Premier Pass is HERE… and there’s an issue. Okay, that may be dramatic — but stick with us.

Earlier this fall, Disney announced the new Lightning Lane Premier Pass option. The system, which was first used at Disneyland earlier in October before debuting at Walt Disney World on the 30th of the month, “allows one-time entry to each Lightning Lane experience in a theme park” so that they can enjoy each attraction at their leisure. The experience doesn’t come cheap, however, as they cost between $129 and $329 depending on the park the first day they were offered. Prices weren’t the only issue on day one.

We tested Lightning Lane Premier pass across ALL FOUR Walt Disney World theme parks on its debut day, and found that the on-the-ground experience wasn’t all that different from using Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass.

It’s the first day of Lightning Lane Premier Pass in Disney World! We’re in ALL FOUR parks today to test out this new system, so stay tuned to see how it goes! pic.twitter.com/iEnbQH2zOx

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) October 30, 2024

Specifically, once you scan your phone at a given attraction’s entrance, you join the same line that’s being used by Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass. While these waits are usually pretty short, it’s still the same exact experience and wait.

So, the only “extra” benefits for using the Premier Pass are the ability to ride every eligible attraction whenever you want, as opposed to needing to schedule a specific time. While those are definitely benefits, it’s arguable as to whether they’re enough to justify the large price jump from the Multi Pass and Single Pass Lightning Lane to the Premier Pass. 

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass has debuted at Walt Disney World, and we ran into an issue with the expensive new pass option. Stay tuned to DFB for further coverage of Lightning Lane Premier Pass.

Need help navigating these changes?! Our friends at Small World Vacations, have decades of experience planning Disney vacations and help you put together an itinerary that is PERFECT for your family!

We’re LIVE from the FIRST DAY of Lightning Lane Premier Pass in Disney World!