Planning a magical day at Disney Theme Parks has always been a mix of excitement and strategizing. With the introduction of Disney Genie+, visitors now have a new tool to help optimize their park experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to using Disney Genie+ to make the most out of your visit.
Before we get started, I recommend using a travel advisor who specializes in Disney destinations for your trip to the Disney theme parks. The role of an advisor is to provide you with the tools and resources to make the most of your vacation. That includes understanding Genie+.
What is Disney Genie+?
Disney Genie+ is an optional, paid service that provides guests with access to the Lightning Lane entrances of select attractions. The tool allows guests to bypass the standard standby lines. It replaces the previous FastPass+ system and aims to streamline your park experience. Ultimately, it offers more flexibility and convenience.
How to Purchase Disney Genie+
You can purchase Disney Genie+ on the day of your visit via the My Disney Experience app. The service pricing varies per day at Walt Disney World Resort. However, the price is a standard $20 per person per day at Disneyland Resort.
Setting Up Disney Genie+
- Download the My Disney Experience App. Ensure you have the latest version of the My Disney Experience app installed on your smartphone. This app will be your central hub for all Genie+ features.
- Next, link your tickets to your account in the app. Make sure your park tickets are linked to your My Disney Experience account even if you have made a “ticket only” purchase.
- Purchase Genie+: On the day of your visit, open the app and purchase Genie+ for everyone in your party. It’s important to have your group linked on the “friends and family” feature in the app.
Using Disney Genie+ in the Parks
Once you have purchased Disney Genie+, it’s important to know how to use it. Below are the steps for you to become familiar with using the tool while you are visiting the theme parks.
Making Lightning Lane Selections
Your first selection for a lightning lane reservation can be made starting at 7:00 AM (Eastern Time) for Walt Disney World Resort guests. Disneyland Resort guests can make their first selection upon entering the park. Select from the list of available attractions and choose your preferred return time.
Available times fill up quickly at some popular participating attractions in the parks. You should decide ahead of time which rides/shows are most important to you ahead of time. Lightning Lane reservations do “sell out”. Therefore, I recommend working with your travel advisor to strategize your visit.
Slinky Dog Dash in Disney’s Hollywood Studios will “sell out” of available lightning lane times early in the day. photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn
After using your first Lightning Lane selection or two hours after making it, whichever comes first, you can make another selection. Continue this process throughout the day. It is possible to have more than 1 Lightning Lane reservation at a time. The key is to always make a new one as soon as possible (either when you use your current one or at the 2-hour mark).
Navigating the App
The Tip Board within the app shows the current wait times for attractions and available return times for Lightning Lane. Use this to make informed choices about which attractions to prioritize.
The “My Day” section displays your itinerary, including Lightning Lane reservations, dining reservations, and other plans.
Lightning Lane Tips
Again, prioritize popular attractions for your early selections as they can “sell out” and have the longest standby lines later in the day. Next, between your selection, use the standby lines at rides/shows with lower wait times. You don’t have to use Genie+ for every attraction or experience.
If your desired attraction isn’t available, keep refreshing the app. Availability can change frequently as other guests modify their plans.
Additional Features of Disney Genie+
Disney Genie (Free Service)
The free version of Disney Genie creates personalized itineraries based on your interests and preferences. The app will ask you to create a personalized “priority list” of rides, shows, and experiences. Your itinerary is based on your selections. More importantly, you can update your answers throughout your park visit for more accuracy.
In addition, the Disney Genie will provide real-time updates and suggestions throughout the day to optimize your park visit.
Individual Lightning Lane Selections
Some high-demand attractions are not included in Genie+ but can be accessed through Individual Lightning Lane purchases. Prices for these selections vary by date and attraction. You can only purchase 2 Individual Lightning Selections a day even if you are park hopping.
Each park has at least 1 if not 2 rides that require an Individual Lightning Lane Purchase to skip the standby line. They are as follows:
- Magic Kingdom: Seven Dwarves Mine Train; Tron Lightcycle Run
- EPCOT: Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind (there is no standby line. guests must join a virtual queue at 7am through the app to ride without purchase)
- Hollywood Studios: Rise of the Resistance
- Animal Kingdom Park: Flight of Passage
Maximizing Your Experience
First, review the park map and attractions list in advance to have a rough idea of your must-see attractions. Furthermore, be ready to adapt your plan based on real-time information and changes. Lastly, take breaks! Use downtime between reservations to ride attractions with lower wait times, enjoy shows, explore shops, or relax in designated areas.
Disney Genie+ is a powerful tool for enhancing your visit to Disney Theme Parks. It offers a more efficient way to experience magic. You can minimize wait times and maximize enjoyment, ensuring a truly unforgettable Disney adventure. So, download the app, make your selections, and let Genie+ guide you to a day of enchantment and fun.
Finally, I recommend the use of a travel advisor to help book and plan your next Disney theme park vacation! Reach out to DizN Vacations. Their team of expert travel planners will personalize your experience for an even bigger and better adventure! You can also choose to submit a free no obligation quote to get started right away.
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