Disney Genie+ (Genie Plus) Review and Lightening Lane Explained
In a major change, Disney World discontinued its FastPass system in August 2021 and replaced it with Disney Genie+, which was introduced on October 19, 2021. To help navigate this new system, I’ll provide a detailed explanation of the differences between Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Individual Lightning Lane. Don’t bother searching for clarification on the official Disney website – I’ll break down each component in simple terms.
While I’m not a fan of the new system, I understand its purpose is to enhance the overall experience and encourage guests to make the most of their visit. This review will cover the key features of Disney Genie+, including ride eligibility, as well as a comparison with Individual Lightning Lane.
Disney Genie vs. Disney Genie+ (Disney Genie Plus)
Disney’s offerings can be confusing, especially when it comes to their Genie, Genie+, and Individual Lightning Lane services. Let me break it down for you: Disney Genie is a free app that provides a park map and wait times, making it a useful tool for planning your day. On the other hand, Disney Genie+ is an add-on to your park ticket that costs between $20-$30 per person per day.
This service allows you to request skip-the-line access on certain rides, similar to the old FastPass system, but with some limitations. However, if you want to skip the line for Disney’s most popular attractions, you’ll need to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane pass in addition to Genie+. The cost of this pass varies by ride, but expect to pay around $10-$20 per person to skip the line.
To make matters more complicated, Individual Lightning Lane is only available if you’ve already purchased a Genie+ pass. So, in summary, Disney Genie is free and provides basic planning tools, Genie+ offers some level of skip-the-line access for an additional fee, and Individual Lightning Lane is an add-on to Genie+ that allows you to skip the line on the most popular rides.
What is Disney Genie?
What is Disney Genie+ (Disney Genie Plus)?
What is Disney Individual Lightning Lane?
Disney’s Individual Lightning Lane offers a premium experience for thrill-seekers, allowing them to bypass lines for the most in-demand attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Frozen Ever After, Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Space Mountain. For an additional $8-15 (usually $15) per ticket, fans can skip the queues and maximize their park time. Think of it as a high-end FastPass for must-see rides.
Is Disney Genie Any Good?
Disney Genie is a planning app designed to help you make the most of your time at Disney. According to its creators, this complimentary service enables users to plan their entry into popular attractions and maximize their day. In reality, however, I find it somewhat frustrating to navigate through selecting attractions and restaurants on the app.
If you’re not paying extra for Genie+, my advice is to prioritize which rides or shows you want to experience at each park and focus on enjoying those without lengthy lines. Additionally, consider visiting the parks before 10:30 am and after 5 pm when possible, as these time slots tend to have shorter wait times.
How Does Disney Genie+ (Genie Plus) Work?
Booking a ride with Disney Genie+ is an intuitive process. Simply open the My Disney Experience app and navigate to the Tip Board section. From there, click on the LL Disney Genie+ button to access the booking feature. This user-friendly interface allows you to easily select the attraction you’d like to reserve, making it a breeze to plan your day at the Disney theme parks.
Disney Genie+ Review: Disney Genie+ vs. FastPass
In recent weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to experience Disney’s new Genie+ (also known as Disney Genie Plus) system, which has left me underwhelmed compared to its predecessor, Disney FastPass. While still in its early stages, I’ve noticed a few key differences and limitations that have impacted my overall theme park experience.
You can only book attractions the DAY OF with Disney Genie+
In a significant departure from its predecessors, Disney Genie Plus introduces a novel approach to attraction booking. Gone are the days of securing reservations six weeks in advance with certainty. With the new system, one can’t book any attractions until 7:00 am on the very day they plan to visit. This restriction may be viewed as an inconvenience for those who prefer to plan ahead.
Disney Genie+ Only Works for SOME Rides
While Disney Genie+ (Genie Plus) does offer a convenient way to skip lines at some Disney World attractions, it’s not all inclusive. For an additional $15 per ticket per day, you’ll only be able to bypass the queues for older, less popular rides. If you’re looking to skip lines for more sought-after experiences, you’ll need to upgrade to an Individual Lightning Lane pass. In this article, we’ll explore which Disney World rides require an Individual Lightening Lane pass and what your options are.
