Guide to Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Disneyland & California Adventure
Our guide to Lightning Lanes at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure answers frequently asked questions about the paid FastPass & Genie+ replacement, info & tips about the line-skipping Multi-Pass and Single Pass ride reservations, with advice for maximizing your attraction count and time savings. (Updated August 13, 2025.)
For starters, Genie+ is dead at Disneyland. Last summer, Walt Disney World completely overhauled its line-skipping system, killing Genie+ and introducing Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass. Like a phoenix rising from Arizona, this is basically paid FastPass. The rules are more or less the same as that–but it costs money.
Disneyland Resort also uses the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass names. The key distinction is that there are no substantive changes at Disneyland. It’s wholly a matter of branding. It’s literally just a name change at Disneyland for the sake of continuity between the coasts. Lightning Lane Multi-Pass is exactly the same as Genie+ and still pretty similar to MaxPass, but pricier.
If you were already familiar with paid line-skipping at Disneyland from the last few years, all you really need to know is that it’s now called Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass. And honestly, the new names make more sense and are less confusing to casual guests than pairing Aladdin and Cars characters for no reason in particular.
There are no plans to bring pre-arrival ride reservations to Disneyland. Of course, that could always change if the system is well-received (and more profitable!) at Walt Disney World, but there’s absolutely no reason to believe it’ll happen at Disneyland. As such, expect the changes to Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass to continue in name only.
The two coasts have very different demographics. It’s unlikely that the more local and Annual Passholder-centric park will adopt advance booking of Lightning Lanes. It’s simply not something wanted or needed by the overwhelming majority of more spontaneous Disneyland guests.
The good news is that, like almost everything else, Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass is easier to use at Disneyland Resort. Nevertheless, there are some things worth addressing about the DLR incarnation. Even though it’s more straightforward and simpler at Disneyland, there’s still a learning curve. Going into your days at Disneyland and DCA armed with knowledge of the ins and outs of Lightning Lanes can make a huge difference, help you get more done, wait in lines less, and be able to re-ride your favorite attractions.
Fall 2025 Updates
Before we dig into the FAQ to Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass at Disneyland, let’s cover the latest changes. Disneyland Resort has announced an exclusive perk for Magic Key Annual Passholders! From August 13 to August 18, 2025, Magic Key holders can enjoy an increased discount of 50% off on the Lightning Lane Multi Pass service.
If you’re an AP visiting during these dates, LLMP might actually be worth purchasing. Don’t be fooled by this window coinciding with school going back into session and coming before Halloween starts, both of which suggest these will be slow dates to visit. As we explain in our list of the Best & Worst Dates to Do Disneyland & DCA in 2025, 2026 and 2027, this is also the tail end of a ticket deal, end of summer AP blockouts, and the return of Tier 0 tickets. Meaning that even as summer tourist crowds depart, there will be an influx of locals.
The other recent change is that Pirates of the Caribbean finally cast away its Lightning Lane Multi-Pass. Thankfully, as this is a ride that never should’ve added a Lightning Lane in the first place. It was added to Pirates of the Caribbean due to a lack of LLMP inventory during other attraction refurbishments.
Finally, it’s also worth noting that we’re currently seeing something similar at Disney California Adventure due to a combination of closures, frequent ride downtime, and ‘stealth’ refurbishments–all of which effectively reduce ride capacity and balloon standby wait times. The good news is that this is starting to improve with Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout now operating all of its elevator shafts!
All of this is discussed at length in the latest update to How We Did Every Lightning Lane Ride at Disneyland & Disney California Adventure In One Day! Suffice to say, knocking out every Lightning Lane Multi-Pass attraction in both parks in a single day is now more difficult as of Fall 2025 unless you start in DCA. (On a busier day, an element of luck will also need to be involved.)
Additionally, prices have increased and there’s now a wider range to them. The base cost of Lightning Lane Multi-Pass is now $32 per person per day at Disneyland Resort, when purchased in advance. Surge pricing means the service can be even more expensive on peak season days, up to $39 on some dates. Most days, LLMP will cost $36.
Because of this, we highly recommend purchasing tickets now to lock-in current Lightning Lane pricing if you have an upcoming trip to Disneyland. Buying legitimate discount Disneyland tickets save you money on admission and you can also buy Lightning Lane Multi-Pass at the base price, rather than paying the same-day surge prices.
