The Truth About Disney’s Lightning Lane: Is it Worth the Hype?

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Remember when staying at a Disney resort meant you received three FastPasses per guest for each day of your stay?

Those were the good ol’ days but those days are no more.

Disney has since replaced the old FastPass system with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, and they come at an extra cost.

So, you may be asking, “Is Disney’s Lightning Lane worth it?”

Individual Lightning Lane costs fluctuate between $7.00 and $17.00 plus tax, depending on the ride selected and the day of your visit.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll help you navigate the ins and outs of Lightning Lane.

We’ll analyze its pros and cons, compare it with other theme park line-skipping options, and give you our candid verdict.

If you’re planning your Disney World vacation and pondering the Lightning Lane dilemma, this blog post is for you. Let’s get started.

Before diving in, join our new private Facebook group, the Disney Park Advisor Community, for Disney enthusiasts to share their passion, seek advice, and make friends. Click here to request membership!

What is Lightning Lane?

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, you’ve probably heard about Lightning Lane. This new service has replaced the FastPass+ system, and it’s causing a lot of buzz among park-goers. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at what Lightning Lane is, how it works, and whether it’s worth the cost.

Definition and Explanation of Lightning Lane

Simply put, Lightning Lane is a paid service that allows you to skip the standby line and access a shorter wait time for select attractions. It’s part of the new Genie+ system, which is designed to help guests plan their day at the park and reduce wait times.

With Lightning Lane, you can make a reservation for one attraction at a time, and you can use the service as many times as you want throughout the day. The service costs $15 per person, per day, and it’s available for all four Disney World parks.

Comparison to FastPass+ and Other Virtual Queue Systems

If you’ve been to Disney World before, you may be familiar with the FastPass+ system. This was a free service that allowed guests to reserve a spot in line for select attractions. However, the system had some limitations. For example, you could only reserve three attractions per day, and you had to do it in advance.

Lightning Lane offers some key advantages over FastPass+. First, you can make a reservation for one attraction at a time, so you don’t have to plan your day in advance. Second, you can use the service as many times as you want throughout the day, so you can skip the line for your favorite rides multiple times.

It’s worth noting that Lightning Lane is not the only virtual queue system at Disney World. Some attractions, such as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios, use a virtual queue that is free and operates differently than Lightning Lane. However, the Lightning Lane service is a paid option that gives you more control over your wait times.

In conclusion, Lightning Lane is a new paid service at Disney World that allows you to skip the standby line and access a shorter wait time for select attractions. While it may not be for everyone, it’s a great option for guests who want to maximize their time at the park and avoid long wait times.

How does Lightning Lane work?

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, you’ve probably heard about Lightning Lane. This new service is Disney’s replacement for the FastPass system, and it’s designed to help you skip the lines for some of the most popular rides in the park. But how does it work, exactly? Let’s break it down.

Explanation of the booking process

Booking a Lightning Lane reservation is easy. You can do it through the My Disney Experience app on your phone or at a kiosk in the park. Once you’ve purchased Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane selections, you can start booking your reservations. You can only book one reservation at a time, and you can’t book another one until you’ve used your current reservation or the return time has passed.

Details on individual Lightning Lanes and attractions

Individual Lightning Lane Attractions are the most popular rides in the park, and they require an additional fee on top of the Genie+ service. These attractions include rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, and Flight of Passage. If you don’t want to pay extra for these rides, you can still use Genie+ to skip the lines for other attractions.

Return time window and flexibility

When you book a Lightning Lane reservation, you’ll be given a return time window. This window is typically one hour long, and you can return to the ride any time during that window. If you miss your return time, you won’t be able to use your reservation. However, if the ride is down during your return time, you’ll be able to use your reservation any time later in the day.

In other words, Lightning Lane can be a great way to skip the lines for some of the most popular rides in the park. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it comes with an additional cost and some restrictions. If you’re willing to pay the extra fee and plan your reservations carefully, though, it can be a great way to make the most of your time at Disney World.

