What to Know About Disney Genie+ for Your Next Trip to the Parks

Maximize your Disney experience with Disney Genie+, a paid service on the My Disney Experience app. For daily pricing, you can book Lightning Lane access one at a time, skipping standby lines on select attractions. Remember to purchase early, typically starting at midnight. Prioritize rides with longer wait times and familiarize yourself with attraction availability to optimize your park day. Consider if it fits your budget and park strategy.

What is Disney Genie+?

Disney Genie+ is a paid service within the My Disney Experience app (for Walt Disney World) or the Disneyland app. It essentially replaces the old FastPass system, offering a way to bypass standby lines at select attractions. Instead of pre-booking rides months in advance, you can now select return times throughout the day, one attraction at a time, using the Lightning Lane entrance.

How Does Disney Genie+ Work?

Here's a breakdown of how Disney Genie+ works, from purchase to riding:

Purchase: You can purchase Disney Genie+ starting at midnight on the day of your park visit through the My Disney Experience or Disneyland app. The price varies per park and per day, depending on demand.

First Selection: At 7:00 AM, you can make your first Lightning Lane selection. This is a crucial step, especially for popular attractions.

Redemption Window: You'll be assigned a one-hour window to return to the attraction and enter through the Lightning Lane, bypassing the regular standby queue.

Subsequent Selections: After you redeem your Lightning Lane selection or two hours after making the selection (whichever comes first), you can make another selection. This allows you to strategically plan your day, hopping from one ride to the next with minimal waiting.

Key Differences Between Disney Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane Selections

It's important to distinguish between Disney Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane selections. Disney Genie+ gives you access to a wide selection of attractions, but a few highly sought-after rides are not included. Instead, these attractions are available as Individual Lightning Lane selections, which you can purchase separately. Think of it as an "a la carte" option for the most popular rides.

The price for Individual Lightning Lane selections also varies depending on the ride and the day. You do not need to purchase Disney Genie+ to purchase Individual Lightning Lane selections.

Which Attractions are Included?

The attractions included in Disney Genie+ vary depending on the park. Refer to the My Disney Experience or Disneyland app for the most up-to-date list, as it can change. Generally, you can expect a wide range of popular rides across different lands and themes.

Is Disney Genie+ Worth It?

This is the million-dollar question! The answer depends on several factors, including:

Your Budget: Disney Genie+ adds a significant cost to your trip.

Park Crowds: On crowded days, Disney Genie+ is almost essential for experiencing multiple attractions. On slower days, you might be able to get by without it.

Your Priorities: If you have a specific list of must-do rides, Disney Genie+ can help you prioritize them.

Your Group's Patience: If you have young children or individuals who struggle with waiting in lines, Disney Genie+ can be a lifesaver.

To help you decide, consider this:

Disney Genie+ Decision Chart

This chart helps you decide if Disney Genie+ is right for you, based on your specific needs and preferences.

Factor	Low Importance / Likelihood	Medium Importance / Likelihood	High Importance / Likelihood
Budget	Cost is a major concern; prefer to save money.	Cost is a consideration, but willing to spend if the value is there.	Willing to pay for convenience and reduced wait times.
Crowd Levels	Visiting during off-season; expect low crowds.	Visiting during shoulder season; expect moderate crowds.	Visiting during peak season; expect very high crowds.
Number of Rides	Content with experiencing a few key attractions.	Want to ride a good selection of attractions.	Want to ride as many attractions as possible.
Patience for Lines	Patient and willing to wait in standby lines.	Prefer shorter wait times, but can tolerate some waiting.	Want to minimize wait times as much as possible.
Group Composition	Traveling solo or with patient adults.	Traveling with a mix of adults and older children.	Traveling with young children or individuals with limited mobility.
Decision	Disney Genie+ may not be necessary. Focus on standby lines and rope dropping.	Consider purchasing Disney Genie+ for a few days or for specific parks.	Disney Genie+ is highly recommended to maximize your time and enjoyment.

Tips for Using Disney Genie+ Effectively

If you decide to purchase Disney Genie+, here are some tips for maximizing its value:

Start Early: Make your first selection at 7:00 AM sharp.

Prioritize Popular Rides: Target the most popular attractions first, as their Lightning Lane availability tends to disappear quickly.

Stack Selections: Strategically plan your day to "stack" Lightning Lane selections for later in the day.

Be Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your plans based on ride availability and wait times.

Use the App: Constantly monitor the My Disney Experience or Disneyland app for updated wait times and Lightning Lane availability.

Consider Park Hopper: If you have a Park Hopper ticket, Disney Genie+ can be even more valuable for maximizing your time across multiple parks.

Understanding Rope Drop and Park Hopping Strategies

Even with Disney Genie+, arriving at the park before it officially opens ("rope drop") is still a valuable strategy. Focus on riding attractions that are not included in Disney Genie+ or that tend to have long standby lines. Park hopping, combined with Disney Genie+, allows you to take advantage of different park hours and attraction availability throughout the day.

Conclusion

Disney Genie+ can be a powerful tool for enhancing your Disney vacation. By understanding how it works, weighing its costs and benefits, and employing strategic planning, you can make the most of your time in the parks and create unforgettable memories. Remember to regularly check the official Disney website and app for the latest updates and information regarding Disney Genie+.