The Ultimate Guide to Disney Genie Plus at Walt Disney World 

Planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating the long lines for popular attractions. Luckily, Disney Genie Plus is here to save the day! In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Disney World’s time saving paid service.  Let’s dive in!

What is Disney Genie Plus?

Disney Genie Plus is a planning tool that allows users to bypass standby lines and enter shorter lines for certain attractions. This service is available as a paid add-on via the My Disney Experience app, providing guests with a more efficient way to experience the theme parks.

How Does Disney Genie Plus Work?

It works through the My Disney Experience app, which users can download and access on their mobile devices. Once users have purchased it, they can link it to their account and start using its benefits. Here’s how it works:

1. Purchase Genie Plus: Guests can buy it within the My Disney Experience app by selecting the option to add it to their itinerary.
2. Select Attraction: After purchasing, guests can choose an attraction from the available list 
3. Join Lightning Lane: Once an attraction is selected, guests can join the shorter queue for that particular ride by scheduling a return time. This allows them to bypass the regular standby line.
4. Enjoy Reduced Wait Times: By using the lightning lane entrance, guests can experience significantly shorter wait times compared to the standby line.

What Are Lightning Lanes?

Every attraction has a standby queue.  This is the regular queue.   Just turn up and wait your turn.  The majority of rides also have Lightning Lanes.  These are shorter queues letting you get onto the ride quicker than using the standby queue.  When you make a reservation, you’ll use this shorter line.  Most of the Lightning Lanes are included with Genie Plus.  However, a few of the most popular rides have individual Lightning Lanes.  These give you one-off access to the shorter queues at attractions such as Rise of the Resistance which isn’t included with Genie Plus.

How Much Is Genie Plus?

The price can change, so there is no definite answer on whether Disney will ever set a maximum price. This pricing strategy, known as surge pricing, is currently used for Lightning Lane selections. On busier days, the cost of purchasing a ride will be higher. At present, it costs range from $15 to $35 plus tax depending on the time of your visit. The price will be higher during weekends and holidays in 2023, while slower days will have lower prices.

Starting from June 2023, Disney World has taken a great leap forward in enhancing their pricing system. Now, guests have the wonderful opportunity to opt for Genie+ according to their desired park. It’s worth noting that Animal Kingdom and EPCOT generally offer more budget-friendly options compared to Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, where you’ll find an abundance of captivating attractions to truly make the most out of your experience. 

• One park for the day (for example, just Epcot)
• Multiple Parks with park hopper (all 4 parks on the same day)

Still not sure? Chat with an Orlando Guru now.

What Are The Benefits of Disney Genie Plus?

• Fast Access to Attractions at Walt Disney World: With Genie Plus, guests can skip the regular standby lines and gain quicker entrance to their favourite rides.
• Reduced Wait Times: By using shorter queues, guests can avoid long queues and enjoy shorter wait times.
• Flexibility and Convenience: The Disney World app allows users to conveniently manage their schedule and adjust plans as needed throughout the day.
• Enhanced Planning: Disney Genie Plus provides recommendations and customized itineraries based on guests’ preferences, helping them make the most of their day at the theme parks.

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How Do I Use Genie Plus At Walt Disney World?

You can enjoy lightning-fast access to some of the most popular attractions, allowing you to maximize your time and experience more of the magic at either one or all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks. Here’s everything you need to know about how it works.

How Do I Make A Lightning Lane Reservation?

Guests can book their first Genie reservation at 7am each morning. This means you have the advantage of securing your preferred ride times, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the must-see attractions.

However, it’s important to note that on busy days, especially at Magic Kingdom, it can sell out quickly. So, it’s advisable to book your selection as early as possible to guarantee availability.

One Selection at a Time

With Disney Genie+, you are allowed to make only one at a time. This means that once you’ve booked a ride, you can’t immediately book another one. However, you can modify your current selection for a different return time or even change the ride altogether without losing your 120-minute countdown.

This flexibility allows you to adapt your plans on the go and make the most of any unexpected changes or new preferences that may arise during your visit.

