Plan Ahead with Lightning Lane Entry at Walt Disney World Starting July 24

[123SA]

That’s my guess too. I would even wager there being a fraction released 7, 3 and day-of for the attractions. Not an equal amount, but probably some.

I bet this helps them with their forecasting too since they got rid of most park reservations. They can kind of assess their crowd levels based on who’s prebooking what, where.

I think this is right, but please correct me.

My first day is Aug11th, booking window opens the 4th. This means that everyone with resort reservations starting on July 29 - Aug 10th that is booking for Aug 11 can book before me. The window for booking a ride on a certain date doesn't open 7 days before that date, it opens 21 days before that date. (Example: A person with a 14 day resort reservation starting September 15th can book through Sept 28th. The booking window for that reservation starts Sept 8th. Thus, on Sept 8th the booking window opens for Sept 28th (for a relatively small group of resort guests)



So it is possible I will not be able to get Slinky on Aug 11th. Your suggestion in practice means that 3 days before, so Aug 8th, I should log on at 7am again because maybe they held some back and I might be able to a Slinky on that day. IS that right?

 

[tx911]

I'm concerned with the tiers as well and have a lot of questions. With Genie+ we were able to ride ALL the headliners the park offered in a day. This does not seem like a possibility now (without waiting in the standard line). Genie+ was a cost, but a worthy one (for us). Every ride that offered LL, we used it. We got, what we felt, a GREAT value. We used the system the way it was intended to be used and paid for it. We paid to not have to wait in lines.

I know personally we go during a slower time (August), but that combined with Genie+ essentially had us walking on many rides, or never more than a ten minute wait.

1. Do we know yet what exactly the tiers are and what rides are included in them? (I'm not seeing a lot of the character meets on the lists floating around - Grotto Ariel, Princess Fairytale Hall, etc.).

2. Booking one tier 1 and two, tier 2's in advance feels pointless. For what rides I'm thinking the tier 2's are, well, those rides ALWAYS were readily available day of and 95% of them for a time with an immediate scan in or within 15 minutes. Booking these so far in advance serves no purpose.

Now, tell me I can book TWO "tier 1's" in advance, and then the third pre-book a tier 2, fine. I can see myself then scanning into the first booking early on in the day, stacking the 2 others for later, and using one throughout the day and/or letting 2 hours pass to book a new one while I met some characters or ate at a nice restaurant and stacked for later. Then we're talking!

Actually, I felt with Genie+, with the 2 hour rule, it actually had us spending more to eat at a nicer restaurant. We got to either meet characters, take a bit longer of a break. It was a very relaxing day, and even though we were spending more on food, it was so pleasant and we didn't mind. Now we will be more inclined to eat quickly so we can scan in and book the next ride.

Also, to call Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, etc, a tier 1?? By later on in the day, after that morning rush, at least when we go in August, the times always evened out. By later on they'd be consistently readily available to hop on within 15 minutes or so. I feel like tiering them will create a different experience, and with people booking SO far out instead of day of, a lot of mixed availability come day of. Real time will turn into a confusing mess. There's also the risk of an attraction selling out FAR in advance (one that likely may not have under Genie+) because of all the pre-booking. People will then change their minds on things FAR more day (understandably, since it was booked not in real time), so if I want to hope something becomes available I need to be glued to my phone, and then also possibly change one of my reservations to grab what may randomly become available. How does that solve anything? We were tied to our phones FAR less on Genie+ then we ever were with FP+. This seems opposite.

3. I'm reading you pre-book "3" (again, kind of silly as the other 2 options were not hard to get).

So you scan into your first, then you can book another one? Does that mean the 2 hour rule is gone for sure? That was crucial to stacking.

Will they let you use one, book one continually? Or will they make you wait to use up the other 2 before you can book a 5th and 6th?

I'm confused about the rules for this.

Yes, the lists of rides in tier 1 and tier 2 are available, probably earlier in this thread.

At least at MK, there are actually some good Tier 2 rides, like Haunted Mansion and Pirates.

