Guide to Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Disneyland & California Adventure

Our guide to Lightning Lanes at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure answers frequently asked questions about the paid FastPass & Genie+ replacement, info & tips about the line-skipping Multi-Pass and Single Pass ride reservations, with advice for maximizing your attraction count and time savings. (Updated July 24, 2024.)

For starters, Genie+ is Dead at Disneyland, Long Live Lightning Lane Multi-Pass & Single Pass. Beginning July 24, Walt Disney World completely overhauled its line-skipping system, killing Genie+ and introducing Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass. Like a phoenix rising from Arizona, this is basically paid FastPass. The rules are more or less the same as that–but it costs money.

Disneyland Resort will also use the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass names beginning July 24, 2024. These replace Genie+ and Individual or a la carte Lightning Lanes, respectively, which are retired. The key distinction between Walt Disney World and Disneyland is that there are no substantive changes. (You might see references to Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lanes as we work to update–but the core info remains accurate.)

It’s literally just a name change at Disneyland for the sake of continuity between the coasts. If you were already familiar with Genie+ at Disneyland, all you really need to know is that it’s now called Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass. And honestly, the new names make more sense and are less confusing to casual guests than pairing Aladdin and Cars characters for no reason in particular.

Currently, there are no plans to bring pre-arrival ride reservations to Disneyland. Of course, that could always change if the system is well-received (and more profitable!) at Walt Disney World, but there’s absolutely no reason to believe it’ll happen at Disneyland. As such, expect the changes to Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass to continue in name only.

The two coasts have very different demographics, and Disneyland resisted the change to Genie+ from MaxPass in the first place. It’s unlikely that the more local and Annual Passholder-centric park will adopt advance booking of Lightning Lanes. It’s simply not something wanted or needed by the overwhelming majority of more spontaneous Disneyland guests.

The good news is that, like almost everything else, Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass is easier to use at Disneyland Resort. Nevertheless, there are some things worth addressing about the DLR incarnation. Even though it’s more straightforward and simpler at Disneyland, there’s still a learning curve. Going into your days at Disneyland and DCA armed with knowledge of the ins and outs of Lightning Lanes can make a huge difference, help you get more done, wait in lines less, and be able to re-ride your favorite attractions.

Before we dig into the FAQ to Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass at Disneyland, let’s cover a few other temporary changes. Pirates of the Caribbean is (still) temporarily a Lightning Lane Multi-Pass attraction. This change coincides with the closure of the Haunted Mansion, as well as conversion of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in nearby Critter Country. That leaves this corner of the park down two Lightning Lanes.

This will likely change around September or October. Although it’s rumored that Haunted Mansion Holiday will reopen by the end of this month, it’ll do so with only a virtual queue. Beyond that, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is expected to open before the holiday season kicks off, and it’ll almost certainly be a Lightning Lane Multi-Pass attraction.

Finally, there’s now a wider range to Lightning Lane Multi-Pass prices. The base cost of the is now $30 per person per day at Disneyland Resort, which is up from $20. Surge pricing means the service can be even more expensive on peak season days, up to $35 on some dates. However, we’ve also seen it drop to $25 on some dates in Summer 2024.

Because of this, we highly recommend purchasing tickets now to lock-in current Lightning Lane pricing if you have an upcoming trip to Disneyland. Buying legitimate discount Disneyland tickets save you money on admission and you can also buy Lightning Lane Multi-Pass at the base price, rather than paying the same-day surge prices.

Since the Lightning Lane system launched, we’ve been in the parks extensively testing it out and sharing results as well as all of the latest news and changes in our posts about Lightning Lanes.

One thing you might notice in perusing those posts: there’s nothing for Disneyland! This is not a conspicuous omission or us overlooking Lightning Lane Multi-Pass at Disneyland and DCA. To the contrary, we’ve tested the paid FastPass service in 2024 already–and will again once Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens and Haunted Mansion Holiday returns. It’s simply a matter of not many material differences at Disneyland.

Not much has changed, either via tweaks to Lightning Lanes or their usefulness. We have noticed some minor things, but not enough to merit fully-fledged updates. That’s good news, as Lightning Lanes have worked well from the start at Disneyland and DCA and that continues to be the case. The vast majority of the problems and complaints about Walt Disney World do not apply at Disneyland.

With that out of the way, here are the basics you need to know about Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure…

What happened to the free FastPass system?

Paper FastPass has been retired, and now resides in Yesterland alongside Superstar Limo. In addition to replacing the paid MaxPass, the free FastPass is also permanently retired at Disneyland. Lightning Lane Multi-Pass is the permanent replacement for both.

