CA Resorts - New LL Replacement For Early Entry

[TinkAgainU]

Just stayed at the Grand Calif during the new program replacing Early Entry on 1/5/2026 - here is what we learned:

1) The New Lightening Lane Pass is one per stay NOT one for each night at the hotel - supposed to be one for each person in the room reservation
2) Pass works on all Lightening Lanes EXCEPT Rise of Resistance and Radiator Springs
3) Your LL Pass is a walk up pass, no time reservation needed (only nice thing lol)
4) Works for each member registered as a Party to your room (although we had issues with all but the Primary Guest, and had to have a CM at a green umbrella add other hotel guests even though we were linked, and the Hotel Res showed on their Apps?
5) Be careful, if you hit the Redeem Button (and a scannable code will then turn up on your App Home Screen), it is Redeemed THAT day even if you don't use it that day
6) Don't ask CMs at the ride entrances for help, they don't know how it works yet, but the CMs at the Green Umbrellas did.
7) Please don't yell at the CMs for the limitations of this, it was clear they were fielding unhappy customers over this a Lot

If someone notes a change to these or can clarify, please feel free. We definitely felt like "guinea pigs" this trip lol.

 

[LKing]

5) Be careful, if you hit the Redeem Button (and a scannable code will then turn up on your App Home Screen), it is Redeemed THAT day even if you don't use it that day

That is a super important point and deserves to be in bold print! Make sure your kids and the rest of your party know not to play around with it and accidently redeem it.

Questions:
How is the hotel LL pass labeled differently than your regular LLMP? Is it obvious?
Did it show up on the app when you checked into the hotel or at a later time?

Thanks for starting this thread.

 

[Howry]

Not sure what benefit you get for staying on site anymore. Would rather save money by staying off site and have more money to spend on fun stuff.

I dont understand why they did this. Should be daily lightning lane for every night you stay

 

[soniam]

That is a super important point and deserves to be in bold print! Make sure your kids and the rest of your party know not to play around with it and accidently redeem it.

Questions:
How is the hotel LL pass labeled differently than your regular LLMP? Is it obvious?
Did it show up on the app when you checked into the hotel or at a later time?

Thanks for starting this thread.

If it’s like the multi-experience pass (MEP) that you get when a ride breaks down, then it is specifically labeled in the app. It’s best to redeem it through the app by selecting it, instead of using a magicband. MB+ should technically work for MEP; there are rules around the priority of redemption. However, this new LL may not be set up correctly yet for MB+.

 

[LKing]

Can we keep this thread as informational so that hotel guests understand how the new system works?

If one wants to share their frustration or discuss why the change was made, can we do that on the other thread?

Thread 'Disneyland Eliminates Early Entry for Resort Hotel Guests Beginning January 5, 2026'

Aug 20, 2025

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/early-admission-options/

Early Entry at the Disneyland Resort​

LocatedinDisneyland Resort
Prior to January 5, 2026: Guests who are checked in and staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels can take advantage of 30-minute early entry to a designated theme park every day of their hotel stay to enjoy select attractions, dining and shopping locations.

Each day, either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park will open early:

• Disneyland Park: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
• Disney California...

• joseph821
• Replies: 372
• Forum: Disneyland (California)

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[GrimGrinningGuy]

That is a super important point and deserves to be in bold print! Make sure your kids and the rest of your party know not to play around with it and accidently redeem it.

Questions:
How is the hotel LL pass labeled differently than your regular LLMP? Is it obvious?
Did it show up on the app when you checked into the hotel or at a later time?

Thanks for starting this thread.

This is info I’d love to know too.
Wondering if it shows up in the LL area or if it’s like a separate barcode. And curious if a magic band would know to use it when tapped

 

[TinkAgainU]

That is a super important point and deserves to be in bold print! Make sure your kids and the rest of your party know not to play around with it and accidently redeem it.

Questions:
How is the hotel LL pass labeled differently than your regular LLMP? Is it obvious?
Did it show up on the app when you checked into the hotel or at a later time?

Thanks for starting this thread.

We had multi-LL and one single-LL the same day and this "looked" different. Honestly not sure if it was "first" accessed thru the Hotel Reservations box on the App, or if it appeared on the HOME screen of the App first. It's one cool benefit was being able to use it as a walk-up fastlane and not need to search for an open return time in the typical LL section.

Here are the photos of it on the home screen before Redeemed, and when redeemed this code pops up so you can put it in the scanner. I was using a Magic Band and that might have confused the system - mine "redeemed" before others in the party - but it might have been I hit the redeem button on the 5th and we did not use them until the 6th (CM gave up and just let me on the ride with rest of the family on the 6th lol - obviously, they we stumped and trying to be nice).

 

[LKing]

Having the dates of your stay just above the redeem button makes it seem like, once redeemed, you can use on either day. They really need a disclaimer warning not to redeem until you are ready to use it. I have a feeling a lot of confused hotel guests are going to be waved through like you.

 

[JerrodDragon89]

Its for sure less of a value no doubt

I will say when its busy Indy and GOTG LL sell out quick. So it is useful for certain attractions just don't use it for Monsters Inc or Buzz thats for sure

 

[gottalovepluto]

-

 

[KPeterso]

I believe you have to enter a park before you could use it. That's the way DAS and LL work. You have to be scanned in before it works.

I guess that is my question. How do they know if I even have tickets for all in my party since it is given when you check in? What if you had not bought your tickets yet (crazy thought but I am sure there are people that have not -pre-purchased their tickets) or are using cast member sign ins? How do they know which ticket or LL is tied to each person?