Expect to Wait 1-3 Hours Between Rides with Disney Genie+
The old Disney FastPass system allowed for a more flexible approach, enabling users to book a FastPass and then repeatedly refresh the app to secure an additional pass for another ride within a 30-minute window. In contrast, Disney Genie+ has introduced a new dynamic, where after booking one experience, there’s typically a wait period of 1-3 hours before the designated time for your next Genie+ attraction becomes available.
You Can’t Ride the Same Ride Twice with Disney Genie+
While Disney’s new Genie+ system offers a range of benefits, there is a significant limitation to be aware of: once you’ve used a Genie+ on a particular attraction, you’re unable to use it again for that same ride or experience throughout the day. This is a notable departure from the previous FastPass system, where you could potentially make multiple uses within a single day.
To illustrate this point, I recently found myself in a frustrating situation at Hollywood Studios.
My mom, brother, and I had secured Genie+ reservations for Star Tours at 6:30pm. After we enjoyed the ride, I noticed that another Genie+ opportunity was available for Star Tours at 7:30pm.
However, when I attempted to book the ride again using Genie+, I received a notification informing me that it was no longer possible to skip lines for Star Tours that day. This experience left me feeling quite disappointed and underserved by the new system.
Kind of useless because it doesn’t include every ride
Don’t be fooled into thinking you can bypass the wait for all Disney rides with Disney Genie+. The reality is that it only offers line-skipping opportunities for older or lesser-known attractions. While there are some exceptions, such as the popular Toy Story ride, in general, Disney Genie Plus is a non-starter if your goal is to skip the lines for top-tier attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Frozen Ever After, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Avatar Flight of Passage.
No availability for rides after 7pm
In contrast to the old Disney FastPass system, where I could often snag popular ride reservations around 7-8 pm by repeatedly refreshing the app, my experience with the new Disney Genie+ has been quite different. Upon trying to make selections at those same evening hours, I discovered that no Genie+ tickets were available for me to choose from, unless I was willing to settle for a shorter wait time of around 5-10 minutes, as seen in the case of the Muppets 3D show.
Can’t Choose Morning vs. Evening with Disney Genie+
When using FastPass, you had the flexibility to schedule a FastPass for a ride during a specific morning, afternoon, or evening window. This allowed you to effectively plan out your day at Walt Disney World. In contrast, with Disney Genie+, the system only offers available FastPass options 1-3 hours from the current time.
For guests who don’t plan on arriving at the parks until later in the day, this limitation can be frustrating and make it more challenging to create a cohesive itinerary for their visit.
Time Chosen Doesn’t Reflect Time Assigned
One notable issue with Disney Genie+ is its reliance on the My Disney Experience app, which can be prone to technical glitches. A frustrating scenario may arise when you’ve successfully reserved a ride for 1:30 pm, only to find that Disney Genie+ has reassigned it to 2:30 pm. To mitigate this inconvenience, it’s a good idea to take screenshots of the rides or attractions you’ve booked, ensuring you have a record of your planned experiences in case of any last-minute changes.
Difficult to Modify Attraction Times with Disney Genie+
When it comes to adjusting the timing of your Disney experience with FastPass, you’re in luck – you can easily modify the schedule. In contrast, things get a bit more complicated when using Disney Genie+. If you want to switch up the time for an attraction booked through Genie+, you’ll need to cancel the original booking and then attempt to rebook the same attraction at a later time. Unfortunately, this process isn’t always seamless and can be frustrating.
Disney Genie+ Reservations Doesn’t Show Up Under My Trips
According to the principles of functionality, when accessing the ‘My Day’ section within the My Disney Experience app, users would expect to find a comprehensive list of Genie+ attractions they’ve reserved. However, in reality, this is not always the case. In most instances, the ‘My Day’ page remains blank, making it essential to take precautionary measures.
