A new Disney service, announced on Wednesday (16), will allow you to enter a faster line at any time of the day without needing to reserve your spot through the app, the only option previously offered for those wanting to escape the two-hour wait at the most popular attractions.
The “Lightning Lane Premier Pass” is being offered in extremely limited quantities and is designed to be purchased and used by a few guests.
The pass will have a price per person per day, based on the date and demand. It may vary from $137.39 to $478.19 (after taxes) at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, available starting October 30.
At Disneyland Resort in California, the pass will cost $400 (non-taxable) per person per day, available from October 23 until the end of 2024. The variable pricing will start in 2025 based on the date and demand, ranging from $300 to $400.
At Disney World, the pass will also be priced based on the park you will visit. For example, it will cost $137.39 (after taxes) to add the Premier Pass to an Animal Kingdom park ticket on a less busy day.
The EPCOT pass will cost more, Hollywood Studios a little more than that, and the most expensive Premier Pass will be at Magic Kingdom. Buying a Premier Pass for Magic Kingdom on a very busy day, such as Christmas, will cost $478.19 (after taxes), in addition to the regular park ticket.
During the pilot launch of the program, the pass will be available only to guests of Disney World luxury hotels.
At Disneyland, the Premier Pass will work a bit differently. It will be available to any guest at a flat price, usable at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on the same day.
The concept of charging a premium for express service is not new.
Disney’s biggest competitor, Universal, has been selling its own “Express Pass” for over 20 years. It often costs more than the park ticket. A similar pass without lines exists at Six Flags, Cedar Point, Busch Gardens, and SeaWorld.
At Universal Studios Hollywood, which has a theme park with 17 express lines, this pass can cost between $80 and $170, in addition to the park ticket price.
Disney recently responded to criticism about high prices in its parks by emphasizing a variety of options for consumers of all budgets, including $50 children’s tickets at Disneyland on New Year’s Day.
Source: CNN