Disney Genie+ Basics

Are you planning a trip to Disney World and wondering what the heck is Disney Genie+?

Well, worry no more.

In this section, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this paid service, including its features, how it compares to Lightning Lane, and the additional rides it offers.

Explanation of Disney Genie+ and Its Features

Disney Genie+ is a paid service that allows you to skip the regular lines at select attractions by using the Lightning Lane.

This service costs $15 per person per day at Disney World and $20 per person per day at Disneyland.

With Genie+, you can make reservations for up to two attractions at a time, and you can make additional reservations after you’ve used your initial two.

But that’s not all. Disney Genie+ also includes a personalized itinerary feature that suggests attractions, shows, and dining options based on your interests and preferences. Plus, you can use the Tip Board to check wait times and Lightning Lane availability.

Comparison to Lightning Lane

Now you might be wondering how Disney Genie+ compares to Lightning Lane.

Well, here’s the deal.

Lightning Lane is a separate service that allows you to skip the regular lines at select attractions for an additional fee.

The cost of Lightning Lane varies depending on the attraction, but it typically ranges from $7 to $17 per person per attraction.

So, what’s the difference between Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane?

With Genie+, you can skip the regular lines at most attractions, while Lightning Lane only applies to select attractions.

Plus, with Genie+, you can make reservations for up to two attractions at a time, while Lightning Lane only allows you to skip the line once per attraction.

Additional Rides with Disney Genie+

If you’re a Disney resort guest, you’re in luck. Disney Genie+ includes additional rides that are only available to resort guests. These rides include Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Avatar Flight of Passage, and more.

But even if you’re not a resort guest, Disney Genie+ still offers a wide selection of attractions that you can skip the line for.

Some of the most popular attractions include Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Slinky Dog Dash, and Toy Story Mania! at Hollywood Studios.

In other words, if you want to save time and skip the regular lines at Disney World, Disney Genie+ is definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind that this service is not available at all attractions, and Lightning Lane may be a better option for select rides.

How Does Lightning Lane Make Your Experience Better?

Next up, we’re going to talk about the most popular rides at each park. Not all rides have individual Lightning Lanes and planning is key to maximize your day.

So, let’s say you decide to fork over even more of your hard-earned money for Genie+ and Lightning Lanes:

What effect does it have on your overall experience?

Stepping through the gates of the Magic Kingdom, you can almost taste the excitement in the air. It’s palpable. (And no, I’m not talking about the mouth-watering aroma wafting from the nearest churro cart.) But wait, there’s more!

I’m talking about the thrill of the day ahead, a day jam-packed with enchanting rides and unforgettable experiences. (Now, here’s the kicker.) This thrill can be considerably dampened if you’re stuck in long, winding queues for most of the day. Enter Lightning Lanes!

Imagine you’re standing in front of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Typically, you’d see a standby wait time that might make even the most patient person wince.

But you, my savvy park-goer, you’ve got your Lightning Lane pass.

And just like magic, your wait time shrinks from a monstrous 120 minutes to a mere 15-30 minutes.

This, my friend, is the magic of Lightning Lanes.

But hold on, there’s more!

Over at EPCOT, beloved attractions like Frozen Ever After and Test Track frequently boast wait times that could have you standing around longer than the time it takes to watch the Director’s Cut of Titanic.

No thank you.

But with Lightning Lanes, you can skip the line, and instead use your time to, oh I don’t know, actually enjoy the park.

Switching gears to Hollywood Studios, the story’s the same.

Rise of the Resistance, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, they’re big-ticket items with big-time waits to match.

But you’ve got your Lightning Lane pass, remember? Now, those long waits are a thing of the past.

Let’s not forget Animal Kingdom. Rides like Kilimanjaro Safaris and Avatar Flight of Passage have queues long enough to make a grown man cry.

