Holiday Crowds Push Disney's Premier Pass to Record Sell-Out Dates

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass has sold out for even more dates during the busy 2024 Christmas holiday season at Walt Disney World. With Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney's Hollywood Studios now fully booked for select days in late December and early January, the trends seen over Thanksgiving are continuing into Christmas and New Year's celebrations—and may set the tone for future holiday seasons.

Newly Sold-Out Dates

Magic Kingdom has set a new record, with ten consecutive days now sold for Lightning Lane Premier pass.

Here are the latest sell-out dates by park:

• Magic Kingdom: December 26, January 1, January 2, January 3
• EPCOT: December 31
• Hollywood Studios: December 27, December 31

These additions come on top of previously announced sell-outs.

• View 21 Days of Upcoming Lightning Lane Multi and Single Pass Prices in Advance.
  
• Guide and FAQ to Disney World's Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Single Pass and Premier Pass

Comparing Christmas and Thanksgiving Patterns

Thanksgiving week was the first major test of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass's popularity, with all four parks selling out for November 25, and Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios experiencing multiple sold-out dates.

Key differences between Thanksgiving and Christmas week include:

• Increased Frequency of Sell-Outs: Christmas and New Year's holidays have seen more consistent sell-outs across multiple days and parks. For example, Magic Kingdom is now fully booked for ten consecutive days (December 25–January 3), compared to a maximum of five consecutive days during Thanksgiving.
• Earlier Sell-Outs: Premier Pass sell-outs for Christmas week have occurred further in advance, suggesting growing awareness and demand among guests planning their visits.

What This Means for Future Holiday Seasons

These patterns indicate that the Lightning Lane Premier Pass is becoming a staple for managing crowds during major holiday periods. Future holiday weeks—such as Spring Break, Memorial Day, and Independence Day—may follow similar trends. Guests visiting Walt Disney World during these times should anticipate:

• Earlier Sell-Outs: As awareness grows, demand for the Premier Pass will likely increase, prompting even earlier sell-outs for popular dates.
• Increased Prices: The Premier Pass has already reached $449 for some dates, suggesting that prices may continue to climb during peak periods.
• Heightened Competition for Access: With limited availability, securing a Premier Pass will require advanced planning and quick action as soon as eligibility opens.

Overview of Current Sell-Out Dates for 2024 into 2025

Here is the updated list of Lightning Lane Premier Pass sell-outs during this Christmas holiday season:

• Magic Kingdom: December 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, January 1, 2, 3
• EPCOT: December 21, 31
• Hollywood Studios: December 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

Planning for the Future

Guests looking to visit Walt Disney World during major holidays should consider these tips:

• Purchase Early: The Premier Pass can be purchased up to seven days before a resort stay. Guests should secure their passes as soon as they are eligible to avoid disappointment.
• Consider Alternative Options: Lightning Lane Multi Pass or individual Lightning Lane Single purchases may provide additional flexibility.
• Plan Off-Peak Visits: For those seeking lower crowd levels, visiting during non-holiday periods may provide a better experience without the added cost of the Premier Pass.