The Magic Kingdom Lightning Lane Premier Pass has officially sold out for December 22, 2024, marking the first date during the busy Christmas holiday week to reach capacity.
Following the high demand during Thanksgiving week, this sell-out signals the start of what is expected to be another high-demand period for this new Disney World add-on.
Thanksgiving Week Trends
Thanksgiving week provided the first glimpse of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass's popularity after going on sale in October. All four parks sold out for November 25, the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, with Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios seeing multiple sold-out dates across the week.
Magic Kingdom was the most sought-after park, with Premier Passes selling out for five consecutive days from November 23 to November 28. Hollywood Studios also saw strong demand, with four sell-out dates over the same period. Despite what many consider to be high-pricing for Lightning Lane Premier, these trends underscored the appeal of skipping standby lines for headlining attractions during some of the busiest days of the year.
What to Expect for Christmas Week
The sell-out of Magic Kingdom on December 22 (priced at $429) suggests that the Christmas week could follow a similar pattern to Thanksgiving. Historically, the Christmas and New Year's holidays bring the heaviest crowds of the year to Walt Disney World. Popular parks like Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are likely to experience additional sell-out dates for the Lightning Lane Premier Pass in the coming weeks.
Guests planning to visit Disney World during Christmas week should take note of the following:
- Plan Early: Guests can purchase the Premier Pass up to seven days before their resort stay. Availability is limited, so purchasing as soon as possible is recommended.
- Monitor Sell-Out Trends: With December 22 already sold out, other dates—particularly December 24 through December 31—are likely to sell out soon.
- Consider Alternative Options: If Premier Passes are unavailable, guests can use Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Lightning Lane Single, which may still be available.
Why the Premier Pass Is in Demand
The Lightning Lane Premier Pass offers unmatched flexibility compared to other Lightning Lane options. Guests can skip standby lines and enjoy one-time access to all available Lightning Lane attractions in a single park for one day, with no need to schedule arrival windows. The pass also includes Disney PhotoPass perks, making it an attractive option for those looking to capture holiday memories.
Looking Ahead
As Christmas week approaches, sell-out dates for the Premier Pass are likely to accelerate, especially for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Guests visiting Walt Disney World during this time are encouraged to act quickly if they plan to purchase the pass for their trip.
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