What We Can Learn from a Year of Lightning Lane Stats
We’re approaching the summer tourism season, which could mean your Disney vacation clock has nearly reached zero.
You’re ready to embrace all the wonders of the Most Magical Place on Earth, and you want to have the best possible time.
![4 theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/4899_wdw_50th_beacons_1920x1080_18ce18fd-a6a9-4bdc-98a2-db0882347d51.jpg)
![4 theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/4899_wdw_50th_beacons_1920x1080_18ce18fd-a6a9-4bdc-98a2-db0882347d51.jpg)
Photo:visitorlando.com
Part of that enjoyment relies on maximizing your vacation budget, and you’re probably wondering what’s necessary.
Conveniently, I’ve just tallied a year’s worth of Lightning Lane data.
So, I can tell you how much you should expect to pay for various E-ticket attractions.
Let’s talk about the last year of Disney Genie+ and what it indicates about your upcoming vacation.
About Lightning Lane
Technically, Lightning Lane comes in two forms.
Whenever you enter the shorter line queue at a Disney attraction, you’re standing in the Lightning Lane, formerly known as the FastPass queue.
Disney structures these line queues to save you time. You’ll enter the attraction much quicker than if you’d stood in the standard queue.
Alas, you must pay for the privilege. Disney Genie+ entitles guests to reserve a Lightning Lane for popular Disney attractions.
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-wdw-dak-animal-kingdom-kali-river-rapids-lightning-lane-1-scaled.jpg)
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-wdw-dak-animal-kingdom-kali-river-rapids-lightning-lane-1-scaled.jpg)
Lightning Lane
You may enter the Lightning Lane for several different rides during the same single-day park visit with Disney Genie+.
The official Lightning Lane works a bit differently. It’s a pay-to-play system wherein you buy your way onto Disney’s newest and best rides.
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/lightningLaneHero.webp)
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/lightningLaneHero.webp)
Photo: Disney
You purchase a single Lightning Lane pass that allows you to enter the shorter attraction queue for these rides.
Currently, five Walt Disney World attractions offer this kind of Lightning Lane. They are:
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Tron Lightcycle / Run
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-wdw-dak-animal-kingdom-expedition-everest-lightning-lane-genie-plus1-scaled.jpg)
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-wdw-dak-animal-kingdom-expedition-everest-lightning-lane-genie-plus1-scaled.jpg)
Lightning Lane
The price of a Lightning Lane reservation varies based on the attraction and numerous other factors.
So, let’s examine a year of data to help you understand whether a Lightning Lane purchase is worth the price.
Avatar Flight of Passage
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-wdw-dak-animal-kingdom-pandora-avatar-flight-of-passage-lightning-lane-sign-1-scaled.jpg)
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-wdw-dak-animal-kingdom-pandora-avatar-flight-of-passage-lightning-lane-sign-1-scaled.jpg)
Lightning Lane
Over the past year, Avatar Flight of Passage has cost slightly over $14, but the price has crept up slightly in calendar 2024.
That’s the aspect of this conversation we should keep in mind while debating Lightning Lane.
![Avatar Way of Water Ilm](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Screenshot-2023-01-23-at-10-22-08-The-Avatar-Ride-At-Walt-Disney-World-Had-An-Avatar-2-Easter-Egg-The-Whole-Time-_Film.png)
![Avatar Way of Water Ilm](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Screenshot-2023-01-23-at-10-22-08-The-Avatar-Ride-At-Walt-Disney-World-Had-An-Avatar-2-Easter-Egg-The-Whole-Time-_Film.png)
An Ilm can be spotted on Avatar: Flight of Passage
Disney prices typically increase slightly over time, and that applies to Lightning Lanes, even as the attractions age.
We’ll witness a better example of this with Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, but it’s a trend to remember.
![Flight of passage](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/0602_fea_ocr-l-avatarevue-16.jpg.webp)
![Flight of passage](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/0602_fea_ocr-l-avatarevue-16.jpg.webp)
Photo: OC Register
Disney has gotten better at pricing, and it tends to charge more when crowds are largest.
That should be the baseline expectation for this summer, as Disney World will be crowded more often than not.
![Flight of passage](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/images.jpeg)
![Flight of passage](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/images.jpeg)
Photo: Facebook/Imagineer Podcast
This knowledge makes Avatar Flight of Passage a challenging decision in that the attraction is seven years old now.
You’ve probably ridden by now, and the experience hasn’t changed much since then.
![Flight of Passage](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Flight-of-Passage-ride.jpg)
![Flight of Passage](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Flight-of-Passage-ride.jpg)
Flight of Passage
To me, that fact negates the value of a Lightning Lane, especially at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
I’d recommend that you simply wait in line here instead.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Throughout its history, Cosmic Rewind has offered Lightning Lane at a price of $15.25 on average.
In calendar 2024, that total has increased to $15.69, which places it firmly in the middle of Disney’s Lightning Lane options.
Over the past several months, people have made note of the fact that the virtual queue here was available for an extensive period.
Simply stated, Disney’s most popular virtual queues sell out in minutes.
When that doesn’t happen, park guests don’t need a Lightning Lane.
Then again, that situation may change during the summer rush.
![Disney World Disney100](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/1920_628fd64ed889f-0422ZO_0961KP.jpg)
![Disney World Disney100](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/1920_628fd64ed889f-0422ZO_0961KP.jpg)
Photo: Walt Disney Company
Since I highly recommend Cosmic Rewind as a ride, here’s what I’d suggest.
You should try to reserve a virtual queue first. Should that fail, it may be time to try for a Lightning Lane.