 

[123SA]

The Tiers are on p22 near the bottom and on DIsney website

 

[carlyannek]

I think this is right, but please correct me.

My first day is Aug11th, booking window opens the 4th. This means that everyone with resort reservations starting on July 29 - Aug 10th that is booking for Aug 11 can book before me. The window for booking a ride on a certain date doesn't open 7 days before that date, it opens 21 days before that date. (Example: A person with a 14 day resort reservation starting September 15th can book through Sept 28th. The booking window for that reservation starts Sept 8th. Thus, on Sept 8th the booking window opens for Sept 28th (for a relatively small group of resort guests)



So it is possible I will not be able to get Slinky on Aug 11th. Your suggestion in practice means that 3 days before, so Aug 8th, I should log on at 7am again because maybe they held some back and I might be able to a Slinky on that day. IS that right?

So back in the day, when it was FP+, the strategy was to build your plan backwards. For me, since i’m staying on property, when my booking window opens it is 7 days before arrival, for up to 14 days of my trip. The strategy would be to do DHS on my last park day and grab Slink, then book backwards knowing the first days of my trip I might not get my desired tier 1 rides at the time I want. It rarely happened that I didnt get what I wanted on my first days, but it did happen on occasion. I also always visit during lower seasons (end of August) so not sure how that affected the selection competition.

 

[DizneyFamof4]

Because speculation is what we do best!

What do you folks think the availability will be like for first tier attractions after the initial pre-booking one is redeemed?

I will be disappointed if all that can be expected is the initial Tier 1. I'm used to being able to ride BTMR, Space Mountain, Peter Pan, Jungle Cruise, etc all in one day under the Genie+ system.

I'd be interested in particular to hear the past experiences with FastPass in this regard, as it may be somewhat of a predictor of what we can expect.

I know last March we were not able to get those 4 with G+, so not always the case.

 

[Gentry2004]

I'm concerned with the tiers as well and have a lot of questions. With Genie+ we were able to ride ALL the headliners the park offered in a day. This does not seem like a possibility now (without waiting in the standard line). Genie+ was a cost, but a worthy one (for us). Every ride that offered LL, we used it. We got, what we felt, a GREAT value. We used the system the way it was intended to be used and paid for it. We paid to not have to wait in lines.

I know personally we go during a slower time (August), but that combined with Genie+ essentially had us walking on many rides, or never more than a ten minute wait.

1. Do we know yet what exactly the tiers are and what rides are included in them? (I'm not seeing a lot of the character meets on the lists floating around - Grotto Ariel, Princess Fairytale Hall, etc.).

2. Booking one tier 1 and two, tier 2's in advance feels pointless. For what rides I'm thinking the tier 2's are, well, those rides ALWAYS were readily available day of and 95% of them for a time with an immediate scan in or within 15 minutes. Booking these so far in advance serves no purpose.

Now, tell me I can book TWO "tier 1's" in advance, and then the third pre-book a tier 2, fine. I can see myself then scanning into the first booking early on in the day, stacking the 2 others for later, and using one throughout the day and/or letting 2 hours pass to book a new one while I met some characters or ate at a nice restaurant and stacked for later. Then we're talking!

Actually, I felt with Genie+, with the 2 hour rule, it actually had us spending more to eat at a nicer restaurant. We got to either meet characters, take a bit longer of a break. It was a very relaxing day, and even though we were spending more on food, it was so pleasant and we didn't mind. Now we will be more inclined to eat quickly so we can scan in and book the next ride.

Also, to call Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, etc, a tier 1?? By later on in the day, after that morning rush, at least when we go in August, the times always evened out. By later on they'd be consistently readily available to hop on within 15 minutes or so. I feel like tiering them will create a different experience, and with people booking SO far out instead of day of, a lot of mixed availability come day of. Real time will turn into a confusing mess. There's also the risk of an attraction selling out FAR in advance (one that likely may not have under Genie+) because of all the pre-booking. People will then change their minds on things FAR more day (understandably, since it was booked not in real time), so if I want to hope something becomes available I need to be glued to my phone, and then also possibly change one of my reservations to grab what may randomly become available. How does that solve anything? We were tied to our phones FAR less on Genie+ then we ever were with FP+. This seems opposite.

