Welcome to planDisney, Philip! Lightning Lanes have quickly become one of the most useful ways to maximize your time at the Disneyland Resort, and with the recent addition of the
Premier Pass, there are now even more options to help you glide past the standby queues and onto your favorite attractions. Let’s explore how these passes work together so you can plan your day with confidence.
As you may know,
Lightning Lane Multi Pass allows you to schedule return times for select attractions in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Think of it as your personal ride planner. You’ll choose a window of time to return, and then simply come back during that window to skip the regular line. You can purchase the Multi Pass in advance when you buy your theme park tickets, as a separate add-on before your trip, or directly through the
Disneyland app on the day of your visit.
The newest option is the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which offers a different style of access. With this all-access pass, each Guest who purchases it receives a one-time Lightning Lane entry for every participating attraction in a single theme park. That includes attractions normally part of the Multi Pass as well as those available as Single Pass selections. It’s essentially a checklist of Lightning Lane access for the day, without the need to make advance return time selections.
I spoke with a helpful Cast Member named, Joseph, who confirmed that Guests can absolutely have both the Premier Pass and the Lightning Lane Multi Pass during a visit. Here’s how they work together: with the Premier Pass, the Disneyland app will automatically keep track of which attractions you’ve already redeemed and which ones are still available. No advance scheduling is required. For the Multi Pass, however, you’ll still need to make return time selections within the app, just as you normally would. One important detail: whether using the Premier Pass or the Multi Pass, each attraction may only be redeemed once per pass.
No matter which option you choose, Philip, here’s my best Q-Tip: arrive early! Being among the first Guests in the park not only gives you an advantage when making selections in the app but also means you’ll enjoy shorter standby wait times. It’s the perfect way to squeeze in an extra trip through Radiator Springs or start your morning with a spin on the Mad Tea Party before the crowds arrive.
I hope this helps you feel ready to navigate Lightning Lane choices during your next Disneyland visit. And if more questions come up, please don’t hesitate to stop by again. We at planDisney are always delighted to help you make the most of your Disney days.
Wishing you a pixie-dusted day,
David