Photo of a bunch of Mickey balloons - Walt Disney World Spring Header 2
  • On May 25, 2025
    Leslie from MO Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I plan to reserve lightning lanes. Two people in our group live in Orlando and have annual passes. Can I reserve lightning lanes for them 7 days in advance if they are not staying at the resort? Should I just add them to the resort reservations?

    Hi Leslie!

    Welcome back to planDisney!

    When it comes to purchasing and booking Lightning Lane services, your booking window depends on your resort stay. So, if your friends who live locally will not be linked to a stay at a Disney World resort or select good neighbor hotel, but you will, your booking windows will be different.  

    If you’re staying at a Disney World resort or select good neighbor hotel, you’ll be able to purchase and book Lightning Lanes for your entire trip beginning at 7 AM Eastern, 7 days prior to your resort check-in date. 

    For those staying off property with tickets that aren’t date-based (such as Annual Passes), the booking window for Lightning Lanes will open at 7 AM Eastern, 3 days prior to their park day. So, they would have multiple booking windows if they’re heading to the parks on multiple days, if they stay off property. 

    It’s good to note that the members of your party with Annual Passes will need to make park reservations for the first park they plan to visit each day. I’d make sure that’s all set up before your Lightning Lane booking window opens. That way, it doesn’t limit availability to certain times of the day when it comes to your return times. 

    I hope that helps! If any other questions pop up as you continue to plan, let us know!

    Jenn J. 

thumbnail image for Jenn

Meet the Panelist: Jenn, Ohio

Hello from Ohio! I’m Jenn–a physical therapist, wife, and mom of 3 boys…who look just like Huey, Dewey, and Louie if you squint! I grew up visiting “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” and now I consider Walt Disney World my home away from home. I have a healthy mix of Joy and Nostalgia when I’m at the Disney Parks, and I’m so excited to help you make lifelong memories on your next Disney vacation. Learn More About Jenn

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for Full Resort Guide: Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.