Hiya Kristin!
Welcome to planDisney, and thanks for visiting us with your question. We love to assist guests like ourselves with all of their magical planning needs. Since you hail from California, I'm guessing you have visited Disneyland? How exciting to be planning a vacation at Florida's Walt Disney World! Woo hooo!!
If you haven't used
Lightning Lane Passes yet, you're going to absolutely love them. When my family purchases a Lightning Lane Multi Pass... not only does it feel like we get to pack in even more attractions, but the saved time contributes to a more enjoyable pace. Go ahead and sit down, relax while enjoying that Disney snack. You can also invest in saving a good spot early, so you get awesome views of the evening fireworks. It's all part of your practically perfect park day!
If you will be a guest staying at a Disney Resort, your eligibility window to purchase Lightning Lane passes and make those reservations is actually tied to your check-in date. One of the
perks of staying at a Disney Resort is that starting 7 days prior to your arrival, you can book Lightning Lanes for the entire length of your stay (up to 14 days).
Since you mentioned a 3 day window, you may be staying off site? If so, the
My Disney Experience app will allow you to purchase Lightning Lanes up to 3 days in advance of a park visit, beginning at 7:00 AM Eastern. As you mentioned, any guests included in the purchase would need to have a linked, valid park ticket for that date. If you wish to purchase Lightning Lane Passes for multiple days, you will do this individually, 3 days prior to each date. Note you can even purchase Lightning Lanes the same day of your park visit, but we always recommend purchasing them as soon as you are eligible in order to have the best selection.
I see you'll be visiting during the last few days of EPCOT's International Food & Wine Festival, which runs through November 22 this year. For a delicious preview of what to expect from the Global Marketplace food booths... your taste tour around the world... check out the Disney Parks Blog
Festival Foodie Guide. My must-have every single time is the scrumptious "Filet Mignon with mushrooms and mashed potatoes featuring Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese" at the Canada booth. It's like a miniature
Le Cellier steak to go! Yes. Please.
Kristin, I hope my description of how and when to purchase Lightning Lanes made sense and helped answer your question. If I can help with anything further, please don't hesitate to send me a
message a planDisney. Have a wonderful time at Walt Disney World!
Hi ho, hi ho... it's off to fun you go!
Tami