Guide to Individual Lightning Lane Rides Disney World 2024

Guide to Individual Lightning Lane Rides Disney World 2024

genie-plus-and-lightning-lane

Guide to Individual Lightning Lane Rides Disney World 2024

This article is your complete guide to the 2024 individual lightning lanes! Because there are so many new pieces to planning a great Walt Disney World vacation including the brand new Disney Genie+ and individual Disney lightning lanes. We wanted to take the time to break down exactly how the new individual lightning lane works, as well as how much the individual lightning lane costs and how you can join each morning. 

You’ll also see that the individual lightning lane rides at Disney World tend to be some of the most popular attractions in all of Orlando. With that being said, you do have to decide if spending the additional money will be worth saving time on lines later in the day.

Planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World? Let our Disney travel experts plan a hassle-free vacation for you with a no-obligation quote. Guests can also opt into our concierge service with any discount Disney World ticket order purchased through our small business which includes custom Disney park plans to save up to three hours each day, dining recommendations, and price monitoring to ensure you get the best deal. Start your magical journey with us today! 

So if you’re ready to learn about the Disney World Individual lightning lanes read on! 

 Disney World Crowd Calendar

What is Individual Lightning Lane 2024? 

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Let’s start with the most common question on this topic which is, what are the individual lightning lanes at Disney World? The individual lightning lanes at Disney World are pay-per-ride selections at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. In short, guests can buy the rights to skip the lines at some of the most popular attractions in all of Walt Disney World. These premium lightning lane selections have changed based on the time of year and have a price tag that ranges between $10-$27 per person per attraction. It’s also important to note that individual lightning lane selections at Disney can sell out which is why it’s so important to understand how the LL system at Disney World works for your next trip!

One tip and trick we have learned right off the bat regarding how to buy individual lightning lane selections if you’re worried about them selling out is to pay attention to ticket pricing. And the reason is, just like at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World theme park tickets now fluctuate based on the time of year you visit. So one way to give yourself the best chance to grab one of the very popular individual lightning lane selections is to compare the cheapest Walt Disney World tickets. The cheaper the tickets the more likely it is that the parks won’t be as crowded during that time of year which will result in fewer people buying individual lightning lanes.

What’s the difference between Genie Plus and Lightning Lane?

Very simply Disney Genie Plus will allow guests to skip the lines for over forty different rides and attractions, while Disney individual lightning lanes are only reserved for the most popular rides in the theme parks. These individual lightning lanes will also come with an additional cost to skip the line which is separate from Disney Genie Plus cost. So as you can see there is a huge difference between the Genie Plus and Lightning Lane! 

Which parks have the Disney individual lightning lane?

  • Magic Kingdom
  • EPCOT
  • Hollywood Studios
  • Animal Kingdom

Related Page: Discount Disney World Tickets 

What are the Individual Lightning Lane Rides?

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Let’s delve into one of the most frequently asked questions: “What are the lightning lane Disney rides?” Typically, Disney showcases five main individual lightning lanes Disney rides, though this can sometimes extend up to eight rides distributed across the four Disney theme parks. The standout rides currently available through the Disney lightning lane system include Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Star Wars Rise of the Resistance, Avatar Flight of Passage, and the newly added Tron Lightcycle Run, which is a highlight in Magic Kingdom. Each of these attractions can be accessed via the Disney lightning lane cost at their respective parks, such as EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Navigate your Disney adventure with ease and magic using the Disney lightning lane experience!

Disney World’s individual lightning lane ride list ranked by importance

  • Tron Lightcycle Run – NEW!
  • Star Wars Rise of the Resistance
  • Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind
  • Avatar Flight of Passage
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

As you can see above we have Star Wars Rise of the Resistance ranked as a higher priority than the newest ride at Disney World Guardian’s of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind. The main reason is that Guardians of the Galaxy’s free line is still being managed through the Disney World virtual queue system. This has resulted in an overall shorter wait times for guests who can grab a virtual queue and many guests have not moved over to the individual lightning lane for Guardians of the Galaxy just yet.

We would also say that the ride system for Guardians of the Galaxy seems to run much more efficiently than Star Wars Rise of the Resistance. As a result, we will most likely continue to rank the individual lightning lane rides in this order even after Guardians of the Galaxy is no longer part of the Disney World virtual queue, and continue to recommend that guests rope drop Star Wars Rise of the Resistance if the individual LL at Disney World are not a great fit.

Can you pick any ride for Individual Lightning Lane?

It’s important to note that guests can only make individual lightning lane selections at Disney World for Tron, Star Wars Rise of the Resistance, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, Avatar Flight of Passage, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Guests are also not allowed to purchase an individual lightning lane for one attraction and change the time or show up at a different attraction. The only exception to this rule would be if one of the individual lightning lane rides breaks down, Disney might allow guests to show up to use their lightning lane at a later time. To be as prepared as possible, we would say to make sure you understand which individual lightning lanes you have your heart set on and if the ILL will be worth it for your next Disney World trip! 

