There is much to see and do on a Walt Disney World Vacation it's important that you make the most of your time. It's no secret that there are often long waits for many popular attractions. In recent years Disney has introduced a new service called Genie + to help guests manage time. Below are answers to some commonly asked questions and answers about Genie + and tips on how to use this service strategically to make the most of your vacation.
What is Genie +?
Genie + is a newer system designed to help you save time waiting in line using what are referred to as "lightning lane entrances". Lightning lane entrances are separate entrances to attractions where Disney limits the number of guest that can enter a lighting lane each hour, so waits are shorter.
How do I purchase Genie +?
Genie + can be purchased through your my Disney experience app the day of your visit. You can purchase Genie + for one park or multiple parks. The price will vary by park and day. Rates are higher on days parks are expected to be busier. Simply open the mobile app, click on the "purchase" button on the "Disney Genie + Service" section, then scroll to the bottom and click "Get Disney Genie + Service", then select the park you will be visiting that day. There is also a multiple parks option for guests using park hopper tickets and visiting more than one park.
Does Genie + Include all Walt Disney World Attractions?
Genie + includes most attractions, however there are a few attractions that can only be purchased individually. These are referred to as Individual Lightning Lane, or "ILL" attractions.
How do I book rides with Genie +?
After you have purchased Genie + you may begin selecting attractions by going to your tip board as early as 7am if you are staying at a WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort, or when the park opens if you are staying off property. Your tip board can be found by clicking on the menu button on the lower right corner of the app (3 horizontal lines), then you will see the tip board button on the top left of the screen. On your tip board you will see the next time available for each attraction or show. You will be able to book one Genie + attraction at this time.
(You can also book a Individual Lightning Lane (ILL)"attraction at this time. You will see these attractions listed on the tip board and marked with a price. Most rides are included with Genie +, but there are a few attractions that are "Individual Lightning Lane (ILL)". You would purchase these rides separately.)
When can I book my next Genie + attraction?
You can book another Genie + lightning lane attraction after you have scanned a lighting lane attraction at the attraction queue or if it's been 2 hours since you booked your last lighting lane (and two hours after the park has opened). This means you can hold more than one Genie + lightning lane attraction at a time. You will see the next time you can book an attraction listed at the top of your tip board.
Here are a few tips when booking attractions
-Book the most popular rides first. These will have later return times, but that's OK. When the park first opens everyone goes to the most popular rides. The lines for other attractions will be shorter. Use this time to wait in the shorter lines. Then later in the day when it's your turn for the more popular attraction you can skip the stand by line using your booked Genie +. You may also be able to experience one of the attractions you enjoyed earlier in the day a second time by booking it through Genie + and skipping the stand by line.
-Genie + allows you to book a lightning lane each for each attraction only once based on availability. Some of the most popular attractions may not have availably by the end of the day. Prior to your visit, you can view wait times on the app to see which rides have the longest waits.
-You can modify rides after you book. Just click on the 3 dots in the right corner. This will not change the time you can book your next ride.
-Be sure to book your next attraction as soon as you are able to! Don't forget you can book an attraction after you have scanned an attraction or if it's been 2 hours since you booked your last attraction. The time you can book will be listed on the top of your tip board.
-If you have trouble or questions with Genie + while at the park, look for a guest service blue umbrella. Cast members here can assist you.
I'm only going to the park for half a day, is it a waste to purchase Genie +?
NO! You can still purchase Genie+ and begin booking attractions at 7 am. Be sure to modify the times so you are moving the times to later in the day. Continue adding on attractions every 2 hours. You will arrive at the park with a few attractions lined up or "stacked" and ready to go to.
What happens if my booked attraction is closed during my scheduled time?
Sometimes attractions close due to a variety of reasons. If this happens during your scheduled time your booked experience will change over to a "lightning lane-select experience". You can use this on any Genie + lighting lane experience (not ILL).
Do I need Genie + for all 4 parks?
Genie + is an additional add on and extra expense. This is not something that is required for your Disney World vacation, but I would consider the value of your time when thinking about the purchase. During less busy times you can get by without purchasing Genie + for Epcot and Animal Kingdom. Both of these parks offer many experiences that don't require waiting in lines. I would still recommend Genie + for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Both of these parks have many rides and the service will really save you time and allow you to experience more.
Are there any other perks to purchasing Genie +?
My favorite Genie + perk outside of the lightning lane service is the DisneyPhotoPass photos included for select attractions. Many attractions have photo opportunities. Prior to using this service I had fun with the pictures, but never purchased any. Now that they are included, my family has had a great time posing for pictures during the rides. You will also receive a PhotoPass lease app which gives you access to a ton of Disney filters through your phone, my kids have had a lot of fun playing with this during downtime in our resort room.
All of this information is the most up to date at the time of the publishing of this blog post. Periodically updates are made to the Genie + service. For the most accurate information and strategies, be sure to check with your travel agent.
Ready to start planning your next Disney adventure? I'm Irene, a travel agent with Mouseketrips, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and I would love to work with you! My planning services are free and I price monitor saving you time and money! Request a no obligation quote here.
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