Disney Genie Explained
Disney Genie will launch on October 19, 2021. This includes Disney Genie, Genie+, and Lightning Lanes.
To say that this new system is confusing is an understatement. The names they gave the different parts of the Genie system alone leaving many puzzled.
Here I will try to clear up all of the questions surrounding Disney Genie. I'll discuss what each part of the Genie system is, how they work, and answer your questions about this new service that has replaced Fastpass.
What is the difference between Disney Genie and Lightning Lanes?
Lightning Lane is simply the name of the shorter ride queue. It isn't a product or a service. It is literally the name of the line.
When you purchase Genie+ and select your ride, you will head to the Lightning Lane ride queue at your ride time.
Disney Genie is the service included in the My Disney Experience app. There are essentially 3 parts to Disney Genie. I'll break them down here:
When will Disney Genie and Genie+ be available?
Disney Genie will be available for guests starting on October 19, 2021.
You can add Disney Genie+ to your account starting at 7am on the day of your park visit if you are a Disney Resort guest (at park opening if you are off site), or you can add it to your tickets for the entirety of your trip.
What does Genie+ cost?
Disney Genie+ costs $15 per day, per ticket.
Can I buy Genie+ or Lightning Lane for just 1 day, or does it need to be the entire length of my ticket/resort stay?
If you purchase Disney Genie+ ahead of time as a part of your trip, you will only have the option to buy for all of your ticketed days (5 day ticket would mean 5 days of Genie+ added).
If you want to add only a single day of Genie+, you can add it through the app on that day. Purchase and selection will open up at 7am EST on the app every day.
So you can plan your use of Disney Genie based on your ride priorities, crowd levels, your schedule, etc.
What does Genie+ include?
Genie+ includes the ability to reserve ride times and skip the wait using Lightning Lanes.
It also includes AR filters for your photos, and an audio guided tour of the park.
What does Individual Ride Selection cost?
Pricing for Individual Ride Selection will vary based on the attraction and the date.
Pricing will start at $7 per attraction, and will go up to about $15 per attraction.
For exact prices check the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit. There you will find exact pricing and availability.
Can I combine Genie+, Lightning Lane purchase, and regular virtual queue for Remy?
Yes!
You can purchase Disney Genie+ for $15, you can also add individual rides a la cart, AND you can join the virtual boarding queue for Remy!
If you plan on doing all 3, it's important to keep in mind that all of these ride selections become available in the app at the same time. So you may need to work quickly to secure ride times on all 3.
If I were coming up with a game plan, I would go for the FREE virtual boarding pass for Remy first, then move on to Individual Ride Selections, and then Genie+ selections.
Remy being included in Individual Ride Selections does mean that there will be fewer boarding groups available. So if this ride is a priority, you'll want to do that first.
What will happen to My Disney Experience?
Nothing.
My Disney Experience will still be the app you use for your trip. Disney Genie is just a feature added to the app.
What rides and attractions will be included in Disney Genie+?
Genie+ will give you Lightning Lane access to the following rides and character meets at each park:
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom
What rides will be included for Lightning Lane purchase?
Magic Kingdom
What time can I reserve Lightning Lane rides?
If you decide to purchase individual Lightning Lane access you can do so at 7am on the day of your visit if you are a Disney Resort guest.
If you are staying off-site you can purchase when the park opens.
Keep in mind that 7am is the same time that Genie+ can reserve rides, and the same time that free virtual boarding passes for Rise of the Resistance open. So if you plan on doing more than one option you may need to work fast.
What time can I reserve Genie+ rides?
If you have Genie+ you can reserve your first ride starting at 7am. This time is for all guests, regardless if they are Disney Resort guests or off-site guests.
Keep in mind that 7am is the same time that individual Lightning Lane rides can be reserved, and the same time that free virtual boarding passes for Rise of the Resistance open. So if you plan on doing more than one option you may need to work fast.
Can I use Lightning Lane/Genie+ if I am park hopping?
Yes!
Currently park hopping begins at 2pm. If you have park hopper tickets or an annual pass that allows hopping you can reserve rides after 2pm for your second park.
Is there a perk if I'm staying at a Disney Resort?
Currently the only perk of the Disney Genie system for Disney Resort guests is that they will be able to purchase and reserve individual Lightning Lane rides starting at 7am. Off-site guests will have to wait until park opening to do so.
All other benefits of Disney Genie and Genie+ are identical for onsite and off-site guests.
Can annual passholders add Genie+ to their pass for the year?
There is currently no option to add Genie+ to an annual pass account.
If you have an annual pass you will be able to access Genie+ for $15 per day or individual Lightning Lane purchase on the day of your park visit.
I would not be surprised if this changes in the near future. If this changes this page will be updated with details.
If I pick a ride time can I change it or refresh the app for a better time?
When Genie+ launches you will only be able to select the next available ride time for your ride pick. I expect this will most likely change as time goes on, but plan on only being able to ride at given ride times.
Can I use Genie+ or Individual Ride Selection on the same ride more than once?
No.
Individual Ride Selection is limited to 2 rides per day. So you can select your 2 rides for purchase, and then if you want to re-ride you will have to stand in the regular standby queue.
With Genie+ you can only use the service for any one ride once per day. For example, if you want to use Genie+ to skip the line on Big Thunder Mountain, you can use it once on that ride and then that ride will not be available anymore.
Is there a limit to the number of Genie+ purchases any one day?
No. Disney is not limiting the number of people who can purchase Genie+ on any one day.
Will there be paper Lightning Lane tickets if I don't have a smartphone?
Currently it doesn't look like there will be a way to take advantage of Lightning Lane if you don't have a smartphone.
If this changes or we learn otherwise this page will be updated.
Will Genie+ be linked to DAS?
No.
DAS has it's own new system for people with disabilities. While you will be able to select rides through the My Disney Experience app, it won't be a part of Genie+. You can read more about this system here.
What are your recommendations for using Genie+ and Individual Ride Selection?
I think on busy days at the park, Genie+ can definitely be a useful tool. I can see this being ideal for guests on shorter trips or visiting during peak times.
The Individual Ride Selection rides are another story. Rides like Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway at Hollywood Studios, and Everest at Animal Kingdom are not exactly known for super long waits. So I am not sure I see the value in most of these.
Even big ticket rides like Rise of the Resistance and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train can often be enjoyed with fairly low wait times if you take advantage of Early Entry for resort guests or if you ride during an evening show or at park closing.
Get a free quote here!
I am happy to help! Contact me.
See you at the parks,
-Julie
Are you ready to book your Disney World vacation?
We can book rooms, tickets, dining, and FastPass+, and even watch out for discounts that could save you thousands. All at no charge to you.