One effective way to ensure you don’t miss any bookings is by taking screenshots of the rides and attractions as soon as you make a reservation.
Summary – Disney Genie+ Review
While I’m not a fan of Disney Genie+, its flaws are undeniable. The My Disney Experience app is often plagued by glitches when trying to book attractions with this service, and many of the benefits that came with FastPass have been lost. That being said, if you want to minimize your wait times on most rides, you may need to tolerate the extra cost ($15) associated with Disney Genie+. It’s a trade-off, but one that some visitors might find necessary.
Disney Individual Lightning Lane Overview
Ready to experience the ultimate thrill at Disneyworld? To get priority access to your favorite attractions, consider investing in a Disney Individual Lightning Lane pass. This premium option allows you to skip the regular queues and enjoy a more efficient and enjoyable day at the park.
Disney Individual Lightning Lane – How to Use It
To experience Disneyworld’s most sought-after attractions without waiting in line, you can opt for a Disney Individual Lightning Lane pass, available for an additional $15 (or $8 for some rides). To secure this perk, start by opening the My Disney Experience app and navigating to the Tip Board. From there, simply click on the LL Individual Lightning button to initiate the booking process.
Disney Individual Lightning Lane – Not Working
If you’ve recently booked a Disney Individual Lightning Lane and noticed that the assigned timeslot is significantly later than expected, you’re not alone. It’s surprisingly common to see the scheduled arrival time jump from 11am on the booking page to something like 12:30pm, only to finally receive a timeslot of 2:30pm. The issue lies in Disney’s policy not to hold your place in line for an attraction, even if it takes mere seconds to secure a spot with the Lightning Lane system.
As a result, it’s highly likely that you’ll be assigned a time two hours after what you initially planned, leaving you wondering how to make the most of your day.
What Disney Attractions Require Individual Lightning Lane Passes?
If you’re looking to bypass the queues for some of Disney’s most popular attractions, be prepared to spend an additional $15 on top of your Genie Plus pass. This premium service, known as Individual Lightning Lane passes, grants access to skip the line on select rides at each of Disney’s four main theme parks. The cost varies depending on the attraction, with prices ranging from $7 to $15 per ride.
Here are some of the Disney attractions that require an Individual Lightning Lane pass: At Magic Kingdom, you’ll need this pass for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Space Mountain, with prices starting at $10 and $7, respectively. EPCOT’s Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure also require a pass, priced at $9 each. Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will cost you $8 to skip the line, while Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a pricier option at $15.
Finally, at Animal Kingdom, Avatar Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest (though the latter was closed during my visit) require this premium pass. Keep in mind that prices are subject to change, so be sure to check with Disney before your trip for the most up-to-date information.
Summary – Review of Disney Genie+ (Disney Genie Plus Review)
While I’m not a fan of Disney’s new Genie+ system, it’s undeniable that it has become a necessary add-on for those looking to skip the lines. In reality, unless you’re willing to shell out an extra $15, you’ll be stuck waiting in line alongside other tourists. But if you do opt for the Genie+, be prepared to pay even more – anywhere from $8 to $15 – just to get a jumpstart on your day.
Looking back, I miss the simplicity of Disney’s old FastPass system, where the process was straightforward and didn’t require constant phone-checking. It was a more enjoyable experience overall.
Bonus: The Best Minnie Ears for Disney
When planning a trip to Disney, there’s one must-have item that has nothing to do with tickets or passes: Minnie Mouse ears. If you’re a female visitor, these adorable accessories are an absolute necessity. And while the official Disneyworld Minnie Mouse ears may set you back over $35, there’s a more affordable way to get your hands on them.
Instead of splurging on the park’s merchandise, consider shopping ahead of time from online retailers like Amazon.
