Planning a trip to Disneyland Park? If you’re looking to maximize your time and avoid those long waits, Lightning Lane might be just what you need.
This guide will walk you through the essentials of Disneyland’s Lightning Lane, highlight which attractions are included, and share our top strategies so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.
What is Disneyland’s Lightning Lane Multi-Pass?
Disneyland’s Lightning Lane Multi-Pass replaces the Genie+ service and is designed to help guests skip standby lines for a variety of popular attractions.
With this pass, you’ll book return times for specific rides and access a dedicated Lightning Lane that typically moves faster than the regular queue. You can book your next Lightning Lane after using your current pass or waiting two hours, whichever comes first.
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass is available to book after you’ve entered the park for the day, so it’s a great reason to arrive early to get a jump on availability!
Which Attractions are Included?
At Disneyland, the following attractions currently offer Lightning Lane access with the Multi-Pass option. These rides can see some of the longest waits in the park, making them prime choices to use your passes:
- Autopia
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
- Haunted Mansion
- Indiana Jones Adventure
- “it’s a small world”
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
- Space Mountain
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Whether you’re looking for classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean or thrilling coasters like Space Mountain, these rides cover a variety of experiences for everyone in your group.
What About Lightning Lane Single Pass?
Some attractions offer a Lightning Lane Single Pass, allowing you to purchase access individually rather than through the Multi-Pass. This is currently available for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, one of the most in-demand rides at Disneyland. Prices for a single pass can vary, but it’s typically around $20 per person.
If you’re planning on Rise of the Resistance, keep in mind that availability goes quickly, and booking early in the day is key to securing your spot.
Which Lightning Lanes Sell Out First at Disneyland?
At Disneyland, certain attractions consistently run out of Lightning Lane availability faster than others. If you’re considering which rides to prioritize, here are a few that tend to go quickly:
- Indiana Jones Adventure: This action-packed ride is a fan favorite, and its wait times can spike early in the day.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Classic and thrilling, Big Thunder attracts guests of all ages.
- Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway: The newest addition to the park is a popular option for all ages, so expect these passes to go fast.
- Space Mountain: As one of the park’s signature thrill rides, Space Mountain is a top choice for many guests.
- Matterhorn Bobsleds: The unique bobsled experience with views of the park makes Matterhorn a favorite.
- Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin: This ride has seen renewed interest recently and tends to fill up quickly, especially with younger guests.
Knowing which attractions are likely to book up first can help you plan your day and avoid missing out on the rides you’re most excited about.
Disneyland Lightning Lane Strategy
Ready to dive into some strategies to make the most of your Lightning Lane Multi-Pass? These tips will help you maximize your pass and avoid common pitfalls.
Stacking Lightning Lanes
One of the best ways to get the most out of Lightning Lane is by “stacking” return times for an action-packed afternoon.
If the return time for an attraction is more than two hours away, you’ll be able to book another pass in two hours, allowing you to layer multiple Lightning Lane reservations throughout the day.
This strategy is especially useful if you plan to take a mid-day break or enjoy lunch in the park, as you’ll be able to return to a lineup of attractions in the afternoon.
Arrive Early for the Best Return Times
Since Lightning Lane reservations can only be made once you’ve entered the park, arriving early is a must if you want access to the best times.
Early birds not only get quicker return times, but also have the advantage of securing access to popular attractions before they fill up.
Scanning into the park first thing and booking your first Lightning Lane right away can set the tone for a successful day of shorter waits.
Have Fast Fingers
When you approach an attraction to use your Lightning Lane, you’ll scan your park ticket or MagicBand to enter. The second you scan, you’ll be eligible to book your next reservation. Be ready with your phone to quickly book your next attraction, especially on busier days when times fill up fast.
Take Advantage of the Two-Hour Rule Around Lunch and Parades
For a balanced day, try to book attractions with shorter return times during the morning.
As the day progresses, start looking for Lightning Lane returns more than two hours out. This way, you can schedule your afternoon return times around popular entertainment like the parade or a lunch break, creating a smooth flow to your day without backtracking across the park.
Use Non-Lightning Lane Attractions as “Fillers”
While Lightning Lane Multi-Pass is fantastic for managing wait times, it’s not a complete solution to skipping all lines.
Between Lightning Lane reservations, consider enjoying attractions without Lightning Lane access, browsing shops, or visiting less crowded areas of the park. Disneyland’s Lightning Lane system is about giving you more control over how you wait rather than eliminating waiting altogether.
Is Lightning Lane Worth It at Disneyland?
So, the big question: Is Lightning Lane worth it? The answer largely depends on your priorities and how you like to spend your time in the park.
Best Use: Stacking for an Action-Packed Afternoon
In our experience, the most worthwhile way to use Lightning Lane at Disneyland is by stacking return times for a busy afternoon.
Stacking allows you to skip the standby lines for several rides in a row, making for an incredibly efficient use of your time. On crowded days, Lightning Lane can be a lifesaver, ensuring you get on your must-ride attractions without waiting hours in line.
Worth Considering: Single Rider vs. Lightning Lane
If you’re visiting solo or with other thrill-seekers, consider using Single Rider lines for rides that also offer Lightning Lane.
While Single Rider isn’t available for every attraction, it can be a faster alternative for those willing to ride separately. However, Lightning Lane can still be worth it as a solo guest, especially since you’ll only need one pass, making it easier to snag good return times.
What to Expect on a Busy Day
On high-capacity days, using Lightning Lane to get on all major rides can take the entire day.
Trying to squeeze every dollar’s worth from Lightning Lane can lead to exhaustion, especially if you’re aiming to hit every major attraction. We recently tested using the pass from park open to close, and by the end of the day, we were ready to call it quits.
For a smoother experience, plan to stay as long as you’re comfortable rather than forcing yourself to stay from dawn till dusk.
Yes, Disneyland allows you to modify or cancel your Lightning Lane reservations. This flexibility means that if you need to adjust your schedule, you won’t lose out on your return time. However, it’s a good idea to check availability if you’re modifying during peak times, as options may be limited.
One of the best perks of Disneyland’s Lightning Lane system is the Breakdown Bonus!
If a ride breaks down during your return time, your Lightning Lane pass usually converts into a flexible pass for multiple attractions, meaning you can come back anytime that day.
You’ll also be able to book another pass immediately, and if you still want to experience the original ride, you can book it again without penalty. This flexibility is a huge benefit if a popular attraction like Indiana Jones Adventure or Space Mountain goes down during your scheduled time.
If you’re planning to enjoy Disneyland’s nighttime entertainment, be mindful of scheduling Lightning Lane passes around those times.
Plan your Lightning Lane returns before or after big events like the fireworks or parades to avoid conflicts. While it’s tempting to book back-to-back attractions, you won’t want to miss out on the park’s spectacular shows!
Final Thoughts
Disneyland’s Lightning Lane Multi-Pass can be a fantastic tool for skipping standby lines and making the most of your visit, especially if you’re familiar with the strategy of stacking and choosing high-demand rides. While it may not eliminate every wait, it gives you the control to manage your day and balance attractions, entertainment, and downtime.
For guests who prefer an action-packed day and want to experience Disneyland’s top attractions with less hassle, Lightning Lane is a valuable option. However, if your priority is a more leisurely day or your travel group isn’t focused on thrill rides, you might find standby or Single Rider lines meet your needs without the added cost.
With thoughtful planning and realistic expectations, Lightning Lane can elevate your Disneyland experience—just remember that flexibility, pacing, and a good strategy are key to a memorable, stress-free day!
