Disney World gambles with Lightning Lane changes, increased prices as Epic Universe prepares for May 2025 opening
Universal Orlando Resort is officially expecting to open its newest park, Epic Universe, in May 2025. With five brand-new, immersive areas, it will be the biggest addition to any Orlando theme park in over a decade. Although Walt Disney World has reigned supreme for years, many fans are concerned about the current response from the Disney parks ahead of Epic's opening.
It seems as though every few months there is a new update to the Disney parks' Lightning Lane system, the system that replaced FastPass+ after the COVID-19 pandemic. At first, it was Genie+, which operated through the My Disney Experience app and now required guests to purchase a "Lightning Lane" for rides that they wanted a FastPass for. Genie+ was a separate purchase in addition to a park ticket and prices varied depending on the day and time of year.
Disney Changes the Genie+/Lighting Lane/FastPass System
Under the Genie+ Lightning Lane system, guests could make up to three reservations at a time, similar to the previous FastPass reservation system. However, certain attractions, like the popular Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, were not available within that pass and were available as separate, individual Lightning Lane purchases.
Earlier this summer, it was announced that the Genie+ service would be changing to "Lightning Lane Multi Pass" and "Lightning Lane Single Pass." In addition, other updates changed the amount of Lightning Lane reservations guests could make along with the ability to make these reservations before arrival.
However, this service has been changed yet again, with a new third tier of the Lightning Lane system, the "Lightning Lane Premier Pass," which was rolled out on October 30. The Premier Pass is essentially the ultimate FastPass. With the purchase of the Premier Pass, guests have access to Lightning Lanes for every available attraction throughout the park without requiring a return reservation.
The caveat? The Premier Pass has to be individually purchased per park, per day, per guest, and is in addition to a normal park ticket. Prices also fluctuate depending on the day and park, with the starting price of its first day costing Magic Kingdom guests $329. However, over the next month, the price ranges anywhere form $329 to $399 just at Magic Kingdom.
Disney Fans Leave the Castle for an Epic Universe
With these new prices and yet another new Lightning Lane change, it could be a cause for concern for Disney fans. With Epic Universe opening at Universal Orlando in May, Walt Disney World does not have any immediate response for its guests. Despite several major announcements at the D23 event over the summer, which includes the long-rumored Villains Land and an overhaul of DinoLand U.S.A., Disney World does not have anything ready to compete with Epic Universe in 2025.
In fact, with the increased Lightning Lane prices, as well as increasing Annual Pass prices and other disappointing offerings, many Disney guests have shared on social media that they intend to cancel their passes in anticipation for Epic Universe. While Universal does have a similar offering with its Express Pass, the Express Pass system has not changed nearly as frequently as Disney's system, and deluxe hotel guests receive a free Express Pass, unlike Disney hotel guests.
Overall, Disney's choice lately regarding its prices and park offerings can be cause for concern. With many of the promised attractions and updates still several years away, the increased prices may be a sore point with some guests and passholders. Since 2020, Disney has continuously raised prices for its guests, drawing criticism and backlash.
With Epic Universe opening in a few months and seemingly providing highly advanced technology and immersive areas, the price point for a brand-new park may be more worth it to theme park guests and fans compared to Disney. Of course, it remains to be seen just how lucrative or popular the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be for the Disney parks. But judging by the current response online, Epic Universe may have many Disney fans "jumping ship" for Universal instead.