Welcome to planDisney, Crissy! You are an excellent planner!
Lightning Lanes are the perfect way to experience attractions at the Walt Disney World Resort! Your Lightning Lane purchase will allow you (and your party) to experience a shorter wait than the traditional standby queue!
For Guests to purchase Lightning Lanes seven days in advance, the Guest and members of their party must be staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. All other Guests can purchase their Lightning Lanes three days in advance of their arrival. Crissy, in your case, you would be able to purchase Lightning Lanes seven days in advance for the Guests staying with you at your Disney World hotel. You wouldn’t be able to purchase them for those who are not a part of your hotel reservation.
I had a similar experience last summer. My wife and I were staying at
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, but my sister and her family were just coming for the day. I purchased my Lightning Lanes seven days in advance, while my sister had to wait for the three-day window to open. It took some time, but with some constant checking, we eventually got our Lightning Lane windows to align!
Here’s what I recommend…everyone should book their Lightning Lanes when their opportunity opens (i.e., seven days for you and anyone on your hotel reservation, and three days for the others). Once you’ve all booked your Lightning Lanes, you are able to adjust your Lightning Lane timeframe based on availability. Availability does change, so what isn’t available one day might be available a day or two later. You just need to keep checking and realigning!
Crissy, I’m sending you some pixie dust to try to get your Lightning Lanes to align!
Dreams do come true!
Jonathan