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

[dancergirlsmom]

Thank you for posting this.I have called and did online chat and get so many different answers that I feel the cms have no idea what they are talking about. Though I have a somewhat complicated reservation with my first 4 nights being off-site, one night at the Dolphin, 3 nights at Old Key West then 5 nights at Boulder Ridge with a separate, fourteen day ticket starting on Nov 3rd I am assuming I can book starting on Oct 31st for the full length of my ticket.

My understanding is that you should be able to book 7 days prior to your stay at the dolphin since it is considered onsite for LLMP purposes. However, it isn't known yet whether you will be able to book the rest of your days at the same time, or you will have to wait for the 7 day mark to book OKW then the 7 day mark for BR. With ADR's we have to book split stays separately and I believe the thought is that the LLMP will be treated the same. Lucky for you plenty of people will have gone on and made reservations before you need to do yours so people will post if you can book all or not.

 

[Mamiamjo]

In the past (and currently) we were able to book LLs for Family & Friends together with ours as long as they also had a valid ticket and had purchased Genie+. With the new system since we are purchasing and booking LLMP at the same time, what's the best way to book LLMP rides for two couples (or families) where each couple/family would pay for their own MP but wanted the same LL's?

 

[Dave006]

With the new system since we are purchasing and booking LLMP at the same time, what's the best way to book LLMP rides for two couples (or families) where each couple/family would pay for their own MP but wanted the same LL's?

Simple just have 1 person make all the LLMPs for the group. Here is what Disney says about the process.

"Connect everyone in your travel group on your Family & Friends list in the My Disney Experience app—so you’ll be able to purchase Lightning Lane passes and make plans for everyone that is eligible."

Otherwise you will have to have 2 people trying to overlap LLMP return windows. Another option is to have 2 members of the group split your wish list of attractions and have 1/2 the list.

ETA: Second option...

Dave

 

[Mamiamjo]

Simple just have 1 person make all the LLMPs for the group. Here is what Disney says about the process.

"Connect everyone in your travel group on your Family & Friends list in the My Disney Experience app—so you’ll be able to purchase Lightning Lane passes and make plans for everyone that is eligible."

Otherwise you will have to have 2 people trying to overlap LLMP return windows. Another option is to have 2 members of the group split your wish list of attractions and have 1/2 the list.

ETA: Second option...

Dave

So you're saying have one person purchase the LLMP for both families and then try to get reimbursement for the cost from them later?
The problem with that is that although I only mentioned two families (to make it simple), we actually have 5 different families that will be traveling with us but some days some of us will be touring together and other days different groups will be together. I see that as a nightmare for tracking costs and collecting reimbursement

 

[Dave006]

we actually have 5 different families that will be traveling with us but some days some of us will be touring together and other days different groups will be together. I see that as a nightmare for tracking costs and collecting reimbursement

Then you don't really want to have the same attraction return times. Since you are planning LLMP reservations in advance it is really simple math. Don't try to overthink this. And as a side benefit modification are also very easy.

Do you have a plan for your park days or how do you plan your tour groups in advance before purchasing LLMP and/or LLSP?

Dave

 

[andrewilley]

So you're saying have one person purchase the LLMP for both families and then try to get reimbursement for the cost from them later?

Sounds likely, yes. If one person is making all the bookings for a large group, then that one person will be paying for all those bookings - there is no option for you to charge other people's credit cards, unless you have their card details to enter into the system at checkout (not sure whether there will be an option to make several part payments anyway, but I doubt it).

The other solution would be to have everyone try to make their own bookings, but syncing up times would be a nightmare.

Andre

 

[Figment Mom]

Here now and we had a great G+ day in the MK yesterday. I think I'm going to miss G+.

It was hard to predict how we were going to feel since we had been traveling since 1:30 am.

It would have been challenging with the new system since I have wanted to pay ahead in case of travel delays.

