Understanding Disney Genie Plus
Disney Genie Plus is an upgraded experience available for purchase in addition to your park ticket. It allows you to select the next available time to arrive at a variety of attractions and experiences.
What Is Disney Genie+
Disney Genie+ is a paid service that enhances your visit to Disney parks. For a predetermined price per ticket per day, you can choose arrival windows for attractions that offer the Lightning Lane entrance, bypassing regular standby queues.
Disney Genie Plus vs. FastPass+
Disney Genie Plus is an evolution of the former FastPass+ system. Unlike FastPass+, Genie+ is not included with your park admission and must be purchased as an add-on. It offers similar benefits in terms of reducing wait times but through a more flexible, day-of planning approach.
Purchasing Genie Plus
To enhance your visit to Disney parks, consider adding Disney Genie Plus to your tickets, which allows you to choose the next available time to arrive at a variety of attractions and experiences using the Lightning Lane entrance.
Adding Genie Plus to Tickets
To add Disney Genie Plus to your existing park tickets, follow these steps:
- Download the official Disney app on your smartphone, available for iOS and Android.
- Log in with your Disney account credentials; if you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one.
- Link your park tickets to your Disney account by entering the ticket ID or scanning the barcode.
- Select ‘My Disney Experience’ followed by the ‘Disney Genie+ Service’ option.
- Purchase Disney Genie Plus for each day you want to use it; you can do this on the same day of your visit.
Disney Genie Plus can be added to single-day or multi-day tickets and even annual passes.
Cost of Genie Plus
The cost of Disney Genie Plus varies:
- Single-day ticket: The price for adding Disney Genie Plus to a single-day ticket is $15 per ticket per day.
- Multi-day ticket: When purchasing for multiple days, add Disney Genie Plus at the same rate of $15 per ticket per day for each day you wish to have the service.
- Annual Pass: Annual Passholders may be offered different rates or packages; inquire for specific pricing.
Prices are as of the knowledge cutoff date and are subject to change, always check the latest prices on the official Disney website.
Booking Lightning Lane Entries
Adding Disney Genie+ to your theme park experience enables you to reserve access to Lightning Lane entrances at certain attractions. This significantly reduces your wait time, allowing you to enjoy more of your park day.
How to Reserve Lightning Lanes
To start securing Lightning Lane entrances, you must first have valid theme park admission and a park reservation for the same day. With these prerequisites met, proceed as follows:
- Open the My Disney Experience app on your smartphone.
- Select ‘Disney Genie+ Service’ from the main menu.
- Choose ‘Get Started’ and purchase Genie+ if you haven’t done so with your ticket.
- Upon completion, tap on the ‘Create Your Tip Board’ to view eligible Genie+ Lightning Lane attractions.
- Make your Lightning Lane selections by clicking on the ‘Book Experience’ option next to the desired attraction.
Remember, your reservation gives you a one-hour window to arrive at the Lightning Lane entrance for the attraction.
Timing Your Lightning Lane Reservations
Strategically planning when to lock in your Lightning Lane entries can maximize your time in the parks.
- You can make your first Lightning Lane selection at 7 AM on the day of your visit if you’re a resort hotel guest, or when the park opens if you’re not staying on property.
- Bookings are limited to one selection at a time.
- After redemption or once the arrival window passes, secure your next Lightning Lane entry.
For Individual Lightning Lane attractions not included with Genie+, separate purchases are necessary:
- One individual Lightning Lane selection can be made at a time.
- The number of purchases per day for these attractions is restricted.
- Prioritize popular attractions as their return times may fill quickly.
Maximizing Park Experience
Genie Plus is a service designed to enhance your visit to Disney parks by providing a customizable itinerary to optimize your enjoyment and minimize wait times.
Using Genie Plus Effectively
First, download the My Disney Experience app; it’s your gateway to accessing Genie Plus features. Next, select the attractions and experiences you’re interested in. Genie Plus will then craft a custom itinerary for you. Always check the Tip Board on the app to see current wait times and Genie Plus availability for attractions; this allows for real-time adjustments.
- Reserve Access to attractions as early as possible in the day; this ensures a broader selection of experiences.
- Review your itinerary first thing in the morning, and book reservations for your top attractions to reduce waiting in lines.
- Use the app throughout the day to adapt your plans based on updated wait times and experience availability.