When you want to experience an attraction, you will be able to see the available time slots on the app. However, you can only book the next available time window. This means that you won’t be able to reserve a specific time slot later in the day if it’s not the next one in line.

Once you’ve selected an attraction and the next available time window, the app will allocate that time slot for you. This means that the app will automatically assign you a specific time to enjoy the attraction.

It’s important to note that the allocation of time slots is done on a first-come, first-served basis. So, the earlier you book, the more chances you have of getting your desired time window.

Booking Multiple Experiences with Disney Genie Plus

When it comes to experiencing all that Disney has to offer, guests are in for a treat with Disney Genie+. This innovative service allows guests to skip the regular standby lines and enjoy more attractions during their visit. But what if you want to experience more than one attraction at the same time? Can you book multiple experiences? The answer is yes!

Guests can only make one selection at a time. However, they have the ability to hold overlapping selections. This means that while they are enjoying one attraction, they can still book another experience for a later time slot. This is a game-changer for Disney enthusiasts who want to make the most out of their visit.

By offering the option to book multiple experiences and purchase additional lightning lane access, Disney Genie+ ensures that guests have the flexibility to design their perfect Disney itinerary. Whether you want to ride all the classics or try out the latest and greatest attractions, this service has you covered. It’s important to note that availability for each attraction may vary, so it’s recommended to plan ahead and make your selections as early as possible. This will ensure that you get the most out of your park experience and maximize your time in the parks.

So, whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking to ride all the big coasters or a Disney fan wanting to experience as many attractions as possible, it allows you to book multiple experiences and customise your day to fit your preferences. Say goodbye to long wait times and hello to a magical day at Disney!

Tips And Tricks For Your Lightning Lane Selections

If you’re park hopping, it may be beneficial to save a slot for a different park with an in-demand attraction. This strategy allows you to experience more high-demand rides in a shorter amount of time and make the most of your visit. However, it’s important to plan accordingly as the best time to get in line for non-Genie+ rides is not specified.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to maximise your selections:

1. Research and prioritize the attractions: Before your visit, research the attractions available at each park you plan to visit. Make a list of the top in-demand attractions that you don’t want to miss.
2. Create a park-hopping plan: If you’re park hopping, analyse the attraction wait times and availability for each park. Identify the park with the most in-demand attractions and save a slot for that specific park.
3. Book strategically: When booking your Lightning Lane selections, try to secure slots for popular attractions or those with long wait times. This allows you to bypass the regular queue and experience the most sought-after rides without wasting time in line.
4. Use the standby queue for non-Genie+ rides: While the Lightning Lane selections give you priority access to certain attractions, it’s important to note that not all rides offer short queues. For the attractions, plan your visit strategically by checking the wait times throughout the day. Keep an eye on the park’s crowd levels and prioritize visiting these attractions during off-peak times to minimize wait times.
5. Optimize park-hopping transitions: As you move between parks, make sure to plan your transitions efficiently. Consider the distance and travel time between parks to ensure you have enough time to make your next selection. It’s recommended to leave some buffer time between park transitions to account for unexpected delays.

By following these steps, you can make the most out of your selections and maximize your park-hopping experience. Remember, planning and flexibility are key to optimizing your time and enjoying the most popular rides at the Disney parks.

If the chosen time for a Genie Plus attraction is more than two hours in the future, you should still book it.

Sometimes the available time slot for a chosen attraction may be more than two hours in the future. In such cases, it is still advisable to book the reservation, even if the wait time seems long.

Booking a reservation for a Genie Plus attraction, even if it is scheduled for later in the day, ensures that guests have a guaranteed spot. It eliminates the risk of the attraction reaching capacity or the time slot becoming completely unavailable. Plus, having a reservation in hand allows guests to plan their day and manage their time more efficiently in the park.

After 120 Minutes Have Passed, You Can Make Another Reservation

Once guests have made a reservation for a Genie Plus attraction with a time slot more than two hours in the future, they can rest easy knowing that they can make another Genie reservation after 120 minutes. If your return time is less than 2 hours, you can make another reservation once you’ve tapped in at the ride.  You’ll find me with my phone in my hand the second after I’ve tapped in looking for more rides!

