Disney CFO on Lightning Lane Premier: Performance, Expansion, and Future Expectations

During Disney's Q1 2025 Earnings Call this morning, CFO Hugh Johnston provided insights into the early performance of Lightning Lane Premier, Disney's highest-tier paid ride reservation system.

Johnston described Lightning Lane Premier as a premium product and emphasized that Disney is taking a measured approach to its rollout. He stated:

"We are launching that product but remember, it is a premium product. It is a product that we are learning how to use. We are marketing it very gently, initially. It is very much in line with expectations, but we are moving slowly with that great experience. Feel great about it, it will build over time but it is very much the early days."

Expanded Access and Growing Demand

Initially, Lightning Lane Premier was only available to Deluxe Resort guests, but Disney has since expanded access in phases—first to all resort guests and more recently to all park guests, regardless of hotel stay.

The expanded access has led to increased demand, and in recent weeks, Lightning Lane Premier has sold out on multiple days, particularly during peak periods, including Thanksgiving and the Christmas Holiday season. These sellouts indicate that while Disney is marketing the service gently, guest interest is strong, and capacity remains limited.

What's Next for Lightning Lane Premier?

With spring break and summer crowds approaching, Disney may further refine pricing, attraction availability, or promotional efforts for Lightning Lane Premier.

How the Lightning Lane Premier Pass Works

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass provides one-time access to every available Lightning Lane attraction in a single park on a given day. Unlike other Lightning Lane options, the Premier Pass does not require guests to select arrival windows for attractions, allowing greater flexibility to explore the park at their own pace.

Key features of the pass include:

• Attraction Access: Skip the standby lines for popular rides, including marquee attractions like TRON Lightcycle / Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
• Photo Perks: Includes digital downloads of select attraction photos and videos through Disney PhotoPass, along with access to Disney PhotoPass Lenses.
• Track Your Usage: Use the My Disney Experience app to view which Lightning Lane experiences you've redeemed and which are still available.

How to Purchase

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass can be purchased through the My Disney Experience app starting at 7:00 am Eastern Time on the first day of your eligibility. Prices vary by park, date, and expected crowd levels, with peak periods like holidays typically commanding higher prices.

Here's an example of today's pricing:

• Magic Kingdom: $329 (All-Time Range: $329–$449)
  
• EPCOT: $169 (All-Time Range: $149–$249)
  
• Hollywood Studios: $269 (All-Time Range: $249–$349)
  
• Animal Kingdom: $139 (All-Time Range: $119–$199)

Lightning Lane Premier Pass Pricing - January 21, 2025

Eligibility and Booking Windows

Eligibility to purchase the Premier Pass depends on your ticket type and lodging arrangement:

• Guests of Disney Resort Hotels and Select Hotels: Can purchase up to seven days before the first day of their stay for the entire length of their visit (up to 14 days).
• Guests with Date-Based Theme Park Tickets: Can purchase three days before the start date of their ticket for all valid admission days.
• Annual Passholders and Other Ticket Holders: Can purchase three days before their park visit.

Using the Premier Pass

Once purchased, guests can tap into Lightning Lane entrances using a MagicBand, MagicBand+, Disney MagicMobile pass, Key to the World Card, or ticket card linked to their admission. The pass automatically tracks redeemed attractions through the My Disney Experience app.