Not only will you save money, but you’ll also ensure that you have the perfect Minnie Mouse ears waiting for you at the gates. I’ve personally purchased these iconic ears for myself and my sister, and we both love them! For a top-notch selection at unbeatable prices, check out the Best Cheap Minnie Mouse Ears on Amazon.
Disney Genie+ – Rides Included with Disney Genie Plus
For those looking to make the most out of their Disney experience, having access to a comprehensive list of Genie+-enabled rides can be a game-changer. By paying an additional $15 and adding Disney Genie+ to your ticket, you’ll gain the opportunity to skip lines at various attractions throughout the park. Here’s a rundown of every ride that offers this perk:
Magic Kingdom Disney Genie+ Rides
In addition to being a hub for nostalgia and excitement, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is also home to a diverse range of iconic attractions. From thrilling roller coasters to whimsical dark rides, there’s something for every age and interest.
The park features a variety of classic Disney attractions, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Haunted Mansion, ‘it’s a small world’, Jungle Cruise, Mad Tea Party, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Monster’s, Inc.
Laugh Floor, Peter Pan’s Flight, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, The Barnstormer, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Tomorrowland Speedway, and Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid.
EPCOT Disney Genie+ Rides
Embark on a fantastical journey through the wonders of Disney and Pixar, as we delve into the magic of their renowned short films. Let’s start by exploring the whimsical world of ‘Journey into Imagination with Figment’, where creativity knows no bounds. Next, venture into the realm of innovation with ‘Living with the Land’, a celebration of our connection to the natural world. Take a thrilling ride on ‘Mission Space – Green & Orange’ and experience the rush of intergalactic adventure.
Get ready to soar through the skies and explore the globe with ‘Soarin’ Around the World’. Step into the iconic ‘Spaceship Earth’ and gaze out upon the vastness of our universe. Next, buckle up for a high-speed adventure on ‘Test Track’, where speed and excitement meet. Dive into the underwater world of ‘The Seas with Nemo & Friends’ and discover the wonders of marine life.
Finally, engage in an unforgettable conversation with Crush from ‘Turtle Talk with Crush’, as we explore the secrets of the ocean’s depths.
Hollywood Studios Disney Genie+ Rides
Disney theme parks are a treasure trove of excitement and wonder, with a diverse range of attractions that cater to visitors of all ages. From the whimsical world of Pixar to the thrill of intergalactic adventure, there’s something for everyone at these beloved destinations.
Some standout experiences include Alien Swirling Saucers, where guests can join in on an out-of-this-world dance party; Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, a captivating musical performance that brings the classic tale to life; Disney Jr. Play and Dance!
, an interactive show that gets kids moving and grooving; Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, where audiences can belt out their favorite tunes from the hit film; Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, a high-energy show that combines daring stunts with heart-pumping action; Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, an immersive experience that puts visitors in the pilot’s seat of Han Solo’s iconic spaceship; Muppet*Vision 3D, a hilarious and visually stunning film featuring Kermit and his Muppet friends; Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, a high-speed thrill ride set to a soundtrack of classic rock hits; Slinky Dog Dash, a family-friendly coaster that’s perfect for all ages; Star Tours – Th Adventures Continue, a motion-simulator attraction that takes visitors on a journey through the galaxy; The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, a spine-tingling drop ride that combines thrills with nostalgia; and Toy Story Mania, an interactive shooter game that brings Woody and Buzz to life.
Animal Kingdom Disney Genie+ Rides
Step into the vibrant world of Disney’s Festival of the Lion King with our celebration of thrilling attractions and experiences. Start by exploring the prehistoric realm of DINOSAUR, where you’ll get up close and personal with ancient beasts. Then, take a bug’s-eye view of It’s Tough to be a Bug! as you navigate through an insect’s perspective on life. Next, embark on a wild adventure down Kali River Rapids, where whitewater rapids await.
