Disney Lightning Lane or Universal Express Pass: Let’s Compare!
Reading Time: 7minutes
Hey Disney and Universal Vacationers! If you’re planning a trip to Disney World or Universal Orlando—or maybe you’re tackling both—you’ve likely wondered: What’s the best way to skip the lines? Enter Disney’s Lightning Lane and Universal’s Express Pass, two systems designed to save you time and maximize your fun. While both promise shorter waits, they operate differently and cater to distinct types of park-goers. Let’s break it all down and compare if Disney Lightning Lane or Universal Express Pass is right for you.
What Are Disney Lightning Lane and Universal Express Pass?
Access to multiple attractions across Disney parks.
Requires reservations via the My Disney Experience app—you book one ride at a time.
Pricing ranges from $16 to $39 per person/day, depending on demand.
Lightning Lane Single Pass (Individual Lightning Lane):
Reserved for premium attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Costs $11 to $25 per ride, with a max of two rides per day.
Lightning Lane Premier Pass (NEW):
Access: to all Lightning Lane attractions in one park, no reservations needed.
Pricing: starts at $129 per day and peaks at $449 per day during holidays.
Available only to open to all Disney World Resort guests and all Disneyland visitors.
Universal Express Pass
Universal Orlando’s Express Pass offers two primary options to enhance your park experience by reducing wait times:
Universal Express Pass (Standard):
Access: Grants one-time priority access to each participating attraction.
Pricing: Starts at $89.99 per person/day and can reach up to $149.99 per person/day during peak periods.
Universal Express Unlimited Pass:
Access: Provides unlimited priority access to participating attractions, allowing multiple uses per ride.
Pricing: Begins at $99.99 per person/day, with prices escalating to $379.99 per person/day during high-demand times.
Key Points:
Dynamic Pricing: Similar to Disney’s Lightning Lane, Universal’s Express Pass prices fluctuate based on factors such as date, park attendance, and demand. Peak seasons, holidays, and weekends typically see higher prices.
Hotel Perk: Guests staying at Universal’s Premier Hotels—Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort—receive complimentary Unlimited Express Passes for the duration of their stay, including check-in and check-out days. This benefit can offer significant savings, especially during peak periods.
By understanding these options and their associated costs, you can make an informed decision to optimize your visit to Universal Orlando.
Key Differences Between Lightning Lane and Express Pass
Ease of Use
Disney Lightning Lane: Planning is essential. Resort guests can book up to 7 days in advance, while offsite visitors get a 3-day window. You’ll need to manage times via the app, with Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Individual Lightning Lane working separately.
Universal Express Pass: No reservations, no app dependency. Buy the pass, enter the park, and skip the lines.
Coverage and Ride Access
Disney Lightning Lane: Lightning Lane Multi-Pass covers a curated list of attractions, but some headliners (like TRON Lightcycle/Run) require an Individual Lightning Lane purchase. The new Premier Pass includes all Lightning Lane attractions for a single park per day but is pricey. Here’s a breakdown of all the attractions:
Park
Attraction
Covered By
Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Haunted Mansion
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
“it’s a small world”
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Jungle Cruise
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Mad Tea Party
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Peter Pan’s Flight
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Pirates of the Caribbean
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Space Mountain
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Splash Mountain
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Tomorrowland Speedway
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Individual Lightning Lane
TRON Lightcycle / Run
Individual Lightning Lane
EPCOT
Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Living with the Land
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Mission: SPACE
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Soarin’ Around the World
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Spaceship Earth
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Turtle Talk with Crush
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Individual Lightning Lane
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Individual Lightning Lane
Frozen Ever After
Individual Lightning Lane
Hollywood Studios
Alien Swirling Saucers
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Disney Junior Play and Dance!
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Muppet*Vision 3D
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Slinky Dog Dash
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Toy Story Mania!
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Individual Lightning Lane
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Individual Lightning Lane
Animal Kingdom
Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
DINOSAUR
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Feathered Friends in Flight!
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Kali River Rapids
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Na’vi River Journey
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
The Animation Experience at Conservation Station
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
Avatar Flight of Passage
Individual Lightning Lane
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Individual Lightning Lane
Universal Express Pass: Covers nearly every ride in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, with very few exclusions. Unlimited re-rides make it perfect for thrill-seekers. Here is a breakdown of all the attractions:
Park
Attraction
Covered By
Universal Studios Florida
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Express Pass
E.T. Adventure
Express Pass
Fast & Furious – Supercharged
Express Pass
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Express Pass
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Express Pass
Revenge of the Mummy
Express Pass
Transformers: The Ride–3D
Express Pass
The Simpsons Ride
Express Pass
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
Express Pass
Men in Black Alien Attack
Express Pass
Islands of Adventure
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Express Pass
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
Express Pass
Jurassic Park River Adventure
Express Pass
Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Express Pass
The Incredible Hulk Coaster
Express Pass
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Not Covered
Jurassic World VelociCoaster
Not Covered
Pricing: What’s the Better Value?
