There’s something timeless and magical about a day at Magic Kingdom—whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth. But let’s be real: with so many iconic attractions and entertainment offerings, it can be a little overwhelming to fit everything into one day. That’s where Lightning Lane Multi Pass comes in!
With a little planning and the help of this powerful tool in the My Disney Experience app, you can spend less time in line and more time soaking in the magic. Here’s how to make the most of your day at the Most Magical Place on Earth.
Step 1: Know What Genie+ Is (and Isn’t)
Lightning Lane Multi Pass is a paid service (starting at $20+ per person, per day) that allows you to reserve Lightning Lane access for many popular rides and experiences at Walt Disney World. Think of it as the next evolution of FastPass—but with a bit more flexibility and strategy involved.
Note: Lightning Lane Multi Pass does not include every ride at Magic Kingdom. Some of the top-tier attractions—like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train & TRON Lightcycle Run—require Individual Lightning Lane purchases separately.
Step 2: Buy Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Guests of Disney Resort hotels and other select hotels can purchase passes up to 7 days in advance of their stay—and other Guests can purchase passes up to 3 days in advance of their park visit. Guests can purchase Lightning Lane passes for days they have valid theme park admission* starting at 7:00 AM Eastern Time on their first day of eligibility. You can purchase through your My Disney Experience App.
Here’s when you can purchase a Lightning Lane Multi Pass and/or Lightning Lane Single Pass—and choose experiences and arrival windows:
7 Days in Advance for Eligible Resort Hotel Guests
When staying at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels, Guests can purchase Lightning Lane passes—and choose experiences and arrival windows—starting 7 days before the first day of their Resort stay, for their length of stay (up to 14 days).
This early-planning benefit is available to registered Guests staying at:
Disney Resort hotels
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
Shades of Green Resort
3 Days in Advance for All Other Guests
Not staying at a Disney Resort hotel or other select hotels? Then you can purchase Lightning Lane passes—and choose experiences and arrival windows—3 days in advance. See additional details below, which vary based on admission type:
Annual Passholders* can purchase 3 days before their park visit.
Guests with date-based theme park tickets(which require the Guest to choose a start date at the time of purchase) can purchase 3 days before the first day of their ticket, for the total number of valid admission days on their ticket.
Guests with other ticket types* can purchase 3 days before their park visit.
Step 3: Prioritize These Must-Book Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attractions
Here are the high-demand rides at Magic Kingdom that you should target early in the day with Lightning Lane Multi Pass:
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – New attraction with lot’s of charm
Peter Pan’s Flight – This charming classic always draws big crowds.
Jungle Cruise – Since its revamp, this adventure fills up fast.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – A thrilling favorite.
Haunted Mansion – Spooky, silly, and extremely popular.
Pirates of the Caribbean – A must-do for many families.
Space Mountain – A great afternoon pick once crowds rise.
💡 Pro Tip: Book Jungle Cruise or Peter Pan’s Flight at 7:00 AM—they tend to run out of Lightning Lane return times first!
Step 4: Set a Timer for Your Next Booking
After you’ve made your first selection, keep an eye on the app—or better yet, set a timer. You can book your next Lightning Lane Multi Pass selection either 2 hours after park opening or after you’ve used your current booking, whichever comes first. This rolling strategy helps you stack experiences throughout the day.
Step 5: Don’t Forget Dining!
Even with the best Lightning Lane strategy, you’ll need fuel for your magical adventure! Make a dining reservation at one of the park’s table-service gems like:
Be Our Guest Restaurant
Skipper Canteen
Liberty Tree Tavern
Or, if you want to keep moving, mobile order from quick-service faves like Columbia Harbour House or Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café right in the app.
Step 6: End the Day with Enchantment
As the sun sets, grab a sweet treat (Dole Whip, anyone?) and find a spot for Happily Ever After, Magic Kingdom’s incredible fireworks show. You’ve earned it! After a day of smart planning with Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you’ll be glowing with pixie dust (and fewer hours spent in lines).
Final Thoughts
Planning a perfect day at Magic Kingdom doesn’t mean over-scheduling every minute—but with Lightning Lane Multi Pass as your sidekick, you can maximize fun and minimize wait times. Stay flexible, keep an eye on return times, and most importantly—enjoy the magic!
If you need help building your itinerary or booking Lightning Lane Multi Pass in advance, our travel advisors at Winds in the East Travelare always just a message away.
Planning a vacation to Walt Disney World Resort is an unforgettable adventure—but to make the most of the magic, a bit of planning and a touch of tech-savviness go a long way. That’s where My Disney Experience comes in!