Speaking of higher prices, Disneyland has also launched a new top tier line-skipping service: Lightning Lane Premier Pass. Lightning Lane Premier Pass includes one entry to each Lightning Lane entrance in the theme park they are visiting that day (or both parks with a valid Park Hopper ticket), which guests can use anytime throughout the day at their convenience – without needing to book an arrival time in advance. In a nutshell, Lightning Lane Premier Pass is Disney’s answer to Universal’s Express Pass.
The price of Lightning Lane Premier Pass varies by date and demand, but is typically priced between $300 and $400 per person, per day. Prices will be displayed in the Disneyland app up to 2 days in advance of your park visit. Purchasing is subject to limited availability. Due to its cost, Lightning Lane Premier Pass has a very limited audience, so we’re not going to focus on it here. It’s also straightforward and easy to use, so an FAQ isn’t really necessary. If you do want more info, see our post about Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Disneyland.
Since the Lightning Lane system launched, we’ve been in the parks extensively testing it out and sharing results as well as all of the latest news and changes in our posts about Lightning Lanes.
One thing you might notice in perusing those posts: there’s nothing for Disneyland! This is not a conspicuous omission or us overlooking Lightning Lane Multi-Pass at Disneyland and DCA. To the contrary, we’ve tested the paid FastPass service in 2025 already, including since the start of Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary, which has resulted in higher crowds. It’s simply a matter of not many material differences at Disneyland.
Not much has changed, either via tweaks to Lightning Lanes or their usefulness. We have noticed some minor things, but not enough to merit fully-fledged updates. That’s good news, as Lightning Lanes have worked well from the start at Disneyland and DCA and that continues to be the case. The vast majority of the problems and complaints about Walt Disney World do not apply at Disneyland.
With that out of the way, here are the basics you need to know about Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure…
What happened to the free FastPass system?
Paper FastPass has been retired, and now resides in Yesterland alongside Superstar Limo. In addition to replacing the paid MaxPass, the free FastPass is also permanently retired at Disneyland. Lightning Lane Multi-Pass is the permanent replacement for both.
What are the components of the system?
Disney Genie (Free) – A feature in the Disneyland app that’s basically a personalized itinerary feature. Think of it as Disney’s answer to Google Maps–if Google Maps told you to drive your car into a lake every 5 minutes. Genie tells you where to go, but doesn’t offer you any line-skipping. It’s seriously awful–even if you know absolutely nothing about Disney, you’d be better off guessing or flipping a coin to choose what to do.
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass (Paid) – This provides priority access to more than 20 attractions at Disneyland and DCA. You choose the next available time to arrive, and can make one selection at a time throughout the day. Lightning Lane Multi-Pass (LLMP) also includes audio experiences and unlimited PhotoPass downloads from your day at Disneyland Resort.
Lightning Lane Single Pass (a la carte Paid Purchases) – Choose a specific time to arrive at up to 2 different highly demanded attractions and bypass the standby line. There are 2 attractions at Disneyland Resort offering this, and they are not included in LLMP. Pricing for this option varies by date and attraction.
Lightning Lane Premier Pass (Paid All-Inclusive Line-Skipping) – Get one-time entry to each available Lightning Lane attraction for one day—including all attractions available with both Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass. Ride the Lightning Lane attractions you want, when you want. You don’t need to choose a specific arrival time.
Lightning Lanes (real world infrastructure) – The name for former FastPass entrances. These are the physical queues in the park through which Lightning Lane Multi-Pass or Single Pass purchases can bypass standby lines.
Which attractions are available for Lightning Lane Single Pass (LLSP) purchase?
Here’s the official list of Lightning Lane Single Pass attractions at Disneyland Resort:
Disneyland
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Disney California Adventure
- Radiator Springs Racers
Again, these two attractions are not available via the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass service. Guests can only buy Lightning Lane Single Pass selections for both per day.
Which attractions are available via the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass service?
Here’s the official list of Lightning Lane Multi Pass attractions at Disneyland Resort:
Disneyland
- Autopia
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
- Haunted Mansion
- Haunted Mansion Holiday (Halloween & Christmas Seasons)
- Indiana Jones Adventure
- “it’s a small world”
- “it’s a small world” holiday (Christmas Season)
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Space Mountain
- Star Tours — The Adventures Continue
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Disney California Adventure
- Goofy’s Sky School
- Grizzly River Run
- Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT!
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark (Halloween Season)
- Incredicoaster
- The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
- Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Soarin’ Over California (Seasonal)
- Toy Story Midway Mania
- WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
Which Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections are the “best” ones?