Related Page: Guide to Disney World Early Park Entry

What are the Individual Lightning Lane Prices in 2024?

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Now that we have covered the individual lightning lane attractions let’s take a look at another popular question which is, what are the individual lightning lane prices? Many Disney enthusiasts frequently inquire about the specifics of the Disney lightning lane costs. Delving into the details, the price tag for the Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane access at Disney World falls between $15 and $27 per person per day. However, if you’re eyeing premium individual Lightning Lane selections, be prepared to spend anywhere from $9 to $27 per person for each attraction. Remember, these costs can fluctuate based on the attraction in question and the calendar date.

What is the Disney Lightning Lane price by ride? 

  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – Ranges from $14 to $17.
  • Star Wars Rise of the Resistance – Set between $15 and $25.
  • Avatar Flight of Passage – Priced from $11 to $16.
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Costs between $10 and $12.
  • TRON Lightcycle/Run – Fixed at $20.

As for Disneyland, if you’re considering an individual Lightning Lane purchase, anticipate a fee between $12 and $25 per person for each ride.

By keeping these price points in mind, you can strategize your Disney adventure, ensuring a magical experience without any unexpected costs!

Related Page: What is the Virtual Queue at Disney World?

How to Purchase Individual Lightning Lane?

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Now let’s take a look at the next question regarding the individual LL at Disney and that is, how to buy individual lightning lanes? As a general rule of thumb, there are two ways to buy individual lightning lane rides at Disney World. The first is to navigate to the tip board via the three dashes on the bottom right of your screen, and once there you will see the verbiage “LL Individual Lightning Lane” above the four main attractions. Simply click purchase and you will be prompted to continue checking out. Guests can also search for the individual lightning lane attraction of their choice and continue to check out as well. It’s also important to note that different from the regular Disney Genie+ rides and other virtual queue attractions you do get to select your return time based on availability for individual lightning lanes.

Ways to buy individual lightning lanes?

  • Select ride through the tip board
  • Search for your attraction

Can you buy two individual lightning lanes at once?

Another popular question we receive is, can you buy two individual lightning lanes at once? Guests can only buy one individual lightning lane for each ride per day, and can only buy two individual lightning lanes per day. It’s important to note that guests can only buy the second individual lightning lane reservation after the first one has been used for the day.

Related Page: Guide to the Average Cost of a Disney World Vacation 

What Time Do Individual Lightning Lanes go on Sale?

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The next thing you’ll want to be prepared for when navigating the lightning lane Disney World system is understanding when individual lightning lane attractions become available for purchase. Guests of a Disney Resort hotel, including those staying at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, and Shades of Green Resort, can make their first Lightning Lane Disney price selection via the My Disney Experience app at 7:00 AM on the day of their park visit. For everyone else, lightning lanes can be accessed and selections made when the park officially opens. This distinction offers a considerable advantage to those lodging at a Disney World hotel, especially when aiming for popular attractions like Star Wars Rise of the Resistance and Avatar Flight of Passage, which often see their slots fill rapidly during peak periods.

What are the individual lightning lane release times?

  • 7:00 AM for on-site guests
  • Park opening for off-site guests

When should you buy an individual lightning lane?

Another question we receive is, when should you buy an individual lightning lane? And as a general rule of thumb guests should buy an individual lightning lane as early as the Disney App allows them to which is 7:00 AM for on-site guests and park opening for off-site guests. The main reason is individual lightning lanes can sell out so there is no benefit to waiting if you know you absolutely would like to take advantage of the individual LL line.

Do Individual Lightning Lanes sell out?

From our experience using the new Disney Genie+ system, we have found that almost all five of the individual lightning lanes will sell out at some point throughout the day. We would also say that there is a very good chance, that Tron, Star Wars Rise of the Resistance, Avatar Flight of Passage, and Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind will sell out fairly early in the morning sometimes within minutes during the busier times of year. So if you do have your heart set on using any of these individual lightning lane rides we suggest making your lightning lane reservations as early as possible!

Related Page: The Best Time to Visit Disney World 

Individual Lightning Lane Magic Kingdom 2024

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To provide a clearer understanding of the lightning lane Disney World options, let’s explore Magic Kingdom’s offerings. Presently, the park features two paramount individual lightning lane attractions: the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and the newly added Tron Lightcycle Run. Adventurers looking to embark on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will find the lightning lane Disney price fluctuating between $10 and $12, with the cost for the Tron Lightcycle Run set at $20. Initially, Disney introduced two individual lightning lane rides for each park, which, for Magic Kingdom, encompassed both the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Space Mountain. Subsequent changes have shaped the current roster.

What is the individual lightning lane at Magic Kingdom?

