Disney Genie+ (Genie Plus) Review and Lightening Lane Explained
Disneyworld’s transition from FastPass to Disney Genie+ in October 2021 marked a significant shift in the way guests plan their day. With the introduction of this new system, many are left wondering what it means and how it differs from the previous experience. To provide clarity, let me break down the differences between Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Individual Lightning Lane.
As someone who has historically been a big fan of Disney, I’ll admit that I’m not entirely thrilled with the new system, which seems to prioritize revenue generation over enhancing the overall guest experience. This review aims to provide an honest assessment of Disney Genie+, including its features, limitations, and eligible attractions.
Disney Genie vs. Disney Genie+ (Disney Genie Plus)
Disney’s offerings can be confusing, especially when it comes to their Genie, Genie+, and Lightning Lane services. To break it down simply, Disney Genie is a free app that provides a park map and wait times for rides. It’s essentially an all-in-one tool for navigating the parks. In contrast, Disney Genie+ is an add-on to your park ticket that allows you to request skip-the-line access for select rides – but at an additional cost of $20-$30 per person per day.
This service is similar to the old FastPass system, although some users might find it lacking. Taking it a step further, Disney’s Lightning Lane is an add-on that requires you to purchase Genie+ first. If you want to skip lines for Disney’s most popular rides, you’ll need to fork over extra cash – prices vary per ride but typically range from $10-$20 per ride. It’s essential to understand these options before planning your Disney experience.
What is Disney Genie?
While some might view Disney Genie as nothing more than an optimized wait time indicator for popular rides, it’s actually a sophisticated feature within the My Disney Experience app. This service employs advanced algorithms to provide personalized recommendations on the best times to visit each attraction at Walt Disney World.
Essentially, Disney Genie serves as a fundamental trip planning tool, much like having your own personal ‘Genie in a Bottle’ dispensing expert advice for a seamless park experience.
What is Disney Genie+ (Disney Genie Plus)?
While Disney Genie+ shares some similarities with its predecessor FastPass, it’s hard to ignore the hefty price tag – a whopping $25 per ticket, per day. The promise of skipping lines on select rides at Walt Disney World might seem enticing, but for many fans, the reality falls short. In fact, some might argue that Genie+ is a far cry from the convenience and value offered by its predecessor. For those who’ve grown accustomed to the magic of Disney, the disappointment may be palpable.
As we delve into the details of how Genie+ works and compare it to FastPass, one thing becomes clear: for many, the allure of skipping lines isn’t worth the extra cost.
What is Disney Individual Lightning Lane?
Disney’s Individual Lightning Lane is a premium feature that allows you to bypass the queues for the most in-demand attractions by paying an additional fee ranging from $8 to $15 (typically $15) per person. This option can be thought of as a high-end FastPass, granting access to popular rides like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Frozen Ever After, Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Space Mountain.
While daily park admission already includes a certain level of queue-jumping, this extra fee secures a spot at the front of the line for these top-tier attractions, providing an enhanced experience for those willing to invest in the ultimate Disney thrill.
Is Disney Genie Any Good?
Disney Genie is a planning app designed to help guests optimize their time at Disney theme parks. According to its developers, users can leverage this service to plan entry to popular attractions, minimize wait times, and maximize their park experience. In my view, however, the user experience can be somewhat frustrating due to the tedious process of selecting desired attractions and restaurants through the app.
If you’re not opting for the premium Genie+ experience, I suggest identifying a few must-ride attractions at each park and focusing on enjoying the shows and entertainment options that don’t typically draw long lines. Additionally, consider arriving at the parks before 10:30 am or after 5 pm to avoid peak hours and minimize wait times.
How Does Disney Genie+ (Genie Plus) Work?
The simplicity of using Disney Genie+ is one of its most appealing features. To get started, open the My Disney Experience app and navigate to the Tip Board section. From here, select the LL Disney Genie+ button to access a comprehensive list of available attractions. Simply click on your desired ride to initiate the booking process.
Disney Genie+ Review: Disney Genie+ vs. FastPass
Compared to its predecessor, the Disney Genie+ system has received widespread criticism for being less effective than the original Disney FastPass system. As an experienced visitor, I’ve had the opportunity to try out Disney Genie+ firsthand and will share my thoughts on it below.
You can only book attractions the DAY OF with Disney Genie+
The notion of meticulously planning an itinerary 6 weeks in advance and securing a spot for your family has given way to a more spontaneous approach. Disney Genie Plus, while convenient in its own right, introduces a new layer of unpredictability with its day-of booking window. With the ability to reserve attractions only at 7am on the day of your visit, the need for careful planning is all but eliminated.
