Goodbye FastPass+ and MaxPass, hello Disney Genie! A few years ago at the D23 fan convention, Disney Genie was announced as the future of Disney vacation planning. While it has taken a few years to get it up and running, it looks like we will be seeing it “Fall 2021.” So what is Disney Genie? How do you use it? Let’s break down the new system together!
What is Disney Genie?
First, let’s answer the question on everyone’s mind, “What on earth is Disney Genie?”
The Disney Parks Blog states, “Disney Genie is a complimentary and convenient new digital service designed to create your best Disney day.” It is designed to take the guesswork out of “what’s next” on your Disney trip. It is designed to give guests tips on their park day and suggestions on reducing wait times and “discover magic around every corner.”
What is Disney Genie +?
While Disney Genie is completely free, Disney Genie+ comes with an extra fee. “For the price of $15 per ticket per day at Walt Disney World Resort and $20 per ticket per day at Disneyland Resort, choose the next available time to arrive at a variety of attractions and experiences using the Lightning Lane entrance,” says the Disney Parks Blog (DPB).
This is a paid service that is part of Disney Genie. While Disney Genie is free to use, Disney Genie+ is an extra fee.
Lightning Lane Replaces FastPass/MaxPass
Another line-skipping service will be coming in the form of individual attraction selections. Directly from DPB, “Schedule a time to arrive at up to two highly demanded attractions each day using the Lightning Lane entrance – like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom Park and Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure park (subject to limited availability; attractions not included with Disney Genie+). Pricing for this option will vary by date, attraction, and park and will be announced closer to launch.”
Lightning Lane is the new term for the former FastPass/MaxPass lanes at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
FAQs About Disney Genie+
This service and its subsequent terms are brand new and, thus, have caused quite a few questions to pop up. Based on my readings on the DPB and other research, here’s the best information I’ve found:
Does it cost me to use Disney Genie? Is it a new app?
Disney Genie is absolutely free. It will be integrated into My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps. No extra downloads are required!
Do I have to purchase Disney Genie+ to use Disney Genie? Or to use Lightning Lanes?
Disney Genie is a free planning service. Disney Genie+ starts at $15/per ticket per day at Walt Disney World, and it is $20/per ticket per day at Disneyland. Prices for Genie+ can change depending on the date of your visit. If you opt not to purchase Disney Genie+, your wait will be in the standby queue instead of the Lightning Lane.
What attractions will be accessible by Lightning Lane?
Most attractions that had FastPass/MaxPass previously will also have Lightning Lane entrances. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Haunted Mansion, and Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run are some attractions we know will be included. Lightning Lane access is only through Disney Genie+.
Do I have to buy Disney Genie+ for my entire vacation?
Purchasing Disney Genie+ is completely optional. If you choose to purchase it when booking a vacation package, it will be added on for the entire stay. If you purchase it on the day of your visit, you can use Disney Genie+ on a single day.
What are individual attraction selections? Is this in addition to Disney Genie+?
Individual attraction selections are “for purchase,” line skipping options available for up to two “highly demanded attractions.” This is an additional purchase, and it does not require a Disney Genie+ purchase.
What are “highly demanded attractions?” What about virtual queues?
Highly demanded attractions are the most popular attractions throughout each park. Virtual queues are free queues that have a separate format to join them. At Walt Disney World, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot and Tron/Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom are the only attractions that offer free virtual queues. Disneyland has no virtual queues except reserved seating during World of Color at Disney’s California Adventure.
Virtual queues can be booked daily at 7 a.m. or 1 p.m. in the My Disney Experience. Alternatively, guests can pay for guaranteed access to these attractions through individual attraction selections called “Individual Lightning Lane” access. Prices will vary by attraction and date.
How many attractions can I choose with Disney Genie+?
Once purchased, you can choose one attraction at a time throughout the day. Guests must either scan in at a ride’s Lightning Lane entrance to book another attraction, or they can wait two hours after booking their first Lightning Lane reservation to book another.
How does this work with park hopper tickets?
You can use Disney Genie+ across multiple parks if you have a park hopper ticket. Each attraction can only be selected one at a time, but you could start your day in Magic Kingdom and end up at Epcot. Genie+ prices for multiple parks are higher than individual parks.
Disneyland Differences
Finally, Disney Genie and Genie+ will unite both coasts for the first time in recent history. Gone are the days of understanding the differences between FastPass, FastPass,+, and MaxPass. The only difference between Disney World and Disneyland is the unlimited PhotoPass downloads included with a Genie+ purchase at Disneyland.
As of publishing, this information is the most up-to-date information available regarding Disney Genie, Genie+, and Lightning Lanes. As more information becomes available, I’ll strive to update this post accordingly.