Take a journey to the sun-kissed savannahs of Africa with Kilimanjaro Safaris, home to majestic giraffes and playful monkeys. Alternatively, venture into the mystical world of Na’vi River Journey, where bioluminescent flora and fauna will leave you in awe. Get creative at The Animation Experience, where technology meets imagination to bring your inner artist to life. Finally, soar through the skies with Feathered Friends in Flight!
, an exhilarating bird’s-eye view experience that will leave you feeling free.
FAQs about Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Lightening Lane
Some visitors to Disney theme parks may have heard whispers about special passes that can help them skip lines and make the most of their day. In this section, we’ll tackle some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about these coveted passes.
What rides are NOT included with Disney Genie+?
While purchasing Disney Genie+ for an additional $15 per ticket may seem like a worthwhile investment to skip lines, it’s essential to note that not all rides are included. Unless you opt for an Individual Lightning Lane pass for an extra $8-$15, you won’t be able to bypass the queues for certain attractions. At Magic Kingdom, this means you’ll still have to wait in line for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Space Mountain.
Similarly, EPCOT visitors will need to stick to the regular queue for Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests will face a similar situation with Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Only at Disney’s Animal Kingdom can you skip lines for Avatar Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest if you’re willing to spend the extra cash on an Individual Lightning Lane pass.
What is Disney Genie+ vs. Lightning Lane?
For a seamless experience, Disney offers its Genie+ upgrade to standard tickets. By paying an additional $15 per ticket, you can skip lines for many attractions at Disneyworld. This perk allows you to book your desired ride through the app and enter the attraction’s designated ‘Lightning Lane’ at a scheduled time. In contrast, Individual Lightning Lane passes offer direct access to popular rides by clicking on the corresponding button in the Disney app.
While these passes provide similar benefits, they require separate purchase and don’t come bundled with standard tickets.
What is Disney Genie+ vs. Disney Individual Lightning Lane?
For Disney enthusiasts, navigating the parks can be a daunting task. Two options have emerged to help alleviate the frustration: Individual Lightning Lane and Disney Genie Plus. The former is a pay-per-ride service that allows you to skip the line for some of Disney’s most popular attractions, such as Avatar Flight of Passage and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, for an additional $8-$15 per ride.
In contrast, Disney Genie Plus offers a flat daily rate of $15 per ticket, granting access to skip the line on most rides, excluding the park’s most iconic experiences. Both options provide entry through the Lightning Lane (formerly known as the FastPass line) of an attraction, giving you a head start in maximizing your park time.
I booked a ride with Disney Genie+ and now the attraction disappeared on the My Disney Experience app. What should I do?
If you’ve booked an attraction with Disney Genie+ only to have it mysteriously vanish from the ‘My Trips’ section of the My Disney Experience app, you’re not alone. This issue is surprisingly common, and for good reason: sometimes, Disney Genie+ will unilaterally remove your attraction reservation. But don’t worry – there’s a simple solution. Take a screenshot of the confirmation page showing your booked time and attraction.
Then, when you arrive at the ride and your wristband or ticket isn’t recognized, whip out that screenshot as proof to get back on track.
Is the Disney Genie+ Worth it?
While some may find the complexity and frustration of Disney Genie+ a drawback, its benefits can be substantial. For instance, our experience showed that using this service allowed us to skip long lines for popular attractions like Toy Story Mania and Soarin’, saving us over an hour of waiting time. With Genie+, we were able to breeze past queues and minimize our wait to mere minutes, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking to maximize their park time.
FAQS about Disney Individual Lightning Lanes
For a limited-time fee of $8 to $15 per ride, you can skip the queues and get instant access to some of the most popular attractions at Disney with their Individual Lightning Lanes. If you’re interested in learning more about these priority passes, here are some frequently asked questions that have been answered.
Disney Individual Lightning Lane Explained – What is it?
For an additional fee of $8 to $15, Disney’s Individual Lightning Lane offers a premium experience for those eager to bypass the queues on the most popular and recently introduced attractions. This exclusive option is designed to provide a hassle-free experience for visitors who are willing to pay extra for the convenience of skipping the lines.
