High Demand for Lightning Lane Premier Pass Leads to Multiple Thanksgiving Sell-Outs

9 days ago in "Disney Genie"

Posted: Saturday November 23, 2024 7:05am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The newly introduced Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which offers one-time access to all Lightning Lane attractions in a single park for one day and costs as much as $449, is proving to be a popular choice during the busy Thanksgiving holiday period. As of today, multiple dates have already sold out across Walt Disney World parks.

Sold-Out Dates and Parks

Here are the dates and park locations where the Lightning Lane Premier Pass is no longer available:

  • Magic Kingdom: November 23, 25, 26, 27, 28
  • Hollywood Studios: November 25, 28

This reflects both the holiday crowds and the allure of skipping standby lines for popular attractions during one of the busiest times of the year at Walt Disney World.

What Is the Lightning Lane Premier Pass?

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass allows guests to bypass standby lines for all eligible Lightning Lane attractions in one park per day. Unlike other Lightning Lane options, the Premier Pass offers flexibility, allowing guests to visit attractions without needing to select arrival windows in advance. The pass also includes Disney PhotoPass perks, making it a sought-after option for many visitors.

High Demand During Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving week is traditionally one of the most crowded times at Walt Disney World, as families take advantage of the holiday break to visit the parks.

For those planning to visit the parks during Thanksgiving, securing a Lightning Lane Premier Pass in advance has clearly been essential, as availability is limited and continues to sell out on select dates.

Availability and Planning Ahead

Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels can purchase the Premier Pass up to seven days before their arrival via the My Disney Experience app. Pricing varies by park and date, and quantities are limited.

As sold-out dates become more common during the holiday season, guests planning visits for Christmas and New Year’s Eve may want to consider purchasing as soon as eligible to avoid disappointment.

For those visiting during Thanksgiving without a Premier Pass, standard Lightning Lane options such as the Multi Pass or Individual Lightning Lane purchases may still be available, though they may require more planning.

Stay tuned for further updates on availability and tips for navigating the parks during this busy holiday period.

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DisneyDreamer0822 hours ago

This is true. I’m in a Facebook group for a children’s clothing boutique that does a lot of character prints. Someone posted recently asking for Harry Potter prints for their trip to Disney. When someone replied saying Harry Potter is Universal, not Disney, the OP responded saying they are going to several parks- Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Universal- so it’s easier to just say Disney instead of listing them all 😂 I always think 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ but never say anything 😂

Ayla22 hours ago

She had no idea where she was actually visiting. She thought they were one and the same.

lewisc1 day ago

Some people use Disney to refer to all theme parks in the Orlando area. Did she have a good time. Where did she stay? You don't need as much planning with Universal, compared with Disney. Guests staying at one of the 3 original hotels don't have to do any advance planning

nickys1 day ago

Did she think she’d visited Disney too, or had she simply confused the two?

Ayla1 day ago

Update on niece's trip - she spent the entire "Disney" vacation at Universal. 😂🤪

Vegas Disney Fan1 day ago

After spending Thanksgiving with my brothers family, who just got back from WDW, we’ve been convinced to buy MultiPass for our upcoming trip. He said he hated how expensive it was but they found it better than FP+ so at least they saw some benefit for the price. He said they managed just fine with MP so they see no need for Premiere pass, which is now completely off our radar.

Laketravis2 days ago

Guilty as charged

Chi842 days ago

I’ve seen people going over or under railings, unhooking chains, etc. to avoid walking a few extra steps.

peter114352 days ago

That’s not why that’s done

Laketravis2 days ago

Interesting. I've never complained about breezing thru empty queue segments. In fact, it left me with the impression the line was short.

lewisc3 days ago

Guests complain if they waste time snaking through empty queue segments. Sometimes Disney can't win.

Disstevefan14 days ago

Very true, before paid LL, I think they inflated times to make folks feel good they waited less than the posted wait time, they still do it today for the same reason with the happy side effect of possibly selling some LLs ;)

Disstevefan14 days ago

Very true, before paid LL, I think they inflated times to make folks feel good they waited less than the posted wait time, they still do it today for the same reason with the happy side effect of possibly selling some LLs ;)

Laketravis4 days ago

And they've been using optical illusions to make those look longer than they are - like closing queue lanes indoors so the line extends outside (where it can be seen and percieved as a long line).