After extensively testing Lightning Lanes at Disneyland Resort, we’ve ranked the best LLMP picks for both parks based upon time saved and how quickly return times fill up and run out. This is helpful for choosing the order to book your ride reservations, especially on busier days at Disneyland. Here are the lists for each:
In addition to consulting these lists prior to making your Lightning Lane selections, we’d recommend following a savvy rope drop strategy and good itinerary. There are a lot of great attractions at Disneyland Resort that do not have Lightning Lanes, and you’ll want to beat the crowds to enjoy low wait times at those.
Is Lightning Lane Multi-Pass worth the money at Disneyland and/or DCA?
We think so, especially if you use it smartly.
We Did Every Lightning Lane Multi-Pass Ride at Disneyland & DCA In A Day covers how we did 32 attractions in a single day, and how you can achieve similar “success” by leveraging Lightning Lanes plus sound strategy. It’s really not that difficult–much easier than at Walt Disney World!
How do we incorporate Lightning Lanes into our day with standby lines?
For step-by-step single day itineraries using Lightning Lanes and standby lines at Disneyland Resort, see our step-by-step plans:
- 1-Day Disneyland Itinerary with Lightning Lanes
- 1-Day Disney California Adventure Itinerary with Lightning Lanes
Like all of this, those sample itineraries might be overwhelming and discouraging. Just keep in mind that a normal touring plan might also be overwhelming and discouraging for first-timers. Walt Disney World is one of the most complicated and convoluted vacation destinations on the planet, and it only becomes “easy” with knowledge and experience.
Can we purchase both Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass access?
Yes.
Since there is no overlap between what’s covered by LLMP and LLSP, you may purchase both.
Can a time slot be selected for Lightning Lane Single Pass returns?
No.
Unlike at Walt Disney World, Lightning Lane Single Pass purchases at Disneyland do not allow the selection of a time slot—it’s the next available time for those, just like Lightning Lane Multi-Pass selections.
When can we buy Lightning Lanes?
At Disneyland Resort, you must purchase and make your Lightning Lane reservations after you enter one of the parks. This is true for both Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass.
You can also purchase prior to visiting as a length-of-visit ticket add-on. This is possible via Disneyland.com, authorized third party ticket sellers, or travel agents. See our Guide to Discount Disneyland Tickets for recommendations.
When can guests be able to make Lightning Lane selections?
Disneyland guests are be able to make their first Lightning Lane purchase/selection upon entering the park. It’s all once inside the park, and there’s no on-site advantage.
This works exactly how MaxPass worked, meaning that you can make reservations immediately upon scanning into the turnstiles. Even if the park is not yet officially open or you leave, you’ll be able to make reservations.
Can one person enter the park and make Lightning Lane reservations for everyone?
No.
Unfortunately, each person needs to scan into the park for the system to view them as an “active” guest. On the plus side, there is no strong incentive to make Lightning Lane reservations ASAP upon entering Disneyland or DCA. To the contrary, it’s often strategically advantageous to do standby lines first and make your first Lightning Lane ride reservation around 10 am. (This depends on crowds, your priorities, etc.)
Does entering include Early Entry for on-site guests?
Yes.
This effectively gives on-site guests a half-hour head start to making Lightning Lane selections. See our Guide to Early Entry at Disneyland for more details about this perk for guests staying in the Hotels of Disneyland Resort.
When should guests actually start to make Lightning Lane ride reservations?
That depends.
In addition to the above guide covering the basics, you might want to check out our Early Entry at Disneyland Photo Report and Early Entry at DCA Photo Report. That shows just how much we got done during the bonus time, and how short lines are first thing in the morning.
As a general matter, we’ve found that making Lightning Lane selections immediately upon entering the park at or around opening time gives us return times that are simply too soon. During the first couple hours of the day, standby times are short at Disneyland–you want return times that are later, so you actually are bypassing a high wait time and long standby line…not one that’s just as empty as the Lightning Lane!
How many Lightning Lane Single Pass attraction reservations can each guest book per day?
Two, and those reservations must be at different attractions. (In other words, no doing either attraction twice.)
What do Lightning Lane Single Passes cost at Disneyland?
The starting price is $12 per attraction, with the highest price being $25–for now. Disneyland did not indicate that $25 is the ceiling for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. To the contrary, the company indicated it would use “variable” date-based pricing, which means LLSP costs could go even higher during peak season dates.