While you can access My Disney Experience through both the website and the mobile app, this guide will focus on the app—because, let’s be honest, when you’re in the parks, your phone becomes your best friend. From unlocking your resort room and entering the theme parks, to checking wait times and viewing your Disney PhotoPass photos, the mobile app is your go-to tool for a smooth, stress-free vacation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the My Disney Experience Mobile App
Your must-have tool for a magical Disney vacation!
Step 1: Download the App
Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
Search for “My Disney Experience” and look for the official app by Disney
Download and log in using your Disney account
When you plan a Walt Disney World vacation, linking your reservation or tickets is one of the first things you should do once you are booked. This allows you to begin planning and obtain the vital park pass reservations that are required in addition to your tickets. To do this, you need a My Disney Experience account.
Go to the Walt Disney World website to create a new account. However, it’s important to note that if you have any kind of Disney account, you need to use the same login information for this account. That includes a Disney+ account, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, ShopDisney, etc.
To link your reservation, you need either your vacation package confirmation number or your ticket confirmation number. It’s easiest to link either option if you visit the website versus the mobile app, especially since you also need to make theme park reservations.
Step 2: Link Your Vacation Plans
Add your Walt Disney World Resort hotel reservation
Link park tickets, MagicBands, dining reservations, and friends/family
Tip: You can even assign tickets to different people in your group!
Step 3: Make Park Reservations(if applicable)
Use the app to check park availability and reserve the days you plan to visit
View and modify reservations anytime
These reservations are visible on the My Disney Experience app. However, if you want to make additional reservations or change your plans, you will be redirected to the website to do so.
On the website, go to the “My Plans” tab to view all your park pass reservations, dining reservations, and any enchanted extras you have booked. This may include things like a Capture Your Moment photo session or a dessert party. You can assess the park pass reservation system from this location as well.
When the Disney Genie launched, the My Disney Experience app got a different look. There are a few differences when you are looking for your daily plans. On the home screen, your upcoming resort stay and first park pass reservation are listed. However, you need to go to the “Future Plans” tab to see everything that you may have scheduled during your trip.
To see your Disney Genie+ return times, you should go to the “My Day” tab.
Step 4: Use the Interactive Park Map
Check wait times, showtimes, and restaurant availability
Filter by attractions, dining, characters, and more
While maps are available at the entrance to all theme parks and at your resort, it’s often easier to use the My Disney Experience app to navigate the parks. On the mobile app, it’s easy to find just about anything you need during your visit. This includes wait times, attractions, PhotoPass photographers, characters, restrooms, and more.
As you get close to your vacation, be sure to download the My Disney Experience mobile app. Having this on-the-go option is sure to make your vacation experience go much smoother! This complete guide to My Disney Experience provides details on how to use the various features so that you can seamlessly experience the magic in the parks.
Step 5: Mobile Order Food
Skip the lines! Order ahead at select quick-service restaurants
Customize your meal and pay through the app
Pick up your order at the designated Mobile Order window
Mobile ordering is a great way to save time during your vacation. Many quick-service locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort offer mobile ordering. This includes at the theme parks and at the resort hotels.
There are two ways to access the mobile ordering feature on the My Disney Experience mobile app. On the home screen, tap the “+” and then tap the “Order Food” option. It will automatically bring up options closest to your location. You can also filter by your desired location.
Alternatively, tap the three horizontal lines at the bottom of the screen and then select Mobile Food Orders.
Choose your location and then select your arrival window. If you are not yet ready for your food, select your desired time. This is a helpful option if you want to eat at a certain time to keep your family on a routine for example. It’s also helpful to grab a snack while waiting for a parade or nighttime show.
Once you complete your order, you will see a screen instructing you to tap a button saying that you have arrived. Once you do this, your food will be prepared and this screen will update to let you know when your order is ready.
Step 6: Make Dining Reservations
Guests are encouraged to make dining reservations up to 60 days prior to check-in. Dining reservations can be made via the mobile app or the Disney World website. To make a reservation, you need to sign in to your My Disney Experience account and have a credit card linked. For most restaurants, you are not charged when the reservation is booked. However, a credit card guarantee is required.
Once you are on vacation, you may want to grab a last-minute dining reservation. Availability changes frequently and some restaurants offer walk-up seating via the mobile app. To find this option, click on the “+” at the bottom of your home screen. Then, click on “Check Dining Availability”. From there, select your party size and date. You can scroll through all of the available restaurants or filter your options based on your location.
