Hello Ceci! You must be so excited for your upcoming visit to Disney World! I’m sure you’ve got your countdown to Disney started! The short answer to your question is “no.” But of course there is a big exception to that answer. So, sit back, relax, and let me provide some helpful information!
In short, no, Guests do not have to select any attractions before they visit any of the four Disney Parks – Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Once you enter any of the parks, you can access any attraction using the traditional standby line for the attraction. You’ll notice most every attraction has a digital sign sharing the approximate wait time to experience the attraction using the traditional standby line.
Guests can also check attraction wait times using their My Disney Experience mobile app. When you open the app, tap the “magnifying glass.” When the menu appears, select “Wait Times & Showtimes.” Then at the top of the screen, you’ll need to select which park you’re visiting. Once you select your park preferences, the wait times for each attraction will appear.
I mentioned there is a big exception to my answer. That exception is a feature called “
Lightning Lane.” Guests wishing to have a shorter wait than the traditional standby line can purchase Lightning Lane access to some attractions.
If you purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can select three attractions before arriving at the theme park. Once you are in the theme park and use your first selection, you can select an additional attraction (pending availability). You can continue selecting attractions after each Lightning Lane use (pending availability). There is no additional charge as you continue selecting Lightning Lane Multi Pass attractions throughout the day.
There is another option called Lightning Lane Single Pass. This allows Guests to have a shorter wait in line than the traditional standby line. Lightning Lane Single Pass is available for the most popular attractions in the theme parks not covered by Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
Ceci, if Lightning Lanes are of interest to you, you can purchase them on your
My Disney Experience mobile app. You can make your Lightning Lane purchase and selections seven days before your vacation arrival if you are staying at a Walt Disney World hotel. If you’re not staying at a Disney World hotel, you can make your Lightning Lane purchase and selections three days before you visit the theme park.
I hope this information is helpful as you continue planning! Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions over the next few weeks!
Dreams do come true!
Jonathan