Epcot Lightning Lane Premier Pass Review: Is It Truly Worth the Price?
Is the new Lightning Lane Premier Pass the ultimate way to experience Epcot, or is it just an expensive luxury? On our latest visit to Walt Disney World, we decided to put the most premium skip-the-line option to the test. From walking onto the busiest rides to a relaxing dinner at the new Cake Bake Shop, here is our full breakdown of the day and whether we think the "Premier Pass" is worth your money.
Stress-Free Touring with Premier Pass
The biggest advantage of the Premier Pass isn't just the shorter waits—it’s the freedom. Unlike standard Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you don't have to book return times or constantly refresh the My Disney Experience app. You simply walk up to any participating ride whenever you want.
Saving the Phone Battery: One unexpected perk? My phone was still at 60% by mid-afternoon. Normally, managing Lightning Lanes drains your battery because you're on the app all day.
The Big Hits: We were able to knock out Frozen Ever After, Test Track, Living with the Land, and Soarin' with zero stress. Even when Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure broke down early in the day, we just pivoted to another ride and came back later when it was running again.
Guardians of the Galaxy: While I sat this one out due to motion sickness, Nathan and Chrissy used the pass to breeze onto Cosmic Rewind, which consistently has one of the longest wait times in the park.
Food & Wine Highlights
It wouldn't be a trip to Epcot without hitting some festival booths. We sampled a few interesting items this time around:
Australia: The shrimp skewers with sweet chili sauce were a "must-get" again.
The Brew-Wing Lab: We finally tried the infamous Pickle Milkshake. Believe it or not, it was "weirdly delicious"—though definitely an acquired taste!
Japan: The Wagyu beef bun had great flavor, but reminded us a bit of "Hamburger Helper with rice."
Dinner at The Cake Bake Shop
We took a break from the park for a 5:30 PM reservation at the new Cake Bake Shop on the BoardWalk. While we had a bit of a rough start with the reservation system and table cleanliness, the food eventually won us over.
The Vibe: The shop is stunning, with seasonal garlands and even a "magical dragon" named Brule who "lights" the shop and spreads edible glitter on desserts.
The Menu: The Gumbo and Shrimp was a standout, and Nathan claimed his burger was better than the famous one at Steakhouse 71.
The Catch: They do not accept the Disney Dining Plan or most discounts, so it can be a pricey evening.
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
For Epcot, we give the Premier Pass a strong recommendation, especially if you want to maximize your day without the "app fatigue" of standard Lightning Lanes. While it’s expensive, the price at Epcot is often more manageable than at Magic Kingdom, and the ability to ride Guardians or Remy’s whenever you want is a game-changer.
Would you spend the extra money to skip the app refreshing for a day? Let us know your thoughts in the YouTube comments! And if you're planning a Disney trip, don't forget to subscribe to The Roaming Twins for more strategy and reviews.
