Since its introduction a few years ago, Disney’s Lightning Lane system has become an incredibly popular — and many would argue necessary — part of many Disney vacations.

Test Track Lightning Lane

However, also bear in mind that the system has a lot of rules, both official and unofficial, but we’d argue that some are meant to be broken.

Before we get started, a quick rundown on Disney’s current Lightning Lane offerings:

• Lightning Lane Multi Pass allows guests to plan ahead of their visit and choose up to three Multi Pass experiences (one a Tier 1, and a pair of Tier 2’s or a trio of the latter) and arrival windows in a theme park. Guests staying at Disney resort hotels can book seven days in advance and all other non-hotel guests are able to book three days in advance.
• Lightning Lane Single Pass allows guests to enter an expedited line for those E-ticket attractions in the park. Single Passes are eligible to be purchased at the same time as their Multi Pass equivalents.
• Lightning Lane Premier Pass allows guests to join an expedited line for any attraction offered by Multi Pass or Single Pass without having to book arrival windows in advance. This offering can once again be purchased beginning in the same purchase window.

So, with that out of the way, what “rules” are meant to be broken?

“Don’t Be Late”

While we certainly wouldn’t advise arriving late on purpose, don’t fret if you find yourself running behind reaching a ride. During various tests with the system, we’ve discovered that there is a 3-hour grace period where you can still scan into your Lightning Lanes even if it’s past your scheduled return time.

Kilimanjaro Safaris Lightning Lane

This not only benefits you if you’re running behind, but you’ll also be able to book your next Lightning Lane on your My Disney Experience app while still having access to your first one for two more hours! Let’s say you book a Lightning Lane for 10:00 AM. By 11:01 AM, it’ll show as expired in the app, and you can now book another Lightning Lane for a different ride. But because Cast Members generally honor Lightning Lane reservations for up to three hours after the scheduled time, you can still use your original Big Thunder Mountain reservation while also holding another one. As of this writing, it is still a hack that works!

Big Thunder Mountain entrance.

Now, bear in mind, of course, that Disney can change this window at any time, especially during a busier time. Still, it’s absolutely worth checking to see if your Lightning Lane still works even if you arrive at the ride after your scheduled time.

The clock is ticking…

2 Lightning Lane Changes Have Hit Disney’s Hollywood Studios

“Don’t Wait Too Long to Modify”

If plans change — whether the time you’ll be arriving at a park, or even your desire to ride a certain ride — you can modify your Lightning Lane selections. Guests can simply go to the Lightning Lane section of the My Disney Experience app and select the option to modify their Lightning Lanes by clicking on the three dots at the top right of the ride! Modifying attractions is subject to availability, so you may not find another time you were hoping for, but if you need to modify, don’t wait! Instead, do so as soon as possible to try and score the best option possible.

©Disney

Lightning Lane Tips for the Most Crowded Days in Disney World and Disneyland

“Don’t Use a Lightning Lane for Soarin’”

There was a period in recent years when Soarin’ definitely felt like a “waste” of a Lightning Lane. Specifically, when EPCOT’s Test Track was closed for a long refurbishment, Soarin’ had been moved up to a Tier 1 Lightning Lane, and the attraction and its wait times arguably didn’t merit its usage. However, that has changed in recent months. For starters, following last year’s reopening of Test Track, Soarin’ once again became a Tier 1 Lightning Lane. In addition, the patriotic Soarin’ Over America overlay — which features some of America’s best-known locations in celebration of the country’s 250th birthday — has reignited the ride’s popularity!

The crowds at Soarin’

Next time you’re using the Lightning Lane system at Disney World, be sure to bear in mind what rules to follow and which ones can best be bent. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World tips.

The Hardest Lightning Lane to Book in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Is NOT What You Think

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!

GET YOUR GUIDE NOW

What’s your Lightning Lane strategy? Let us know in the comments below.