Hey there, hi there, ho there, Sarah! Thank you so much for allowing planDisney to assist with your upcoming Walt Disney World Resort visit. You arrive soon, so as Mickey says, "Oh, boy!" Let's look at booking some Lightning Lane passes so you can make the most of your time in the theme parks.
First of all, congrats on adding the Park Hopper Option to your tickets. Being able to pop over to a different park for a meal or fireworks is truly magical. Keeping with our time-saving theme, my tip is to
review the transportation options between parks to help plan your hopping strategy. For example, I love boarding the Disney Skyliner to sail above the trees between Disney's Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Not only is it easy, but it's an attraction in itself!
Now, let's look at securing some Lightning Lane passes for your party. You can only purchase these passes and book return times in your
My Disney Experience mobile app, so be sure you're logged in and have your theme park tickets linked.
If you're a guest of a Disney Resort Hotel, you can
purchase passes 7 days before you arrive; all other guests can purchase at the 3-day mark. So if you have a resort stay, ensure it's also linked to your account before you begin the purchase process.
With all your plans synced, now you can purchase those passes! In the mobile app, tap the three lines in the bottom-right corner to open the Welcome screen. You should see a tile near the top that says "Lightning Lane Passes." On the next screen, you'll select the type of pass you're interested in purchasing: Multi Pass, Single Pass, or Premier Pass.
Follow the prompts to select the date and theme park where you'll begin your day. Select the guests you'd like to purchase for from your
linked Family & Friends list, and then choose your attractions!
Your
initial three Lightning Lane Multi Passes must be from your first theme park. After you scan in for that first ride, you'll be eligible to select attractions at any park. My strategy is to select the earliest return time for my first attraction so I can see the best availability for the next one. You'll get the hang of it, Sarah; I promise!
As for help planning your visit, we're always thrilled to help here at
planDisney. You can also call the
App and MagicBand Support line if you have any issues purchasing or booking those Lightning Lane passes. For more general planning questions, feel free to call Tickets and Hotel Reservations. The Cast Members manning the phones are like having a whole team of Fairy Godmothers!
Sarah, I'm sprinkling pixie dust your way so that your visit is full of magic and memories. Hope to see you again real soon!
Magic awaits,
Elaine