This listing objectively ranks the EPCOT Lightning Lane Multi Passes from each tiers, plus technique for zigging once they zag with Walt Disney World’s new pre-arrival trip reservation. This information ranks all 10 points of interest in DHS that supply MultiPass when it comes to time-saved, demand, and so forth., from finest to worst.
As primary background, EPCOT is the third place park for Lightning Lane Multi Cross (LLMP) at Walt Disney World. It’s far, far behind each Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, whereas being solely barely forward of Animal Kingdom. In actual fact, you possibly can argue that it’s not behind DAK in any respect…and I wouldn’t debate the purpose.
Though EPCOT has improved large time in the previous couple of years due to additions to the trip roster, that’s solely mirrored within the Lightning Lane Multi Cross lineup through Remy’s Ratatouille Journey. (As earlier than, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will not be a part of this lineup–you want a Lightning Lane Single Cross for that.) There are a few explanation why the park is worse for LLMP than it was for the Genie+ service…
The primary and largest cause is the tiers. Like Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT has two tiers: Group A and Group B. Not like these parks, EPCOT doesn’t have a single constantly worthwhile attraction in Group B. We don’t imply that these points of interest are unhealthy–they aren’t. Relatively, that you just received’t essentially save time with these lower-tier Lightning Lanes. With even a modicum of technique, you possibly can expertise any of those points of interest with low or no waits.
It doesn’t assist that Take a look at Observe is presently closed for reimagining till someday in 2025, and that Luminous: The Symphony of Us will not be a part of the Lightning Lane Multi-Cross lineup. Underneath the prior FastPass+ system, each Take a look at Observe and the nighttime spectaculars (on the time) had been top-tier choices. So there’s truly one fewer top-tier Lightning Lane, although three new rides have opened at EPCOT since FastPass+ was retired!
As a common matter, EPCOT is nice at absorbing crowds…it’s simply gentle on headliner points of interest which might be a part of LLMP. That’s the issue with Lightning Lane Multi-Cross on a day with 7/10 or under crowd ranges–you received’t save sufficient time on the overwhelming majority of eligible points of interest to make the acquisition definitely worth the cash until you’re Park Hopping. On days with larger crowds, you could not have the ability to get a superb 4th decide.
Lightning Lane Multi Cross can also be arguably not definitely worth the time at EPCOT, as there’s a excessive chance that the line-skipping service will pressure you to criss-cross the park somewhat than doing issues as you naturally arrive to them whereas navigating usually. Hopefully the pre-booking obviates this to some extent, however it can not probably be excellent since you may’t concurrently choose the three rides the place it’s wanted most.
Observe that these rankings apply beginning July 24, 2024 when Lightning Lane Multi Cross replaces Genie. Though it may appear untimely to be rating Lightning Lanes previous to that launching, there’s lots we will infer based mostly on present Lightning Lane priorities. Equally as necessary, LLMP is strikingly just like the free FastPass+ system (minus the aforementioned variations and modifications), which allowed company to make trip reservations previous to their journey.
There are different apparent variations between Lightning Lane Multi Cross and FastPass: the previous was free and LLMP will value cash, the reserving home windows for on-site and off-site company differ as does the flexibility of worldwide company to make choices previous to arriving in the USA.
All of this makes it seemingly that demand will probably be decrease for Lightning Lane Multi Cross than it was with FastPass+. This could imply that it’s barely simpler to e-book Lightning Lane Multi-Cross. Even when not, the under priorities ought to be correct–however we’ll revisit this subject as soon as we have now just a few months of precise information for Lightning Lane Multi Passes to regulate the rankings accordingly. For anybody touring within the close to future, these are our preliminary picks, which additionally ought to be very near correct for Walt Disney World journeys in 2025 and past.
If you wish to skip line-skipping solely, seek the advice of our 1-Day EPCOT Itinerary, which covers how one can accomplish every part even in case you’re staying off-site and don’t wish to spend something further. That additionally presents nice “zig once they zag” recommendation to flip the script on tackling World Showcase and the entrance half of the park.
