The day has finally come. Yesterday, Disney revealed its paid FastPass replacement for Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Marking an end of an era for Walt Disney World which had a free FastPass system. Now, Disneyland and Walt Disney World will receive new tech tools called Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Lightning Lane. Is that a lot to take in? I’m sure it is and that’s why in today’s post we will be explaining and breaking down the new Disney Genie service.
What is Disney Genie?
Disney Genie is a complimentary and convenient new digital service designed to create your best Disney day. Disney has listened to guests’ feedback. That they want planning to be easier, they want more flexibility and they want better tools to help you make the most of your visit.
Disney Genie is a significant technology investment that will guide guests through Disney theme parks with tips that can help you reduce time in lines, discover magic around every corner, and take the guesswork out of “what’s next.”
So, is it an app?
No, it’s a complimentary digital service that will be built into the preexisting My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps.
What options will this personalized itinerary feature give?
Everything from specific attractions, foodie experiences, and entertainment, to general interests like Disney princesses, villains, Pixar, Star Wars, thrill rides, and more. Just give the Disney Genie some options and it will optimize your day for you.
What else can Disney Genie do?
Straight from the Disney Parks Blog…
*Get Itinerary Updates from Morning to Night**:* Disney Genie will continue to update your itinerary throughout your day, so you can be more spontaneous and go with the flow.
*Find Your Favorites at a Glance**:* Create your very own personal tip board to instantly see your favorites. It will display current AND forecasted future wait times, helping you predict when you might experience quicker entry to attractions.
Enjoy More Flexibility and Fun: Disney Genie brings existing planning features together in one place. Join a virtual queue at certain attractions, make dining and experience reservations, mobile order food at many locations, get help from a virtual assistant and more.
What about Genie+ and Lightning Lane?
Genie+ will include Lightning Lane which will get you to the front of the line quicker for extra cash. Some attractions you’ll have to pay per ride. You’ll also be able to access Lightning Lane twice on the regular version of the Genie. You can only make one selection at a time a la MaxPass. Disney Genie+ will include Lightning Lane, audio experiences, AR experiences, and Disney PhotoPass.
How much does this service cost?
On a serious note, Disney Genie is included with admission. Disney Genie+ will cost $15 per ticket at Walt Disney World, and $20 per ticket at Disneyland.
Will Genie+ and Lightning Lane work with a park hopper?
Yes, it will.
Does this mean MaxPass, FastPass, and FastPass+ will officially retire?
Yes. Disney Genie replaces it all.
Does this mean Disney Genie will end virtual queues and boarding groups?
Nope. Rise of the Resistance and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will utilize boarding groups for the near future. However, you will be able to buy access to these attractions by using Lightning Lane.
How early can you reserve your Lightning Lane or Genie+ selections? Also, do you have to be on Disney property?
Resort guests will be able to reserve Lightning Lane selections starting at 7 am. This will be available to all guests and there won’t be any geofenced advantages.
For attractions purchases though which are different… Walt Disney World guests can purchase at 7 am. Off-property parkgoers will have to wait until the park opens to get their paid selections.
Which attractions will be available as Lightning Lane only?
The rumor has it that there will be some attractions that will be Lightning Lane purchase only and not through Genie+ like Rise of the Resistance, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Space Mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Flight of Passage, Test Track, and Slinky Dog Dash.
What is the cost of Lightning Lane per attraction?
Unclear but once we know we will report it.
Will Walt Disney World annual passholders and Magic Key members from Disneyland get Genie+ for free as part of their deals?
No, Walt Disney World annual passholders will be able to buy Genie+ on the day of their visit. So, it doesn’t look like Genie+ and its perks will be included with your AP unless Disney decides to change something — and hopefully, they do.
This seems more complicated than it needs to be?
It is.
When does the Disney Genie service launch?
This Fall.
I didn’t read anything above. I need a video(s) to explain this to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9fP50klEPE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9fP50klEPE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra8xZr9fMog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra8xZr9fMog
The Disney Genie will be introduced this fall at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
Be sure to follow Boardwalk Times for the latest on Disney Parks news.
Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times
