Hi Janet! Thanks for visiting planDisney.
I'm happy to clear up any confusion about how
Lightning Lane Multi Pass works at Disneyland Resort. It sounds like you've read up on some of the changes being implemented at Walt Disney World Resort with Lightning Lane Multi Pass. I'm a planner too, so I'd be doing my homework with these changes just like you are. The two resorts don't operate exactly the same, however. Disneyland Resort Guests experience the parks a little differently than Guests at Walt Disney World Resort, and those differences have shaped how Lightning Lane Multi Pass will function at the two resorts. The aim is to provide the best experience for Guests.
At Disneyland Resort, Guests currently don't book a Lightning Lane Entrance return time on the app until they've scanned into the park for the day. Once a friendly Cast Member has scanned your ticket, you're free to open the
Disneyland mobile app and make your first selection. There is no advanced window for booking. This is how it's always worked at Disneyland Resort and will continue to work regardless of the new name.
I frequently visit both parks, and I find the Disneyland Resort system to be incredibly stress-free. I don't need to wake up early days before my trip, and I've never had to wake up on the morning of our park day to scramble in the hotel room to book an attraction in the app. We enjoy a leisurely breakfast in our room, get ready, and head to the parks. We've found that since everyone books after they arrive, there are plenty of early return times to choose from when we scan in for the day.
I would suggest you arrive in the morning, however, rather than arriving later in the day. As the day goes on, return times can fill up, especially on popular park days. But we always get to the parks shortly after park opening and we get a lot on our must-ride list accomplished before lunchtime.
I hope this helps!
Elizabeth