This shift from the old FastPass system, where I could effortlessly snag desired rides by simply refreshing the app, now requires a more flexible approach – one that may leave some feeling frustrated if they were previously accustomed to having their schedule set in stone.
Disney Genie+ Only Works for SOME Rides
While Disney Genie+ (Genie Plus) offers some perks, such as skipping lines on certain attractions and rides, it’s important to note that this privilege only applies to a select few older rides at the Happiest Place on Earth. Yes, you read that correctly – even with an extra $15 per ticket per day, you’ll still be stuck in line for many of Disney World’s most popular experiences.
If you want to skip the lines for those highly sought-after attractions, you’ll need to shell out for an Individual Lightning Lane pass. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered – keep reading to discover which Disney rides require this premium upgrade.
Expect to Wait 1-3 Hours Between Rides with Disney Genie+
The transition from Disney’s old FastPass system to Disney Genie+ brought about a significant change in how guests utilize their reserved experiences. While the previous system allowed for constant refreshes and rapid booking of new attractions, Disney Genie+ introduced a more staggered approach to reserving experiences.
In my experience, after initially booking a Disney Genie+ experience, I typically had to wait anywhere from 1-3 hours before being able to reserve another attraction, greatly altering the pace at which guests can plan their day.
You Can’t Ride the Same Ride Twice with Disney Genie+
The introduction of Disney Genie+ has brought a significant change to the way we experience attractions at Disney parks, particularly when it comes to rides like Star Tours at Hollywood Studios. One notable aspect is that once you’ve utilized a Genie+ for an attraction, you can’t reuse it. This departure from the old FastPass system has left many fans feeling frustrated.
For instance, I recently found myself in this predicament with my family – we had booked a Genie+ for Star Tours at 6:30 pm, but after enjoying the ride, I noticed that another Genie+ was available for the same attraction at 7:30 pm. Attempting to book it again at 7:30 pm resulted in an inability to do so, as Disney Genie+ only allows skipping lines for the same ride/attraction once per day.
Kind of useless because it doesn’t include every ride
While it may seem tempting to bypass the queues for all Disneyland attractions with Disney Genie+, it’s essential to understand its limitations. The service primarily focuses on skipping lines for older or lesser-popular rides within the park. While there are some exceptions, such as the Toy Story ride, in general, Disney Genie+ is not a reliable option for popular 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
Prior to the introduction of Disney’s FastPass, I was able to snag popular ride reservations as early as 7pm or 8pm by repeatedly refreshing the app. However, with the shift to Disney Genie+, I noticed a significant change. When attempting to make reservations starting at 7pm, I found that none were available, unless I was willing to compromise on my wait time and opt for attractions like the Muppets 3D show, which had relatively short lines of around 5-10 minutes.
Can’t Choose Morning vs. Evening with Disney Genie+
One of the key differences between FastPass and Disney Genie+ is the way in which you can access and reserve ride times. With FastPass, users had a more flexible approach, allowing them to choose from a range of options spanning morning, afternoon, or evening sessions, giving them greater control over their daily schedule. In contrast, Disney Genie+ operates on a more limited time frame, offering availability only 1-3 hours in advance.
This means that if you’re planning to arrive at the parks later in the day, say after lunchtime, your options for securing ride times are significantly curtailed.
Time Chosen Doesn’t Reflect Time Assigned
While Disney Genie+ is designed to make planning your Disney day easier, some users have reported frustrating glitches in the My Disney Experience app. Specifically, there have been instances where the app incorrectly schedules a ride or attraction at a later time than originally selected. For instance, you might book a ride for 1:30pm, only to find that Genie assigns it for 2:30pm instead.
To avoid any potential confusion and ensure you’re prepared, it’s highly recommended to take screenshots of the ride or attraction once booked. This simple precaution can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure a smooth experience.
Difficult to Modify Attraction Times with Disney Genie+
When it comes to modifying attraction times with FastPass, the process is straightforward. In contrast, Disney Genie+ requires a more tedious approach. To make changes, you’ll need to cancel your existing reservation and then attempt to re-book the attraction at a later time frame.
