Lightning Lane Premier Sells Out as Disney World Faces Thanksgiving Capacity Crunch

Reduced capacity from refurbishments is funneling holiday visitors toward higher-priced Lightning Lane options.

Overview

Magic Kingdom is operating without Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad remains in a yearlong refurbishment.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has Kali River Rapids and Harambe Market closed, and large portions of DinoLand U.S.A. are removed for the Tropical Americas project, concentrating guests in Pandora and Africa.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has the entire Animation Courtyard closed and permanent losses in the Muppets area, reducing high-capacity indoor experiences that usually help regulate crowds.
The top-tier Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Magic Kingdom is sold out through November 28, with many guests shifting to lower-tier paid options priced between $179 and $339 depending on the day and park.
Disney’s recent results show U.S. park attendance slightly down year over year while operating income and per-guest spending are up, underscoring a strategy that relies more on revenue per visitor during peak periods with fewer available attractions.