Can the same attraction be booked multiple times with the Lightning Lane services at Disneyland and DCA?
No, re-rides are not currently possible.
As with anything, this is subject to change as the system evolves. MaxPass did allow re-rides and had no issue, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see this policy quietly change in California.
How many ride reservations can be made at a time with the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass service?
Guests are able to make one reservation at a time–with the ability to make a subsequent reservation immediately upon tapping into an attraction.
Is anything else included with Lightning Lane Multi-Pass at Disneyland?
In addition to Lightning Lane access, purchasing LLMP at Disneyland entitles you to the following:
- Enjoy Unlimited Disney PhotoPass Digital Downloads from the Day – Download and share digital photos from select dining locations, attractions, iconic settings and more.
- Enhance Your Photos with Disney PhotoPass Lenses – Unlock a special collection of Disney-themed lenses for your mobile device, allowing you to explore augmented reality effects.
- Listen to Audio Tales – Discover the parks in cool new ways through fascinating fun facts and behind-the-scenes insights during your visit.
The PhotoPass Lenses and Audio Tales are taste-specific; some people will these to be nice additions to their day, but most guests will never use them. We’ve used these PhotoPass Lenses extensively at Walt Disney World, and they’re generally pretty fun as a value-add, but definitely not the primary or even secondary reason to buy LLMP at Disneyland.
Additionally, augmented reality is a HUGE battery drainer. We found our phone batteries going from nearly-full to the red zone after around 30 minutes of use. This already entails a lot of screen time, so be sure to pack a portable battery charger regardless–but consider a bigger battery if you’ll be spending any amount of time using the PhotoPass Lenses or want to charge multiple devices.
By contrast, most people will find the PhotoPass image downloads to be a huge plus. We’ve heard from some families who have one person purchase in their party purchase Lightning Lane Multi-Pass just for the sake of the on-ride photo downloads. Given that Disney PhotoPass+ One Week costs $78, you come out ahead by simply buying Lightning Lane Multi-Pass for trips that are 3 days or fewer!
What if the return time for that selection is not until much later in the day?
Guests are able to make another reservation 120 minutes after their first reservation even if they have not yet redeemed the first Lightning Lane Multi-Pass selection.
Does this mean I can actually hold multiple Lightning Lane Multi-Pass selections simultaneously?
Yes, when using the 120 minute rule. Disneyland’s official wording is confusing, but it’s possible to stack LLMP selections. In fact, there are quirks to the system that make it possible to accumulate Lightning Lane reservations later in the day.
What if the return times conflict with one another or other reservations?
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass will not stop you from making overlapping plans, so you need to monitor this yourself and make sure it doesn’t happen. It will simply give you a ‘warning’ message that you have overlapping plans (see screenshot above).
If a specific attraction’s return time conflicts with your schedule, either select a different attraction with a return time that isn’t problematic, or wait 5-10 minutes until the clock moves forward on return times and eliminates the overlap.
How do groups make Lightning Lane Multi-Pass reservations?
Guests can link tickets and select family and friends in the Disneyland app during the ride reservation process.
Do Lightning Lane picks work with Park Hopping?
Yes.
You are able to reserve attractions after 11 am in a different park than the one where you started your day and have reservations. Park Hopping with Lightning Lane Multi-Pass or Single Pass purchases must follow all the normal rules of Park Hopping and Lightning Lanes, meaning that you need to wait until the Lightning Lane return time window has advanced past 11 am for the park to which you’re hopping.
What if not everyone in our party wants to do a certain ride?
You can choose to only make Lightning Lane reservations for some guests within your party.
Alternatively, you can make the reservation for everyone, and some people in your group can ride multiple times by scanning the redemption belonging to someone else (keeping in mind that each one is valid once). Certain thrill rides are too intense for Sarah, so I scan her Lightning Lane entry code after using mine.
Can only certain guests within a party choose to purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass?
Yes–same idea. You can choose among linked guests in the Disneyland app from whom you want to purchase the LLSPs.
Can guests choose to purchase Lightning Lanes only on specific days?
Yes.
Only buying on specific days will give you the option to have “commando touring” days and more laid back ones, instead of simply buying for the duration of a Disneyland ticket or vacation package–saving money in the process.
Are any virtual queues in use at Disneyland Resort?
Yes.