Is the Disney Individual Lightning Lane worth it?
While some might view the cost as a worthwhile investment, I’m among those who grapple with the notion of shelling out $8-15 to bypass lines at Disney theme parks. The added expense is particularly galling when you’re already committing to pricey ticket purchases (think $110+ per person) and additional fees like Genie+, which can further pad your bill by another $15.
However, for popular rides with wait times exceeding 120 minutes, the Individual Lightning Lane ticket might be a necessary evil if you want to minimize your time spent waiting in line.
Have a Question About Disney?
Are you pondering a trip to Disneyworld? If so, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below – I’d be more than happy to offer guidance. As someone who has spent over 15 years exploring the Happiest Place on Earth with my family, and having previously worked at Disney, I’ve accumulated a treasure trove of insider knowledge that can help you make the most of your visit.
Disney Resources to Plan Your Trip to Disneyworld
When planning a trip to Disney World, it’s helpful to gather as much information as possible. In addition to the tips provided here, you may also want to explore these related resources to help make your trip planning process more efficient.
For instance, MouseSavers. com offers valuable advice on where to find affordable Disney tickets, making it easier to stick to your budget. Similarly, DisneyAddicts.
com provides insight into the best days to visit each of the Disney Parks, helping you make the most of your time at the resort.
If you’re looking for inspiration for what to wear during your trip, consider checking out Disney outfit and costume ideas online. From cute outfits for Epcot to Disney-themed dresses for women, there’s a wealth of creative possibilities to explore.
And if you’re planning a Halloween celebration or just want to add some extra fun to your park days, be sure to check out the best Mickey Mouse shoes for women – perfect for dressing up and making memories with friends and family.
Best Days to Visit Each Disneyworld Park Using Disney Genie+
Are you looking for a more relaxed Disney World experience? Avoiding the crowds is key, and knowing the best times to visit can make all the difference. According to Disneyaddicts.com, these are the least crowded days to visit each park at Walt Disney World. Plus, with the help of Disney Genie+, you can skip the lines and make the most of your day.
Best Days to Visit Magic Kingdom at Disneyworld
It’s no secret that some days are better than others. In fact, I’m a firm believer that Tuesday and Thursday are two of the best days of the week. There’s something about the midpoint of the week that just gives me an extra boost of energy and motivation. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love the feeling of being almost halfway to the weekend? On the other hand, I find myself dreading Sunday and Monday.
Maybe it’s because they always seem to drag on a bit longer than the rest of the week, or maybe it’s just that I’m not as keen on the idea of getting back into the swing of things after a relaxing weekend. Whatever the reason, I’ve come to accept that these two days are definitely my least favorite.
Best Days to Visit EPCOT at Disneyworld
While some might consider Monday and Tuesday to be the most productive days of the week, others would argue that these early weekdays are actually the best times to get things done. Meanwhile, it’s generally considered a bad idea to tackle important tasks on Saturday, when your mind is likely preoccupied with more leisurely pursuits.
Best Days to Visit Hollywood Studios at Disneyworld
Best Days to Visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom (DAK)
More Disney Guides
When planning a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth, packing the right gear is crucial. A good backpack can make all the difference in your Disney experience. But what should you pack? For starters, don’t forget the essentials like comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. And if you’re looking for some added fun, consider bringing along a few favorite snacks or a portable charger to keep your devices juiced up.
With so many options available, it can be hard to decide which backpack is right for you. From cute Disney-themed bags to practical and durable choices, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for the best backpacks for Disney.
Disney Outfit Ideas
For those who love to get into the holiday spirit, dressing up in festive attire is a must. At Epcot’s annual Festival of the Holidays, visitors show off their most adorable and creative outfits inspired by Disney’s iconic characters, movies, and TV shows. Whether you’re a fan of classic fairy tales or modern-day superheroes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re looking to get in on the fun, consider rocking one of these cutest Epcot outfits, featuring beloved characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.
