a.m.
However, international visitors, particularly those from the UK—one of Disney World’s largest international markets—are left out of this benefit. The UK school holidays run from mid-to-late July through early September, bringing a surge of visitors during the summer months.
Yet, once American schools are back in session, Disney World can become notably quieter.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World?
Determining the quietest times at Walt Disney World Resort isn’t an exact science, but historical trends provide valuable insights. According to Disney’s planDisney team, late August and September (excluding Labor Day weekend) are among the least crowded periods.
In a June 2024 update, planDisney noted, “The lowest attendance periods usually occur right after peak seasons. Mid-August through September is a great time to visit, just steer clear of Labor Day weekend.”
With attendance likely to dip, Disney World is preparing for this quieter period by adjusting its Lightning Lane Multi Pass pricing. Starting September 4, 2024, the cost will be reduced to $15-$20 per person. EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will have the Multi Pass priced at $15, while Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will see a $20 price tag.
Disney’s recent financial reports reflect a slight decrease in park attendance. During a Q3 earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston indicated that while guest spending has slightly increased, overall park attendance has moderated. Johnston referred to this as a “slight moderation in demand,” suggesting that this trend might continue into Q4 and possibly into fiscal 2025.
The moderation in attendance could be attributed to various factors, including rising costs and changing consumer preferences. Disney has faced criticism for increasing ticket prices, accommodation costs, and introducing paid add-ons, such as the replacement for FastPass+.
Will You Visit Disney World During This Quiet Period?
As Disney World navigates this quieter phase, with reduced Lightning Lane Multi Pass prices and a dip in attendance, it might be an ideal time for visitors seeking a more relaxed experience.
Will you be taking advantage of these quieter months at the parks? Share your plans and thoughts in the comments below!