Disney World’s pay-to-skip-the-line system has seen many changes over the last few years. 

While the service’s names and rules have changed, it still is a tool to help you get through attraction and ride queues faster so you can enjoy more during your park day. 2025 is a year of big change at Disney World, which is why choosing to purchase Lightning Lane this year will be especially beneficial. 

 

 

Lightning Lane, which was previously Genie+ which was previously FastPass+, is a paid-for service to help you skip the line at Disney World. There are three versions of Lighting Lane. Lightning Lane Multi Pass is similar to Genie+, except it can be purchased in advance, and rides are now broken up into tiers (sound familiar to FastPass+?). Next up is Lighting Lane Single Pass, which is the same offering as Individual Lighting Lane, just with a new name. Finally, the newest Lighting Lane offering is Premier Pass. This pass allows you entry to every single Lightning Lane in a park, one time each, for a pricey flat fee. 

We know these Lightning Lane changes and types can be confusing, and we have plenty of resources on our site and YouTube channel to help you navigate how to use this system! 

 

If you are visiting Disney World this year, Lightning Lane could be a must-get if you want to do the most during your visit to the park. 

I’ve Tried Every Lightning Lane Hack in Disney World and I’m Sharing the 2 That Work Every Time

So many rides and attractions are closing in 2025

As expected, 2025 is the year of both temporary and permanent closures. While some attractions are just closed for refurbishment, this still limits the amount of offerings available to park attendees. 

Rides and lands are also permanently closing, and the closures have already started, as the first phase of closure of DinoLand, U.S.A., has already taken place. As these closures continue throughout the year, there will be less and less space for people to enjoy, which can lead to more crowded areas and longer lines. By purchasing Lightning Lane, you can wait in a shorter line compared to the potentially even longer than standard stand-by line. 

This could be your last year to experience an attraction

As we mentioned, there are many planned closures for this year and beyond. While Disney has not announced a closing date for DINOSAUR or Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, 2025 could potentially be the last year to enjoy these rides. 

Both of these rides are offered through Lightning Lane and are pretty popular, so purchasing Lightning Lane is a good idea if you want to experience them before they close and not wait as long. 

Lightning Lane can allow you to enjoy more parts of the park

Not every ride or attraction has a Lightning Lane line, and that is actually a good thing! By knocking out popular attractions via Lightning Lane, it could give you more time to explore other parts of the park. 

We have been mentioning closures throughout this post, and Lightning Lane could help you get more time to experience Tom Sawyer Island, The Liberty Sqaure Riverboat, Muppets Courtyard, and the rest of DinoLand, U.S.A. before they all eventually close. 

Hotel guests get a Lightning Lane advantage

There are many perks of being a guest at a Disney World hotel. One of the newest perks debuted when the new Lightning Lane system went into effect last July. Lightning Lanes can now be booked in advance. Those who are not staying at a Disney World hotel and other select hotels can book three days in advance, whereas hotel guests can book seven days in advance!

This is a huge perk that allows you to get first pick at Lightning Lane selections. Since 2025 is gearing up to be a big year of change at Disney World, purchasing Lightning Lane can be a smart idea if you are staying at a Disney World hotel. This will allow you to beat the crowds and take advantage of your hotel perks. 

As we mentioned, 2025 is gearing up to be a big year at Disney World, so stick around with us here at DFB to stay up to date on all the latest news!

Going to Disney World in 2025? You NEED To Know About This Ride Change

Do you like to use Lightning Lane when you visit Disney World? Let us know in the comments!