Hi Jonelle! Welcome to planDisney. With your visit to the Disneyland Resort right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to sort out your
Lightning Lane strategy, and I’m happy to help you make the most of your Disney day.
I checked with a helpful Cast Member, Jessica, on the
Disneyland Guest Services line to confirm the current policy, and at this time, a
Lightning Lane Multi Pass cannot be upgraded to a
Lightning Lane Premier Pass. If you decide you’d prefer Premier Pass, it would need to be purchased separately, and the amount you paid for Multi Pass would not be applied toward that purchase. Lightning Lane Multi Pass is also nonrefundable once it has been purchased.
That said, there is a silver lining. If you already have Lightning Lane Multi Pass and choose to purchase Premier Pass as well, you can actually use both during the same visit. These two options work a little differently, but they can complement each other nicely when used together.
Lightning Lane Multi Pass allows you to select return windows for eligible attractions throughout Disneyland and Disney California Adventure using the
Disneyland app. When your return time arrives, you’ll enter through the Lightning Lane instead of the standby queue. After redeeming a selection (or once enough time has passed), you can choose your next attraction in the app. Many Guests enjoy the flexibility of stacking return times throughout the day as they explore different areas of the resort.
Lightning Lane Premier Pass works a bit differently. Instead of choosing return times, Premier Pass provides each Guest with one-time Lightning Lane access to every participating attraction in a single park for that day. This includes attractions typically offered through Multi Pass as well as those normally available as individual Lightning Lane selections. With Premier Pass, there’s no need to schedule anything in advance. You simply arrive at an attraction and tap into the Lightning Lane when you’re ready, and the app automatically tracks which experiences you’ve already redeemed.
If you decide to use both options together, it’s helpful to remember that each attraction can be experienced once per pass. That means you could potentially enjoy a favorite attraction twice (once using Premier Pass and once using Multi Pass, if it’s included in both systems). It can be a great way to maximize your day, especially if there are a few must-do attractions on your list.
Jonelle, here’s my favorite Q-Tip for Lightning Lane planning: start your day early and head straight for a popular attraction while crowds are still building. It’s a wonderful time to enjoy the energy of the morning (and maybe even catch the sunrise lighting up the peaks of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad) before the parks reach their midday pace.
For the most current pricing on Premier Pass, I recommend checking the Disneyland app about seven days before your visit. Pricing can vary by date and demand, so the app will give you the most accurate information as your trip approaches.
I hope this helps you feel confident navigating your Lightning Lane options as your Disneyland adventure approaches. If any other questions pop up while you’re planning, we’d be delighted to welcome you back to planDisney.
Have an unforgettable visit filled with magical moments!
David