But you’re not crying.

You’re laughing all the way to the front of the line with your Lightning Lane pass.

This is what a day at Disney World can look like with Lightning Lanes.

And trust me, it’s worth it.

The time you save, the stress you avoid, it all adds up to a better park experience. After all, time is the one thing they’re not making more of. So why not make the most of yours?

Attraction Average Standby Wait Time Estimated Lightning Lane Wait Time Estimated Time Saved
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom) 120 minutes 15 minutes 105 minutes
Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom) 75 minutes 10 minutes 65 minutes
TRON Light Cycle (Magic Kingdom) 120 minutes 20 minutes 100 minutes
Frozen Ever After (EPCOT) 90 minutes 15 minutes 75 minutes
Test Track (EPCOT) 80 minutes 20 minutes 60 minutes
Soarin’ (EPCOT) 60 minutes 15 minutes 45 minutes
Rise of the Resistance (Hollywood Studios) 180 minutes 20 minutes 160 minutes
Slinky Dog Dash (Hollywood Studios) 90 minutes 20 minutes 70 minutes
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (Hollywood Studios) 80 minutes 20 minutes 60 minutes
Avatar Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom) 180 minutes 20 minutes 160 minutes
Na’vi River Journey (Animal Kingdom) 90 minutes 20 minutes 70 minutes
Kilimanjaro Safaris (Animal Kingdom) 60 minutes 15 minutes 45 minutes

Note: The Lightning Lane Wait Times and Time Saved are estimates and will obviously vary based on a variety of factors. The average standby wait times are based on peak times during a normal day at the park. As such, the actual time saved can be more or less than the estimated time saved in this table.

What would that mean for your day to be able to get just a few of those hours back by skipping to the front of the line?

  1. More Fun, Less Waiting: (This one is a no-brainer.) You’re at Disney World for the thrills and the chills, not for the long, winding queues. Lightning Lane cuts down your wait times, leaving you with more time to soak in the magic.
  2. Efficiency: (Time is pixie dust, my friend.) Every minute you save on waiting in line is a minute gained for another roller coaster, a parade, or heck, another round of Dole Whip. Lightning Lane might just double your magic quotient for the day.
  3. Reduced Stress: (Yes, it’s a thing, even in the Happiest Place on Earth.) No more fretting over wait times or sprinting across the park. Lightning Lane takes care of your schedule, so you can focus on having fun. And, let’s be honest, isn’t it comforting to know that the 2-hour line for Space Mountain is not on your itinerary?
  4. Comfort: (Florida heat is no joke.) Standing in line under the blazing sun can make anyone cranky. But with Lightning Lane, you can enjoy more attractions in air-conditioned comfort.
  5. The Gift of Time: Time is the one thing you can never have enough of, especially at Disney. Lightning Lane lets you reclaim those precious hours from the clutches of long queues. Use them to explore hidden corners of the park, indulge in a leisurely lunch, or simply sit back and watch the world go by.
  6. A Happy Squad: Traveling with kids (or adults with the patience of kids)? Long lines can quickly turn excitement into tantrums. With Lightning Lane, keep the smiles wide and the spirits high. Trust me, a happy crew makes all the difference.
  7. Leave Earlier, Live More: With Lightning Lane, you can wrap up your park day a bit early. How about an early dinner reservation at that popular restaurant you’ve been eyeing? Or maybe an evening stroll around Disney Springs? The world is your oyster.
  8. Save Your Energy: (You’re going to need it.) Standing for hours under the Florida sun can take a toll on your body. With Lightning Lane, you can conserve your energy for more fun activities. No more dragging your tired self from one attraction to another.
  9. Make Every Moment Count: At the end of the day, it’s all about creating memories. With Lightning Lane, every moment you save is another moment you can spend with your loved ones, creating magical memories that will last a lifetime.

Being able to reduce the amount of time waiting can make a massive difference in how much you actually enjoy your time at the parks.