Here’s a side-by-side price comparison to show how these systems stack up:
Service
Starting Price (Per Day)
Peak Price (Per Day)
Family of Four Peak Price
Disney Lightning Lane (Multi Pass)
$16/person + tax
$39/person + tax
~$160 + tax
Disney Individual Lightning Lane
$11/person/ride + tax
$25/person/ride + tax
~$100 per family per ride
Disney Lightning Lane Premier Pass
$129/person + tax
$449/person + tax
~$1,800 + tax
Universal Express Pass (Standard)
$89.99/person + tax
$149.99/person + tax
~$600 + tax
Universal Express Unlimited
$109.99/person + tax
$320/person + tax
~$1,280 + tax
Savings Tip: If you’re staying at Universal’s Premier Hotels, complimentary Unlimited Express Passes for your entire stay can save a family of four over $1,200 during peak seasons.
Hotel Perks
Disney: No complimentary Lightning Lane perks, even at Deluxe Resorts. Guests can only access the Premier Pass if staying at a Disney Resort.
Universal: Guests at Premier Hotels receive Unlimited Express Passes for free, significantly reducing costs during peak times.
Who Wins? Disney Lightning Lane vs. Universal Express Pass
When comparing Disney’s Lightning Lane and Universal’s Express Pass, the optimal choice depends on your preferences, budget, and how you plan to experience the parks. Let’s delve deeper into the considerations for each option.
Choose Disney’s Lightning Lane If:
Budget-Conscious Planning: If you’re aiming to manage expenses, the Lightning Lane Multi Pass (formerly Genie+) offers a cost-effective way to access multiple attractions. Prices range from $16 to $39 per person per day, depending on demand.
Structured Itinerary: For those who enjoy meticulous planning, Disney’s system allows for advance reservations. Resort guests can book up to 7 days ahead, while offsite visitors have a 3-day window. This setup enables you to organize your day around specific attraction times.
Selective Experience: If your focus is on a few key attractions, the Lightning Lane Single Pass lets you pay per ride for high-demand experiences not included in the Multi Pass. This option is ideal if you don’t intend to use the service extensively.
Disney Resort Guests: Staying at a Disney Resort or Deluxe Villa grants access to the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which includes all Lightning Lane attractions in one park per day without the need for reservations. However, this convenience comes at a premium, with prices ranging from $129 to $449 per person per day.
Choose Universal’s Express Pass If:
Simplicity and Flexibility: Universal’s Express Pass requires no advance reservations or app management. Purchase the pass, enter the park, and enjoy priority access to participating attractions at your leisure.
Unlimited Access: The Express Unlimited Pass allows for multiple entries to participating attractions, perfect for thrill-seekers who wish to experience their favorite rides multiple times.
Hotel Benefits: Guests at Universal’s Premier Hotels receive complimentary Unlimited Express Passes for the duration of their stay, including check-in and check-out days. This perk can result in substantial savings, especially during peak seasons when pass prices are higher.
Comprehensive Coverage: The Express Pass covers nearly every ride in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, with minimal exclusions. This broad access is advantageous if you plan to explore a wide array of attractions.
Additional Considerations:
Family Dynamics: Consider the preferences and stamina of your group. Families with young children might benefit from the structured planning of Disney’s system, while groups of adults or older children may appreciate the spontaneity and breadth of Universal’s offering.
Crowd Levels: During peak times, both systems may see increased prices and demand. Universal’s Express Pass prices can escalate significantly during holidays and weekends, while Disney’s Lightning Lane availability may be limited. Planning your visit during off-peak periods can enhance the value of these services.
The Bottom Line: It’s About Your Priorities
When comparing Disney Lightning Lane and. Universal Express Pass, there’s no universal (pun intended) answer. It’s about what fits your trip:
Disney’s Lightning Lane is budget-friendly (when comparing skip the line prices) and rewards planners but requires effort to optimize. And, you may not get on every attraction
Universal’s Express Pass is more expensive but offers unparalleled ease and access.
If you’re visiting both resorts, consider using one of the pass where you plan the least amount of time. Whether is’ just a day at Disney or a day at Universal, the skip pass will help you maximize your time.
Let me know on the socials (tag @itsnatebishop): Are you Team Lightning Lane or Team Express Pass?
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I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