 

[TinkAgainU]

I guess that is my question. How do they know if I even have tickets for all in my party since it is given when you check in? What if you had not bought your tickets yet (crazy thought but I am sure there are people that have not -pre-purchased their tickets) or are using cast member sign ins? How do they know which ticket or LL is tied to each person?

I will mention each barcode ticket has the person's name on it. Maybe nobody looks, but it's clearly assigned to that person.

 

[KPeterso]

I will mention each barcode ticket has the person's name on it. Maybe nobody looks, but it's clearly assigned to that person.

I would expect that. But how are they going to know I am KPeterso versus KAPeterso. Would still be a name for me. I could do Kristin versus K versus Kristi versus Kris. All of those could be me - I do use at least 2 versions listed there for my name.

 

[TinkAgainU]

I would expect that. But how are they going to know I am KPeterso versus KAPeterso. Would still be a name for me. I could do Kristin versus K versus Kristi versus Kris. All of those could be me - I do use at least 2 versions listed there for my name.

You realize it's a bit weird to be online asking and sharing how you are trying to clearly cheat a Disney perk program? What if someone at Disney actually has internet access and knows Disboards exists lol? Oh, and could ban you from the parks? Just sayin'...

 

[KPeterso]

You realize it's a bit weird to be online asking and sharing how you are trying to clearly cheat a Disney perk program? What if someone at Disney actually has internet access and knows Disboards exists lol? Oh, and could ban you from the parks? Just sayin'...

I have not committed to trying it. And I highly doubt I will. Others have said they may book each day of their reservation separately to get the LL for each day. That would never cross my mind. II just asked out of curiosity. I am sure someone will try it at some point. I am just curious how they would be able to know who is using it.

On a similar vein, would a child under 3 be granted one LL for being on the reservation? They do not have a ticket to enter the park and would not need LL. Would a family leave that LL unused or would a parent potentially use it when a child is sleeping in a stroller?

 

[TinkAgainU]

I have not committed to trying it. And I highly doubt I will. Others have said they may book each day of their reservation separately to get the LL for each day. That would never cross my mind. II just asked out of curiosity. I am sure someone will try it at some point. I am just curious how they would be able to know who is using it.

On a similar vein, would a child under 3 be granted one LL for being on the reservation? They do not have a ticket to enter the park and would not need LL. Would a family leave that LL unused or would a parent potentially use it when a child is sleeping in a stroller?

I'm not judging anyone for using whatever truely gray area Disney has available. Guess my thoughts were more 1) don't give your real name online if you push the limits, and 2) don't wreck loopholes for others lol. We all know Many cool, somewhat gray area, tips Disney "fixed" when someone shared it just to increase their social media hits.

 

[LKing]

I have not committed to trying it. And I highly doubt I will. Others have said they may book each day of their reservation separately to get the LL for each day. That would never cross my mind. II just asked out of curiosity. I am sure someone will try it at some point. I am just curious how they would be able to know who is using it.

On a similar vein, would a child under 3 be granted one LL for being on the reservation? They do not have a ticket to enter the park and would not need LL. Would a family leave that LL unused or would a parent potentially use it when a child is sleeping in a stroller?

Small print on the website says 3+.

 

[Potigant]

This is certainly not how it is explained to work or what I expected but my group of 5 is currently staying 4 nights at VGC. We are Disneyland first timers and bought single day, single park tickets for Mon-Wed. They were cheaper than multi day since these are all tier 0 and 1 days. After check in on Sunday I had 15 lightning lane multi experience passes loaded to my account with validity from 1/4-1/8. Basically 5 people x 3 park days. One person chose not to enter the park today and it had no bearing on these LL passes. Also they are not being taken away as often as I’ve scanned them. I’ve scanned 12 so far and still have 6 in the app. Overall this bonus has been the only part of the DL lightning lane experience I’ve enjoyed . The differences in the LLMP system and ride options vs WDW parks I have not been a fan of.

 

[TinkAgainU]

This is certainly not how it is explained to work or what I expected but my group of 5 is currently staying 4 nights at VGC. We are Disneyland first timers and bought single day, single park tickets for Mon-Wed. They were cheaper than multi day since these are all tier 0 and 1 days. After check in on Sunday I had 15 lightning lane tickets loaded to my account with validity from 1/4-1/8. Basically 5 people x 3 park days. One person chose not to enter the park today and it had no bearing on these LL passes. Also they are not being taken away as often as I’ve scanned them. I’ve scanned 12 so far and still have 6 in the app. Overall this bonus has been the only part of the DL lightning lane experience I’ve enjoyed . The differences in the LLMP system and ride options vs WDW parks I have not been a fan of. Might be a one and done visit for us. We made sure to do all the non Florida rides on this visit just in case it is.

I really hope you are correct and they are now more!! We were told, one per person per stay was the rule, but were only staying one night and received one per person - so can't be sure. Be aware the "scan code" still showed on our Apps until the end of our stay, but would not light up the scanner circles once used.

 

[Potigant]

I really hope you are correct and they are now more!! We were told, one per person per stay was the rule, but were only staying one night and received one per person - so can't be sure. Be aware the "scan code" still showed on our Apps until the end of our stay, but would not light up the scanner circles once used.

Everything I read prior to arrival said one per person per stay so I’m assuming this is a temporary bug related to us having so many single day tickets. Honestly it’s how it should work though. One per person per park day would move it closer to the value of the early entry. I’ve got 3 kids 6 and under and we haven’t made it into the park before 830 and get more value out of the LL pass than we would have early entry