At Disney California Adventure, World of Color uses a virtual queue. This is reserved viewing for the nighttime spectacular, and doesn’t work in quite the same way as prior virtual queues for attractions.
What’s up with the virtual queues for rides?
No virtual queues are in use for rides at Disneyland or Disney California Adventure. The parks have shifted to standby lines for all attractions that previously used them, including Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Web Slingers.
What changes with standby lines?
Nothing. Regular ole walk-up standby lines are still available on all attractions.
Can Magic Key Annual Passholders be able to purchase Lightning Lane access at Disneyland?
Magic Keyholders are able to purchase Lightning Lanes on a per-day basis, just like regular theme park ticket holders.
There’s now a 20% off discount on the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass service on days when APs use their pass for park admission. During the off-season, Annual Passholders have received as much as 50% off LLMP.
Is there an annual add-on for Magic Keymasters?
No. It’s possible one will be added down the road, but we wouldn’t expect that until pent-up demand fizzles out. At this point, it probably won’t happen until 2026, and maybe not next year at all.
Is there a Disney Vacation Club Member discount?
No.
Will these systems force me to be glued to my phone all day?
Using the Lightning Lane systems will definitely require phone use throughout the day–there’s no way around that. However, it could be as little as a couple of minutes every 90 to 120 minutes, or shortly after entering an attraction queue. It won’t be necessary to be constantly on your phone.
With that said, just as before with MaxPass, it’s likely that those guests who refresh the app compulsively and are diligent about making reservations will be at an advantage.
Are there multiple options for time slots when booking ride reservations?
The only option is the next available time slot.
Does this work with MagicBands at Disneyland Resort?
Yes. Lightning Lanes work with the MagicBand+, which has now debuted at Disneyland.
With that said, MagicBands are not required. You can use your park tickets or phone instead if you don’t have MagicBands.
Is refreshing and rebooking ride reservations possible with Lightning Lanes?
Yes.
How does this impact Single Rider or Rider Switch?
It doesn’t.
Planning a Southern California vacation? For park admission deals, read Tips for Saving Money on Disneyland Tickets. Learn about on-site and off-site hotels in our Anaheim Hotel Reviews & Rankings. For where to eat, check out our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews. For unique ideas of things that’ll improve your trip, check out What to Pack for Disney. For comprehensive advice, consult our Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide. Finally, for guides beyond Disney, check out our Southern California Itineraries for day trips to Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, and tons of other places!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Have any questions we didn’t answer with the above FAQ? Still confused by how Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Single Pass work at Disneyland and DCA? Think this is an adequate replacement to the FastPass and MaxPass systems, or do you wish Disneyland would’ve just left those alone? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Other thoughts or concerns? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
With Radiator Springs Racers scheduled for refurbishment starting 8/18, do you think Disney will make another ride at CA a paid single lightning lane during that period? Seems like they’d be leaving money on the table if they don’t, but maybe it is too confusing and upsetting for guests and therefore not worth it for a month. What do you think? Our vacation starts 8/18 and I’m wondering if the line up for LLMP will change.
This is an older post and still pretty relevant. I just spent Sat-Mon of President’s Day weekend at DL and DCA and had an interesting experience with lightening lanes. For multiple lightening lane reservations I had (Incredicoaster, Guardians, Soaring, Pirates, Indy) my reservation time changed with no notification from the app. For three of them, the time was pushed later, which is annoying but I didn’t mind because it gave an opportunity to stack. However, for Guardians, they moved it up 2 hours and if I had not randomly looked at my LL, we would have missed it. My sister did miss it. The CM just said that sometimes people cancel and they move you up. We were in DL at the time and my sister was asleep at the hotel. We had planned our evening around that LL. We still made it. Was just curious if this happened to others before? I’d just say keep an eye on your app.
Where this can happen is during the selection process. Meaning that you see a return time of 3-4 pm, but someone cancels and you end up with 1-2 pm (or something like that). However, there’s a little message you click-through showing that before you confirm. This is probably what the Cast Member was referencing.
Once you confirm, it should not change. Not saying that it doesn’t ever happen, but that’s definitely not how it’s supposed to work.
Thanks for sharing such helpful insights! I’ve bookmarked your blog and look forward to visiting again for more great tips.
Thank you for sharing such helpful insights! I’ve bookmarked your blog and look forward to visiting again for more great tips.
