Welcome to planDisney, Jennifer!
Thanks for bringing us your excellent Disney planning question. You're going to love using
Lightning Lane passes... they truly give you back additional time, so you can pack more fun into your Disney Day! Woo hoo! You've got a friend in me, so let's talk about how to customize your party size when making your Lightning Lane purchases.
I recommend first making sure you've got all the guests in your party connected in your
My Disney Experience app, so you're all ready to go when your eligibility window opens. To verify this, start from the app home screen and select the hamburger icon "≡" in the lower right, scroll down to "Account - Profile", and check the "Family & Friends List" tab. If your guest names all appear, you're good to go! You need these accounts linked so the app can see their theme park ticket, a requirement in order for you to make a Lightning Lane purchase in their behalf.
In the scenario you describe with varying guests, you will need to make two separate Lightning Lane purchases. After selecting date, Disney Park, and then either Lightning Lane Multi Pass (LLMP) and/or Lightning Lane Single Pass (LLSP).... the next step is to select "Who's included?" I recommend you first purchase your LLMP for the group, and select your top 3 picks. Then I would circle back in another Lightning Lane purchase transaction, and this time include only those wanting the LLSP.
And whoever is sitting out when you guys ride that Lightning Lane Single Pass attraction has to go get everyone a Mickey Pretzel. I'm pretty sure that's the rule.
As a reminder, for guests staying at a Disney resort you can make your Lightning Lane purchases starting 7 days prior to your arrival date, beginning at 7:00 am Eastern Time. For off site guests, booking begins 3 days prior to arrival. I recommend setting your alarm and being ready as soon as your window opens for the best selection!
One last tip before I go. With your Lightning Lane Multi Pass, make sure one of your selections has the earliest return time possible. As soon as you tap in to that attraction, you can immediately open your My Disney Experience app and select another LL experience. And the best part is, those extra same day passes do not have a "tier" restriction! This is a great way to skip an additional stand by line to the most popular attractions.
I hope you have a magical stay... and get to RIDE ALL THE RIDES, Jennifer! Please
visit me again at planDisney if you'd like additional tips or recommendations for your Disney World vacation.
Pixie dust to you!
Tami