Hi there, Christine!
Welcome back to planDisney! We are excited to hear from you again. I hope you are having a practically perfect time planning your upcoming
Walt Disney World Resort vacation. There are so many new and exciting experiences throughout the parks right now, it is a great time to visit. It also sounds like you may be there during one of my favorite EPCOT festivals--the
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Hooray! I adore dining my way around the world with the Global Marketplaces and dancing to the tunes offered in the Eat to the Beat concert series.
Thank you for your great question regarding the new
Lightning Lane passes. Guests staying at a
Disney Resort Hotel and other select hotels are able to begin purchasing passes for their visit 7 days prior to their arrival date. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like your friends meet this criteria, so they won't be eligible to begin purchasing Lightning Lane Single Pass and/or Lightning Lane Multi Pass until 3 days prior to their first park visit. Once they're able to purchase theirs, hopefully, you both will be able to modify your arrival windows so that your plans are able to overlap.
Did you know that you're also able to begin booking
Advanced Dining Reservations and experiences from the
Enchanting Extras Collection 60 days prior to your arrival? I recommend choosing an activity or a meal that you are able to reserve for everyone together. It will be a great way to connect during the day and talk about all of the memorable, magical moments you've had that day.
Happy planning, Christine. If there is anything else we are able to help you with, please let us know.
Magical Wishes,
Lauren