Month: January 2025

Lightning Lane Premier Pass Expands Again

Premier Pass

Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, Walt Disney World will expand the Lightning Lane Premier Pass pilot to all Disney World guests.

The booking window will be consistent with Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, allowing guests to purchase this option in advance of their visit. Guests can purchase Lightning Lane Premier Passes for days they have valid theme park admission starting at 7:00 AM Eastern Time on their first day of eligibility. The pass continues to be offered in very limited quantities.

Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel or other select hotels can purchase Lightning Lane Premier Passes starting 7 days before the first day of their Resort stay, for their length of stay (up to 14 days). This early-planning benefit is available to registered guests staying at:

  • Disney Resort hotels
  • Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel  
  • Walt Disney World Swan Hotel  
  • Walt Disney World Swan Reserve  
  • Shades of Green Resort 

Guests not staying in a Disney Resort hotel can purchase Lightning Lane Premier Passes 3 days in advance. See additional details below, which vary based on admission type:  

  • Guests with date-based theme park tickets (which require the Guest to choose a start date at the time of purchase) can purchase 3 days before the first day of their ticket, for the total number of valid admission days on their ticket.  
  • Guests with other ticket types can purchase 3 days before their park visit.  
  • Annual Passholders can purchase 3 days before their park visit.  

For more details about the Premier Pass, please visit my Lightning Lane Premier Pass post.

© Disney

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2025

Epcot Festival of the Arts

This year’s EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is about to start on Friday and will run from January 17 – February 24, 2025 at Disney World. This festival will showcase the fine arts, performance arts, and culinary arts.

Disney on Broadway concerts

A highlight of this festival is the Disney on Broadway Concert Series where major Broadway stars perform songs from Disney Broadway musicals. Shows take place on select days at 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8:00pm at the America Gardens Theatre in the America pavilion. The list of performers is listed on the concert series page above. Check it often for the latest updates.

If you want to guarantee yourself a seat, you may want to book a dining package. Some shows will fill up fast.

Throughout the day around the World Showcase, other musical acts will also be performing.

Food booths

Another key component will be the unique food booths showcasing dishes with a more artistic flair. Some look almost too pretty to eat!

One of the most unique features of this festival will be the many opportunities to see and participate in artistic activities yourself.

Wall mural

Artists will be showcasing their paintings and even painting live during the day. You can also join your fellow park-goers in painting a giant paint-by-numbers type wall mural.

Other artists will be drawing the most amazing 3D chalk art images on the sidewalks that you can then take pictures with. You really look like you’re inside that drawing. They’re incredible!

Photo ops

There will also be new photo ops, PhotoPass Magic Shots, plenty of merch, and many other fun activities. This is a short but unique festival and is included with your valid EPCOT admission. Try to catch it.

For more details, visit the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts page.

artistic opportunities

We’ve attended this festival in past years and it was one of our favorites. As always, feel free to contact me if you want to chat about planning your Disney trip.

Pics ©Disney