No one's gonna stop rock 'n' roll from existing ... but we can't say the same for Walt Disney World's Disney Genie+ service. Disney Genie+ service and individual Lightning Lane entry have said "adieu" and made way for Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass, respectively. What this means for the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (and all of the other Disney World theme parks) is that as of July 24, 2024, you can now purchase Lightning Lane passes and make selections days in advance of your arrival, which gives you more time to plan your visit! Curious to learn more? Then let's break out the CakeToast because we're breaking down everything you need to know about the new Lightning Lane options at EPCOT.
Overview of Lightning Lanes at EPCOT
On July 24, 2024, Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass made their debuts at Walt Disney World. Plus, as of Oct. 30, 2024, Lightning Lane Premier Pass is an additional option for guests staying at Disney Deluxe hotels.
If you're staying at a Disney Resort hotel or other select hotels (i.e. Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve and Shades of Green Resort), you can purchase passes up to seven days in advance of the first day of your Resort stay for the length of your stay (up to 14 days). All other guests can purchase passes up to three days in advance of their park visit. (Guests with date-based theme park tickets can purchase passes for the total number of valid admission days on their ticket.) You can purchase Lightning Lane passes for days you have valid theme park admission starting at 7 a.m. Eastern Time on your first day of eligibility.
Before you purchase a Lightning Lane pass, however, you must have valid theme park admission. You may also need a theme park reservation, depending on the type of admission and the date of your visit. You'll also only be allowed one Lightning Lane entry per attraction, per day. Hop over to our Lightning Lane guide for more info about the cost and how to purchase and use Lightning Lanes in the parks.
We feel like it's important to mention that traditional standby lines are still available at most attractions and experiences! From time to time, a virtual queue may be used for a limited number of Disney World's most in-demand attractions. When a virtual queue is in place, a standby queue will not be available. (A virtual queue is currently in effect for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT.)
Multi Pass Experiences at EPCOT
With a Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can choose up to three select Multi Pass experiences and your arrival windows days ahead of your visit. You'll also be able to receive digital downloads of select attraction photos and videos from your day, captured with Disney PhotoPass Service, and have access to Disney PhotoPass Lenses.
Choose up to one of the following Multi Pass experiences:
Choose your other two experiences — or all three — from this group:
- Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
- Journey into Imagination with Figment
- Living with the Land
- Mission: SPACE
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Spaceship Earth
- Turtle Talk with Crush
Upon purchase, you'll be prompted to choose your three Multi Pass experiences and arrival windows in the same theme park. Once you're in the park and you've enjoyed your first Multi Pass experience, you'll be able to make an additional Multi Pass selection — one at a time from either group — until regular park closing (subject to availability). At that time, if your park admission includes Park Hopper benefits, you can then choose a Multi Pass experience in a different theme park.
Single Pass Experience at EPCOT
The Lightning Lane Single Pass will help you save time in line for Disney World's most in-demand attractions (those not available with the Multi Pass). You can purchase up to two single passes per day, subject to availability.
Lightning Lane Single Pass Attraction (for individual purchase):
Lightning Lane Premier Pass
This pass allows one-time entry to each available Lightning Lane experience without any reservations so you can enjoy at your leisure. Basically, you can ride the Lightning Lane attractions you want, when you want — and it doesn't matter whether they're normally Single Pass or Multi Pass attractions. It comes at a price though! It's the most expensive option out of the three Lightning Lane passes. During its initial rollout, it will only be available to guests staying at Disney Deluxe resorts or other select hotels (the Swan and Dolphin, Swan Reserve and Shades of Green).
Which EPCOT attraction are you booking your first Lightning Lane for? Do you have any questions about Lightning Lanes at EPCOT? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Not-to-Miss Rides and Experiences at EPCOT
Related: Your Guide to Disney Lightning Lane
Keep hopping!