Welcome to planDisney Joe! Thanks so much for reaching out with your question. Planning Lightning Lane access can definitely feel a little tricky, especially when not everyone in your party plans to ride. It’s great that you’re thinking this through ahead of your Walt Disney World visit, and I’m happy to help explain how Lightning Lane passes work when you’re managing them for your kids but not riding along yourself.
Lightning Lane access is tied to each individual ticket, not to who is managing things in the app. So when you purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass or a Single Pass, you just select your kids and leave yourself unchecked. You can still manage everything from your
My Disney Experience app as long as their tickets are linked to you through Family & Friends.
When it’s time to ride, you don’t need to tap in at all if you’re not riding. Your kids will tap in using whatever is linked to their ticket: a MagicBand+, Magic Mobile pass on a phone, or a physical ticket card. The Lightning Lane scanner is checking their ticket, not yours, so it doesn’t matter that you’re the one who booked it.
If your kids are old enough to ride on their own, they can just head into the Lightning Lane and scan themselves. If they’re younger, you can walk them up to the entrance, help them scan, and then wait nearby or exit through the side if needed.
One small thing to keep in mind is that you won’t be able to scan into the Lightning Lane with them to assist unless you also have Lightning Lane access for that ride. If your kids might need you physically in the queue with them for comfort or assistance, you’d need a pass too. Otherwise, you’re good managing from the sidelines.
Joe, I hope this information helps you feel prepared as you continue planning your Walt Disney World adventure. Thank you so much for stopping by planDisney with your question. Wishing you and your family a smooth, magical visit filled with unforgettable moments, big smiles, and plenty of pixie dust along the way!
Kay