For these staying on-site, the one factor we extremely advocate is Early Entry, particularly for company staying at Crescent Lake or Skyliner Resorts. Try our EPCOT Early Entry Itinerary from Worldwide Gateway. In the event you’re getting into via the entrance, Early Entry and even rope drop isn’t practically as simple–however you may nonetheless knock out Frozen Ever After with a brief wait.
In the event you can’t swing getting up and out the door earlier than park opening, Prolonged Night Theme Park Hours at EPCOT is nice for eligible company. That’s normally on Monday nights and goes till 11 pm or midnight, relying upon regular hours. Virtually all open points of interest are walk-ons throughout Prolonged Night Hours.
These further hours additionally provide entry to a 3rd digital queue entry time for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Frankly, if I may do both Early Entry or Prolonged Night Hours, I’d go for these–and never buy Lightning Lane Multi-Cross. It’s not the end-all, be-all of saving time ready in strains at EPCOT.
To that finish, we (as soon as once more) advocate trying out Finest Time-Saving Methods for Walt Disney World, which is the results of intensive ‘testing’ to find out the most effective and worst methods to beat the crowds. One large factor to notice is that all the headliners at EPCOT are very unfold out. When utilizing Lightning Lane Multi-Cross, you may have to do lots of backtracking, which implies the time saved not ready in line might be greater than offset concerning the further time spent strolling across the parks.
Earlier than we get going, the EPCOT trip rankings under presume primary data concerning the Lightning Lane Multi Cross system, together with advance reserving home windows and the Tiers or Groupings at EPCOT. In case you are not conversant in this service or are already feeling misplaced, begin by seeing our Information to Lightning Lane Multi Cross & Single Cross at Walt Disney World for all the foundational need-to-know information about this substitute at no cost FastPass+. This complete system is complicated and convoluted, so that you may need a query or two-dozen. That solutions all the commonest ones we’ve been receiving from readers.
With all of that out of the best way, let’s begin by speaking Lightning Lane MultiPass suggestions & methods. It’s necessary to bear in mind that the target trip rankings don’t inform the entire story. Subjective technique is as necessary–maybe extra so relying upon which points of interest have availability all through your day. Though the examples under are from EPCOT, the recommendation applies equally to DHS and Magic Kingdom…
Lightning Lane Multi Cross Technique
One of many largest misconceptions about Lightning Lane Multi Cross is that it’s solely pre-arrival trip reservations. On the contrary, there’ll nearly definitely be extra same-day drops of Lightning Lanes (what we consult with as trip reservation refills) all through the day than earlier than. These had been a function of FastPass+ and once more with Genie, so it’s secure to imagine this can occur once more. We’re going past that and betting on the quantity of drops rising for plenty of causes past the scope of this put up.
Additionally notable is that tiers or groupings solely apply to advance Lightning Lane Multi-Day choices. When you’ve arrived and used your first choice–or in case you make reservations within the first place on the day-of versus upfront–you aren’t sure to the groupings. You can also make any choices day-of with out regard for the tiers–these solely apply to your advance bookings.
In principle, because of this you possibly can redeem a Lightning Lane at EPCOT for Dwelling with the Land (Grouping/Tier B) instantly upon getting into the park after which choose Soarin’ Across the World from Grouping/Tier A. In follow, we’re optimistic that this technique won’t solely work properly, however will probably be savvy from a steps and backtracking perspective. (Ideally, we’d wish to see that very same strategy work for scoring Frozen Ever After as a second decide, however we’re much less assured in doing that.)
