Welcome to my Disney blog

You’ll soon be able to coast through Lightning Lanes at Walt Disney World and Disneyland whenever you want – but it’s not going to be cheap. 

On Wednesday, October 16, 2024 the Florida and California resorts debuted a new Lightning Lane Premier Pass alongside the existing Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass. Similar to line-skipping passes at other theme parks, the new pass will allow you to enter Lightning Lane attractions without having to worry about booking them in advance. Just show up.  It’s something guests have been asking for since Genie+ debuted amid the pandemic. However, it’s not for everyone.  

Here’s everything you need to know about the new pilot pass, which will work differently across Disney World and Disneyland. 

What’s included with Lightning Lane Premier Pass? 

Lightning Lane Premier Pass includes all the attractions currently offered with Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, formerly Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes.  Guests can use the pass to enter each applicable attraction once per day. PhotoPass downloads are also included for the day. 

Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Disney World 

Disney World will begin piloting its Lightning Lane Premier Pass on Oct. 30 with very limited availability.  

At launch, Disney World’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be available only to guests staying at Deluxe and Deluxe Villa (Disney Vacation Club) resorts. Guests of those resorts will be able to purchase Lightning Lane Premier Passes up to seven days in advance of their stay, except for the launch date, which will have no advance purchases.  

Disney World’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be park specific, with different prices depending on the park and date. For now, there is no Park Hopper version of the pass.  

Like park admission, the highest prices are for limited dates during the busiest time of year. Guests will be able to see pass prices 21 days in advance on a calendar in Disney World's app. 
Lightning Lane Premier Passes per person, per day: 

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $129-$199 plus tax  

• EPCOT: $169-$249 plus tax 

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $269-$349 plus tax 

• Magic Kingdom: $329-$449 plus tax 

For comparison, Universal Express passes range from $89.99 to $289.99 per person, per day at Universal Orlando Resort and start at $80 per day at Universal Studios Hollywood. 

Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Disneyland 

Disneyland will launch its Lightning Lane Premier Pass next Wednesday, Oct. 23. Typically, guests will be able to purchase the pass up to two days in advance of a park reservation, but there will be no advance booking for the start date.  

Unlike at Disney World, Disneyland’s pass will be open to all guests on a first-come, first-served basis with very limited availability. Also, unlike its Florida counterpart, Disneyland’s pass will include Lightning Lane access across both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on the same day. 

For the rest of 2024, Disneyland’s pass will cost $400 per person, per day. That price will be the same for both children (age 3 and up) and adults and be tax exempt. 

Next year, Disneyland’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass will cost between $300 to $400 per person per day, depending on the date. This year’s price is on the high end because the pass is debuting during a peak visitation period, Halloween Time and the holidays. 

What about the other Lightning Lane passes? 

Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, which rolled out this summer, aren’t going anywhere. Guests will still be able to purchase and use them like they have been. 

However, you don’t need to pay anything to cut time in line at Disney parks. You can use Disneyland and Disney World’s apps to track attraction wait times and, if you’re willing to split up from your party, use single rider lines, where available, to reduce waits. You can also visit on off-peak dates, which are easy to spot on resort calendars because they have the least expensive ticket prices.  

It’s also worth noting that a number of Disneyland attractions, particularly in Fantasyland, don’t have Lightning Lanes.

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Which Big-Ship Cruise Line Should You Choose?

When it comes to cruising, two of the biggest names in the industry are Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line. With both offering large ships and a variety of activities, it's no wonder that they dominate the cruise market. These lines carry millions of passengers each year and boast fleets that can accommodate everything from families to singles, offering experiences that appeal to all kinds of travelers. But when it comes down to choosing between them, which cruise line should you pick? Let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison of Royal Caribbean and Carnival to help you decide.

Ship Size and Layout

Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer ships that vary in size, but there’s no question that Royal Caribbean reigns supreme in terms of sheer scale. While both cruise lines have vessels that accommodate 3,000 to 4,000 passengers, Royal Caribbean goes above and beyond with seven of the world’s largest ships. These include the Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, which can carry over 5,000 guests.

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class and Icon Class ships are so expansive that they are divided into distinct neighborhoods. Oasis Class ships feature Central Park, a garden area with real trees, and even a special theater for high-diving shows. Meanwhile, Icon Class ships have designated sections for families, thrill-seekers, and adults looking for a relaxed beach-club atmosphere.

Carnival also offers large ships, with the Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee standing out among its fleet. These ships feature thematic zones like the French Quarter on Mardi Gras, complete with a live jazz club.

In terms of size, Royal Caribbean is the clear winner, but both cruise lines offer spacious ships that provide a floating resort experience.