3. I'm reading you pre-book "3" (again, kind of silly as the other 2 options were not hard to get).

So you scan into your first, then you can book another one? Does that mean the 2 hour rule is gone for sure? That was crucial to stacking.

Will they let you use one, book one continually? Or will they make you wait to use up the other 2 before you can book a 5th and 6th?

I'm confused about the rules for this.

According to the various analysis I have read, the two hour rule is gone, and effectively stacking is gone.

 

[carlyannek]

According to the various analysis I have read, the two hour rule is gone, and effectively stacking is gone.

And if my memory is correct, FP+ would not let you book overlapping return times.

 

[FuzzyPeach]

Because speculation is what we do best!

What do you folks think the availability will be like for first tier attractions after the initial pre-booking one is redeemed?

I will be disappointed if all that can be expected is the initial Tier 1. I'm used to being able to ride BTMR, Space Mountain, Peter Pan, Jungle Cruise, etc all in one day under the Genie+ system.

I'd be interested in particular to hear the past experiences with FastPass in this regard, as it may be somewhat of a predictor of what we can expect.

With the caveat that especially in MK you could walk into the park already having booked your 3 top rides period, as there were no tiers and no ILL restricting you, in my experience with FP+ if you were willing to be on your phone refreshing and you knew and used drop times you could be very productive in the parks. More productive than Genie for the way my group tours, and also required less day of flexibility and pivoting to get those desired rides as 3 of your times were set in advance.

I think there’s similarity across all versions of systems they could throw at us, in they can all be pretty effective if you’re willing to learn the ins and outs and also pay.

 

[Tom_E_D]

And if my memory is correct, FP+ would not let you book overlapping return times.

Your memory is correct.

 

[princesswahooey]

I hear a lot of people worried about getting a second Tier 1 ride after the first three. But remember that everyone is playing by the same rules. Availability should practically be the same as with G+

Think of it like this: With G+ everyone picked a ride at 7:00 AM. I'd venture to say most everyone picked a ride that was on the Tier 1 list. No one was able to choose another ride (or Tier 1 ride) until 2 hours after park open.

With the new system everyone picks their selection a week out. But when the park opens, everyone is still really only holding a LL for one Tier 1 ride. (The Tier 2 rides don't really count, since most are easy to secure later anyway or have short lines.)

The difference is that you now have the opportunity to select a 2nd Tier 1 ride sooner than 2 hours after park open if you tap into one of your pre-selections. If you're worried, choose an early return time on one of your Tier 2 rides and you're set. Availibility should be plentiful for that second Tier 1 ride.

The main disadvantage to this system that I can see if for people who aren't actually in the park. If you plan to come later in the day, you don't have the option of stacking every 2 hours while you are on a flight or by the pool. The advantage goes to those who are actually in the park, doing park stuff.

 

[JenSop]

Just jumping on here to say I'm super happy about this - just hope it won't cost too much. No more 7ams for us! YES!!!

 

[champagne&disney]

Just jumping on here to say I'm super happy about this - just hope it won't cost too much. No more 7ams for us! YES!!!

Except you will be up at 7am if you want a VQ slot and folks will need to rope drop to use the first ride slot in order to do more than 3 in a day! But if folks are happy with only 3 LLs, more power to them.

 

[tom1944]

I think this is right, but please correct me.

My first day is Aug11th, booking window opens the 4th. This means that everyone with resort reservations starting on July 29 - Aug 10th that is booking for Aug 11 can book before me. The window for booking a ride on a certain date doesn't open 7 days before that date, it opens 21 days before that date. (Example: A person with a 14 day resort reservation starting September 15th can book through Sept 28th. The booking window for that reservation starts Sept 8th. Thus, on Sept 8th the booking window opens for Sept 28th (for a relatively small group of resort guests)



So it is possible I will not be able to get Slinky on Aug 11th. Your suggestion in practice means that 3 days before, so Aug 8th, I should log on at 7am again because maybe they held some back and I might be able to a Slinky on that day. IS that right?