Disney Genie+ Reservations Doesn’t Show Up Under My Trips
When accessing the ‘My Day’ feature within the My Disney Experience app, it’s anticipated that a list of your Genie+ attractions will appear. However, more often than not, this section remains blank. To avoid any potential confusion or loss of information, we recommend taking screenshots of the booked rides and attractions as you go.
Summary – Disney Genie+ Review
While I’m not a fan of Disney Genie+, its flaws in the My Disney Experience app are undeniable. The inability to seamlessly book attractions with this feature is frustrating, especially since many of the advantages of FastPass have been lost. Nevertheless, if you wish to minimize your wait times on most rides, you’ll likely need to accept the $15 premium for Disney Genie+. It’s a trade-off, but one that might be necessary for those seeking to optimize their park experience.
Disney Individual Lightning Lane Overview
Planning a luxurious experience at the Happiest Place on Earth? To enjoy priority access and skip the regular queues, consider investing in a Disney Individual Lightning Lane pass.
Disney Individual Lightning Lane – How to Use It
To experience the magic of Disneyworld without the hassle of long queues for its most popular rides, consider purchasing a Disney Individual Lightning Lane pass. This premium offering allows you to skip the line for select attractions by paying an additional $15 (or $8 for certain experiences). To secure this perk, navigate to the My Disney Experience app and follow these steps: Start by opening the app and selecting the ‘Tip Board’ option from the main menu.
Next, click on the ‘LL Individual Lightning’ button to initiate the booking process.
Disney Individual Lightning Lane – Not Working
If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of booking a Disney Individual Lightning Lane and being shown a timeslot that’s significantly later than your original chosen time, you’re not alone. In fact, this is a common phenomenon that can leave even the most seasoned Disney fans feeling puzzled and disappointed.
The issue stems from Disney’s policy of not holding reservations for attractions, which means that even if it takes mere seconds to book an attraction, you’ll still be assigned a time that’s often two hours or more after your originally planned visit. This discrepancy is likely to occur when booking popular attractions like those in the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge area or during peak seasons.
What Disney Attractions Require Individual Lightning Lane Passes?
If you’re eager to skip the line at a popular Disney attraction, be prepared for an additional cost. Genie Plus will only get you so far; if you want to truly bypass the queues, you’ll need to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane pass on top of your existing ticket. The good news is that these passes aren’t required for every ride at Disneyworld – but there are some notable exceptions.
For instance, Magic Kingdom’s Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Space Mountain both require Individual Lightning Lane passes, with prices ranging from $7 to $10 depending on the day. Similarly, EPCOT’s Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, as well as Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, will set you back between $8 and $9.
If you’re visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Avatar Flight of Passage is another ride that demands an Individual Lightning Lane pass – with a price tag of $11. However, Expedition Everest remains shrouded in mystery; I was unable to determine the cost when I visited, as it was closed at the time. With this information in hand, you can better plan your Disney experience and decide which attractions are worth the extra expense.
Summary – Review of Disney Genie+ (Disney Genie Plus Review)
While I’m not a fan of Disney’s new Genie+ system, it’s essentially necessary if you want to skip the lines. To gain this perk, you’ll need to shell out an additional $15 for the add-on. If you’re looking to experience more popular rides without waiting in line, be prepared to pay another $8-$15 on top of the Genie+ fee. I often find myself pining for the old FastPass system, where all it took was a quick button press and voila! You had your ticket.
It was a more enjoyable, user-friendly experience that didn’t require constant phone-checking.
Bonus: The Best Minnie Ears for Disney
When planning a trip to Disney, many visitors forget that there’s more to the experience than just tickets and passes. As a female traveling with friends or family, incorporating a touch of whimsy into your attire is a must. And what better way to do so than with Minnie Mouse ears? While these iconic accessories may seem like a trivial addition, they can elevate your overall Disney experience. But here’s the thing: those adorable ears aren’t cheap!
When I purchased them ahead of time from Amazon, I was thrilled to find that doing so saved me over $35 compared to buying them directly at the park. And let me tell you – my sister and I absolutely adore our new Minnie Mouse ears!
Disney Genie+ – Rides Included with Disney Genie Plus
For the ultimate Disney experience, consider splurging on Disney Genie+, which grants access to a vast array of thrill rides and family-friendly attractions. By paying just $15 more for this premium offering, you’ll be able to skip the lines at numerous popular rides, making the most of your day at the Happiest Place on Earth.