Tips and Tricks for Genie Plus
To fully leverage Genie Plus, remember to keep an eye on the app’s Tip Board. This is crucial for skipping longer queues and getting the most out of your time.
- Prioritize popular attractions early to ensure access.
- Refresh the Tip Board frequently to catch new reservation opportunities as they become available.
- Alternate between attractions with shorter wait times and those booked with Genie Plus to maximize your time efficiently.
Disney Genie Plus Limitations
While Disney Genie Plus offers streamlined access to attractions, it’s important for you to be aware of its restrictions and potential drawbacks before adding it to your tickets.
Restrictions and Limitations
Disney Genie Plus has specific limitations. You cannot use it for every ride and the availability of attractions is subject to change. For instance:
- Some high-demand attractions may not be included.
- Reservation times are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, hence you may not get your desired time slot.
- Only one Genie Plus selection can be made at a time; you must use your current selection or wait two hours before making a new one.
- Access to certain rides might require joining a virtual queue or using the standby line due to capacity.
Pros and Cons of Genie Plus
The pros of Genie Plus include skipping long lines and efficiently managing your park day. Conversely, the cons might include:
- Additional cost on top of your regular ticket.
- The need for constant app check-ins, which could disrupt your park experience.
By recognizing these constraints, you can better determine if Genie Plus is worth adding to your Disney experience.
Rides and Attractions
When adding Disney Genie Plus to your tickets, you gain expedited access to select rides and attractions across the four main parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Understanding which rides are eligible and their popularity will enhance your park experience.
Eligible Genie Plus Rides
Begin your day by reserving access to certain rides and attractions in each park. Here is a breakdown of eligible attractions in each park that offer the Genie Plus option:
Magic Kingdom
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Haunted Mansion
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Space Mountain
EPCOT
- Spaceship Earth
- Mission: SPACE
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Hollywood Studios
- Toy Story Mania!
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Animal Kingdom
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Expedition Everest
- DINOSAUR
Popular Rides and Attractions
After securing your Genie Plus selections, consider timing and popularity. Visit highly sought-after attractions early in the day or later in the evening to avoid long wait times. These include:
- Magic Kingdom: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Space Mountain are some of the most coveted attractions.
- EPCOT: Test Track and Soarin’ Around the World often see higher demand.
- Hollywood Studios: Slinky Dog Dash and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance are top picks.
- Animal Kingdom: Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey in Pandora – The World of Avatar attract significant attention.
Familiarizing yourself with the listed attractions and strategizing based on popularity will maximize your enjoyment of Genie Plus.
Park Hopping with Genie Plus
Combining Disney Genie Plus with your Park Hopper tickets enhances your experience as you move between parks, ensuring a streamlined and enjoyable park time.
Genie Plus and Park Hopper Tickets
When you add Disney Genie Plus to your Park Hopper tickets, you maximize your opportunities for enjoying attractions across multiple parks in a single day. Initially, purchase your Park Hopper tickets, which allow you to visit more than one Disney theme park after 2 p.m. each day of your ticket. Next, through the My Disney Experience app or Disney website, add Genie Plus to your tickets before you visit your first park of the day.
To make the most out of your park-hopping experience with Genie Plus, follow these steps:
- Confirm Your Ticket Type: Ensure your existing tickets are Park Hopper eligible. Genie Plus can only enhance your experience if park hopping is allowed.
- Purchase Genie Plus: Buy Genie Plus ideally before your park day starts. You may add Genie Plus for each day of your ticket or selectively for days you plan to park hop.
- Plan Ahead: Before you arrive, familiarize yourself with the list of available attractions within each park and decide on your must-dos.
- Start Early: Make your first Genie Plus reservation for an attraction at the park you plan to visit first. Reservation windows open at 7 a.m. for Disney Resort hotel guests and at park opening for other guests.
- Keep Timing in Mind: As you can only hold one reservation at a time, schedule your subsequent Genie Plus selections around the time you plan to switch parks.
- Monitor Queues: Use the My Disney Experience app to keep an eye on wait times. This helps you decide the best times to move between parks and utilize Genie Plus selections accordingly.
- Be Flexible: Park hopping combined with Genie Plus selections requires adaptability. Ride wait times and reservation availability can change throughout the day, so have alternative plans ready.