Accommodations

When it comes to accommodations, Royal Caribbean and Carnival each excel in different areas.

Royal Caribbean offers an extensive variety of cabin options, from inside cabins with virtual balconies to luxurious two-story loft suites. Their largest ships offer multiple categories of rooms, including suites with views of the high-diving show or Central Park. The design of the rooms is sleek and slightly upscale, similar to what you'd find in a Marriott or Hilton hotel.

On the other hand, Carnival is known for having the largest standard cabins in the industry. Their rooms tend to have bright, casual décor. Specialty cabins like the Family Harbor cabins, which offer access to a shared family lounge, and the Havana suites, which provide access to a private pool area during the day, set Carnival apart. The newer ships in Carnival’s fleet have also introduced more suites than earlier vessels, but they are generally less varied compared to Royal Caribbean's offerings.

Dining Options

Carnival shines in the dining department, especially with its wide range of free dining options. Guy Fieri's Burgers and other comfort food options, like Shaquille O'Neal's fried chicken, are fan favorites. Carnival also excels with its specialty dining options, which include high-end steakhouses and Asian cuisine at JiJi. The line even features New Orleans-style bistros by Emeril Lagasse and breweries where you can enjoy Fieri’s barbecue.

Royal Caribbean has its own strengths in dining, particularly when it comes to its specialty restaurants. While the free food options are generally focused on typical hotel cuisine, the line offers a wealth of extra-fee dining experiences, such as Jamie’s Italian, The Mason Jar for Southern comfort food, and immersive dining experiences like Royal Railway — Utopia Station, which provides a family-friendly, Western-themed "eatertainment" experience.

While both lines provide excellent food, Carnival stands out for its sheer quantity and variety of included dining options, while Royal Caribbean offers more exclusive and high-end specialty restaurants.

Activities for All Ages

Royal Caribbean is known for pushing the envelope when it comes to onboard activities. Ships feature rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, zip lining, waterslides, escape rooms, and even a mechanical arm that lifts passengers in a pod for views of the ship. Larger ships also feature simulated skydiving, an Ultimate Abyss thrill slide, and the FlowRidersurfing simulators.

While Carnival may not offer the same level of thrill-seeking activities as Royal Caribbean, it still provides plenty of fun options, particularly for families. Ships feature WaterWorks water parks with slides and splash areas for kids, as well as the Bolt Roller Coaster—the first of its kind at sea. Additional activities include ropes courses, outdoor recumbent bike rides, and Imax theaters.

For families with children, both lines have exceptional kids’ programs, but Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean program stands out with its expansive, camp-like kids clubs and themed parties. Carnival’s Camp Ocean offers activities such as storytime with Dr. Seuss characters, a unique experience for younger cruisers.

Entertainment

Both lines offer outstanding entertainment, but the style is where they differ.

Royal Caribbean is known for its Broadway-style shows, including performances of “Grease,” “Cats,” and “Hairspray.” Ships feature impressive performance spaces like the AquaTheater, with high-diving shows, and the Two70 Theater on Quantum Class ships, where multimedia performances with robotics and acrobatics are the highlight.

Carnival, in contrast, offers more compact, high-tech Playlist Productions featuring original compilations of popular songs. Carnival is also famous for its Punchliner Comedy Clubs, which host over 27,000 performances annually, making Carnival the largest employer of comedians in the world. Additionally, the line is known for its vibrant live bands and audience participation games, including a popular version of Family Feud.

Atmosphere and Vibe

If you're looking for a more upscale and slightly less rowdy experience, Royal Caribbean is the better choice. With its larger suites and a more international crowd, it tends to attract travelers seeking luxury, though the line still offers plenty of fun for families and solo travelers alike.

On the other hand, Carnival prides itself on being affordable and fun, offering a casual, carefree experience with an emphasis on family and fun-loving adults. Known for its “Fun Ships,” Carnival’s atmosphere is lively, energetic, and perfect for those seeking a good time without a formal vibe.

Destinations

While both lines cruise extensively in North America, including the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Alaska, Royal Caribbean stands out with its international offerings, including sailings in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

Carnival’s itineraries tend to be more focused on North American ports, with limited options for Europe.

Bottom Line

For a first-time cruiser, both lines offer a fantastic experience, and you can't go wrong with either option. If you're looking for cutting-edge attractions, a slightly more upscale atmosphere, and a wider variety of cabins and specialty dining, Royal Caribbean is your choice. However, if you’re looking for an affordable, fun-filled cruise with an abundance of included dining options and a casual vibe, Carnival is the perfect choice for you.