It is important to secure desired reservations as soon as they become available.

In order to make the most of the Genie Plus service, it is crucial for guests to secure their desired reservations as soon as they become available. Time slots for popular attractions can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons or busy days.

By booking early, you increase your chances of securing reservations for your favourite attractions and experiences. This allows you to plan your day accordingly and ensures they don’t miss out on any must-see or must-do activities.

What Are The Best Lightning Lane Attractions?

Good question.  There are so many rides at Walt Disney World that it’ll come down to what rides you want to do.  You can read our Genie Plus Ride Strategy.  This gives you the best rides to use that will save you the most amount of time compared to using the standby queue.

What Else Is Included With Disney World Genie Plus?

In addition to shorter queues, you’ll also get additional features that enhance the overall theme park experience. From augmented reality photo lenses to themed audio experiences. What’s more, starting from January 9, 2024, Genie Plus now includes free digital photo pass downloads for attraction pictures, adding even more value to your purchase. Let’s explore these exciting features in more detail:

1. Augmented Reality Photo Lenses

Disney Genie Plus introduces an innovative way to capture your memorable moments at the theme park. With the inclusion of augmented reality photo lenses, you can now add a touch of magic and fantasy to your photos. These lenses allow you to transform your surroundings into whimsical, Disney-inspired settings, making each photo a unique and enchanting memento of your visit. From floating pixie dust to iconic characters, the possibilities are endless.

2. Themed Audio Experiences

Immerse yourself in the magic of Disney with Genie Plus’ themed audio experiences. As you explore the park, these audio experiences will transport you into different worlds, enhancing your connection to the attractions and their stories. Whether you’re venturing through the haunted halls of the Haunted Mansion or soaring through the galaxy on Star Tours, these specially-curated soundtracks will elevate your experience and make you feel like a part of the adventure.

3. Free Disney PhotoPass Attraction Digital Downloads

Starting from January 9, 2024, Disney Genie Plus now includes free digital photo pass downloads for attraction pictures. This means that you can capture all those adrenaline-filled moments on your favourite rides and instantly download the high-quality images without any additional cost. Whether it’s a thrilling drop on Splash Mountain or a hilarious moment captured at the Mad Tea Party, these digital photo pass downloads ensure that you can relive the excitement and share the memories with friends and family.

Guests from the UK already have Memory Maker included when you book your holiday to Orlando including Disney World tickets with us.  Memory Maker gives you unlimited digital photos from not just attractions, but also character meets and PhotoPass photographers around the park.

Alternatives to Disney Genie Plus

While Disney Genie Plus is a popular option for skipping the lines at Disney parks, it’s not the only choice available. There are alternative methods to enjoy shorter ride lines without the need for additional purchases. In this section, we will explore some of these alternatives, including extra hours events and benefits.

1. Extra Hours Events

One alternative to Disney Genie Plus is taking advantage of extra hours events. These events allow guests to enter the park either before it officially opens or stay later after it closes. During these extended hours, the park tends to be less crowded, resulting in shorter ride lines. Extra hours events are often reserved for resort guests or members of certain loyalty programs.

In order to make the most of extra hours events, it’s important to plan your visit around them. Research the days and times when these events are scheduled and make sure to arrive early or stay late to fully enjoy the shorter ride lines.

2. Save Up To 4 Hours Each Day With An Orlando Guru

The best way to kick off your Awesome Orlando Adventure is chatting with a Orlando Guru. From booking all the way through to getting home, you’ll have the same Orlando Guru by your side.  Their unparalleled expertise is what sets apart a delightful holiday from an absolutely mind-blowing one! Forget those dull Orlando travel guide books, this is the real deal!

Families usually save up to 4 hours a day when visiting the theme parks. Just imagine what you can be with an extra 4 hours a day with Mickey!

Plus, just think how much time and effort you’ll save.

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