Just when we were becoming pros at Lightning Lane reservations and Disney Genie+, it seems park executives have heard their guests’ complaints about the system and are implementing change! For months we have read about “updates” on the way to make it a more user-friendly experience. Now we are seeing some action!
Tuesday, June 25, Disney Parks announced Genie+ will be rebranded to allow guests to plan Lightning Lane reservations ahead of their visit. So, how does it all work? Let’s break it down!
What’s in a Name
First, as of July 24, 2024, Disney Genie+ will transition to Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and Individual Lightning Lane Purchases (ILL) will become Lightning Lane Single Pass. This change will happen at both Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California.
Next, we get into the good stuff!
But first, I want to encourage you to utilize the services of a travel professional who specializes in Disney destinations for your vacation. Travel professionals have the training already in their back pocket!
*Update October 17, 2024: The Domestic Disney Theme Parks will introduce a new “skip the line” service option with the introduction of Lightning Lane Premier Pass. This pass allows guests to skip the line at participating attractions without reservations. Find out more HERE.
Walt Disney World Resort
Lightning Lane Multi Pass (Formerly Disney Genie+)
Guests at Disney owned resorts will be able to purchase and pre plan up to 3 lightning lane reservations in one park per day 7 days prior to arrival. At 7am, 7 days before you arrive, you can book Lightning Lane reservations for the length of your stay up to 14 days.
Disney World Swan and Dolphin as well as guests at Shades of Green are extended this benefit. Also, available reservations will be visible in the app prior to purchase!
Non-Disney resort guests and ticket holders that require a park reservation (annual passholders, etc.) will be able to make 3 lightning lane reservations in one park per day 3 days prior to their park visit.
Resort guests and non-resort guests can schedule more lightning lane reservations after using their first reservation in the park.
Lightning Lane Single Pass (Formerly Individual Lightning Lane Purchase)
The same rules apply for the new “single pass” system. 2 Premium rides (ILL) can be purchased per park day 7 days prior to arrival (resort guests) or 3 days prior to visiting (non-resort guests). Currently those attractions include:
- Tron Lightcycle Run (Magic Kingdom)
- 7 Dwarves Mine Train (Magic Kingdom)
- Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom)
- Rise of the Resistance (Hollywood Studios)
- Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT)
Virtual Queues and Stand-by Lines
There will be no change to the status of virtual queues or stand-by lines. Guests will still be able to join a virtual queue or use a stand-by line as they are currently offered. The purchase of Lightning Lane Multi or Single Pass is not mandatory.
Current attractions with a virtual queue option include:
- Tron LIghtcycle Run (Magic Kingdom)
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Magic Kingdom) *opens July 28, 2024
- Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT)
How to Purchase
Both services (Multi Pass and Single Pass) will be offered through the “My Disney Experience” app. The app is being updated so guests can purchase one or both services in one transaction. More importantly, available lightning lane reservations will be viewable before purchasing.
Lastly, neither Disney Lightning Lane Multi Pass nor Single Pass will be refundable. Something to keep in mind! However, with purchase, ride photos are included for download.
*Neither service will be available as a ticket add-on for Disney World vacation packages. They can only be purchased starting at 7 days (Disney resort guests) or 3 days (non-Disney resort guests) through an account on the My Disney Experience app.
The Nuts and Bolts
Lightning Lane reservations will be available on a “tier” basis for 3 of the 4 Disney World theme parks. 3 Lightning Lane reservations can be made with 1 selection from Tier 1 and 2 selections from tier 2 or three selections from tier 2 if desired ahead of your trip.
If you are familiar with the former Fastpass+ system, the set-up is very similar. Disney Animal Kingdom Theme Park attractions will be available equally. More details to follow including pricing. The tip board in the Disney parks app will remain a free service. Guests can still check wait times and more without a fee.
The important points:
- Guests can make 3 Lightning Lane reservations ahead of their park visits. 1 from tier 1, 2 from tier 2 or all 3 from tier 2
- More Lightning Lane reservations can be made as current ones are used.
- Disney Lightning Lane Multi Pass is only available for 3 reservations in 1 park per day. However, in the parks, additional reservations can be made in any park with a valid park hopper ticket.
- Lightning Lane Single Pass is available for 2 participating attractions a day.
- Purchase and reservations can be made starting at 7am EST either 7 days (Disney resort guests) or 3 days (non-Disney resort guests) before visiting the parks.
Disneyland
Disneyland Resort will change the names of Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane Purchases on the same date. However, there will not be a change to how reservations are made on the West Coast. Currently, guests can purchase Disney Genie+ as a ticket add-on. Lightning Lane reservations can only be made from inside the Disneyland parks.
Disney Parks are changing the way guests get priority access to attractions. The introduction of Disney Genie+ proved to be a complicated journey. For that reason, the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass services will start as of July 24, 2024. This service will make it easier to plan your park days ahead of your vacation.
No doubt the change will take some getting use to. However, travel professionals are busy familiarizing ourselves with all the ins and outs on how it works. If you would like help booking and planning your Disney vacation, submit a free no-obligation quote request. You can also reach out to DizN Vacations. Their team of travel professionals are experts in Disney destinations and will build you a bigger and better adventure.
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