Summer is almost here, and there is nothing quite like a Walt Disney World vacation when school is out and the fun is nonstop! But this summer is going to be extra special with exciting limited-time experiences, new entertainment, and exclusive perks for Disney Resort hotel guests.

I am especially excited because I will be at Walt Disney World on May 27, 2025, for the opening day of two brand-new shows—The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After! Being there on the very first day to experience these incredible productions is going to be amazing, and I cannot wait to share all the details!

Limited-Time Summer Fun (May 27 – Sept 1, 2025)

Throughout the summer, families can enjoy kid-friendly zones, pop-up entertainment, music, dancing, and games across the parks. Magic Kingdom will have special play areas in Storybook Circus and Tomorrowland, while EPCOT will introduce Goofy’s Game Party at CommuniCore Hall—the ultimate place to cool down and play!

Plus, Disney Resort hotel guests will have the exclusive perk of early character appearances during their early park entry time, giving little ones even more magical moments right at the start of their day.

Extra Perks for Disney Resort Hotel Guests

Staying at a Disney Resort hotel always comes with perks, but this summer, select resorts will offer special character meet-and-greets with set times—a huge bonus for families wanting to plan their day! Guests at:
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

…will have even more Disney-themed activities to enjoy, from games to movie nights under the stars. Plus, all Disney Resort hotel guests get FREE Disney Water Park admission on their check-in day—the perfect way to start a summer vacation!

The First Nighttime Parade in Nearly 10 Years!

Later this summer, Magic Kingdom will debut Disney Starlight Parade, the park’s first nighttime parade in nearly a decade! With beloved Disney characters, dazzling floats, and breathtaking lights, this is sure to be a must-see. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer!

Why You Should Visit This Summer

With so much new entertainment, exclusive resort perks, and a brand-new nighttime parade, summer 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting times to visit Walt Disney World. I am beyond excited to experience all of this firsthand—especially being there on day one of the new shows!

If you are thinking about a Disney trip this summer, let’s chat! There are some great deals available, and I would love to help you make the most of this unforgettable season at Walt Disney World.

Comparing Walt Disney World Value and Deluxe Resorts: Which Is Right for You?

Big changes are coming soon to Walt Disney World, changing the way you can plan your vacation! Genie + is being replaced by Lightning Lane Multi Pass, let's take a look at what this means for your next trip:

Lightning Lane Pass is Disney’s paid service that allows guests to skip the standby queue and more quickly ride attractions via the Lightning Lanes - replacing Genie+. Starting July 24, 2024 you can purchase Lightning Lane passes and make selections up to 7 days in advance of your arrival giving you more time to plan your visit. Let's explore frequently asked questions about Lightning Lane Multi and Single Pass, how to use them, and if utilizing this service is the best choice for your Disney vacation!

What are Lightning Lane Passes?

Lightning Lane Passes are Disney World's newest paid way to skip the standby line for most rides and experiences in Walt Disney World. This is not just a renaming of Genie+, it is a complete revamping of the line 'skipping' services, allowing guests more control over planning their days at the parks. Lightning Lane Multi Pass is replacing Genie+ and Lightning Lane Single Pass is replacing Individual Lightning Lanes. This service allows you to bypass the standby line and enter the shorter 'Lightning Lane' line, eliminating much of the time you would otherwise spend waiting in line for rides, giving you more time in your day to enjoy other experiences Walt Disney World offers, like parades, character meets, and other entertainment!

What is a Lightning Lane Multi Pass?

Lightning Lane Multi Pass (LLMP) is the new service replacing Genie+. Much like Genie+ you are paying to be able to schedule a window of time for an attraction where you can skip the standby queue and enter through the Lightning Lane. Unlike Genie+ you will be able to book your selections up to 7 days prior to your arrival and select 3 different experiences. You will also receive digital downloads of select attraction photos from your day, captured with Disney PhotoPass Service. Plus, access Disney PhotoPass Lenses!

