Hey there, Kristina! Welcome to planDisney!
Oh my goodness, your trip to The Most Magical Place on Earth is almost here! How exciting! While our Cajun firefly friend, Raymond, loves the sparkling Evangeline, I love helping fellow Guests plan their magical journeys. So, let's get right to your question.
Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels can purchase
Lightning Lane passes and choose attraction arrival windows starting seven days before arrival day. Guests not staying in a Disney Resort hotel make their selections three days before visiting the parks.
Kristina, Lightning Lane arrival windows are constantly changing. For popular rides like
Tiana's Bayou Adventure, families who secure reservations seven days in advance may find early morning times available. In contrast, those booking three days prior may not see available slots until the evening. It's impossible to predict what times will be available. Coordinating times with your off-site party can be challenging, especially if you purchase reservations at different times. If you want to make selections simultaneously, you will need to wait until your off-site party is eligible to reserve.
However, Lightning Lane arrival windows can be modified after your initial selection, so if you make your selections at different times and they don't align, you can adjust them later. Additionally, the Lightning Lane Multi Pass offers a "use one, get one" benefit, allowing everyone in your group to make a new selection together after using the first attraction of the day.
Kristina, another great tip is to ensure that at least one adult in each group has set up a
My Disney Experience account. These accounts will link theme park tickets, dining reservations, Lightning Lane purchases, and
Virtual Queue selections. Once the accounts are created, you can add each other to the Friends and Family List, allowing you to share plans, regardless of whether you are staying at a Disney Resort hotel or off-site.
I hope this helps as you make your Lightning Lane selections. Stop by planDisney anytime. I hope you all have the most wonderful time!
Wishing you blue skies and sunshine!
Shonette