This may be complicated, so it’s price discussing what this implies in follow. When making your Lightning Lane choices, let’s say you’ve got the next choices:
- Remy’s Ratatouille Journey (Tier A) – 2:45 pm to three:45 pm
- Mission: House (Tier B) – 1 pm to 2 pm
- Spaceship Earth (Tier B) – 4 pm to five pm
OR
- Remy’s Ratatouille Journey (Tier A) – 2:45 pm to three:45 pm
- Mission: House (Tier B) – 1 pm to 2 pm
- Dwelling with the Land (Tier B) – 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Though Spaceship Earth ranks one spot larger than Dwelling with the Land on the listing under, you must–certainly–select Dwelling with the Land within the above situation. That’s as a result of it has a return time very first thing within the morning, opening up the choice to make one other choice earlier than 10:30 am on the newest. And perhaps I’m simply overly optimistic, however I’m hopeful Soarin’ could have close to speedy returns at that hour as a result of it doesn’t belong in Group A within the first place–that means you may simply stroll throughout the Land pavilion and redeem that one instantly in an ideal world.
I’m extremely assured that there can be a worthwhile 4th decide Lightning Lane at EPCOT earlier than 10:30 am. I’m far much less assured, in reality, downright skeptical, that might be true at 1 pm. (Perhaps in case you had been prepared to play the refresh sport, however nonetheless–the percentages usually are not in your favor.) EPCOT doesn’t have many good Lightning Lane rides, so there’s going to be a mad sprint to scoop up remaining same-day Group A availability. Group B is usually backside of the barrel, so getting multiple Group A trip is just about a should to ensure that Lightning Lane Multi-Cross to be “price it” at EPCOT.
Now, on with the Lightning Lane points of interest rankings at EPCOT…
EPCOT Lightning Lane Multi Cross Rankings – Group A
1. Remy’s Ratatouille Journey – With Take a look at Observe closed till 2025, that is no longer simply the #1 Lightning Lane Multi-Cross at EPCOT–it’s additionally the #2 choice in all of Walt Disney World, behind solely Slinky Canine Sprint. That is the most recent trip in EPCOT through LLMP, it has the very best common wait time, and probably the most demand for line-skipping.
Given all of that, there’s an excellent probability that pre-arrival availability for Remy’s Ratatouille Journey will probably be gone at and even earlier than the 7-day mark. In the event you’re staying off-site, you’ll seemingly be reliant upon trip reservation refills or cancellations. With that mentioned, in case you’re staying at a Crescent Lake or Skyliner Resort, you may as an alternative go for doing this throughout Early Entry. Comparatively talking, it’s simpler.
2. Frozen Ever After – Remy’s Ratatouille Journey is the clear #1 Lightning Lane at EPCOT, and Frozen Ever After is likewise the clear #2. In terms of common wait occasions, there truly isn’t that a lot distinction between the 2. The hole is far bigger in relation to Lightning Lane availability, although.
Because of the hole between #1-2 and #3, there’s additionally an inexpensive probability that Lightning Lane Multi-Passes for Frozen Ever After will additionally be absolutely booked at and even earlier than the 7-day mark. It actually will depend on crowd ranges and pricing. Truthfully, I wouldn’t purchase LLMP if I couldn’t get considered one of these two picks. (Simply considered one of many circumstances that might make me inclined to cross on the paid FastPass service.)
3. Soarin’ Across the World – As soon as the longest wait time in EPCOT, Soarin’ Across the World has grow to be much less standard lately and had one other theater added to assist take up crowds. Frankly, Soarin’ doesn’t belong in Group A, and the one cause it’s there’s as a result of Take a look at Observe is closed for reimagining till 2025. As soon as that reopens, Soarin’ will grow to be the #1 decide in Group B.
N/A. Take a look at Observe – Beforehand the #2 decide, our expectation is that Take a look at Observe 3.0 will grow to be the #1 Lightning Lane Multi Cross as soon as the attraction opens if it’s good. Perhaps even when it isn’t. The ‘new trip odor’ is at all times a strong pull, and Remy’s Ratatouille Journey and Frozen Ever After will “cut up the #1 choices,” so to talk. Which means that households with young children who’re too quick for Take a look at Observe will select both the Rat Experience or Frozen Ever After, diluting the recognition of every as a primary choice.
In the meantime, Take a look at Observe is the one high-profile thrill trip, so it’s prioritized by nearly all company wanting that kind of attraction. Clearly none of that is related now, however in case you’re already planning forward for later in 2025, Take a look at Observe ought to be considered because the default #1 for no less than a few years as soon as it returned.