In short, if you’re looking to squeeze every ounce of magic out of your Disney day, Lightning Lane might just be the fairy godmother you need. But remember, everyone’s Disney journey is unique, and that’s what makes it so special. Enjoy the ride!

Need more details about what’s available? 

I’ve got you covered there too. Below I’ve put together a table that covers what’s available for the top attractions at each of the four parks.

Magic Kingdom

The table below provides a comparison of the top attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom park in Orlando, Florida. The information includes whether the attraction is available with Lightning Lane or Individual Lightning Lane, whether it’s available via a virtual queue or standard standby queue, the average wait time, and the cost of Lightning Lane and Individual Lightning Lane access with Disney’s Genie+ service.

Attraction Lightning Lane Individual Lightning Lane Virtual Queue or Standby Average Wait Time Lightning Lane Cost Individual Lightning Lane Cost Genie+ Cost
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Yes No Standby 60-120 minutes Included in Genie+ Not available $15
Space Mountain Yes No Standby 45-90 minutes Included in Genie+ Not available $15
TRON Light Cycle No Yes Virtual Queue 120+ minutes Not available $7-$17 depending on time/day Not applicable
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Yes No Standby 35-75 minutes Included in Genie+ Not available $15
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Yes No Standby 30-60 minutes Included in Genie+ Not available $15

EPCOT

The EPCOT comparison table offers an overview of the park’s most popular attractions. It provides details on whether the ride is included in Lightning Lane or Individual Lightning Lane, the availability of virtual queues or standby queues, the typical wait times, and the costs associated with Lightning Lane, Individual Lightning Lane, and Disney’s Genie+ service.

Attraction Lightning Lane Individual Lightning Lane Virtual Queue or Standby Average Wait Time Lightning Lane Cost Individual Lightning Lane Cost Genie+ Cost
Soarin’ Yes No Standby 40-80 minutes Included in Genie+ Not available $15
Frozen Ever After No Yes Standby 60-120 minutes Not available $7-$17 depending on time/day Not applicable
Guardians of the Galaxy Ride No Yes Virtual Queue 120+ minutes Not available $7-$17 depending on time/day Not applicable
Test Track Yes No Standby 45-90 minutes Included in Genie+ Not available $15
Mission: SPACE Yes No Standby 30-60 minutes Included in Genie+ Not available $15

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Below you will find a table provides a comparison of the main attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios park. It includes information on whether each attraction is available via Lightning Lane or Individual Lightning Lane, if it can be accessed through a virtual queue or standby queue, the average wait times, and the costs of Lightning Lane, Individual Lightning Lane, and Genie+ service.

Attraction Lightning Lane Individual Lightning Lane Virtual Queue or Standby Average Wait Time Lightning Lane Cost Individual Lightning Lane Cost Genie+ Cost
Smuggler’s Run No Yes Standby 40-80 minutes Not available $7-$17 depending on time/day Not applicable
Slinky Dog Dash Yes No Standby 60-120 minutes Included in Genie+ Not available $15
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Yes No Standby 60-120 minutes Included in Genie+ Not available $15
Rise of the Resistance No Yes Virtual Queue 60-120 minutes Not available $7-$17 depending on time/day Not applicable
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Yes No Standby 40-80 minutes Included in Genie+ Not available $15
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Yes No Standby 40-80 minutes Included in Genie+ Not available $15
Toy Story Mania! Yes No Standby 30-60 minutes Included in Genie+ Not available $15

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

This table offers a detailed comparison of the top attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. It provides specifics on whether each ride is available through Lightning Lane or Individual Lightning Lane, the availability of virtual queues or standby queues, the average wait times, and the costs associated with Lightning Lane, Individual Lightning Lane, and Disney’s Genie+ service.

