When most Disney World guests try and book Lightning Lanes, they often try for the resort’s most popular attractions first.
Lightning Lane
However, some guests will instead grab “junk” Lightning Lanes — IE, less popular rides whose waits may not “require” using a Lightning Lane– for as early in the day as possible. Why? Well, it’s a way to take as much advantage of the system as possible.
First off, a quick rundown of how the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass system operates at Walt Disney World. You’re able to make three Lightning Lane selections in a specific theme park, in advance of your visit (7 days in advance for Disney hotel guests, 3 days in advance for all other guests). These selections can be one Tier 1 attraction and two Tier 2 attractions, or three Tier 2 attractions.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Lightning Lane
After checking in to your first selection, you can use the My Disney Experience app to make additional selections, which brings us to “junk” Lightning Lanes. These refer to booking easy-to-acquire Lightning Lanes early in the day, which then gives flexibility to “stack” Lightning Lanes throughout the rest of the day by booking a new one each time you check into a previous Lightning Lane.
Expedition Everest Lightning Lane in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Furthermore, they will try and modify these Lightning Lane reservations, hoping for more in-demand rides or times that have opened up on the day of.
Spaceship Earth Lightning Lane
Next time you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation, be sure to keep in mind the best ways to maximize the Lightning Lane system. Stay tuned to DFB for further planning tips.
3 Disney World Lightning Lane Rules You Should Break
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What are your Lightning Lane tricks? Let us know in the comments below.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
I don’t, won’t use lightning lane. I’ve witnessed people who have coming into a ride or show to an empty room, wasted $$.
What would be considered a junk ride?