Step 7: Genie+ & Lightning Lane Access
Purchase Genie+ and select Lightning Lane access to skip the standby lines on select attractions
Set your preferences in the morning and let Genie help plan your day
How It Works:
Purchase Genie+
Open the app the morning of your park day (after midnight).
Tap “Purchase for Today” under “Tip Board.”
Book Lightning Lane Times
Starting at 7:00 AM, select your first Lightning Lane for top attractions.
You can reserve your next one after you redeem your first or 2 hours after park opening, whichever comes first.
Scan & Go!
When it’s your time, head to the attraction and scan your phone at the Lightning Lane entrance using your MagicMobile pass, MagicBand, or Key to the World card.
Step 8: Access Hotel Room Key & Park Entry
Use MagicMobile in the app to turn your phone into your room key and park ticket
Add to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay for even easier access
Forget fumbling with cards or MagicBands—your phone is now your key to the magic! With the My Disney Experience app, you can unlock your resort hotel room and enter the Walt Disney World theme parks right from your smartphone.
1. Download the App & Sign In
If you haven’t already, download the My Disney Experience app from the App Store or Google Play.
Sign in using your Disney account.
2. Link Your Resort Reservation and Tickets
On the home screen, tap “My Plans” and link your Disney Resort hotel reservation and theme park tickets (if not already linked).
3. Set Up Your Hotel Room Digital Key
Navigate to the “Resort Hotel” section in the app.
Tap “Unlock Door” once your room is ready.
Your phone uses Bluetooth to unlock the door—just hold it near the lock and tap the button on your screen.
4. Set Up Disney MagicMobile Pass for Park Entry
Go to the menu (☰) and select “Disney MagicMobile.”
Tap “Set Up Your Pass” and customize it with a character design if you’d like.
Add the pass to your Apple Wallet (iPhone) or Google Pay (Android).
5. Use Your Phone to Enter the Parks
At the park entrance, simply hold your phone up to the touchpoint—just like a MagicBand!
You’ll also use this method for Lightning Lane and Virtual Queue entry points.
Step 9: View Disney PhotoPass Photos
Instantly access and download your ride and character photos
Link your PhotoPass card or MagicBand for seamless syncing
If you would like to see any of your photos taken by a PhotoPass photographer, you can do so through the My Disney Experience app.
To view your photos, tap on the three horizontal lines at the bottom of the home screen. Then, tap on “Photos”. From there, you can click on each photo and save or purchase any that you choose.
If you purchased Memory Maker, this is also where you need to go to activate it and download or share your photos.
Did you know you can use snack credits from the Disney Dining Plan to replace quick-service meals at Walt Disney World? This little-known tip can help you stretch your dining plan further and customize your park day snacks and meals like a pro!
In this post, we’ll break down: ✨ How to stretch that Disney Dining Plan as much as you can ✨ How to maximize value when using snack credits for meals
Whether you’re craving Mickey pretzels, cupcakes, or more substantial snacks like a bowl of mac and cheese, this guide will help you strategize your snack credit usage and make every credit count.
What is the “New” Disney Dining Plan?
The Disney Dining Plan is a prepaid meal plan available to guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels who book a vacation package that includes theme park tickets. This plan allows you to enjoy meals and snacks across Walt Disney World Resort without having to worry about paying for each item individually during your trip.
Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan
Includes:
2 Quick-Service Meals per night of stay
1 Snack or Non-Alcoholic Beverage per night of stay
1 Resort-Refillable Mug per guest
Quick-service meals are counter-service meals, offering a fast and convenient option without reservations.
Disney Dining Plan
Includes:
1 Table-Service Meal per night of stay
1 Quick-Service Meal per night of stay
1 Snack or Non-Alcoholic Beverage per night of stay
1 Resort-Refillable Mug per guest
This plan is perfect for guests who want to experience Disney’s sit-down dining, including character meals, signature dining, and themed restaurants, alongside quick-service options.
Important Details
Credits are allotted based on the number of nights in your stay.
Credits are flexible and can be used in any combination throughout your trip.
While in the past you could exchange a Quick Service meal for snack credits on the Disney Dining Plan, you can NOT do that with the new 2024 plan.
We have found some great snack options that can tide you over until your next meal or to use instead of a Quick Service option but it is up to you to check with each dining location to see that the item does qualify for a snack credit before you use your dining plan.
Check out the full details and download our handy chart for planning your next Disney adventure!
The Disney Dining Plan is a fantastic way to simplify your vacation planning, indulge in Disney’s incredible food offerings, and make your trip feel even more magical. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between attractions or sitting down for an unforgettable character dining experience, these plans offer flexibility and convenience for every type of traveler.