EPCOT Lightning Lane Multi Cross Rankings – Group B
1. Mission: House – Line-skipping for each single Group B attraction is just vital in excessive crowds. With average or decrease crowds, Mission: House could have a brief wait and Lightning Lane Multi-Cross received’t be vital. In actual fact, it might be counterproductive if it’s a must to backtrack to make use of the Lightning Lane. On busier days, having a Lightning Lane time reserved may prevent 30-60 minutes right here.
2. Spaceship Earth – The “EPCOT Golf Ball” beckons company as they enter the park, and consequently, Spaceship Earth nearly at all times has a for much longer wait time within the first half of the day, and a brief wait in afternoon and night. Due to this, if I had been somebody who needed to reduce steps, I’d think about reserving a Lightning Lane right here round park opening and observe that up with Soarin’ and one thing else within the entrance of the park. Spaceship Earth will also be a superb Lightning Lane choice when crowds are excessive.
3. Dwelling with the Land – That is one other one the place timing could make a world of distinction, as Dwelling with the Land typically sees lengthy strains between the lunch rush and mid-afternoon. When you’ve got a strategic cause to do it then–maybe minimizing steps by doing this after Spaceship Earth and Soarin, making this a superb “one thing else” choice. Dwelling with the Land can also be a worthwhile LLMP through the vacation season, when the Merry & Vibrant overlay retains it standard at evening.
4. Journey Into Creativeness – Roughly 300 days of the yr, you’ll wait 10 minutes or much less to trip Journey into Creativeness with Figment. About 40 days per yr, it’ll be a 15 minute or shorter wait. It’s these different 25 days, when the wait time exceeds half-hour, when Lightning Lane will turn out to be useful right here. Regardless, this ought to be simple as a subsequent choice. I’d hope that you just’re not caught choosing this 4th, and may as an alternative rating it fifth or later (or, ideally, under no circumstances!).
5. The Seas with Nemo & Associates – We’ve got but to see a day when this attraction has run out of Lightning Lane reservations. That’s as a result of they’re nearly by no means helpful. Besides perhaps through the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New 12 months’s Eve, and Spring Break, this isn’t going to save lots of you any time.
6. Stage Exhibits – At EPCOT, this implies Turtle Speak with Crush and the Disney & Pixar Quick Movie Competition. Lightning Lanes usually are not helpful for these. The one cause they exist is to supply the phantasm of time-savings; in actuality, these Lightning Lanes are extra helpful to Disney than they’re to company. Everybody ought to use standby strains for these exhibits.
In the end, you must have the ability to knock out a number of points of interest utilizing Lightning Lane Multi Cross on regular days in EPCOT. Nevertheless, the massive unanswered query is whether or not the common visitor–and even the common energy consumer, for that matter–will have the ability to get trip reservations for each Remy’s Ratatouille Journey and Frozen Ever After.
From our perspective, that’s make-or-break as as to whether Lightning Lane Multi Cross is price it at EPCOT. In the event you can not rating paid FastPasses for each of these headliners, it’s tough to see Lightning Lane Multi Cross as being definitely worth the cash–besides on very crowded days.
On a median day, the time-savings at a kind of headliners plus (perhaps) Soarin’ Across the World and some Tier 2 points of interest simply received’t be price it. And that’s doubly true when you issue within the seemingly backtracking that’ll be essential to redeem the Lightning Lanes. As earlier than, there’s a superb chance that you just’ll have the ability to accomplish just about simply as a lot through Early Entry or Prolonged Night Hours as through Lightning Lanes.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
How would you rank your trip priorities utilizing Lightning Lane MultiPass in EPCOT? Shocked by any of the rankings in our high 5, that Remy’s Ratatouille Journey takes the #1 spot, or is that this all fairly apparent? Are you planning on shopping for LLMP or skipping it? Will you apply it to an EPCOT-only day, or solely when Park Hopping? Do you agree or disagree with our rankings? Any questions we may help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even while you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