Can you modify LL selections / times at DL like you can at DW?
hi casey!
my husband and i will probably try do a genie plus for the “big” rides alone or just try do single riders from time to time while at the park with our littkes.
i’m going to have the DL app on my phone- and likely be the booking person.
how can he go ride a ride without my phone to scan in?
thanks!
anna
Hi, Anna! If you don’t have a phone to scan, you can purchase the wrist band MagicBand+ or get a paper ticket to scan at rides. I got paper tickets when I was there in December but only after making a big fuss at the ticket booth. My friend, on the other hand, always prints out the prepurchased eticket at home and has no problem getting it exchanged for a paper ticket right at the entrance (because they assume you don’t have a phone if you’re bringing paper). If you’re like me and want to prevent the ticket from getting ripped by mistake, the paper ticket is the same size as a credit card and I brought clear plastic pockets to hold the tickets. Your etickets on the app will still work even if you have been issued paper tickets. I like to get the tickets as souvenirs! Have a great trip!
WDW expert planning my first every trip to California. I know that genie+ has different rules in DL vs WDW (like the 7am booking vs waiting till in the park). I noticed this guide says there’s no modify button for Genie+ reservations. That was the case in WDW and then they added the option. Does DL also have that option to modify now or is it still that you’d have to cancel and rebook?
As a note, your guide on the modify button was a huge help for our first WDW trip after that change. Thanks Tom.
Hi, Sarah, I just got back from Disneyland and we purchased Genie+ for two days for my spouse and 5 days for myself (for the PhotoPass). Yes, there is the Modify option! However, when I was modifying, I was not able to pick a LL ride in the other park even though we had park-hopper tickets. Also, I couldn’t remember all the tips… one time I cancelled a LL and was not able to rebook another LL right away, so modify instead of cancelling! Another note, the Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway was shutdown very often, so try to book that LL early in the day. When we booked it late at night, it was shut down for several hours, until closing, and we never got to go on it that night. On the days where I was trying to collect Multiple Experience Passes (so I could give to my spouse), I would book this ride and it usually did shut down, so I got the pass. This ride was shutdown a lot. Have a great time at Disneyland!
Thanks Al. I was actually planning on skipping Runaway Railway as we’ve done it so many times at HS and I know there’s not really a difference between the world and land version on that one. But perhaps with it going down so often I’ll take advantage of those experience passes.
Great question from @Sarah K and terrific answer from @Al
Longtime Disney World veteran. From the Midwest and have gone more times than I can count. Your posts about WDW have been invaluable as the rules and lines and fast passes have changed. I’d love to know if there is any substantial update to this before spring 2024. I’ll be going to Disneyland for the first time! California is a pretty big trek for us and requires two flights, while Orlando is a non stop and pretty cheap at that. Decided to do a few days at Disneyland before heading out of SD on a cruise in the Wonder. I’m a super planner and would love to see any update on rides or changes as we come into next year. After so much experience at WDW I feel like I’m flying blind!
I hope you have so much fun! Disneyland is a smaller, more intimate, more accessible experience in my view. And of course the original. It’s so nice not to have to worry about transportation. Easy walk from good neighbor hotels, mere minutes to walk between parks or to downtown Disney, and some fun rides you have never gotten to experience like the Matterhorn, Alice in Wonderland, Indiana Jones! Better space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean (ask for a water side table at the Blue Bayou restaurant to watch the boats go by). Don’t get me wrong, I love Disney World, but I grew up going to Disneyland and it’s a wonderful place. Also, for off the beaten path, but resort dining, try to craftsman bar at the grand Californian. And then use the special entrance to going to California adventure.
Disney World veteran here planning a day in Disneyland for the first time in about 16 years. We plan on doing both parks in the same day (gulp) with liberal use of Genie Plus and Lightning Lanes to ease the struggle. I was thinking about starting the day in California Adventure before hopping to Disneyland, and was planning to start booking Disneyland Genie Plus reservations as soon as I entered the gate in California Adventure. Am I correct that is no longer possible and I won’t be able to make any Disneyland reservations unless the return time is after 11 AM? Thanks so much!
That is correct.
It’s not really an issue, though. You’ll want to make G+ reservations for DCA to start, as you won’t be able to hit all of the headliners there via standby first thing in the morning. I’d hazard a guess that you’ll want/need do 2-3 LLs in DCA before bouncing to Disneyland when Park Hopping starts.
