Disney World Lighting Lane changes, advance reservations coming

Disney World is revamping its Genie+ service and individual Lightning Lane entry to allow you to plan a week in advance.

In doing so, Disney is again changing the names of of things, which always means more confusion to guests. There are people who still refer Lightning Lanes by their previous name FastPasses.

On July 24, Disney World will introduce what they are hoping are new, simpler names to provide more clarity for everyone. Disney Genie+ service will become Lightning Lane Multi Pass, while individual Lightning Lane will now be known as Lightning Lane Single Pass.   

The most important changes really have nothing to do with the names, but how to use the service.

Here’s what you will be able to do:

• Make Lightning Lane plans before you arrive to Disney World.     
• Choose your experiences and times prior to purchasing, so you know what you’re getting. 
• Book Lightning Lane passes for multiple vacation days, all in a single day. 

Does this all sound familiar? It’s similar to FastPass+ – the previous non-paying option- to get into a virtual queue for an attraction.

How Lightning Lane passes will work beginning July 24

This new way will now allow you to make plans ahead of time instead of having to learn the system on the fly while in the park.  Here’s how Disney explains the new system:

Lightning Lane Multi Pass     

When you purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you may make up to 3 Lightning Lane selections in a theme park, in advance of your visit. You’ll also be able to choose available times as you make your selections.  

On the day of your visit, once you use a selection, check the My Disney Experience app for availability to make an additional selection.  

Lightning Lane Single Pass     

Lightning Lane Single Pass will work much like it does today, where you can secure a time to ride one of our most highly demanded attractions, but you’ll now be able to make your purchase and plan in advance.       

How to Plan Ahead 

Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel and other select hotels will be able to plan Lightning Lane passes up to 7 days in advance, for their entire stay (up to 14 days). All other guests can plan up to 3 days in advance. 

These advance purchase windows will let guests secure some of their must-do rides and experiences after they’ve had some time to decide what dining reservations they want to book and any other plans they may need to consider.  

Guests may purchase a Lightning Lane Multi Pass, a Lightning Lane Single Pass or both. The app will also be updated to make it quicker and easier to purchase and plan, with fewer steps and a new option to purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass and Lightning Lane Multi Pass in one transaction.       

Lightning Lane passes will blend features from current services and the previously offered FastPass+ service, giving guests the choice to plan ahead and removing the hassle of planning during their vacation.  

What about Disneyland?

Disneyland Resort will also use the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single pass names beginning July 24. Based on the different ways guests visit Disneyland Resort, the way guests purchase, select and redeem Lightning Lane passes at Disneyland Resort will remain the same.    

The complimentary features of Disney Genie service will continue to be available in the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps.