Disney World Guests Will Feel the Impact of Fewer Lightning Lane Rides by 2026

Exciting transformations are on the horizon for Walt Disney World Resort, as Disney continues to reimagine its iconic theme parks in Central Florida.

Following a string of announcements at both Destination D23 in 2023 and the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, Disney Experiences has unveiled a series of ambitious changes for the parks. The Walt Disney World Resort has become a key focus, especially with the highly anticipated debut of Universal Epic Universe just around the corner this May.

One of the most notable changes involves the reimagining of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where the beloved DinoLand U.S.A. is set to be replaced by the immersive Tropical Americas. This vibrant new land will celebrate the worlds of Disney’s Encanto and Indiana Jones.

Antonio Madrigal’s magical bedroom will be brought to life, and the current DINOSAUR attraction will soon make way for an all-new Indiana Jones adventure. Disney has confirmed this ride will be a unique experience rather than a replica of Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure.

The transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. officially kicked off in mid-January, with attractions like TriceraTop Spin closing to make room for the forthcoming expansion. Disney has announced that the DINOSAUR attraction will continue operating through the end of the year, giving fans one last chance to experience it before it goes “extinct.”

Disney anticipates that Tropical Americas will open by 2027, though it’s unclear if this will occur in phases or all at once. Details about whether the new attractions will join the Lightning Lane system also remain to be seen. While Disney previously employed a virtual queue system for major openings, that method has since been retired at the park, leaving fans curious about how these new experiences will be managed.

Meanwhile, over at Magic Kingdom, Disney is set to fill in the iconic Rivers of America in Frontierland to introduce new experiences inspired by Pixar’s Cars. Further expansion plans for the “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” area are also underway, with Disney Villains set to make their debut in that space.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also facing changes, including the removal of Grand Avenue as it currently stands, bidding farewell to the Muppets’ presence in that section of the park.

With these changes come some concerns about Walt Disney World’s Lightning Lane offerings. Animal Kingdom’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass currently includes DINOSAUR, along with popular attractions like Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and several stage shows such as Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!

The loss of DINOSAUR at the end of the year will leave the Multi Pass with fewer ride-based options, yet Disney has not announced plans to adjust pricing. Currently, Multi Pass prices range from $15 to $29 per guest.

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which ranges between $119 and $199, will also see reduced value following these closures. Despite the absence of key attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Astro Orbiter, Disney’s Premier Pass reached its highest-ever spring break price this year at $449.

For guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort, stage shows remain a highlight of the experience, often accommodating large crowds without the need for Lightning Lane reservations. Yet with a diminishing number of rides available, guests may be left questioning the value of the current pricing model.

How do you feel about Disney’s decision not to adjust Lightning Lane pricing despite attraction closures? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!