Hi Sue,
Thanks for visiting planDisney. Getting Lightning Lane is a great way to maximize your time in the parks. You get to skip the regular queue and enjoy more rides. However, a lot of guests try to weigh the benefits of getting a
Lightning Lane Premier Pass in comparison to the
Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
Well, you came to the right place! I am happy to help you weigh the benefits of both options!
The Premier Pass is good for all
attractions with a Lightning Lane in both parks. It's a good idea to couple the Premier Pass with a
Park Hopper ticket so you can access all Multi-Pass and all Single-Pass attractions. There is no discount on the Premier Pass if you visit just one park, so maximize your purchase by upgrading to a Park Hopper Ticket.
Purchasing the Premier Pass increases your flexibility and guarantees that you can get on any available Lightning Lane attraction. Additionally, when purchasing a Premier Pass, you can join the Lightning Lane queue at any time (subject to availability), whereas with the Multi Pass, you have to make attraction reservations.
Regardless of which option you choose, both the Multi-Pass and the Premier Pass are valid for both parks on the same day. As you suggested, purchasing a Park Hopper ticket is key to maximizing the value of either pass. Keep in mind that when you purchase a Park Hopper ticket, you will be asked to make a park reservation. This is to indicate the park where you start your day. After 11:00 a.m., you’re free to hop between Disneyland Park and California Adventure Park as much as you'd like!
Remember, Sue, regardless of what type of Lightning Lane pass you purchase (Premier, Multi, or Single), they all allow guests to ride each available attraction once per day using Lightning Lane access.
If you decide that the Lightning Lane Premier Pass is not in the budget, I have some tips on how you can
stay on top of your Lightning Lane reservations!
I hope this information is helpful, Sue! If you have more questions or need help with any other part of your trip, feel free to reach out to me or one of my fellow planDisney panelists. We’d love to share more tips and sprinkle a little pixie dust on your vacation.
Have a magical trip!
– Melinda