Riders up, Ken, and thanks for stopping by planDisney on your way to
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. I love the thoroughbred theme there; maybe that's because I'm a Kentucky gal. It sounds like you're planning to "race" to some attractions on your upcoming visit, so let's look at purchasing
Lightning Lane passes before you arrive. And we're off!
Coincidentally, I booked Lightning Lane Multi Passes for my family yesterday morning! I'm on vacation in Puerto Rico, so I had to keep the time change in mind. Pass bookings always open at 7:00 AM EST, so depending on where you live in Florida, you might need to make that adjustment.
As a Disney Resort Hotel guest, you're eligible to pull ahead of the pack and
book yours seven days in advance. The easiest way to determine that date is to use the same day of the week as your arrival. So, if you're arriving on a Saturday, you'll be able to book Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass on the Saturday before. In your situation, that would be January 31.
In my case, I'm a local not staying on property, so I booked mine three days in advance. I'll be arriving on January 28, so I just did simple math: 28 - 3 = 25. My booking window opened on January 25. Luckily, I was able to book three of my favorite attractions!
One sure-fire way to check that date is in your
My Disney Experience mobile app now. Tap the Lightning Lane Passes tile on the welcome screen; tap any of the "Purchase" buttons; select an available date, theme park, and pass, and then click the blue "Continue" button at the bottom of the screen.
On the next screen, you'll see a list of Friends & Family under "Who's Included." Since you're not able to book now, you should see the date and time each guest WILL be eligible to purchase and book. Be sure to cancel the purchase since this was just a test run, but that's how you'll know for certain when you can book. Set your alarm and get ready for the race to begin!
I'm taking my 85-year-old mother-in-law to Magic Kingdom Park this week, so I purchased Lightning Lane Single Passes for our family to ride
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train together. I think she'll love it. If she doesn't, I guess I'll be sent out to pasture!
Ken, you're in the home stretch now, so I'm sending pixie dust your way. Thanks again for stopping by
planDisney. We'll be waiting for you in the winner's circle!
Magic awaits,
Elaine