Remember, with Genie Plus, you can reserve access to select attractions, entertainment, and experiences. Your park time is further optimized by minimizing waits in lines, giving you more freedom to enjoy multiple parks efficiently. Enjoy your magical park-hopping journey with Disney Genie Plus.
Additional Paid Options
Disney Genie+ Service offers you the ability to enhance your park experience with additional purchase options. These options allow for more customized planning and a streamlined park visit.
Individual Lightning Lane Selections
Your Disney Genie+ upgrade includes the option to purchase Individual Lightning Lane selections. This a la carte service lets you select high-demand attractions that are not included with the base Disney Genie+ experience. To make these separate purchases:
- Open your Disney app once you are inside the park.
- Navigate to the My Disney Experience section.
- Select the Individual Lightning Lane attraction you wish to access.
- Confirm and make your purchase.
Prices for Individual Lightning Lane selections vary by date, attraction, and park. These are separate from the Disney Genie+ service fee and must be purchased individually, providing a more tailored experience. Lightning Lane selections are subject to availability and are limited in quantity each day.
Disney Genie Plus and Your Disney Experience
Disney Genie Plus is a convenient service that enhances your experience at Disney Resorts by helping you plan your trip, make dining reservations, and use the My Disney Experience mobile app to streamline your visit.
My Disney Experience App
Download the My Disney Experience App to start your journey. This app becomes your digital hub for your Disney vacation, allowing you to manage reservations and access your Disney Genie service. First, ensure your tickets are linked to your Disney account. Next, navigate to the Disney Genie Plus section within the app. From there, select ‘Get Disney Genie+ for Today’ and follow the prompts to purchase for your party.
Planning with Disney Genie
Plan your Disney trip effortlessly with Disney Genie. This feature offers customized itineraries and updates that keep your preferences and interests in mind. Make your dining reservations using the app, and for an easier meal-time experience, take advantage of mobile ordering at select restaurants. Disney Genie can also help you with reserving access to select attractions and experiences, allowing more time to enjoy the magic.
Photography Services
When you add Disney Genie+ to your ticket, you gain access to Disney PhotoPass benefits, allowing you to capture your memorable moments throughout the parks with convenience and ease.
Disney PhotoPass and Genie Plus
Disney PhotoPass service lets you enjoy unlimited digital downloads of your Disney photo captures. When you have Disney Genie+, you can download these photos from your day in the park at no extra charge. Here’s how to make the most of your Disney PhotoPass experience:
1. Connect Your Ticket:
First, link your Disney Genie+ service to your Disney account. This integrates your ticket and the PhotoPass benefits.
2. Locate Photographers:
Find Disney PhotoPass photographers throughout the park. These professionals are stationed at iconic spots and character encounters ready to take your photo.
3. Pose and Smile:
When you spot a PhotoPass photographer, join the queue if there is one, then pose for your pictures. They will scan your MagicBand or park ticket to link the photos to your account.
4. Access Your Memories:
After your photos are taken, they will appear in the Disney app. From there, you can download and share them as you please, thanks to your Genie+ service.
- Bonus Tip: Look for Magic Shots. PhotoPass photographers can add special effects to your photos, like Disney characters and other magical surprises.
By using Disney Genie+ along with the PhotoPass service, you ensure every laugh, scream, and smile is captured. Remember to download your photos before they expire, typically within 45 days from the date they were taken.
Theme Park Strategies
Before you add Disney Genie+ to your tickets, it’s crucial to develop effective strategies to maximize your time and enjoyment at the parks.
Crafting Your Park Itinerary
Prepare your itinerary by selecting must-see attractions and experiences based on your interests. With Disney Genie+ service in places like Florida and California, prioritize the attractions that typically have longer queues. Use the tip board feature on the Disney Genie service in the Disney app to monitor wait times and make strategic decisions.
- Review virtual queues for popular attractions. Some experiences may require joining a virtual queue, which can be done through the Disney app.
- Utilize the audio tales available in the app to enhance your park experience with entertaining stories related to the attractions.
- Plan your itinerary around shows and performances to ensure you don’t miss top experiences.
- Book experiences in advance for certain attractions and dining, where available, to save time.
Remember to check the tip board repeatedly throughout the day to adjust your itinerary as needed. Incorporate down time to rest, especially in the heat of Florida or California, to recharge for more adventures. Make effective use of Disney Genie+ by reserving access to attractions, thereby reducing the time you spend in the queue.
