Well, This Is Odd. Disney World’s New Lightning Lane Trend Is Downright CONFUSING!

Here at DFB, we’re a team of Disney experts. This doesn’t just mean we go to the parks and hotels every single day for the fun of it, but we make it our mission to report on any and all changes, discounts, menu updates, and closures happening in Disney World so that you can be prepared for your vacation.

Disney World

One of the biggest recent changes we’ve covered is Disney’s new paid skip-the-line service. Now, you can plan ahead and book timed reservations to visit your favorite Disney World attractions! While this concept isn’t necessarily brand-new, there are a lot of little details and tricks you should know before your next trip to Disney World. In fact, we just noticed a strange trend, and we need to talk about it!

Click here to subscribe

 

Let’s get into it. Lightning Lane Multi Pass is an optional paid service available on the My Disney Experience app, which allows you to skip standby lines (the free lines) and enter the Lightning Lane (previously known as the FastPass line). This service works at select attractions in the parks, and you can pay one base price for multiple attractions. (This is the new option that replaced Disney Genie+.)

Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival

When purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can make up to three Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections in a park before your visit. Then, during your park day, you can choose available times after you use a Lightning Lane reservation and can continue to hold up to three Lighting Lane Multi Pass selections at a time.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Lightning Lane sign

One of the biggest new perks is that those staying at a Disney World Resort hotel (and select other hotels) can purchase and select their first three Lightning Lane Multi Passes up to seven days in advance of their check-in day for their entire stay (up to 14 days). All other guests can purchase and select their first three Lightning Lane Multi Passes three days in advance. Phew! OK, got all that?

Everything You Need to Know About Lightning Lane Multi Pass in Disney World

We track the price of Lightning Lane Multi Pass EVERY DAY. Why? Well, the price changes from day to day thanks to Disney’s “surge pricing” method. While we’re a little skeptical about the crowd-to-price ratio (especially this summer when the crowds were relatively low), it does seem like the price tends to increase around holidays and special events.

Crowds in Liberty Square

Recently, though, we noticed an odd trend with Disney’s upcoming Lightning Lane prices. For the first week of September, the prices are fairly consistent. On Sunday, September 1st, the highest Lightning Lane price of the day (the cost for the Magic Kingdom option) is $25. Then, on Labor Day, the price decreases by a few dollars to $23. But here’s where things get weird. On Wednesday, September 4th, the price drops all the way to $20 — just two days after the Labor Day holiday!

This is an interesting trend!

The very next day, the price jumps back up to $23 and hits that max. price of $25 by the weekend. So, what’s up with that one singular discounted day? It’s hard to say for certain! It could be due to the fact that most people taking a Labor Day weekend trip will be back home by Wednesday? Either way, we’re not complaining! Any time we can pay a little less for those Lightning Lanes is a good day in our book.

Hollywood Studios

Oh, and we checked the data. The Lightning Lane price does not drop every Wednesday, so this is not a common weekday occurrence. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party does not happen that day, either. Magic Kingdom closes at 10PM for most guests, with a second 12AM closure for those staying at a Deluxe Resort, so it’s not like the price is lower due to an early closure, either!

Magic Kingdom

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, it’s a good idea to look at those Lighting Lane prices as far in advance as possible. That way, you know how much to budget for this additional expense! Of course, it is totally optional, but if you want to ride as many attractions as possible (with much shorter lines), this is the way to go.

Magic Kingdom

Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. They also share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation.

Small World Vacations

In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

Why Everyone Is Buying This $14 Poncho for Disney World 

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.


Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Are you planning a trip to Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

The post Well, This Is Odd. Disney World’s New Lightning Lane Trend Is Downright CONFUSING! first appeared on the disney food blog.