What is a Lightning Lane Single Pass?

Lighting Lane Single Passes are replacing Individual Lightning Lanes. Each park has one or two premium attractions that are not included within Lighting Lane Multi Pass and are purchased separately. You do not have to use Multi Pass to purchase these. Unlike Individual Lightning Lane, you will be able to book your selection(s) prior to your arrival. You will have the ability to make selections and pick your return window prior to purchase.

What are some of the advantages of Lightning Lane Multi Pass over Genie+?

The biggest advantage is being able to manage this pre-arrival, rather than having to wake up at 7am while on vacation to book your first selection for the day. Additionally, you can see availability and make attraction selections and pick times prior to purchase, ensuring you are happy with your initial selection(s) prior to payment. Finally, LLMP offers the ability to hold up to 3 selections at one time. After using one of your pre-booked selections, you can book additional Lightning Lane Multi Passes throughout the day, keeping a maximum of 3 active at any time.

The complimentary features of Disney Genie Service will continue to be available in the MDE app

When does the switch from Genie+ to Lighting Lane Multi Pass take place?

Starting July 24, 2024 you can purchase Lightning Lane passes and make selections up to 7 days in advance of your arrival giving you more time to plan your visit.

What is a Lightning Lane?

Lightning Lanes are Disney's alternative to the standby queue, allowing guests to have a much shorter wait before experiencing an attraction. You must purchase a Lightning Lane Pass (or have DAS) to enter a Lightning Lane.

With Multi Pass, can I choose from any three Lighting Lane experiences?

Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios have a tiered system. You may pick one experience from Tier 1 and two (or all three) from Tier 2. Animal Kingdom only has one tier, and any three experiences that are available may be chosen. We talk about the different groups further down.

When can you buy Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass?

The booking window starts at different times depending on whether you are staying on site at a Disney World Resort hotel or off property:

• For guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, Lightning Lane Passes, both multi and single passes, can be purchased up to 7 days in advance of check-in, for their entire stay.


• Off property guests with date-based theme park tickets can purchase Lightning Lane passes and choose experiences and return times for the total number of valid admission days starting 3 days in advance.


• AP, who are not staying on property, and guests with other ticket types must purchase 3 days before their park visit, one day at a time.

1.  Open the MDE app, then tap the Lightning Lane Passes section on the home screen


2.  Select a date and theme park


3.  Select Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Single Pass, or both


4.  Follow all prompts to complete your purchase


5.  From the confirmation screen, you can tap “Plan another day” to purchase another pass or “View My Day” for details about your selection

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad


• Jungle Cruise


• Peter Pan’s Flight


• Space Mountain


• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin


• The Barnstormer


• Dumbo the Flying Elephant


• Haunted Mansion


• “it’s a small world”


• Mad Tea Party


• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin


• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh


•  Mickey’s PhilharMagic


• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor


• Pirates of the Caribbean


• Tomorrowland Speedway


• Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid

• Frozen Ever After


• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure


•  Soarin’ Around the World

•  Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival


•  Journey into Imagination with Figment


•  Living with the Land


•  Mission: SPACE


•  The Seas with Nemo & Friends


•  Spaceship Earth


•  Turtle Talk with Crush

•  Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway


•  Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run


•  Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith


•  Slinky Dog Dash

•  Alien Swirling Saucers


•  Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage


•  Disney Junior Play & Dance!


•  For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration


•  Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular


•  Muppet*Vision 3D


•  Star Tours – The Adventures Continue


•  The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror


•  Toy Story Mania!

•  DINOSAUR


•  Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain


•  Feathered Friends in Flight!


•  Festival of the Lion King


•  Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!


•  It’s Tough to Be a Bug!


•  Kali River Rapids


•  Kilimanjaro Safaris


•  Naʻvi River Journey

•  Seven Dwarfs Mine Train


•  TRON Lightcycle Run

•  Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

•  Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

•  Avatar Flight of Passage