What are the components of the system?

Disney Genie (Free) – A feature in the Disneyland app that’s basically a personalized itinerary feature. Think of it as Disney’s answer to Google Maps–if Google Maps told you to drive your car into a lake every 5 minutes. Genie tells you where to go, but doesn’t offer you any line-skipping. It’s seriously awful–even if you know absolutely nothing about Disney, you’d be better off guessing or flipping a coin to choose what to do.

Lightning Lane Multi-Pass (Paid) – This provides priority access to more than 20 attractions at Disneyland and DCA. You choose the next available time to arrive, and can make one selection at a time throughout the day. Lightning Lane Multi-Pass (LLMP) also includes audio experiences and unlimited PhotoPass downloads from your day at Disneyland Resort.

Lightning Lane Single Pass (a la carte Paid Purchases) – Choose a specific time to arrive at up to 2 different highly demanded attractions and bypass the standby line. There are 2 attractions at Disneyland Resort offering this, and they are not included in LLMP. Pricing for this option varies by date and attraction.

Lightning Lanes (real world infrastructure) – The name for former FastPass entrances. These are the physical queues in the park through which Lightning Lane Multi-Pass or Single Pass purchases can bypass standby lines.

Which attractions are available for Lightning Lane Single Pass (LLSP) purchase?

Here’s the official list of Lightning Lane Single Pass attractions at Disneyland Resort:

Disneyland

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Disney California Adventure

Again, these two attractions are not available via the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass service. Guests can only buy Lightning Lane Single Pass selections for both per day.

Which attractions are available via the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass service?

Here’s the official list of Lightning Lane Multi Pass attractions at Disneyland Resort:

Disneyland

Autopia
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Haunted Mansion (Closed for 2024)
Haunted Mansion Holiday (Halloween & Christmas Seasons)
Indiana Jones Adventure
“it’s a small world”
“it’s a small world” holiday (Christmas Season)
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Pirates of the Caribbean
Space Mountain
Star Tours — The Adventures Continue

Disney California Adventure

Goofy’s Sky School
Grizzly River Run
Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT!
Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark (Halloween Season)
Incredicoaster
The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
Soarin’ Around the World
Soarin’ Over California (Seasonal)
Toy Story Midway Mania
WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure

Which Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections are the “best” ones?

After extensively testing Lightning Lanes at Disneyland Resort, we’ve ranked the best LLMP picks for both parks based upon time saved and how quickly return times fill up and run out. This is helpful for choosing the order to book your ride reservations, especially on busier days at Disneyland. Here are the lists for each:

In addition to consulting these lists prior to making your Lightning Lane selections, we’d recommend following a savvy rope drop strategy and good itinerary. There are a lot of great attractions at Disneyland Resort that do not have Lightning Lanes, and you’ll want to beat the crowds to enjoy low wait times at those.

Is Lightning Lane Multi-Pass worth the money at Disneyland and/or DCA?

We think so, especially if you use it smartly.

We Did Every Lightning Lane Multi-Pass Ride at Disneyland & DCA In A Day covers how we did 32 attractions in a single day, and how you can achieve similar “success” by leveraging Lightning Lanes plus sound strategy. It’s really not that difficult–much easier than at Walt Disney World!

How do we incorporate Lightning Lanes into our day with standby lines?

For step-by-step single day itineraries using Lightning Lanes and standby lines at Disneyland Resort, see our step-by-step plans:

Like all of this, those sample itineraries might be overwhelming and discouraging. Just keep in mind that a normal touring plan might also be overwhelming and discouraging for first-timers. Walt Disney World is one of the most complicated and convoluted vacation destinations on the planet, and it only becomes “easy” with knowledge and experience.

Can we purchase both Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass access?

Yes.

Since there is no overlap between what’s covered by LLMP and LLSP, you may purchase both.

Can a time slot be selected for Lightning Lane Single Pass returns?

No.

Unlike at Walt Disney World, Lightning Lane Single Pass purchases at Disneyland do not allow the selection of a time slot—it’s the next available time for those, just like Lightning Lane Multi-Pass selections.

When can we buy Lightning Lanes?

At Disneyland Resort, you must purchase and make your Lightning Lane reservations after you enter one of the parks. This is true for both Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass.

You can also purchase prior to visiting as a length-of-visit ticket add-on. This is possible via Disneyland.com, authorized third party ticket sellers, or travel agents. See our Guide to Discount Disneyland Tickets for recommendations.

When can guests be able to make Lightning Lane selections?