If you have a trip planned to Walt Disney World and plan to visit Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, you need to build a droid! On our last visit to Batu we added a Lightsaber building at Savi Workshop and Droid Building to our plans. While both were a little pricy, we think the experience is worth it(and then some).
Come Assemble a Custom Astromech Unit With Us!
Reservations for Droid Depot open up 60 days in advance online and can be booked through the Disneyland or Walt Disney World website. You will need a credit card to hold your booking but payment is not collected until you check-in. *If you don’t show up for your reservation or cancel 24 hours prior, you will be charged the full price.
When you arrive for your droid building appointment you will check in with one of the Cast Members. They will then use their “datapad” to find your reservation. You can bring in one guest to observe while you build. Once you choose your droid style you will be directed to visit the cashier to pay in full before you begin.
Custom droids come in three styles, BB-series, C-series or R-series. All three options are $99.99 per astromech droid unit, plus tax. The shop is themed to look like an old droid recycling plant. Droid parts and pieces circle your head on conveyor belts, and decommissioned robots sit silently along the walls.
Personality-affiliation chips that determine your droid’s behavior and sounds are also chosen at this time. These chips come in six options total, two Rebel, two First Order, and two Scoundrel. For instance, if you choose one of the First Order chips, your droid will take on a more menacing tone and react apprehensively to the Resistance area of Galaxy’s Edge.
First Up: Parts Station
Select from a colorful variety of components to customize your droid as they roll by on the shop’s conveyor belt:
BB-Series
Dome
Dome Connection Plate
Body Sphere
Motivator
C-Series
Dome
Body
Center Leg or Center Wheel
Set of Side-C Legs
If using Extender with Body, pick up Set of Side-R Legs
R-Series
Dome
Body
Center Leg or Center Wheel
Set of Side-R Legs
Head to the Build Station
Once you choose your parts you will be taken to a build station with a Cast Member there to help you put together your droid. They usually start with two guests at a time. Here you’ll follow simple “placemat” instructions or graphic monitor displays to assemble your droid in the proper sequence.
The whole building process is a lot of fun. There are parts you snap together and with the guidance of a Cast Member, use the powered screwdriver to lock in certain parts like the R-series unit’s legs or the BB-series unit’s head panel. This is easy to do at any age (no problem for big or little kids).
Once your droid is all put together the Cast Member will take over and make sure all parts are correctly assembled. They will then place your newly assembled droid into a special activation chamber along with remote control. This is the most fun step as you are instructed to hit the “activate” button and watch as your droid goes through diagnostic checkups. As your droid passes these checkups a row of lights begins to illuminate moving up to your creation until it’s suddenly brought to life!
When your droid is complete it will light up, move, and be ready to go! The droids use Bluetooth technology to not only connect to the controller but also react to the land of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and even other droids. This Bluetooth function can be turned off by a switch next to the droid’s power button. Each controller has buttons for movement in all four directions as well as a button for lights/sounds, one for head movement, and one to activate any attached accessories.
Your purchase includes a cardboard box to tote your droid around. (Think Build-a-Bear box). However, Droid Depot also sells a number of accessories and add-ons for an additional charge. These include canvas backpacks made specifically for carrying droids, stickers, Mickey ear hats and more.
When you’re done building you can bring your droid home to play for hours or display for all to see!
To book your Droid building make sure you choose a day you are in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, have a park reservation*if needed, and check the website 60 days out to ensure you get your reservation choice! Booking your travel through a travel advisor is the best way to ensure you have the best chance at grabbing the perfect time/day to build your new friend!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened in 2019 at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, allowing us to roam the planet of Battu in search of adventure! You can fly the Millennium Falcon on a smuggling mission, be a part of the Resistance and escape with the rebellion, or just enjoy the day on a planet far, far away.
As a Star Wars fan, or just someone who appreciates the Star Wars world, one of the best parts of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at both Disneyland and Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World is the ability to do some very immersive activities like Droid building or creating a lightsaber! We have been waiting to be able to do both, and last week, we finally did!
*Warning, there are spoilers for the experience ahead!
How to Book Savi’s Workshop– Handbuilt Lightsabers
It is very important to have reservations to build your lightsaber! Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers is an incredibly popular experience in the parks and does book up quickly. Advance reservations are highly recommended. However, a limited number of same-day reservations may be available up to 2 hours in advance. You may get lucky and be able to sneak into a reservation if one opens up! Here is the booking window for Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers:
Guests with a Valid Disney Resort Hotel Reservation: Make reservations for your entire length of stay (for up to a 10-night stay) up to 60 days in advance of your arrival! This can help you enjoy streamlined vacation planning, since you can make all your reservations on the same day—rather than checking availability day after day.