Hello! Apologies if this is addressed already, and thank you so much for all the invaluable information on this site! I was at WDW, Sept 2022, and will be heading to Anaheim later this year. At WDW, I had Genie+ for a few days. At 7am, I was booking LL rides scheduled late in the day, so booked again two hours later. However, I found that Genie+ wasn’t allowing me to book another LL after entering the 1st LL. I had to wait 2 hours after my last booking. Is this happening at Disneyland? Thank you in advance!
Hi!
Lots of new info for me. We’re a true wdw family and know all the ins and outs there but we’re going to visit family in CA this summer. We of course want to head to DL and DCA, but unlike our week long trips to the world we won’t have that kind of time. Im looking at a 2 day hopper or 3 day non hopper.. of course with genie plus. Which do you recommend, I know how close the 2 parks are so I’m on the fence. We’ve been before but it was about 7 years ago and I know a lot has changed. I would appreciate any advice. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey Tom – not sure if you’ve seen this hack but I’m gonna leave this here.
If you are holding a multi-experience pass and a Genie reservation both valid at the same ride, when you scan into the turnstile, the ride specific reservation will always be use dup, not the multi-experience pass, AND THE TIME ON THE RESERVATION DOESN’T MATTER.
Example:
– I book Indiana Jones Adventure for 8-9 AM. It’s broken, so I get a multi-experience pass.
– I then book Space Mountain for 9-10 AM.
– At 8:30 AM, I walk up to space mountain’s LL scanners and scan my ticket. The light turns green.
– When I open my app, the LL reservation for 9-10 AM is now gone, but I still have the multi-experience pass.
Works for park hopping too. If I were to book Toy Story for 6-7 PM, I could scan in at any point that day before 6-7 PM as long as I hold onto the multi-experience pass.
If you are holding a multi-experience pass, you can completely ignore time slots. I call this the “accelerate” trick. (more on this in some forums on the disboards if ur interested)
Why does this work? Pretty sure it has to do with the logic that Disney’s Genie system uses. 1: Do you have a valid reservation for this ride? (Sees multi-exp pass for correct time). If yes, then light turns green. 2: Consume reservation from user’s account. If they have a rez for this specific ride, consume that. If they don’t, then consume their multi-experience pass.
The barcodes on the multi-experience passes and genie+ lane reservations that pop up in your app are just your ticket barcode, so it doesn’t matter which piece of the app you scan, this trick still works.
Caveat: The multi-experience pass needs to be valid for the ride you are going on. So you couldn’t use a “B tier” multi-experience pass to
I used this last time we went. Booked Indy at rope drop, it was down, got the multi-pass at 8:30 AM. After that, we used Genie+ on literally every single available ride in both parks that day, and didn’t even break a sweat. We just booked the ride we wanted as we were walking over (even if the time slot was for 7+ hours in the future), scanned our tickets, got in the LL queue, and still had the multi-experience pass for later use. Rinse and repeat all day long.
If anyone has questions feel free to ask bc I’m happy to explain. This isn’t gonna get patched – it’s baked into how Disney built their system and I doubt they’re going to do a redesign considering how on top of things Disney’s IT department is lol
Thanks Brandon,
This is a subject that has always interested me. This doesn’t come up much in Disney world but worked out really well in Disneyland when I got to visit last year. Whenever I’ve gotten a multi experience it happened to be the a tier. I’wonderered what rides showed up on the b tier if you recall? Thanks again.
Brandon, that’s an excellent discovery–and one that I was NOT aware of!
I think your explanation is almost certainly why this works, and also why it’s a loophole that won’t be closed. (And also, because how many people are actually exploiting it?) Genie+ was already pretty easy at Disneyland, but this is like the ultimate cheat code. Thanks for sharing!
Glad to help Tom! One other thing I just realized is that if you do child swap, the CMs actually give you a multi-experience pass on your ticket – I haven’t tested it, but I’m pretty sure that if you just use child swap for a ride you can automatically get the pass that makes this hack work. You’d miss out on child swap for that one ride at that moment, but you could get back to it eventually once you’ve used the Multi pass to accelerate all your other genie reservations. Limited in its application, but when I take a group in May I’m gonna try it. If it works that gives you an ace in the hole.
@Carol, each park has “2 tiers” of rides for Multi-exp passes, which lend themselves to 3 tiers of passes in effect.
S Tier: Space Mountain, Matterhorn, Indiana Jones – Multi passes from these rides are good at any ride in either park except for Individual LL rides and Peter Man.
