Lightning Lane Premier Pass this weekend - thoughts, opinions, and advice

[ninafeliz]

Considering buying LL premier pass for either this coming Friday or Saturday (Dec 12th or 13th). It' s only two of us going (my DH and me), when we take all four kids the price becomes prohibitive but for two it's a splurge for sure but sounds like it could be great. I'm leaning towards Saturday, we have Rancho De Zocallo booked for the first fantasmic that I would want to keep, but the rest of the day is free. Friday we have the plaza inn package for the second Christmas parade and WOC dessert party for the second show, so it seems like we would have more time Saturday.

I guess I'm just looking for advice, etc. Not on the cost - I know it's expensive - but anything else. How to best do it, if we can fit all of the rides on it in in one day with fantasmic and the rancho lunch (I'm hoping that the fact I bought the quick service one means it won't take as much time? I don't really know how that will work with it not being a sit down meal), etc. Really anything you want to throw at me. I'm assuming that then on our other day we'll focus on the non LL rides, and hope we can get most of them in as well.

Our starting park for both days is DL. We haven't fully decided yet, it was just a thought I had once we were within the seven days to purchase it.

 

[disneychrista]

If you can do it. Knock out all the LL attractions the day you get it and focus on the non-LL attractions on the other day. I'd probably do it on Friday then you repeat any favorites with the standby line.

 

[LKing]

Friday is the last Friday for two of the MK passes before being blocked until next year. MK reservations have been full for quite some time.

This weekend is a Dance the Magic weekend which will make it tougher to get around on Saturday morning.

Post in thread 'Disneyland Resort Calendar 2025'

Mar 6, 2025

October
October 1-31 Disneyland's 70th Celebration
October 1-31 Halloween Time
October 1-31 Celebration of Coco
October 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 31 Oogie Boogie Bash
October 3-5 Dance the Magic Event (October 2-4, 2026)
October 5-9 Academy of Family Physicians Annual Meeting
October 10-13 Columbus Day Weekend
October 25 Dance the Dream Event
October 26 Filipino Dapper Day

November
November 1-30 Disneyland's 70th Celebration
November 1, 2 Celebration of Coco
November 2 Daylight Savings Time
November 9 Last night for Paint the Night
November 10 - 12 Epilepsy...

• LKing

• 
• 

 

[chicagodisneyguy]

We used it this summer ( on the day of 70th anniversary) and it was amazing. Below is a thread where I added my experience using it to others.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/i...e-don’t-have-to….3955958/page-2#post-66263403

 

[oswald1927]

It is was worth for us, costly but we would not have been able to do everything we wanted to do otherwise.

 

[BriannaRuth]

On the RDZ Fantasmic package, yes, it's quick. You order from a different line than everyone else does, then you're free to take your food to a table there at RDZ if you want. You don't have to take it to go. Not sure if that's what you're asking or not, but there you are.

You may have already seen the reports of still having to arrive quite early to get a good spot for the parade even with the Plaza Inn package? FYI.

Personally I'd definitely do the LLMP at least one of those days, especially considering how busy it's supposed to be. I probably wouldn't wait until the last minute to buy it, either, just in case.

 

[ninafeliz]

On the RDZ Fantasmic package, yes, it's quick. You order from a different line than everyone else does, then you're free to take your food to a table there at RDZ if you want. You don't have to take it to go. Not sure if that's what you're asking or not, but there you are.

You may have already seen the reports of still having to arrive quite early to get a good spot for the parade even with the Plaza Inn package? FYI.

Personally I'd definitely do the LLMP at least one of those days, especially considering how busy it's supposed to be. I probably wouldn't wait until the last minute to buy it, either, just in case.

I haven't seen those, I wonder if we would be better off just watching the parade on our own? IIRC from the little I have read about the parade I would watch near the starting area of the first parade, so i didn't have to wait for it to make its way to us. It defeats the purpose if I have to enter super early and wait anyway Where is the location (is it great or something?) and how early is early?

That is what I was wondering about the RDZ fantasmic package, thank you. I can't quite figure out why I have a reservation time if it's quick service. I had no idea to go was an option, I figured we ate there like all QS restaurants (unless it's impossible to find a table I guess).

 

[ninafeliz]

If you can do it. Knock out all the LL attractions the day you get it and focus on the non-LL attractions on the other day. I'd probably do it on Friday then you repeat any favorites with the standby line.

So are you suggesting we use it Friday despite having multiple other scheduled things (lunch, parade, WOC)? I am also wondering if I should cancel the lunch parade package and just watch the parade on our own. That might save time and not be less convenient for the parade viewing from what someone else alluded to

 

[ninafeliz]

Does it sell out? I was trying to find that out on thrill data, but it was giving me issues (Or I didn't know where to look).

 

[BriannaRuth]

I haven't seen those, I wonder if we would be better off just watching the parade on our own? IIRC from the little I have read about the parade I would watch near the starting area of the first parade, so i didn't have to wait for it to make its way to us. It defeats the purpose if I have to enter super early and wait anyway Where is the location (is it great or something?) and how early is early?

A couple months ago by @Diana ZP -- I think she's in the park this week, so she may or may not see this and reply:

The food was good but the viewing area was awful in my opinion...we were told to show up at a certain, told definitely no earlier (HAH!)- and we went a little early and there was no place to sit or stand. If they can regulate that it would be great!

Here's the link to the thread this came from: Christmas Parade Viewing Package

 

[Skyegirl1999]

The main benefit of the Premier Pass is that it’s so easy and efficient - you can just go around the park in order and hit every LL. No backtracking, no being on your phone to book things, no wasted time waiting for a window to open…

If you did it one day (and I’m not sure your choice of day would matter a TON), I’d just prioritize rides with LL and do them all, in order, and save your feet and sanity! Then the other day, you can focus on the non-LL rides.

It’s a big splurge, so only you can say if the value is there for your particular situation. But I’m sure it would feel fun and luxurious to do, and it’s certainly the most efficient option available.

 

[bakofarmgirl]

we arrived 30 minutes before the parade on monday and got front spots across from
the train station. as the cast member took down the reserved signs, we were able to sit in that area.

 

[LKing]

If you choose Saturday, be aware that the DTM group has a parade around 10 am (not sure of the exact time) so the parade route in Disneyland is packed before and after. You could plan on doing Adventureland, Frontierland, Bayou Country and SWGE during that time but don't choose Tomorrowland, Fantasyland or Toontown as you can get stuck. There are routes to avoid the parade crowds. If you are interested, I can talk you through how to get from SWGE to Fantasyland to Toontown while the parade is happening.

 

[ter-moo]

If you can swing it, I would do it! It looks like it might be insanely crowded on Friday and Saturday! It was REALLY crowded this past Monday and Tuesday--and anything that would make it less stressful would be great!

 

[disneychrista]

That is what I was wondering about the RDZ fantasmic package, thank you. I can't quite figure out why I have a reservation time if it's quick service. I had no idea to go was an option, I figured we ate there like all QS restaurants (unless it's impossible to find a table I guess).

I would guess they make you pick a reservation time so they can spread out people arriving.

 

[Disney0010]

We purchased it yesterday for DL. It made a huge difference due to how long the wait times were. We were able to ride double the rides due to this. For us it was worth the extra cost. Just plan your day out and grab the next ride as soon as you check in for your current ride.