  • Tron Lightcycle Run
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Related Page: Magic Kingdom One Day Park Plan 

Individual Lightning Lane EPCOT 2024

EPCOT-individual-lightning-lane

Our next question will be, what is the EPCOT individual lightning lane? Delving deeper into the lightning lane Disney World offerings, let’s shift our focus to EPCOT. Presently, the flagship individual lightning lane attraction at EPCOT is the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. The Lightning Lane Disney price for this adrenaline-pumping ride ranges from $14 to $17, with the cost varying based on the day. On average, this tends to be among the pricier individual lightning lane selections. Notably, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind took the mantle from the previously highly sought-after Frozen Ever After. Despite the change stirring some buzz, many believe it’s a well-justified decision.

What is the individual lightning lane at EPCOT?

  • Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind

Related Page: Best EPCOT Rides Ranked 

Individual Lightning Lane Hollywood Studios 2024

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Turning our attention to Hollywood Studios, many wonder: what stands out as its premier individual lightning lane? The answer is Star Wars Rise of the Resistance, which retains its crown as the most sought-after individual lightning lane selection across Walt Disney World. For those pondering over the lightning lane price, the Star Wars Rise of the Resistance lightning lane costs between $15 to $25, fluctuating based on your visit’s date. Given its immense popularity, this particular lightning lane is notorious for selling out at breakneck speeds. For those eager to secure a spot, it’s imperative to snag these Disney World lightning lane selections at the earliest opportunity in the morning

What is the individual lightning lane at Hollywood Studios?

  • Star Wars Rise of the Resistance

Related Page: Hollywood Studios One Day Park Plan 

Individual Lightning Lane Animal Kingdom 2024

animal-kingdom-lightning-lane-avatar

Shifting our focus to Animal Kingdom, many visitors ask: which attraction holds the individual lightning lane spotlight? That honor goes to Avatar Flight of Passage, consistently ranked among Walt Disney World’s top individual lightning lane choices. Depending on when you decide to immerse yourself in the world of Pandora, the lightning lane cost for Avatar Flight of Passage varies between $11.00 and $17.00. While its lightning lane may not vanish as swiftly as Star Wars Rise of the Resistance, the conventional standby line for this mesmerizing flight is notoriously lengthy. It’s prudent for visitors to deliberate in advance on whether to invest in the Animal Kingdom’s lightning lane upgrade.

What is the individual lightning lane at Animal Kingdom?

  • Avatar Flight of Passage

Related Page: Animal Kingdom One Day Park Plan 

Disney World Individual Lightning Lane FAQs

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Can you book individual Lightning Lane and Genie Plus at the same time?

Another popular question is, can you book individual Lightning Lane and Genie Plus at the same time? Yes, guests can hold a reservation for an individual lightning lane and a Genie Plus reservation at the same time. As a general rule of thumb, we always recommend making both your first individual LL and Genie Plus reservations as soon as your booking window opens up the morning of your visit to Disney World.

How many lightning lanes can I book?

Guests can only book two individual lightning lane purchases per day. and cannot make two individual lightning lane reservations for the same ride within the same day.

Do individual lightning lanes refill?

On occasion, we have seen Disney World refill more individual lightning lane openings to the My Disney Experience App around 7:15-7:20 AM. However, we would say that this is the exception and we wouldn’t rely on this happening during your Disney World vacation. We always feel like the best thing to do is to try to grab your LL attraction as early in the morning as possible.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Disney World Trip?

Planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World? Let our Disney travel experts plan a hassle-free vacation for you with a no-obligation quote, or call us at 321-966-4300. Every family who books their Disney World vacation package through The Park Prodigy will receive a dedicated planner who manages every Disney vacation aspect. This includes help with Disney dining reservations, navigating the Disneg Genie+ system, personalized park plans based on your children’s ages and height restrictions, and price monitoring to ensure you always get the best deal! Let our team of travel experts take all of the pressure off of planning your next Disney World vacation! 

Disney World Deals and Discounts 

Don’t forget to join our Disney community to learn about any additional deals and promotions on discounted Disney World tickets. All community members are always guaranteed to save vs. buying their tickets directly. Plus, you can opt into our concierge service, which includes custom Disney park plans to save up to three hours each day, dining recommendations, and price monitoring to ensure you always get the best Disney World deal!

Don’t forget to check out our wonderful friends over at Theme Park Today, as well!

Michael Belmont

Michael Belmont is the owner at Theparkprodigy.com, an authorized Disney and Universal travel agent. He specializes in Disney and Universal theme park tickets and vacation packages, as well as daily park plans to help optimize vacation time. Michael and The Park Prodigy have been featured on ABC’s Florida affiliate, WTFV, as well as over 10 Disney focused blogs. As owner, Michael manages The Park Prodigy blog and social media, a Disney themed podcast, and a Disney and Universal focused YouTube channel. Prior to starting The Park Prodigy, Michael was a long time Disney and Universal enthusiast, frequent visitor of the parks, and even served as a Walt Disney World Cast Member in Orlando, Florida!