Summary
Disneyhas once again changed the prices of its Lightning Lane system, and now the Lightning Lane Single Pass system will see an uptick in costs for certain rides. Even for frequentDisneyvacationers, the Lightning Lane system can be confusing to follow since the changes after difficulties back in 2020. After the removal of the original FastPass approach, prices and requirements have fluctuated to suit Disney’s needs. With some of the most popular rides making great profits, Disney has decided to raise those prices once again.
Anyone who visited Disney World or Disneyland prior to 2020 might remember the original FastPass system. There were terminals beside many of the rides throughout the park, and guests could pull out a FastPass ticket for free when they visited the terminals. FastPass tickets would provide a return time, so guests could continue to explore the park then return to the attraction and skip the main line. Unfortunately, during the pandemic this system closed due to social distancing issues. This was the end of free FastPasses. Now, it’s all done through Genie+, which is part of the Disney app where guests can purchase food, park tickets, and Lightning Lane passes to get on their favorite rides. Older rides had the terminals removed or covered, and upcoming rides like thenew rides in Avengers Campus in Disneylandwill likely never have them at all. Since the introduction of Lightning Lane, Disney has been adjusting prices and availability to find the sweet spot of satisfying guests and making the best profits from the system.
The most recent change is upping costs on a few high-volume rides. Starting on July 12, 2025, the cost of Lightning Lane Single Pass will increase for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, TRON Lightcycle Run, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Most of the popular rides come from growing franchises, likethe success of TRON and its movies. The bigger the franchise and the ride, the more expensive it is to get a Lightning Lane. All of the prices are seeing a one dollar increase, so the Mine Train will now have a high of $13, TRON will be up to $21, and Guardians can cost $18. With the Lightning Lane system, prices can fluctuate on a daily basis related to demand in the parks. So this means that these are the new highs for each ride, but prices may be cheaper on low attendance days.
Rides Impacted by Disney Lightning Lane Price Increases
These price increases only impact the Lightning Lane Single Pass system. Single Passes are for individual rides. Alternatively, guests can buy a Lightning Lane Multi Pass and be able to reserve rides for a cheaper overall price. But the biggest rides, like the ones with the price increases, cannot be acquired through the Lightning Lane Multi Pass system, and must be bought individually. Keep in mind that new rides or renovations, likeTiana’s Bayou Adventure, do not currently have standby lines and guests must join a virtual queue or buy Lightning Lane. While the system may be overwhelming, all of this can be done through the app. Visitors can also talk to Guest Experiences where cast members can explain the system and what options may be best for them based on the rides or experiences they want.
With the frequent changes to the Lightning Lane system, many guests find it over-complicated and miss the old FastPass approach, especially considering the old system was included in park admission. It can be difficult to reserve the best rides, and missing a Lightning Lane could mean waiting for hours to get on a favorite ride. ButDisneyis always improving and bringing new opportunities to the parks, like the addition ofvillains in Hollywood Studios. Hopefully, the company will find the right method so guests won’t have to worry about changes after every visit.