A Tier – Disneyland: All remaining Genie+ rides at DL park. These are not good for the S-tier rides but work for any rides in DCA. (I believe – haven’t tested this for all the rides at DL)
A Tier – DCA: Guardians of the Galaxy, Web Slingers – These are not good for the S-tier but are good for any ride A tier and below.
B Tier – DCA: These are the weird ones. They only work on B-tier or lower rides AT DCA, but they work on all the A-Tier rides at Disneyland.
Don’t stress about memorizing that lol. It’s written down on every multi-experience pass you get. If you’re a nerd like me and want to do the math on permutations and possibilities based on you booking a certain ride that breaks down, then there you go :). Otherwise just check what your pass says.
Wow Brandon.
Thanks so much! I stumbled on to the General advantage of booking a genie + reservation on a temporarily closed ride from a comment on this blog last year, but didn’t discover this additional advantage! I was there from the east coast with my 80 year old California native cousin and he was flabbergasted when we used the multi use experience ticket to bypass a 45 minute wait on jungle cruise.
I apparently am a nerd just like you and I hope to return with daughter and grands because Disneyland was so much more enjoyable with genie than disneyworld. When I checked online i couldn’t find info on various tiers. I must have had s tiers from Indiana Jones being down. I ran into a weird situation where the canal boats were not listed as either A ride you could use passes on or a ride you couldn’t. The cast member was very kind and let me on and I didn’t even have to use pass! Just a thoughtful CM helping a couple of older folks to have a much less stressful day!
Once again, this info is invaluable to me, thanks so much for sharing.
So, how would that work for a family?
I’m thinking about the child swap. Let’s say we go a ride and use child swap. CM gives multi pass experience to only one of the 2 parents correct?
I ride. My wife gets multi experience pass to ride after me but does not use it?
Then we book attraction for 7pm but it’s 10am let’s say.
How would that work? Would everyone’s light turn green just because she has the multi experience or just her light would turn green?
Not sure if I make sense lol
@Antoine – the multi-experience passes are stored on each TICKET. What you scan at the LL entrance is your ticket, not a separate FastPass.
So, when you go to get your child swap passes, the CM will scan UP TO 3 of your tickets and add a multi-experience pass onto them. Those 3 tickets will be able to accelerate any lightning lane reservations stored on them because they also have the multi-experience pass that makes this hack work.
So if it’s you, your wife, and one kid, then the three of you would have tickets that can accelerate your LLs for the rest of the day until you use up the multi-experience pass.
@Brandon Thank you! I think I’m starting to understand this.
The only thing now is how would I approach a CM about that? My wife and I usually go to Disney just the both of us and our next trip is the first time we will take our daughter to the parks (she is now 4)
Cause I read you are divided into 2 groups when using child swap.
So in our case wouldn’t that be 1 + 2 ? And only the +2 would have the multi experience?
Or could I pretend my daughter can’t do the wait in queue, ride once solo and then technically re ride with them?
Or last option, I don’t give much info, present them with our 3 tickets and say that we need child swap passes for these 3 tickets and that’s it? Lol
Just trying to visualise how I would have that convo wirh CM to make sure all our tickets get the multi pass
Apologize for all my questioning and thank you so much for clarifying!
So you’ll ALL go to the entrance of the ride. Explain that she (or you) will be riding, and then the other will wait off with the kid. Then just give them your three tickets to scan. I’ve always done this with my group and they never ask questions. If you have the DL app, just open the tickets page and swipe through the three tickets, then you’ll have multi-experience passes on all three of your tickets! Good luck!
This did not work for me despite trying with several multi experience passes (one for Indiana Jones, two for incredicaoster), and I’m not sure why. I would book a LL, try to scan in early with my ticket, and the ticket code DOES NOT WORK in the LL scanner. A cast member noticed and tried to help me out. I had to switch over to the LL, where they pointed out I was there too early. I then switched to the multipass and had to use it up. I’m not sure if I misunderstood something in the instructions, or if the loop has been closed. Tried this with both multipasses on two different days, and no luck.
July 25th and this didn’t work for me either. Sounds like this loophole might have been closed. I tried 3 different times gave up after looking like the clueless noob who arrives to a ride an hour+ before his LL time! LOL
just a quick question I probably wouldnt want to but the guide still says you can book a genie plus regular lightning lane at another park after one. has this changed to 11 with the park hopper rules change
Yep! Once the time slot on the Genie+ rez is a time when. you’re able to physically be in the park (after 11), you can book it.