As it is, my older son was flying in to join us and his flight was canceled. Would have lost money on both the prepurchase and park tickets for him, I guess.

And I didn't know at what point our exhaustion would hit us and we would need to return to the resort to rest.

I also thought about another drawback to the new system that has probably already been discussed.

Not having to make park reservations now, we have not decided which parks we're going to each day. I've made a few dining reservations, but not every day. Beginning on the 24th, if I want any prebooking advantage I have to decide where we're going for the rest of the trip. It had been nice to be free from that.

I did stop at a blue umbrella to ask if they had any insight as to if those of us on property would be able to book prior to the 24th. The CP CM said she was just about to go to her training on it. I didn't take the time to inquire anywhere else.

Today is 7 days prior. App looks the same so far. Not holding my breath until 7 am (it's 5:15 a now), but I will see if anything is there after I book my G+.

 

[CVG]

Not having to make park reservations now, we have not decided which parks we're going to each day. I've made a few dining reservations, but not every day. Beginning on the 24th, if I want any prebooking advantage I have to decide where we're going for the rest of the trip. It had been nice to be free from that.

Yes, people are underestimating the value of being free to choose to go where you wish and when you wish without paying Disney to tell them where you'll be.

We wont be using LLMP and LLSP at all. We'll just target the hard-to-get rides via EE and EEH.

 

[DJFan88]

So you're saying have one person purchase the LLMP for both families and then try to get reimbursement for the cost from them later?
The problem with that is that although I only mentioned two families (to make it simple), we actually have 5 different families that will be traveling with us but some days some of us will be touring together and other days different groups will be together. I see that as a nightmare for tracking costs and collecting reimbursement

You could also have each family pre-buy GCs (at a discount at BJs,lol) or even the Visa ones. I know the pricing is different, but even if you estimate and its slightly under they wont owe you as much money. If you still have some GC money left, you can either pay propotionally the difference on it to the families and keep the GC yourself for trip, or use the remainder toward something all are partaking in together.

 

[shannonstar]

So, my first day in the parks will be the 24th. Am I correct in thinking that I won't be able to book the new system until that day, pretty much negating the benefits of advanced planning? I had hoped to be able to book 7 days in advance (today), but it's looking like that isn't the case.

 

[laughinplace199]

So, my first day in the parks will be the 24th. Am I correct in thinking that I won't be able to book the new system until that day, pretty much negating the benefits of advanced planning? I had hoped to be able to book 7 days in advance (today), but it's looking like that isn't the case.

Sadly, I think that is correct. We're arriving on the 21st and I called WDW and was told that I couldn't book anything with the new system until 7 AM on the 24th.

 

[AnnaKristoff2013]

So, my first day in the parks will be the 24th. Am I correct in thinking that I won't be able to book the new system until that day, pretty much negating the benefits of advanced planning? I had hoped to be able to book 7 days in advance (today), but it's looking like that isn't the case.

Correct. On the plus side for you, Disney’s attendance this summer is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay down, so you likely won’t have many problems getting what you want on the day of.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I think they'll show prices for July 24-August 13 on the 24th. Those arriving on July 31 can book on the 24th "for their length of stay (up to 14 days)."

Yea, you're right. I was thinking 7 days, but it's way longer than that!

 

[gottalovepluto]

So you're saying have one person purchase the LLMP for both families and then try to get reimbursement for the cost from them later?
The problem with that is that although I only mentioned two families (to make it simple), we actually have 5 different families that will be traveling with us but some days some of us will be touring together and other days different groups will be together. I see that as a nightmare for tracking costs and collecting reimbursement

Venmo requests as soon as booking is completed. Do not wait until the trip has started and if anyone hasn’t paid you by the time it does send them a reminder.

If that doesn’t sound like something you want to do then every family for themselves. Meet up for non-LL rides or maybe aim for some similar timed ILLs.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I did stop at a blue umbrella to ask if they had any insight as to if those of us on property would be able to book prior to the 24th. The CP CM said she was just about to go to her training on it. I didn't take the time to inquire anywhere else.

