Guide to Disney Lightning Lanes and Universal Express Passes

Navigating the skip-the-line systems at Orlando's major theme parks can be confusing, as Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort use completely different systems.

At Walt Disney World, the old "FastPass" has been replaced by the Lightning Lane system. To skip the standby lines, you can purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass for access to a variety of popular attractions, or Lightning Lane Single Pass for the absolute busiest rides. Disney resort hotel guests can book these passes up to 7 days in advance of their stay, while off-site guests can book 3 days ahead. You will need to use the My Disney Experience app to secure your time slots.

At Universal Orlando, the system is called the Universal Express Pass. It is much simpler to use than Disney's system but generally more expensive. You simply buy the pass, show it at the Express queue, and skip the regular line. There are two main types to choose from:

• Universal Express: Allows you to skip the regular line once per participating ride.
• Universal Express Unlimited: Allows you to skip the line an unlimited number of times.

A top money-saving tip for Universal: staying at one of their premier hotels (such as the Hard Rock Hotel, Royal Pacific Resort, or Portofino Bay) includes free Universal Express Unlimited passes for your entire party, which often works out cheaper than buying the passes separately.