We also arrive on August 11th but are doing a split stay. Slinky Dog is a priority and I hope to book it for the 18th.

I will try to book it on August 4th and if unsuccessful try again on August 11th just before we leave for the airport.

 

[Tom_E_D]

Everyone seems to be worried about whether they'll get additional Tier 1 rides on day-of. Frankly, I'm concerned I won't be able to get the better Tier 2 rides when I pre-book. There are five Tier 1 (or Group A, if you prefer) rides at MK; Tiana, Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan, Big Thunder and Space Mt. That's a lot of LL capacity and people can only pre-book one. I don't think they'll all be taken before day-of except for the busiest of days. But everyone can pre-book two Tier 2 rides and to my mind there are three Tier 2 rides at MK that will be much more popular than the rest: Haunted Mansion, Pirates and Pooh. Frankly, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if those three all were unavailable before three of the Tier 1's become unavailable. The same should hold true at HS. I expect Tower of Terror and Toy Story Mania to be gone from Tier 2 long before Millennium Falcon is gone from Tier 1. Heck, they are both now gone from Genie+ earlier than Millennium Falcon (on average, based on times "sold out" over the last month).

The fact that there are no meet-and-greets in the new system (or at least you can't pre-book them; I wonder if they'll be available day-of) hurts. They need more attractions in Tier 2, perhaps not in terms of number of attractions but in terms of places people will want to go.

 

[123SA]

Once you tap in, can you just modify your tier 2 picks to tier 1?

If you don’t preselect, can you select 3 tier 1 day of?

If you preselect one tier 1 only, can you arrive at park and then select two more tier1?

 

[Tom_E_D]

Once you tap in, can you just modify your tier 2 picks to tier 1?

If you don’t preselect, can you select 3 tier 1 day of?

If you preselect one tier 1 only, can you arrive at park and then select two more tier1?

Unknown. Unknown. Unknown. There are certainly a lot of people thinking this will be the way to game the system, but whether Disney IT will take steps to prevent it from happening is unknown. I don't think there is anything on the Disneyworld website that says you won't be able to do this, but we'll see what happens in practice.

 

[andrewilley]

People who know how the system works and are willing to pound the app will get more Tier 1s.

I very much doubt there will be many Tier 1 slots available for on-the-day fourth ride selections by people who have just ridden their first Lightning Lane booking. With 7 days advanced booking for resort guests, then 3 for anyone else in the USA, any reasonable times will be long gone by the actual day.

Andre

 

[g3pak]

Yes, if the new system is similar to Genie+. You can cancel or modify a ride for anyone in your party. The booking rule applies to each person individually, not the entire party.

To get more into the weeds....
While Disney is never super clear, it looks to me like tiers no longer matter when making the 4th ride reservation and beyond. If your first two attractions are tier 2, you could be holding 3 tier 1 reservations (if any are still available the day of). What if 3 family members actually tap into a tier 2 ride but it is cancelled for the 4th (sleeping in)? Can all 4 try to get a tier 1 ride or is the 4th person only allowed a tier 2 ride since they did not actually tap in?

 

[123SA]

I very much doubt there will be many Tier 1 slots available for on-the-day fourth ride selections by people who have just ridden their first Lightning Lane booking. With 7 days advanced booking for resort guests, then 3 for anyone else in the USA, any reasonable times will be long gone by the actual day.

Andre

But right now, everyone who buys genie + can pick one at 7am, before parks open and there are some left over Why does picking one at a different time before parks open (3 or 7 day or more days before) mean that there will be less available?

 

[Ducky0615]

For those saying yay no more early mornings, what about the fact that now you can't stack rides in the evening? I feel like if you really want to take advantage of the new setup you need to be in park as soon as possible to make sure you use one of your selected attractions to be able to get another. In the past with Genie+ you could wake up, purchase Genie+, purchase your ILL for later in the day, pick your first LL for later in the day and go back to sleep or wake up get a coffee, chill, go to the pool and head out later in the afternoon and ride everything you stacked throughout the day.