Magic Kingdom Disney Genie+ Rides
EPCOT Disney Genie+ Rides
Immersive experiences await at Epcot’s Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, where you can journey into imagination with beloved characters like Figment. Explore the wonders of our world through Living with the Land, Mission Space – Green & Orange, and Soarin’ Around the World. Get an inside look at Spaceship Earth, Test Track, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, and Turtle Talk with Crush – a unique blend of technology and entertainment that will leave you in awe.
Hollywood Studios Disney Genie+ Rides
When it comes to entertainment options at Disney World, there are a multitude of choices. Some of the most popular attractions include Alien Swirling Saucers, where visitors can experience the thrill of space travel. Alternatively, Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage offers a unique blend of music, dance, and storytelling. For younger kids, Disney Jr. Play and Dance! is a great way to get them moving and grooving.
Frozen Sing-Along Celebration allows fans of the hit movie to join in and belt out their favorite tunes. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular brings the classic film franchise to life with impressive stunts and special effects. Meanwhile, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run lets guests pilot the iconic spaceship. Muppet*Vision 3D is a hilarious and interactive experience that combines humor and technology.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster takes thrill-seekers on a high-speed ride through the world of rock music. Slinky Dog Dash is a family-friendly rollercoaster that is sure to delight kids and adults alike. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue lets visitors embark on their own intergalactic journey, reliving memorable moments from the Star Wars saga. Finally, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror takes brave guests on a chilling descent into the world of classic horror tales.
Toy Story Mania is an interactive ride that brings the beloved toy characters to life.
Animal Kingdom Disney Genie+ Rides
As the sun sets on the savannah, the vibrant spirit of Festival of the Lion King comes alive. Amidst the majestic backdrop, a roarsome celebration unfolds. With dinosaurs roaming free and Bugs Bunny’s wisecracks flying thick and fast, the atmosphere is electric. Take a wild ride on Kali River Rapids, where rapids swirl and splashes abound. Next, venture onto Kilimanjaro Safaris, where the call of the wild beckons.
Journey through the mystical realms of Na’vi River Journey, where ancient wisdom abounds. Immerse yourself in The Animation Experience, where creativity knows no bounds. And don’t forget to catch Feathered Friends in Flight!, a majestic display of avian acrobatics.
FAQs about Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Lightening Lane
For those interested in making the most out of their time at the Happiest Place on Earth, understanding how to navigate Disney’s FastPass system is crucial. A common question among park-goers is what exactly can be expected from these line-skipping wonders.
What rides are NOT included with Disney Genie+?
While Disney Genie+ may seem like a convenient upgrade for $15 per ticket, it’s essential to know that it doesn’t grant skip-the-line access on all attractions. In fact, you’ll still face regular lines at certain rides unless you’re willing to shell out an extra $8-$15 for an Individual Lightening Lane pass.
Specifically, the following attractions require the additional pass:At Magic Kingdom, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Space Mountain experiences will keep their usual queues open even with Genie+. EPCOT visitors can expect similar restrictions on Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Disney’s Hollywood Studios riders should be prepared for regular lines at Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, despite their Genie+ upgrade.
Finally, Disney’s Animal Kingdom thrill-seekers will find that Avatar Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest maintain their standard wait times with Genie+, requiring an additional payment to bypass these popular attractions.
What is Disney Genie+ vs. Lightning Lane?
What is Disney Genie+ vs. Disney Individual Lightning Lane?
Disney offers two options for skipping lines: Individual Lightning Lane, which allows guests to bypass queues at popular rides like Avatar Flight of Passage and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance for a fee of $8-$15 per ride; and Disney Genie Plus (Genie+), a daily pass priced at $15 per ticket that enables line-skipping access to most attractions, excluding the most popular ones. Both options grant entry through the Lightening Lane, a designated queue area similar to the old FastPass system.
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 experienced the frustration of booking an attraction with Disney Genie+ only to have it vanish from the ‘My Trips’ section of the My Disney Experience app, you’re not alone. In many cases, attractions booked through Disney Genie+ can unexpectedly be removed. To avoid the stress and hassle that comes with this situation, consider taking a proactive approach by capturing a screenshot of your confirmation page when booking an attraction.
This visual evidence will prove invaluable if you encounter any issues at the ride itself, such as your wristband or ticket not working. Simply present the screenshot to the ride staff and they should be able to assist you in resolving the issue.
Is the Disney Genie+ Worth it?
Consider investing in Disney Genie+, even with its increased complexity and potential frustration, as it can save you a significant amount of time waiting in lines. For instance, my family was able to skip the lengthy queues for Toy Story Mania and Soarin’ rides, eliminating the need to stand in line for over an hour. This feature truly makes a substantial difference when navigating the busy Disney parks.
