Princess Tiana welcomes guests in Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom. The scene captures the vibrant spirit of New Orleans
  • On Jan 2, 2025
    Jamie from MS Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    My family is visiting Walt Disney World the last week of January. Is it necessary to buy lighting lane passes or are the crowds low and there is no need?

    It's so great to see you here today at planDisney, Jamie! Are you getting so excited about your trip to Walt Disney World at the end of this month? It sounds like you're in the final stages of planning your trip and you're within a few weeks of being able to purchase Lightning Lane access if you want to, so let's chat about what you can expect on your upcoming trip with regard to crowds and help you decide if Lightning Lane access is something you're interested in. 

    Jamie, even Madame Leota's crystal ball couldn't tell us with any certainty exactly what the crowd levels are going to be like in a given week at Disney World. There are a few things working in your favor though: there aren't any major holidays that week, and there aren't any big special events, like a runDisney race. With that in mind, I think it's safe to expect average crowds, but it's never a guarantee. Crowds are unpredictable, and determining where they will go is more of an art than a science!

    With that in mind, it's totally up to you to decide if you want to purchase Lightning Lane access. In my opinion, I think it is almost always worth it to use Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. When I use it at Animal Kingdom or EPCOT, it's often because someone in my party wants to ride something specific that typically gets a longer wait time, like Frozen Ever After or Na'vi River Journey. At those parks, I enjoy taking in the ambiance of the animal trails and World Showcase, so I'm not as focused on riding as many attractions as possible. If your family prioritizes rides over everything else, then it might be worth considering Lightning Lane access there as well!

    I hope this answers your question, Jamie, and please let us know if there's anything else we can do to help you plan your magical vacation.

    Jessica
thumbnail image for Jessica

Meet the Panelist: Jessica, Texas

I'm a data scientist and lifelong Disney enthusiast who’s been visiting Walt Disney World Resort since I was a baby. My Disney travel style combines stunning lounges and world-class dining with the joy of hidden entertainment gems and my all-time favorite attractions. Whether it’s a foodie-focused couples' getaway or a fabulous girls' trip, I believe the magic starts with planning, and I'm passionate about crafting unforgettable adventures. Learn More About Jessica

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for Disney Thrills | planDisney Podcast - Season 2 Episode 5

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.