Hiya Jessica,
Welcome to planDisney! We're so happy you've visited us with your question today, and I'm delighted for you that you'll be arriving at Walt Disney World in just a few short days. Once you get inside that "purchase Lightning Lane Passes" window, things really start to get real. Your magical adventure is about to begin!
You've brought up a terrific feature of utilizing the purchase of a
Lightning Lane Multi Pass combined with park hopper tickets. That's a pro move and excellent strategy, fellow explorer! Yes, although your Multi Pass was purchased for Disney's Animal Kingdom, as soon as you tap in to your first reserved attraction for the day you can immediately hop on to your
My Disney Experience app and make another Lightning Lane reservation... in any park! That includes the option of selecting something in EPCOT for later in the day. Note that this will be subject to availability, so I like to do so right after we tap in to a ride. Like, while we're still walking through the queue, before we even get on the ride. I'm the village crazy lady - that's my job. My family may roll their eyes... but hei hei! They thank me later when I score another terrific Lightning Lane pass for us all. Even a few minutes can make a difference in what Lightning Lane passes are still available, especially around midday when many other guests are maximizing their Lightning Lane Multi Pass in the same way.
One tip I pass along to friends is to compare the reservation return times, when selecting an additional attraction to book with your Lightning Lane. If you see a popular attraction with a late return time... the availability is running low, and that attraction may "sell out" soon. Weigh this knowledge, your top ride preferences, and how much remaining Lightning Lane availability you see in order to determine what to select. No matter how you end up using them, purchasing a Lightning Lane Multi Pass is a terrific idea that will help you see and do so much more. There's just no telling how far you'll go!
Another piece of good news is that you should experience much lower crowds during your visit than the peak holiday season. This also means you stand a good chance of being able to grab some "extra" Lightning Lanes at EPCOT for later in the day.
I have one quick tip to share, as my family recently enjoyed the same park plan you are describing. We arrived nice and early for "rope drop" at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and found most guests were heading in the direction of Pandora. So instead, we went back to the Asia area to utilize our first Lighting Lane pass for Expedition Everest. This appeared to be an atypical plan, and we found few guests in this part of the park. As a result, Everest had extremely low lines and we were able to ride it three times with no wait. What an exhilarating, adrenaline rush to start the day! Because it was nice and early, it also allowed me to grab another excellent Lighting Lane pass in another park for later in our day.
Once you arrive at EPCOT, please don't miss the interactive tribute to Moana,
Journey of Water. It's somewhat tucked away towards the front of the park and it never seems to have a line. This engaging exhibit is beautiful, inspiring, and highly enjoyable for all ages.
Jessica, I will be sending pixie-dust your way to maximize those Lightning Lane passes, and pack plenty of fun into your Disney Day! Have an amazing trip to Disney World, and please feel free to visit us at planDisney any time.
See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls you...
Tami