All Other Guests: Make reservations up to 60 days in advance.
To book your reservation contact your travel advisor and let them know you’d like to add this on to your vacation. They can book it for you. Or, visit the Walt Disney World or Disneyland website and book directly from the Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers page.
Let the Fun Begin!
Savi Workshop might be a little hard to find. That is actually on purpose! To keep up with the theming in the land, Cast Members keep the shop a hidden gem. You will not see any signage or anything that leads you to check in. If you are having trouble locating it, ask the closest Cast Member. Savi’s Workshop is run by a group of “Gatherers” hiding from the First Order. They bring you in to build your custom lightsaber and get you ready for the rebellion!
Once you confirm your reservation, you are given a sheet to look over and choose from 4 styles of lightsabers representing different aspects of Jedi and Sith lore.
4 available hilt themes and receive a cloisonné pin to identify your selection. Themes include:
Peace and Justice Salvaged scraps from fallen Jedi temples and crashed starships in these Republic-era designs honor the galaxy’s former guardians.
Power and Control Originally forged by dark side warriors, this style features rumored remnants from the Sith homeworld and abandoned temples.
Elemental Nature This theme embodies the Force—an energy created by all living things, like Brylark trees, Cartusion whale bones and Rancor teeth.
Protection and Defense Hilt materials bear mysterious motifs and inscriptions that reconnect users with the ancient wellspring of the Force.
Elemental NaturePower and Control
After choosing your style, guests are given a cloisonné pin corresponding to their choice. Guests must wear this pin to signal to their Gatherer helpers which pieces they will work with.
Some of the Gatherers collected items
At building time, guests are led inside the Gatherers Workshop and given a spot at one of 12 stations on a large circular work table. The workshop’s walls are lined with old crates and ancient items from across the galaxy. After settling in at their stations, you are greeted by a Gatherers member who explains that their purpose is to collect and protect rare and interesting scrap pieces that most might consider worthless.
Guests are then given a choice of Kyber Crystal to power their lightsaber. The crystals come in red, green, blue, and violet and will determine the lightsaber blade’s color. These crystals can also be used in the Holocron boxes sold at Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities. A Gatherer then presents the builder with the pieces they can choose from to create their weapon.
The lightsaber hilts have 5 sections: an emitter, an activation plate, a pommel cap, and two sleeve pieces. Guests may examine each piece and match the fit to find their perfect setup. These pieces are mostly made from metal and have a nice weight to them that gives the toy a realistic feel.
Next, begin assembling your hilt—parts will be provided based on your theme and cloisonné pin. Each box of parts includes:
1 hilt
4 sleeves (pick 2)
2 emitters (pick 1)
2 pommel caps (pick 1)
2 sets of activation plates and switches (pick 1 set)
Upon hilt completion, the unused parts will be collected by the Gatherers and returned to Savi’s inventory. These are not included with your lightsaber package.
While you are building your hilt there is little time for discussion with the Gatherers about the lightsabers. In our build, there was a little boy who was extremely into it and had so much to say. The Cast Members did a fantastic job with him throughout the whole process.
After assembling their lightsaber, guests then step back from the table while a Gatherer takes their hilt and attaches it to a chamber built into the workstation.
The whole experience is emotional, powerful, and fully engaging for all that participate. Once it’s time, the builders then step forward and activate their new weapon. This is where the show begins and everyone gets goosebumps! As the lights dim and the builder flips the switch on their hilt, the chamber begins to glow with the chosen blade color. The chamber then opens to reveal the finished lightsaber with a glowing blade.
The builders then raise their weapons to the sky, some final farewell words are spoken, and you are set on your own way. In our case, to build a Droid next!
Each lightsaber comes with a long black padded bag with the Black Spire logo on it. This makes it a little easier to transport home. Just keep in mind, it is fragile!
Final Details:
$249.99 per lightsaber, plus tax
Payment will be due upon arrival at the location
One lightsaber per builder per experience
Carrying case included
Additional customization items can be purchased at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities
Age Recommendation: 5 years or older
The experience area is limited to the builder and one Guest—at least one person in the party must be age 14 or older
Guest of the builder may not build a lightsaber when accompanying the builder
Custom lightsabers are nonrefundable and are not eligible for Annual Passholder or other discounts
