Radiator Springs; Lightning McQueen; Chick Hicks; Sally Carrera lined up
  • On Jan 20, 2026
    Tamara from WA Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Are the lightning lane premier passes only available to guests staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel or is anyone able to purchase them as long as they have a theme park ticket and reservation? I am finding conflicting information online.

    Welcome back to planDisney, Tamara! It sounds like you’re doing exactly what a great Disney planner does: researching ahead of time and double-checking details so your day unfolds as smoothly as possible. 

    I’m happy to help clear things up! At the Disneyland Resort, Lightning Lane Premier Pass is available to all Guests, whether or not they’re staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel. As long as you have a valid theme park ticket and a park reservation for your visit, you’re eligible to purchase Premier Pass, subject to availability. You don’t need to be a hotel Guest to take advantage of this option, which makes it a great choice for both local visitors and those staying off property.

    Premier Pass can be purchased up to seven days in advance of your park visit, while supplies last. When your purchase window opens, simply open the Disneyland app and follow the on-screen prompts. Once your transaction is complete, you’ll receive confirmation right in the app, making it easy to keep everything organized as your Disney Day approaches.

    Before purchasing, it’s important to ensure that all tickets and park reservations for your group are linked to your MyDisney account. This allows you to buy Premier Pass for everyone in your party in one smooth step. Inside the Disneyland app, tap the three horizontal lines in the lower-right corner, then select the Lightning Lane Passes tile. From there, you’ll see Premier Pass pricing for the next seven days and can choose your visit date to continue through checkout.

    After purchasing, you won’t see Premier Pass listed directly with your theme park tickets. Instead, once you’ve entered either theme park, head to Today’s Plans in the app and look for the My Day section. That’s where your Premier Pass lives. You’ll see a list of included Lightning Lane attractions along with those you’ve already experienced. One of the biggest perks is flexibility! There’s no need to book return times in advance. When inspiration strikes (or Space Mountain calls your name), you can simply head to the Lightning Lane entrance and scan in.

    Tamara, I hope this helps you feel more confident as you plan your day at the Disneyland Resort. Whether you’re maximizing attractions or leaving room for a slow stroll down Main Street, U.S.A., Premier Pass can be a helpful tool in shaping the kind of Disney Day you’re dreaming of. If more questions pop up, please stop by planDisney again. We’re always delighted to help!

    Happy Adventuring!

    David
thumbnail image for David

Meet the Panelist: David, California

Hey there! My name is David but my friends (like you!) call me "Q." My wife, our twin daughters, and I have been Disney fans our entire lives. In fact, most our major life milestones have been celebrated at Disneyland and California Adventure, from our honeymoon to celebrating our daughters' entrance into elementary school. As an amateur photographer, attention to detail is key and I bring that same spirit to helping you plan the most magical trip. Whatever your question is, I have a Q-Tip for you! Learn More About David

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