Is the Disney Premier Pass Worth It?
A Mom’s Honest Take After Surviving Thanksgiving Week at Disney World
As a mom who navigates Disney World during one of its busiest weeks each year—Thanksgiving—I know firsthand how overwhelming planning (and budgeting) for a magical trip can be. One question I’ve been asked repeatedly since our trip: “Is the Disney Premier Pass worth the splurge?” Let me break it down for you, park by park, with a little honesty, a lot of mom math, and a dash of “been there, survived that” wisdom.
What Is the Disney Premier Pass?
First, the basics. The Premier Pass (also known as the Lightning Lane Premier Pass) is Disney’s premium line-skipping option. Unlike the standard Lightning Lane selections included with the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, this pass offers:
Unlimited access to Lightning Lanes for most rides (no return time windows!).
No advance planning—use it anytime, all day.
Per-person pricing that changes daily based on demand (a.k.a. “dynamic pricing”).
Same-day purchase only via the My Disney Experience app (and yes, it sells out!).
For our family of four (plus another family of four tagging along), this was a game-changer—but not for every park. Here’s why.
Our Park-by-Park Breakdown
Hollywood Studios: Worth Every Penny
Let’s start with the park where the Premier Pass shined. Hollywood Studios has fewer rides but major demand (looking at you, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Slinky Dog Dash). Without the pass, we’d have spent hours zigzagging between lands, cranky kids in tow, trying to snag Lightning Lane reservations.
Why it worked:
No tier restrictions (unlike the Lane Multi Pass here, which limits you to one “top-tier” ride).
Saved our sanity—we rode favorites like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway twice without wait times.
Kept the peace—no arguments about whose ride to prioritize next.
Verdict: If you only buy the Premier Pass for one park, make it Hollywood Studios.
Epcot: A “Maybe” (For Now)
Epcot’s lower price tag during our visit made the Premier Pass tempting, but with fewer headliner rides, it felt like a partial win. We loved skipping lines for Guardians, Remy’s and Frozen Ever After, but until their are more attractions open, I’d skip this unless crowds are insane….or is that what actually makes it worth it?
Verdict: Worth it during peak weeks, but otherwise, the Lightning Lane Multi Pass might suffice.
Magic Kingdom: The One That Got Away
Magic Kingdom’s Premier Pass was shockingly expensive during Thanksgiving week. We opted out since we had tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (which includes shorter wait times). But here’s the twist: I regret it. Magic Kingdom has the most rides, so the pass offers the biggest bang for your buck. If you’re not attending a special event? Splurge here.
The Convenience Factor: VIP Tour Vibes (Without the VIP Price)
We’d considered a VIP Tour (starting at 450–450–900 per hour), but the Premier Pass felt like a budget-friendly compromise. For our party of eight, coordinating Lightning Lane reservations would’ve been a logistical nightmare. The Premier Pass let us stroll onto rides when we wanted, together, without refreshing the app every 5 minutes.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the Premier Pass?
YES if…
You’re visiting during peak season (like Thanksgiving or Christmas).
Your family hates waiting (grumpy kids = grumpy parents).
You’re with a large group (coordination is rough).
You’re a ride junkie who wants to maximize every minute.
NO if…
You’re visiting during slower seasons.
Your budget is tight (it’s a luxury, not a necessity).
You’re okay with prioritizing the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and strategic planning.
The Bottom Line
The Premier Pass isn’t a must-have, but for busy weeks or parks like Hollywood Studios, it’s a sanity-saver. Think of it as buying time—time to enjoy themed lands instead of sprinting between them, time to relax, and (most importantly) time to make memories without the meltdowns.
Would we do it again? Absolutely—but we’d bite the bullet for Magic Kingdom next time, too.
Ready to plan your Disney trip? Let us help you decide if the Premier Pass (or the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, or a VIP Tour!) fits your family’s needs. Because at the end of the day, the real magic is a vacation that leaves everyone smiling—not stressing.