Attraction Lightning Lane Individual Lightning Lane Virtual Queue or Standby Average Wait Time Lightning Lane Cost Individual Lightning Lane Cost Genie+ Cost
Avatar Flight of Passage Yes No Standby 120+ minutes Included in Genie+ $7-$17 depending on time/day $15
Na’vi River Journey Yes No Standby 60-120 minutes Included in Genie+ Not available $15
Kali River Rapids Yes No Standby 30-60 minutes Included in Genie+ Not available $15
Kilimanjaro Safaris Yes No Standby 30-60 minutes Included in Genie+ Not available $15

Individual Lightning Lane vs. Disney Genie+

When it comes to Disney World’s Lightning Lane system, there are two options to consider: the Individual Lightning Lane and Disney Genie+. Both systems allow you to skip the standby line, but there are some key differences between the two. Here’s what you need to know.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Each System

The Individual Lightning Lane system allows you to make individual attraction selections for an additional fee.

This means that you can choose which rides you want to skip the line for, rather than having to purchase access to all of them. The downside is that the cost can add up quickly, especially if you want to ride multiple popular attractions.

On the other hand, Disney Genie+ is a more comprehensive service that allows you to skip the line at most popular attractions for a flat fee per day.

This can be a better value if you plan to ride several popular rides in one day. However, it’s important to note that there may still be some individual Lightning Lanes that require an additional fee.

Our Goals and Experience Testing Both Systems

During our testing, we found that both systems can be effective at reducing wait times. However, our goals for using each system were different. With the Individual Lightning Lane system, we were able to choose which rides to skip the line for based on our preferences and schedule. With Disney Genie+, we were able to ride multiple popular attractions in one day without worrying about the cost adding up.

Average Wait Times Based on Most Popular Disney World Rides

Here’s a breakdown of the average standby wait times for some of the most popular attractions at Disney World:

  • Slinky Dog Dash: 90 minutes
  • Test Track: 75 minutes
  • Space Mountain: 60 minutes
  • Expedition Everest: 45 minutes
  • Big Thunder Mountain: 40 minutes
  • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: 60 minutes
  • Peter Pan’s Flight: 60 minutes

As you can see, wait times can be quite long for some of the top attractions. Skipping the line with either the Individual Lightning Lane or Disney Genie+ can save you a lot of time.

Both the Individual Lightning Lane and Disney Genie+ can be effective at reducing wait times at Disney World. The best option for you will depend on your goals and budget. If you want to choose which rides to skip the line for, the Individual Lightning Lane may be a better option. If you plan to ride several popular attractions in one day, Disney Genie+ may be the way to go.

Lightning Lane Attractions

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, you’ve probably heard of the Lightning Lane. It’s a new system that allows you to skip the standby queue for some of the most popular rides at the park. But is it worth it? Let’s take a closer look at the individual Lightning Lane attractions and see if they’re worth the extra cost.

First up, we have Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. This ride is one of the newest additions to Disney World and has quickly become a fan favorite. The standby wait time can be over an hour, so the Lightning Lane is definitely worth considering. However, keep in mind that the cost for individual lightning lane selections can range from $9 to $20 per person per attraction.

Next, we have the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. This ride is another popular attraction that typically has a long standby wait time. If you’re a fan of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, then the Lightning Lane is a great way to skip the line and enjoy the ride without the wait.

If you’re a fan of Avatar, then you won’t want to miss Avatar Flight of Passage. This ride is one of the most popular in the park and has standby wait times that can exceed two hours. The Lightning Lane is definitely worth it if you want to experience this ride without the long wait.

For fans of Guardians of the Galaxy, Cosmic Rewind is a must-ride attraction. The ride is currently under construction and is set to open in 2022. While we don’t know the exact details of the Lightning Lane for this ride, it’s safe to say that it will be a popular option for those who want to skip the standby queue.

Finally, we have Haunted Mansion. This classic ride has been a staple at Disney World for decades and continues to be a fan favorite. While the standby wait time is usually not too long, the Lightning Lane is still a great option if you want to skip the line and enjoy the ride without the wait.

