Hi Lisa! Welcome to planDisney!
Lightning Lanes have become one of the most helpful tools for making the most of your time at the Disneyland Resort, especially on days when the parks are buzzing with excitement. Let’s take a look at how Lightning Lane Multi Pass works at the Happiest Place on Earth and what you can do to get a jump start on planning your day.
The biggest thing to know is that Lightning Lane Multi Pass return times can’t be booked before the day of your visit. At the Disneyland Resort, you’ll only be able to choose your return windows once you’ve actually scanned into your starting park. Think of it like the attractions officially welcoming you for the day. Once you’re through the turnstiles, the magic fully kicks in. While this means you can’t pre-book specific rides from home or your hotel, you can pre-purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass access ahead of time. Doing this gives you a big advantage because the moment you enter the park, you’ll be ready to start selecting return times without any delays.
And here’s a Lightning Lane Q-Tip for you! Most Guests are pleasantly surprised to learn that you can often hold more than one Lightning Lane reservation at the same time. The general rule is simple: after you book a return time, you’ll need to wait until either you redeem that reservation or two hours pass before booking your next one. For example, if you book a
Matterhorn Bobsleds return time at 9:00 a.m. for later in the afternoon (let’s say 4:00 p.m.), you can still grab another Lightning Lane–eligible attraction at 11:00 a.m., like
Haunted Mansion Holiday or
Indiana Jones Adventure, without losing that Matterhorn slot. I like to set a quick timer or alarm on my phone to help me stay on track (it’s a great way to avoid missing your next chance to book).
My top tip, Lisa, is to arrive early. Being one of the first into the park not only gives you that quiet, magical morning atmosphere but also means your first return time selections will offer more flexibility. Plus, you’ll enjoy shorter standby waits for popular attractions. It’s perfect for a morning spin on the Mad Tea Party or a breezy glide through Radiator Springs before the midday crowds arrive.
I hope this helps you feel ready and excited for your Disneyland adventure, Lisa. If you have any other questions or want help planning out your day, please stop by and visit us again at planDisney.
Wishing you a truly magical trip filled with adventure and pixie-dusted moments,
David