Lightning Lane at Disneyland 2025: The Complete Guide to Skipping the Lines
Are you planning a Disneyland trip? We need to talk about Lightning Lane. Disney lets you skip standby lines, and trust me, it can turn a good day into a great one if you use it wisely. I’ve done the research, gathered the tips, and I’ll try Lightning Lane myself this year. Here are my essential tips and tricks to plan your trip like a pro.
Photo © Disney
Planning a Disneyland trip in 2025?
You can use Disney's Lightning Lane to get on rides faster and skip long lines. In 2024, an improved system (Multi Pass & Single Pass) was introduced, which can be confusing for first-time and returning visitors alike. In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about Lightning Lane. This includes how it works, costs, which rides are covered, and how to make the most of your park day.
What is Lightning Lane at Disneyland?
At Disneyland Resort in California, Lightning Lane offers express entry to select attractions. With the Disneyland app, you can reserve a return time and enter a shorter line instead of the regular standby line. Walt Disney World uses Lightning Lane, which works differently. I'll only talk about Disneyland's version in this article.
The Difference Between Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single-Pass
Disneyland’s Lightning Lane is split into two options: the Multi Pass and the Single Pass.
The Lightning Lane Multi Pass is like your all-day express pass to the most popular attractions. At Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, you can reserve return times for multiple rides, one at a time. Disneyland's includes rides like the Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones Adventure, and Space Mountain. At Disney California Adventure, the Multi Pass covers Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, The Incredicoaster and WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure. If you have a Park Hopper ticket, you can even use it across both parks on the same day, which makes it even more powerful.
The Lightning Lane Single Pass, sometimes called the Individual Lightning Lane, is different. Certain rides require separate passes that are not included with the Multi Pass. Single Pass prices usually range from $15 to $25 USD per ride, depending on the day. You can purchase up to two passes per guest, per day, in addition to the Multi Pass. In 2025, the Single Pass will be used for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland Park and Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure. It is popular for guests to combine both the Multi Pass and the Single Pass to avoid long lines at the big rides.
How Much Time Can You Save?
With Lightning Lane, you can save time. It was found that guests saved an average of three to four and a half hours of wait time in a single day. Imagine being able to enjoy extra rides, a sit-down meal, or even multiple snack breaks instead of standing in line all afternoon. With Lightning Lane, you have more magic at your disposal.
Lightning Lane Prices in 2025
In 2025, the cost for Lightning Lane Multi Pass ranges from about $20 to $30 USD per person, per day. This depends on the season and crowd levels. Single Pass options are priced individually, usually between $15 and $25 USD per ride. Expect higher prices during weekends, holidays, and special events such as Halloween and Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary celebrations.
When is Lightning Lane Worth It?
So, is Lightning Lane worth the extra cost? In many cases, yes. Lightning Lane is an excellent value if you’re visiting during peak seasons, like the holidays or summer, when standby waits are especially long. It’s also worth it if you’re on a short trip and need to maximize your time. This is especially true if you’re travelling with kids who may not have patiencefor long lines. It’s also helpful for anyone who wants access to the most popular rides. On the other hand, if you’re visiting on a quiet weekday or in the off-season, you might find that the waits are short enough to skip them. But remember that 2025 is Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, which draws large crowds throughout the year.
Best Lightning Lane Rides to Book First
If you purchase a Multi-Pass, you’ll want to prioritize booking high-demand attractions first. Disneyland Park's Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, and The Haunted Mansion (or its seasonal Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay) should be at the top of your list. Over at Disney California Adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, and Incredicoaster are the most popular choices.
If you’re buying a Single Pass, focus on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Disneyland and Radiator Springs Racers in Disney California Adventure. These rides consistently draw some of the longest waits in the parks. Buying access is often the only way to experience them without dedicating hours to the line.
Lightning Lane Strategy Tips for 2025
The most effective way to use Lightning Lane is with strategy. Book your first Multi Pass selection as soon as you’ve scanned into the park for the day. Don’t hesitate to refresh the app throughout the day, as additional times often appear when other guests cancel or adjust their plans. Try to use standby lines in the morning when the waits are shortest, and save Lightning Lane selections for the afternoon when crowds peak. If you have a Park Hopper ticket, remember that you can book across both parks, making your day more efficient. And don’t forget: some classic rides like Peter Pan’s Flight don’t offer Lightning Lane, so you’ll want to rope drop them first thing in the morning.
Planning scenarios
To make this even easier, here are some examples of how different guests use Lightning Lane.
If you’re visiting Disneyland for just one day, purchasing a Multi Pass plus a Single Pass for Rise of the Resistance is a smart choice. This ensures you’ll experience the most popular rides without missing anything.
For a two-day midweek trip, you might be able to skip the Multi Pass and just use standby lines. This will save you money and only buy a Single Pass for Radiator Springs Racers if needed.
Families with younger children often find that a Multi Pass is worth the cost because it prevents long waits and meltdowns. And if you’re a thrill-seeker, combining Multi Pass with a Single Pass will let you prioritize all the headliners like Guardians, Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, and Rise of the Resistance.
FAQs About Lightning Lane at Disneyland
-
No, but it’s more flexible if you do.
-
Yes, any guest aged three and older requires their own.
-
With a Multi Pass, you can make as many as you like, one at a time, throughout the day. With Single Pass, you can buy up to two per guest, per day.
-
The biggest difference is when you can book reservations. At Disneyland, you can only make Lightning Lane reservations after you’ve scanned into the park for the day.
At Walt Disney World, Lightning Lane Multi Pass reservations open much earlier. Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel or select partner hotels (like Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve, and Shades of Green) can begin booking 7 days before their check-in date for their entire stay (up to 14 days). All other guests can book Lightning Lane reservations starting 3 days before the first day of their ticket.
This advance window gives Disney World visitors a major planning advantage compared to Disneyland, where everything happens same-day once you’re inside the park.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re used to Disney World’s system, remember that Disneyland doesn’t require waking up at 7:00 a.m, but you do need to move quickly once you’re in the park to grab the best times.
Wondering about Pat’s Take
I’ve seen how Lightning Lane can completely transform a Disneyland day. When used smartly, it can save you hours of waiting and give you the chance to do more of what you love — whether that’s thrill rides, family attractions, or snack breaks between shows. At the same time, there are days when it’s not essential, especially during the slower seasons. The key is knowing what works for your trip.
That’s where I come in! I can help you design a personalized Lightning Lane plan based on your travel dates, ride priorities, and crowd levels, so you know exactly when to book and how to avoid the longest waits.
Ready to plan your Disneyland vacation? Contact me today, and let’s make your Disney trip magical and stress-free.