![Cosmic rewind](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Cosmic-Rewind-e1665199596381.png)
![Cosmic rewind](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Cosmic-Rewind-e1665199596381.png)
Photo: Disney
However, Disney offers a second virtual queue in the afternoon. You’ll sometimes have even better chances with it.
For these reasons, I tell friends to wait on Lightning Lane unless they’ll only spend one day at EPCOT during a trip.
![cosmic rewind](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2022-05-26-15_42_54-Scott-Gustin-on-Twitter_-_NEW_-Guardians-of-the-Galaxy_-Cosmic-Rewind-Individual.png)
![cosmic rewind](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2022-05-26-15_42_54-Scott-Gustin-on-Twitter_-_NEW_-Guardians-of-the-Galaxy_-Cosmic-Rewind-Individual.png)
Photo: Twitter/Scott Gustin
If that’s the case, you may want to pay the $15.69.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
![Christmas Party attractions](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Seven-Dwarfs-Mine-Train-night.jpg)
![Christmas Party attractions](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Seven-Dwarfs-Mine-Train-night.jpg)
Photo: Where We Going Next
During the past year, the average price of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is $10.99. That’s a bit misleading, though.
Disney has slightly increased the price of this roller coaster in 2024.
![Early Morning Magic](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Seven-Dwarfs-Mine-Train.png)
![Early Morning Magic](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Seven-Dwarfs-Mine-Train.png)
Credit: Disney
I say this because the Lightning Lane has cost less than $11 on just seven dates thus far this year.
In 2024, the average price is $11.34, which is only 35 cents more, but I want you to be alert to it.
![Seven Dwarfs](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Seven-Dwarfs-Mine-Train-Disney-World.jpg)
![Seven Dwarfs](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Seven-Dwarfs-Mine-Train-Disney-World.jpg)
Credit: Disney
Realistically, you should expect the price of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train to be $11 or $12 on most dates in June and July.
Is the attraction worth that much? The answer depends on how often you visit Disney World.
![Disney After Hours](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Seven-Dwarfs-Mine-Train.jpg)
![Disney After Hours](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Seven-Dwarfs-Mine-Train.jpg)
Credit: Disney
If you go frequently, you’ve probably ridden this roller coaster many times by now, as it’s the oldest attraction on the list.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train turns ten years old on May 21st. It’s long in the tooth to be paying to ride, even though it’s beloved.
Realistically, I wouldn’t be surprised if Disney switches this attraction to Disney Genie+ once Tiana’s Bayou Adventure arrives.
Since there’s a standby line queue available, I wouldn’t recommend that most guests pay for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/sevendwarfsminetrain.webp)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/sevendwarfsminetrain.webp)
Image: Disney
Your better option is to prioritize the roller coaster during Early Theme Park Entry.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
I’ll tell you right off the bat that I recommend people purchase a Lightning Lane for Rise of the Resistance.
This attraction may be Disney World’s best, and it can be a chaotic experience when you stand in line.
Rise of the Resistance is so technologically advanced that it experiences lots of downtime.
If you’re in the standby queue when this happens, well, it’s not great. Disney takes care of Lightning Lane customers, though.
You’ll probably spend $22-$25 for a Lightning Lane here this summer. I realize that’s a lot, but I still tell my friends to pay it.
Tron Lightcycle / Run
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-01-27-09_13_28-Top-4-Things-to-Know-Before-TRON-Lightcycle-_-Run-Opens-on-4_4-_-Disney-Parks-Bl.png)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-01-27-09_13_28-Top-4-Things-to-Know-Before-TRON-Lightcycle-_-Run-Opens-on-4_4-_-Disney-Parks-Bl.png)
Photo: Disney
The simplest evaluation on this list is Magic Kingdom’s newest attraction.
Last April, the Tron roller coaster debuted at Magic Kingdom. Since then, Disney has set in stone the price of Lightning Lane.
![TRON lockers](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-01-27-09_12_53-Top-4-Things-to-Know-Before-TRON-Lightcycle-_-Run-Opens-on-4_4-_-Disney-Parks-Bl.png)
![TRON lockers](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-01-27-09_12_53-Top-4-Things-to-Know-Before-TRON-Lightcycle-_-Run-Opens-on-4_4-_-Disney-Parks-Bl.png)
Photo: Disney
During Tron’s first 13 months in operation, the Lightning Lane option has cost $20 per person plus tax.
Tron also offers a virtual queue option, and it’s important for you to know that both of these will book quickly on many days.
![TRON Lightcycle Run](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-tron-lightcycle-run-logo-official-poster.webp)
![TRON Lightcycle Run](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-tron-lightcycle-run-logo-official-poster.webp)
Photo: Disney
While we’re awaiting the arrival of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in late June, Tron remains the park’s alpha.
Your choice here is to roll the dice with the virtual queue or buy your way onto Tron for $20 for each member of your traveling party.
![TRON Lightcycle / Run](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/TRON_Black-16x9-1.webp)
![TRON Lightcycle / Run](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/TRON_Black-16x9-1.webp)
Photo: Disney
As a reminder, if you’re traveling with friends or family, some of them may make different choices than you.
On attractions like Tron, the juice isn’t always on the squeeze because it’s a notoriously short ride.
![TRON Lightcycle Run](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/0705ZO_0131aDR.webp)
![TRON Lightcycle Run](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/0705ZO_0131aDR.webp)
Photo: The Points Guy
Guests who have ridden it before may skip it rather than pay $20. For first-timers, it’s a no-brainer, though.
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