Hello again -
I thought we could chat today about alternatives to Lightning Lanes since the expense and trouble of using them is sometimes more than people are willing to take on for their vacation.
But even without Lightning Lanes, we don’t want you to have to wait in long lines.
Here are some strategies you can use instead of (or in addition to) booking Lightning Lanes.
1. After Hours events
We are huge fans of the After Hours events (when they’re available) because not only do they provide low waits on rides but also additional entertainment you won’t find in the parks during normal hours.
We often suggest that people consider replacing a day of park tickets with an After Hours ticket because you can get so much more done during an After Hours event.
→ Learn more about After Hours events
2. Single Rider lines
Some attractions provide a Single Rider option which means you enter a separate line and the Cast Member puts you in an empty seat on a ride vehicle.
You have to be willing to ride without the rest of your party to do this, but it can save a lot of time.
→ Here’s more on how that works
3. Rope drop
We are huge fans of rope dropping which means being among the first people to arrive at the parks - and before the lines start to grow.
There’s actually 2 rope drop opportunities - 1 at Early Theme Park Entry and 1 at regular park opening.
→ Here’s what we’d suggest rope dropping at both rope drop times
4. Party tickets
Similar to the After Hours events, buying a ticket to a party will give you shorter waits with special entertainment options.
Here’s some info on each:
5. Extended Evening Theme Park Hours
Deluxe and Villa resort guests get extended hours a couple of times per week which allows them to be in a park for a couple of hours with short lines.
→ Here’s what’s available during EETPH
6. Pricy but easy options: VIP tour and Premier Pass
These options definitely aren’t cheaper than paying for Lightning Lanes, but they do make life much easier by reducing waits and keeping you from having to book Lightning Lanes on your phone all day.
I think that'll wrap up our list for now.
Feel free to let us know if you have questions come up as you plan.
Have a good weekend,
Shannon