Today is 7 days prior. App looks the same so far. Not holding my breath until 7 am (it's 5:15 a now), but I will see if anything is there after I book my G+.

So, my first day in the parks will be the 24th. Am I correct in thinking that I won't be able to book the new system until that day, pretty much negating the benefits of advanced planning? I had hoped to be able to book 7 days in advance (today), but it's looking like that isn't the case.

Sadly, I think that is correct. We're arriving on the 21st and I called WDW and was told that I couldn't book anything with the new system until 7 AM on the 24th.

The booking date is the 24th for everyone.

IT screwed up and sent a lazy email to folks confusing these waters by failing to account for the system not going live until July 24. It’s an overnight flip of the switch so to speak, there will be no cross-over. The app will be Genie+, then it will be Multi-pass. Only one system at a time. Your individual circumstances on July 24 and around July 24 do no matter.

Straight from the Mouse’s mouth “The new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass can be purchased and used starting July 24, 2024. Visiting before July 24? Disney Genie+ service and individual Lightning Lane entry may be available for your visit.”

 

[mickeyluv'r]

We never park hopped since Genie+ was introduced but did help a friend navigate their day and it was stressful and involved a lot of refreshing

I somewhat disagree with this take. (I'm not questioning that you didn't hop, just that hopping wasn't a good option.)

When you hop, you start fresh in that park. If you don't hop, then you become disadvantaged with each additional booked pass.

 

[Mouse Tracker]

we actually have 5 different families that will be traveling with us but some days some of us will be touring together and other days different groups will be together

I would suggest each family purchase their own LLMP needs.
Just link who will be together on each day, designate someone in the group to book LLs with the LLMP

Each person has the ability to purchase their own LLSP for a ride, In the scenario where 'a couple of moms tour with several different children from different families' - that's gonna be something to be worked out 'on the go'.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

WDW newbie here- we are considering 1 day at Animal Kingdom pre-cruise in Sept- the day we would visit the park would be a friday...we are from the west coast and flying all day the day before. Party includes myself, DH, DD20 and DD8. We are staying DVC at AKL.
Would it still be advised to purchase Genie/Lightning/Pastpass, whatever it is, or would we be able to do most things at rope drop?

Many thanks!

For AK, we don't tend to buy G+, but sometimes buy FoP ILL.

With what you have said above, I will add: AK has the advantage of being close to your hotel. The disadvantage- perhaps- is that AK's rope drop is the earliest one. If you want to be in the park for Early Entry rope drop, then you sorta have to get creative where breakfast is concerned. The Mara is only partly open at 6:30am, full breakfast doesn't start until 7am, so getting to AK for 7:30am is a bit tricky if you want to eat anything for breakfast.

The AK Starbucks also tends to be busy in the morning, because everyone is in the same situation.

If you don't head to FoP first, and find a breakfast solution, then yes, but make sure you know which rides are open during Early entry.

 

[Tom_E_D]

I would suggest each family purchase their own LLMP needs.
Just link who will be together on each day, designate someone in the group to book LLs with the LLMP

Each person has the ability to purchase their own LLSP for a ride, In the scenario where 'a couple of moms tour with several different children from different families' - that's gonna be something to be worked out 'on the go'.

You can select your first three LLMP attractions before you purchase. Coordinating those first three selections can be a problem if you have each family purchasing separately. The same times may not be available to each family.

 

[Mouse Tracker]

I see that as a nightmare for tracking costs and collecting reimbursement

I agree and don't view that as an option.

Your gonna have to take the planning to another level. Pre purchasing LLMP and pre booking the 3 LLs will lock you into 'pre determining' those touring groups in advance also. I think you may do better having each family pre purchase LLMP for Day 1, coordinate that 1st day ahead of time, each day after figure it out the evening before or morning of. ( I'd bet the groupings will be fluidly decided)