Disneyland guests are be able to make their first Lightning Lane purchase/selection upon entering the park. It’s all once inside the park, and there’s no on-site advantage.

This works exactly how MaxPass worked, meaning that you can make reservations immediately upon scanning into the turnstiles. Even if the park is not yet officially open or you leave, you’ll be able to make reservations.

Can one person enter the park and make Lightning Lane reservations for everyone?

No.

Unfortunately, each person needs to scan into the park for the system to view them as an “active” guest. On the plus side, there is no strong incentive to make Lightning Lane reservations ASAP upon entering Disneyland or DCA. To the contrary, it’s often strategically advantageous to do standby lines first and make your first Lightning Lane ride reservation around 10 am. (This depends on crowds, your priorities, etc.)

Does entering include Early Entry for on-site guests?

Yes.

This effectively gives on-site guests a half-hour head start to making Lightning Lane selections. See our Guide to Early Entry at Disneyland for more details about this perk for guests staying in the Hotels of Disneyland Resort.

When should guests actually start to make Lightning Lane ride reservations?

That depends.

In addition to the above guide covering the basics, you might want to check out our Early Entry at Disneyland Photo Report and Early Entry at DCA Photo Report. That shows just how much we got done during the bonus time, and how short lines are first thing in the morning.

As a general matter, we’ve found that making Lightning Lane selections immediately upon entering the park at or around opening time gives us return times that are simply too soon. During the first couple hours of the day, standby times are short at Disneyland–you want return times that are later, so you actually are bypassing a high wait time and long standby line…not one that’s just as empty as the Lightning Lane!

How many Lightning Lane Single Pass attraction reservations can each guest book per day?

Two, and those reservations must be at different attractions. (In other words, no doing either attraction twice.)

What do Lightning Lane Single Passes cost at Disneyland?

The starting price is $12 per attraction, with the highest price being $25–for now. Disneyland did not indicate that $25 is the ceiling for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. To the contrary, the company indicated it would use “variable” date-based pricing, which means LLSP costs could go even higher during peak season dates.

However, that did not happen during last year’s holiday season and it hasn’t occurred thus far in 2024. That could change during spring break or summer season, but we’re starting to see less demand for LLSP access, so we suspect that $25 is probably the peak price.

Can the same attraction be booked multiple times with the Lightning Lane services at Disneyland and DCA?

No, re-rides are not currently possible.

As with anything, this is subject to change as the system evolves. MaxPass did allow re-rides and had no issue, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see this policy quietly change in California.

How many ride reservations can be made at a time with the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass service?

Guests are able to make one reservation at a time–with the ability to make a subsequent reservation immediately upon tapping into an attraction.

Is anything else included with Lightning Lane Multi-Pass at Disneyland?

In addition to Lightning Lane access, purchasing LLMP at Disneyland entitles you to the following:

Enjoy Unlimited Disney PhotoPass Digital Downloads from the Day – Download and share digital photos from select dining locations, attractions, iconic settings and more.
Enhance Your Photos with Disney PhotoPass Lenses – Unlock a special collection of Disney-themed lenses for your mobile device, allowing you to explore augmented reality effects.
Listen to Audio Tales – Discover the parks in cool new ways through fascinating fun facts and behind-the-scenes insights during your visit.

The PhotoPass Lenses and Audio Tales are taste-specific; some people will these to be nice additions to their day, but most guests will never use them. We’ve used these PhotoPass Lenses extensively at Walt Disney World, and they’re generally pretty fun as a value-add, but definitely not the primary or even secondary reason to buy LLMP at Disneyland.

Additionally, augmented reality is a HUGE battery drainer. We found our phone batteries going from nearly-full to the red zone after around 30 minutes of use. This already entails a lot of screen time, so be sure to pack a portable battery charger regardless–but consider a bigger battery if you’ll be spending any amount of time using the PhotoPass Lenses or want to charge multiple devices.

By contrast, most people will find the PhotoPass image downloads to be a huge plus. We’ve heard from some families who have one person purchase in their party purchase Lightning Lane Multi-Pass just for the sake of the on-ride photo downloads. Given that Disney PhotoPass+ One Week costs $78, you come out ahead by simply buying Lightning Lane Multi-Pass for trips that are 3 days or fewer!

What if the return time for that selection is not until much later in the day?

Guests are able to make another reservation 120 minutes after their first reservation even if they have not yet redeemed the first Lightning Lane Multi-Pass selection.

Does this mean I can actually hold multiple Lightning Lane Multi-Pass selections simultaneously?

