Hi Ronald! Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your great question! If you or a member of your family is a member of the United States military, thank you for the service and commitment that you or a family member has made to our country!
Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, or other select hotels including Shades of Green, Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, and Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, can make their
Lighting Lane purchase and selections seven days before their check-in date. If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, then you are included in that group!
Other Guests, staying at non-Disney Resort hotels can purchase and select their Lightning Lanes three days before they visit the theme park.
You mentioned that you’re visiting in December. The magic of that time of year extends to the Walt Disney World Resort!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is held on select nights at Magic Kingdom Park throughout the Most Wonderful time of the year. This festive event requires a special admission ticket. While the event begins at 7:00 PM and concludes at midnight, Guests with tickets can enter Magic Kingdom Park as early as 4:00 PM! The party is the most amazing way to experience Magic Kingdom Park at Christmastime!
Ronald, I hope this information is helpful! Come on back to planDisney as you prepare for your visit later this year! If you'd like to send a follow-up question with the specific name of your resort hotel, a member of planDisney can confirm that you can make your Lightning Lane purchase and selections seven days in advance.
Dreams do come true!
Jonathan