In other words, the Lightning Lane can be a great option for those who want to skip the standby queue for some of the most popular rides at Disney World. However, it’s important to consider the cost and whether or not it’s worth it for each individual attraction.

When is Lightning Lane Worth It?

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, you might be wondering if the Lightning Lane system is worth the extra money. The answer depends on a few factors that you need to consider before deciding whether to purchase individual lightning lane access or stick to the standby queue.

Factors to Consider when Deciding if Lightning Lane is Worth It

First, consider the wait times for the most popular rides. If you’re visiting during peak season, you can expect long lines for attractions like Haunted Mansion, Remi’s Ratatouille Adventure, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Avatar Flight of Passage, Cosmic Rewind, Guardians of the Galaxy, Slinky Dog Dash, Test Track, Space Mountain, Expedition Everest, Big Thunder Mountain, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Radiator Springs Racers. If you don’t want to spend hours waiting in line, Lightning Lane might be a good idea.

Second, think about the time of year you’re visiting. During off-season, the lines are shorter, and you might not need to use Lightning Lane. However, if you’re visiting during peak season, the wait times can be unbearable, and Lightning Lane might be the best way to save time.

Finally, consider whether you’re staying at a Disney resort. Guests of Disney resorts get early access to Lightning Lane, which means they can reserve their spots on popular rides before the crowds arrive. If you’re staying at a Disney resort, you might not need to purchase individual Lightning Lane access.

Peak Season vs. Off-Season

During peak season, the lines for popular rides can be hours long, and Lightning Lane can save you a significant amount of time. However, during off-season, the lines are shorter, and you might not need to use Lightning Lane. If you’re visiting during peak season, consider purchasing Lightning Lane to save time and avoid long lines.

How to Use the Tip Board and My Disney Experience App

The tip board and My Disney Experience app are essential tools for navigating Disney World. The tip board displays the current wait times for popular rides, and the My Disney Experience app allows you to reserve your spot on Lightning Lane. Use these tools to plan your day and avoid long lines.

In other words, if you’re visiting Disney World during peak season and want to avoid long lines, Lightning Lane might be worth the extra money. However, if you’re visiting during off-season, the lines are shorter, and you might not need to use Lightning Lane. Use the tip board and My Disney Experience app to plan your day and avoid long lines.

The Biggest Downside to Lightning Lane

Let’s face it, when it comes to theme parks, time is money. And that’s why Disney World’s Lightning Lane has been making waves since its introduction. But is it worth it? Before you decide, here’s the brutal truth about the biggest downside to Lightning Lane.

First, let’s compare it to paid FastPass systems at other theme parks. While Lightning Lane is similar to Universal’s Express Pass, it’s important to note that Disney’s system requires an additional fee on top of park admission. In other words, you’re paying for the privilege of skipping the lines.

But the biggest downside to Lightning Lane is the potential impact on the guest experience. While it may seem like a dream come true to skip the lines, it can actually take away from the magic of Disney World. Waiting in line is part of the experience, and it’s where you can bond with your family and friends over your excitement for the ride. By skipping the lines, you’re missing out on that experience.

Individual Lightning Lanes are another downside to the system. While some may argue that it’s worth it to skip the lines for the most popular rides, it’s important to remember that not all rides have Lightning Lanes. This means that you may end up waiting in line for some rides while others skip ahead of you. This can be frustrating and take away from the overall experience.

And let’s not forget that Lightning Lane is a paid service. While the cost may be worth it for some, it can add up quickly. If you’re on a budget, it may not be worth the extra expense.

While Lightning Lane may seem like a dream come true for those who want to skip the lines, it’s important to consider the potential impact on the guest experience, the additional fees, and the fact that not all rides have Lightning Lanes. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but think about it carefully before you decide to pay for Lightning Lane.

Next Steps

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