This is an entry for “Lightning Lanes” in our Disneyland 101 Glossary: Disneyland Resort definitions in under 101 words, from Mouse Brief. Keep reading after the glossary entry for links to longer articles on Lightning Lanes as well as answers frequently asked questions (FAQs) about using Lightning Lanes at Disneyland Resort.
Both Disneyland Resort parks offer paid access to accelerated queues for certain attractions. These special queues are called “Lightning Lanes,” and they have entrances marked with signs and pass-scanning stations. Guest may purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass, Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Lightning Lane Premier Pass to access these queues. The type of Lightning Lane pass a guest uses will depend on the attraction and guest budget. While guests using a Lightning Lane will still have a wait, it should be shorter than the wait in the regular standby line.
Thank you for reading this quick Disneyland 101 Glossary on the definition of Lightning Lanes. While we hope this gives a quick answer to the question: “What is a Lightning Lane at Disneyland?” We also have many posts that give more detailed explanations of this service. Keep reading for links to those posts as well as answers to Disneylnad Lightning Lanes FAQS.
More on Lightning Lanes at Disneyland Resort
First, we have an overall a guide to all Lightning Lane passes at Disneyland Lightning Lanes: How to Super-Charge Your Visit. This article gives you an overview of the service as well as insight into the different types of passes.
Of all the passes, Lightning Lane Multi Pass has the greatest learning curve, so we have several articles dedicated to it. First this one on how to use it: Big Guide to Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Disneyland Resort, and then this one on how to use it like a pro: Ride More: 9 Strategies for Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Disneyland. And, to help with any lingering questions, we have Lightning Lane Multi Pass FAQs for Disneyland Resort in California
We have an article on the newest and most expensive Lightning Lane service here: What is Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Disneyland?
Finally, for a general overview of how to save time at Disneyland see Maximize Your Disneyland Experience: Beat the Lines & Save Time. That is one part of Step-by-Step Disneyland Prep, our free and complete guide to planning a Disneyland Resort visit.
Now on to those FAQs!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lightning Lanes at Disneyland Resort
Does every ride at Disneyland have a Lightning Lanes?
No. Every ride at Disneyland Resort does not have a Lightning Lane. Many attractions have Lightning Lane entrances, but some popular ones—like Peter Pan’s Flight—do not.
Which attractions are included with my Lightning Lane pass?
The Disneyland Resort attractions included with reach Lightning Lane pass change as rides open and close. We recommend checking the Disneyland website to find the current list.
Also, keep in mind that Lightning Lane Multi Pass includes a large group of attractions at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. On the other hand you purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass for one single attraction at a time. Very few attractions are eligible for Lightning Lane Single Pass (just two at the time of writing), and they are the most popular. There is no overlap between the attractions included in Lightning Lane Multi Pass and those included in Lightning Lane Single Pass. However, Lightning Lane Premier Pass includes all of the attractions from both of the other passes.
Again, check out the current list at the Disneyland website: disneyland.disney.go.com/lightning-lane-passes
Are there other ways to get into a Lightning Lane?
As of January 5, 2026, Disneyland Resort Hotel started offering one Lightning Lane entry to resort hotel guests for use during their stay. This applies to a select list of attractions, and each guest on a reservation gets one use for one attraction from that list per stay. Note that this is one pass per stay and not per night.
Caste members may also direct guests to use Lightning Lane entrances for other services like the Select Experiences / Multiple Experiences Pass.
If you are looking for other ways to save time in line at Disneyland Resort, we recommend Maximize Your Disneyland Experience: Beat the Lines & Save Time. That article has tips about services that are free with admission as well at the Lightning Lane offerings.
Is Lightning Lane Multi Pass the same as a Multiple Experiences Pass?
No. A Lightning Lane Multi Pass is a paid ticket add-on that you may choose to purchase, and you can read about it here: Big Guide to Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Disneyland Resort. A Multiple Experiences Pass is also called a Select Experiences Pass or MEP. These cannot be bought and are distributed at Disney’s discretion, often when guests have been inconvenienced. You can read about it here: Guide to Disneyland Select Experiences Pass (Multi Experience Pass).
We understand the confusion around the two, so we have an article about it here: Disney Multiple Experiences Pass vs. Lightning Lane Multi-Pass.
Is Lightning Lane Single Pass the same as a Single Rider Line?
No. Purchasing a Lightning Lane Single Pass allows you to access the accelerated Lightning Lane queue at a particualr attraction at a designated time. Single Rider Line is free with park admission and available at a select group of popular attractions.
Single Rider Line is a designated entrance for guests who do not mind being seated with other parties. Because cast members regularly try to seat groups together on attractions, single seats can be left open. (For example, imagine a party of five boarding an attraction with two rows of three seats in the ride vehicle.) In this situation, a guest from the single rider line can be called-up to fill that empty seat and keep the ride operating at maximum capacity.
The Single Rider Line can move more quickly than the standby line, but you should only enter it if you do not mind being separated from your travel party and seated with others.
Thanks for reading this entry on Lightning Lanes.
Again, for detailed information on Lightning Lanes, see Disneyland Lightning Lanes: How to Super-Charge Your Visit. And for more information on avoiding long waits at Disneyland, explore Maximize Your Disneyland Experience: Beat the Lines & Save Time. Thanks again for reading!