FAQS about Disney Individual Lightning Lanes
For a premium experience, Disney offers Individual Lightning Lanes that grant you priority access to in-demand attractions. By spending an additional $8 to $15 per ride, you can skip the regular queues and enjoy a more streamlined visit. To help you better understand this offering, here are some frequently asked questions about the Individual Lightning Lane passes available for purchase.
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 that allows visitors to skip the queues on the most popular and recently introduced rides. It’s essential to understand that this is not the same as the original ‘Lightning Lane,’ which was previously known as FastPass. The term ‘Lightning Lane’ may evoke memories of the old system, but it has evolved to provide an enhanced experience for those willing to pay a small premium.
Is the Disney Individual Lightning Lane worth it?
While I’m not a fan of the notion of spending an additional $8-15 per person to bypass lines for Disney attractions when you’re already shelling out over $110 per ticket, let alone the extra $15 for Genie+, it’s unfortunately often necessary to secure a spot in line or risk waiting for 120 minutes or more. The Individual Lightning Lane option can be a vital compromise between time and experience, allowing you to skip the wait and make the most of your day at the Happiest Place on Earth.
Have a Question About Disney?
With any questions about planning a magical trip to Disneyworld, feel free to leave a comment below. As someone who’s had the pleasure of visiting Disneyworld for over 15 years with my family and has even had the opportunity to work at the Happiest Place on Earth, I’m more than happy to share my expertise and insider knowledge to help you make the most of your Disney experience.
Disney Resources to Plan Your Trip to Disneyworld
When planning a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth, Disney World, it’s always helpful to have some extra resources at your fingertips. For starters, consider checking out the following related posts to help you make the most of your time in Orlando.
First up, be sure to explore Disney planning guides like MouseSavers. com, which offers valuable insights on where to snag affordable tickets. You’ll also find helpful tips and tricks at DisneyAddicts.
com, a site that breaks down the best days to visit each of the four Disney parks.
Of course, no Disney trip would be complete without some adorable outfits and costumes! For Epcot-inspired looks, check out [insert link]. And for those looking to get dressed up in general, you’ll find inspiration on what to wear to Disney at [insert link].
If you’re looking to really go all out, consider the best Disney costumes for women – perfect for Halloween or just adding a touch of whimsy to your park day.
And let’s not forget about footwear! Find the perfect pair of Mickey Mouse shoes for women at [insert link].
Best Days to Visit Each Disneyworld Park Using Disney Genie+
Eager to beat the crowds? If so, you’re in luck! Did you know that some days of the week are better than others when it comes to visiting Walt Disney World’s various parks? According to Disney Addicts, a go-to source for all things Disney, there are specific days that tend to attract fewer visitors. By planning your trip accordingly, you can enjoy a more relaxed experience and even consider adding Disney Genie+, the ultimate time-saving tool.
Best Days to Visit Magic Kingdom at Disneyworld
The week starts off on a high note, with Tuesday being considered the best day. But it’s not just one day that makes the cut – Thursday is also a top contender. Meanwhile, Wednesday and Sunday are both ranked highly. However, things take a turn for the worse when we look at Sunday and Monday, which are collectively regarded as the worst days of the week.
Best Days to Visit EPCOT at Disneyworld
It’s no secret that some days are better than others when it comes to productivity, motivation, and overall flow. While every individual may have their own unique rhythm, research suggests that certain days of the week tend to stand out as particularly effective for getting things done.
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, it’s essential to pack the right gear. For those looking to explore the Disney theme parks and experience the magic, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for the best backpacks to bring along. But before we dive into those must-haves, let’s cover the essentials – what to pack in your bag to make the most of your day. From snacks to sunscreen, we’ll give you the lowdown on what you shouldn’t leave home without.
And if you’re looking for some extra Disney charm, why not try out one of our adorable Disney-inspired nail ideas or get creative with a Disney-themed dog costume for Halloween?
Disney Outfit Ideas
When it comes to dressing up at Epcot, the goal is to be both stylish and comfortable. After all, you’ll likely be spending several hours exploring the various countries and pavilions, sampling delicious foods and drinks, and enjoying the park’s many attractions. To help you achieve this perfect blend of style and practicality, we’ve curated some of the cutest Disney-inspired outfits for women to wear at Epcot – whether you’re visiting during a regular day or celebrating the holiday season.
