Hi David,
Welcome to planDisney! Tackling the 4-Park Challenge and experiencing rides in all four Walt Disney World theme parks in one day sounds like an incredible adventure. My family attempted something similar earlier this year, but we skipped Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Let me tell you, it was a day full of memories we’ll never forget. You’re in for an exciting challenge!
Now, onto your question! It’s a tough one because everyone’s strategy can differ. But here’s a game plan to help you make the most of Lightning Lane selections and maximize your time.
Start your day by booking your first Lightning Lane for a popular attraction with a return time close to the park opening. Once you’ve redeemed that first selection, you can immediately book another, keeping the momentum going throughout the day. Early morning return times are key in your first park to ensure you can move quickly between attractions.
In my experience,
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is an excellent starting point for a marathon day. Attractions like Slinky Dog Dash, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, or Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster often see the earliest return times disappear quickly, so prioritize booking one of these. If none are available for the morning, consider a must-do that’s lower on your list to start stacking Lightning Lanes for later.
Once you’ve secured three attractions at Hollywood Studios, turn your attention to
EPCOT. Here, aim for mid-morning or lunchtime return times for must-experience attractions like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After, or Soarin’ Around the World. EPCOT makes a convenient second stop because of its proximity to Hollywood Studios—walking between the two takes just 15–20 minutes. Bonus tip: If you secured a Virtual Queue or purchased an Individual Lightning Lane for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, try to schedule it around this time as well! Between Lightning Lane bookings, attractions like The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Turtle Talk with Crush, or the Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, can fill in the gaps. As you start redeeming your Lighting Lanes at EPCOT, start looking at Magic Kingdom, but still head to
Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Since the Animal Kingdom typically closes earlier, it’s worth prioritizing attractions with shorter wait times, like Expedition Everest, DINOSAUR, and Kilimanjaro Safaris in the mid-afternoon, possibly without using your valuable Lightning Lanes.
Magic Kingdom offers a variety of attractions, so as you approach evening hours, standby lines for popular rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, “it’s a small world”, and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin tend to shorten. Reserve Lightning Lanes for top-priority attractions like Space Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Jungle Cruise to maximize your time.
One final tip: While complimentary transportation between parks is convenient, it can eat into your schedule. If you’re on a tight timeline, consider rideshare services to minimize travel time and maximize park time.
David, I hope this strategy sets you up for an incredible day of thrills and unforgettable moments.
Don’t hesitate to reach out with more questions—I’m here to help!
Brent