Yes, when using the 120 minute rule. Disneyland’s official wording is confusing, but it’s possible to stack LLMP selections. In fact, there are quirks to the system that make it possible to accumulate Lightning Lane reservations later in the day.

What if the return times conflict with one another or other reservations?

Lightning Lane Multi-Pass will not stop you from making overlapping plans, so you need to monitor this yourself and make sure it doesn’t happen. It will simply give you a ‘warning’ message that you have overlapping plans (see screenshot above).

If a specific attraction’s return time conflicts with your schedule, either select a different attraction with a return time that isn’t problematic, or wait 5-10 minutes until the clock moves forward on return times and eliminates the overlap.

How do groups make Lightning Lane Multi-Pass reservations?

Guests can link tickets and select family and friends in the Disneyland app during the ride reservation process.

Do Lightning Lane picks work with Park Hopping?

Yes.

You are able to reserve attractions after 11 am in a different park than the one where you started your day and have reservations. Park Hopping with Lightning Lane Multi-Pass or Single Pass purchases must follow all the normal rules of Park Hopping and Lightning Lanes, meaning that you need to wait until the Lightning Lane return time window has advanced past 11 am for the park to which you’re hopping.

What if not everyone in our party wants to do a certain ride?

You can choose to only make Lightning Lane reservations for some guests within your party.

Alternatively, you can make the reservation for everyone, and some people in your group can ride multiple times by scanning the redemption belonging to someone else (keeping in mind that each one is valid once). Certain thrill rides are too intense for Sarah, so I scan her Lightning Lane entry code after using mine.

Can only certain guests within a party choose to purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass?

Yes–same idea. You can choose among linked guests in the Disneyland app from whom you want to purchase the LLSPs.

Can guests choose to purchase Lightning Lanes only on specific days?

Yes.

Only buying on specific days will give you the option to have “commando touring” days and more laid back ones, instead of simply buying for the duration of a Disneyland ticket or vacation package–saving money in the process.

Are any virtual queues in use at Disneyland Resort?

Yes.

At Disney California Adventure, World of Color uses a virtual queue. This is reserved viewing for the nighttime spectacular, and doesn’t work in quite the same way as prior virtual queues for attractions.

What’s up with the virtual queues for rides?

No virtual queues are in use for rides at Disneyland or Disney California Adventure. The parks have shifted to standby lines for all attractions that previously used them, including Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Web Slingers.

What changes with standby lines?

Nothing. Regular ole walk-up standby lines are still available on all attractions.

Can Magic Key Passholders be able to purchase Lightning Lane access at Disneyland?

Magic Keyholders are able to purchase Lightning Lanes on a per-day basis, just like regular theme park ticket holders.

There’s now a 20% off discount on the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass service on days when Magic Keyholders use their pass for park admission.

Is there an annual add-on for Magic Keymasters?

No. It’s possible one will be added down the road, but we wouldn’t expect that until pent-up demand fizzles out. At this point, it won’t happen until 2025, and maybe not next year at all.

Is there a Disney Vacation Club Member discount?

No.

Will these systems force me to be glued to my phone all day?

Using the Lightning Lane systems will definitely require phone use throughout the day–there’s no way around that. However, it could be as little as a couple of minutes every 90 to 120 minutes, or shortly after entering an attraction queue. It won’t be necessary to be constantly on your phone.

With that said, just as before with MaxPass, it’s likely that those guests who refresh the app compulsively and are diligent about making reservations will be at an advantage.

Are there multiple options for time slots when booking ride reservations?

The only option is the next available time slot.

Does this work with MagicBands at Disneyland Resort?

Yes. Lightning Lanes work with the MagicBand+, which has now debuted at Disneyland.

With that said, MagicBands are not required. You can use your park tickets or phone instead if you don’t have MagicBands.

Is refreshing and rebooking ride reservations possible with Lightning Lanes?

Yes.

How does this impact Single Rider or Rider Switch?

It doesn’t.

Planning a Southern California vacation? For park admission deals, read Tips for Saving Money on Disneyland Tickets. Learn about on-site and off-site hotels in our Anaheim Hotel Reviews & Rankings. For where to eat, check out our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews. For unique ideas of things that’ll improve your trip, check out What to Pack for Disney. For comprehensive advice, consult our Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide. Finally, for guides beyond Disney, check out our Southern California Itineraries for day trips to Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, and tons of other places!

YOUR THOUGHTS

Have any questions we didn’t answer with the above FAQ? Still confused by how Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Single Pass work at Disneyland and DCA? Think this is an adequate replacement to the FastPass and MaxPass systems, or do you wish Disneyland would’ve just left those alone? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Other thoughts or concerns? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!