Disney's new all-access, skip-the-line plan can cost more than the park ticket does

Disney has just unveiled a new service at its US parks that, for a hefty fee, allows you to fast-track once a day for any ride without making an in-app reservation.

This service called "Premier Lightning Lane Pass" is offered on a trial basis and with a limited number and is intended for certain guests. The noteworthy point is that the cost of this service is separate from the park entrance ticket.

The price of this pass varies based on the date of visit and the amount of demand, for each person and every day. At Walt Disney World Florida, the cost can range from $137.39 to $478.19 (after tax) and will be available starting October 30.

At Disneyland California, the pass is $400 per person, per day (excluding tax) and is available from October 23 through the end of 2024. Starting in 2025, pricing will vary based on date and demand, ranging from $300 to $400.

How the new pass works

At Disney World, the pass is also priced based on the specific park you visit, Disney told CNN. For example, adding a Premier Pass to an Animal Kingdom park ticket on a quieter day will cost $137.39 (after tax). This pass can only be used at Animal Kingdom.

The EPCOT park pass costs more, Hollywood Studios is slightly more expensive, and the most expensive Premier Pass is for the Magic Kingdom park. Buying a Magic Kingdom Premier Pass on a busy day like Christmas will cost you $478.19 (after tax) in addition to park admission.

Each guest can only purchase one Premier Pass per day. During the program's trial period, the pass will only be available to guests staying at Disney World luxury hotels seven days prior to check-in.

At Disneyland, the Premier Pass works a little differently. The pass will be available for a single price per guest and can be used at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks on the same day. Guests can purchase this pass two days in advance at 7am PT.

About Lightning Lanes

Not all rides have express lines (what Disney calls "Lightning Lanes"). However, these queues are available for many of the more popular rides at both park complexes. Currently, 55 rides in four Disney World parks and 24 rides in two Disneyland parks have Lightning Lane.

Using these shorter wait lines can be tricky, especially for Disney World newbies and people who aren't very familiar with smartphones.

Before this pilot program, people going to Disney parks could use the Lightning Lanes by purchasing something called a "Multipass." Multipass allows access to these fast queues by reserving them one-by-one in the park application. Some of the most popular rides are also sold individually as "Single Passes," which allow guests to purchase Fast Track for just that ride.

According to Disney Food Blog editors who have been tracking prices, the Disney World Multipass has so far ranged from $15.98 to $37.28 (after tax) per person, per day, depending on the season and park.

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