Your Ultimate Guide by Dreamverse Travel
How to Maximize Your Disney Experience with Genie+
Welcome to the magical world of Disney! As your trusted travel advisor specializing in Disney vacations, I'm thrilled to introduce you to the convenience and magic of Disney's Genie+ service. This guide aims to unravel all the features of Genie+ so you can maximize your Disney experience with Genie+ and enjoy an unforgettable Disney trip with ease.
What is Disney's Genie+?
Disney's Genie+ is an add-on service that's part of the broader Disney Genie ecosystem. This service allows you to select the next available time to experience various attractions and shows through the Lightning Lane. The price for Genie+ can vary, usually ranging from approximately $16 to $30 per person / per day. If you're visiting during peak times, expect the price to be in the higher range.
Lightning Lane vs. Individual Lightning Lane: What's the Difference?
As you explore Disney's Genie+ service, you'll come across two important terms: Lightning Lane and Individual Lightning Lane. These are key components of the Disney Genie system, each serving a unique purpose. Let's break down the differences between them.
Lightning Lane
Included with Genie+: Lightning Lane is an essential component of Genie+. When you purchase Genie+, you gain access to Lightning Lane for select attractions and shows.
Virtual Queue: Lightning Lane allows you to enter a virtual queue for participating attractions. Instead of waiting in long standby lines, you'll receive a designated return time to enjoy your chosen attraction.
Multiple Selections: With Genie+, you can make one Lightning Lane selection at a time throughout the day, and after you've used it, you can make another selection. This gives you the flexibility to enjoy multiple popular attractions with reduced wait times.
Lightning Lane Entrances Offered Through Disney Genie+ Service
Experiences offered (subject to change without notice*):
Magic Kingdom:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Haunted Mansion
“it’s a small world”
Jungle Cruise
Mad Tea Party
Meet Ariel at Her Grotto
Meet Cinderella and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
Meet Mickey at Town Square Theater
Meet Princess Tiana and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
Peter Pan’s Flight
Pirates of the Caribbean
Space Mountain
The Barnstormer
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Tomorrowland Speedway
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
Epcot
Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
Frozen Ever After
Journey into Imagination with Figment
Living with the Land
Mission: SPACE – Green
Mission: SPACE – Orange
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Soarin' Around the World
Spaceship Earth
Test Track
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Turtle Talk with Crush
Hollywood Studios
Alien Swirling Saucers
Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
Disney Junior Play & Dance!
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Meet Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Muppet*Vision 3D
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Slinky Dog Dash
Star Tours - The Adventures Continue
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™
Toy Story Mania!
Animal Kingdom
DINOSAUR
Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Feathered Friends in Flight!
Festival of the Lion King
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue... and Beyond!
It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost
Naʻvi River Journey
The Animation Experience at Conservation Station
Virtual Queue
This is separate from the Genie + and you do not need the Genie+ to use this, but once you make your virtual queue reservation, it will show up under 'My Genie Day.' You should reserve this right at 7 AM on the dot because spots go FAST! You do not need to be in the park to reserve this early 7 AM spot. If you miss this, you will have an additional option at 1 PM, but you must be in the park to have this option. For those staying in a Deluxe Resort, you will have one more option at 6 PM. This can be confusing because your lightning lanes are also a virtual queue within the Genie+ app, so just know that these particular ones listed below will be labeled as Virtual Queue independently of the Genie+ app. It should also be noted that you can ride each ride one time, then purchase it as an Individual Lightning Lane and be able to ride each one for a total of two times per day.
Magic Kingdom:
TRON Lightcycle / Run (This is also an Individual Lightning Lane option)
Epcot
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (This is also an Individual Lightning Lane option)
Individual Lightning Lane (These are Ala Carte and you do NOT need Genie+ to purchase)
Separate Purchase: Individual Lightning Lane selections are not included with Genie+. They are a separate and additional purchase. You can think of them as premium access options. You can buy one pass for each ride, but you're limited to two such passes per day.
Specific Attractions: Individual Lightning Lane selections are available for specific high-demand attractions at each Disney park. These attractions often include some of the most popular and iconic rides.
Skip the Line: With an Individual Lightning Lane selection, you can bypass the regular standby line and enjoy the attraction at a designated time without a lengthy wait.
Individual Lightning Lane Entrances for Purchase (Not Offered Through Disney Genie+ Service)
Experiences offered (subject to change without notice*):
Magic Kingdom
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
TRON Lightcycle / Run
Epcot
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Hollywood Studios
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Animal Kingdom
Avatar Flight of Passage
When to Consider Individual Lightning Lane
Individual Lightning Lane selections are ideal for guests who want to experience the most popular attractions with minimal wait times. While Genie+ provides excellent value by reducing wait times for a variety of attractions, Individual Lightning Lane is the ultimate choice for those must-do rides that are always in high demand.
Keep in mind that the availability and cost of Individual Lightning Lane selections can vary based on the attraction and park capacity. If you're eager to make the most of your Disney adventure and prioritize specific attractions, the additional cost of Individual Lightning Lane may be well worth it.
In summary, Lightning Lane is your key to a more efficient and enjoyable park visit with Genie+. Individual Lightning Lane, on the other hand, offers premium access to select attractions for an additional fee, making it an excellent choice for those seeking the ultimate Disney experience.
How to Purchase Genie+
1. Disney App: Install and log in to the My Disney Experience app.
2. Purchase Tickets: Secure your park tickets and link them to your Disney account.
3. Add Genie+: Navigate to Genie+ within the app and follow the steps to purchase and associate it with your tickets.
Why Purchase Genie+ Before 7 AM?
To get the most out of your day, it's advisable to purchase Genie+ before 7 AM. This strategy allows you to make your first attraction selections at 7 AM, offering you a significant advantage in planning your day.
1. Purchase Genie+ before 7 AM.
2. Join the virtual queue at 7 AM on the dot and make your lightning lane selection: TRON if visiting Magic Kingdom or Guardians of the Galaxy if visiting Epcot. These spots go FAST, as in seconds fast!
3. If purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane, choose only after you have joined your virtual queue and selected your rides. If you missed TRON or Guardians of the Galaxy, you can also consider purchasing through the Individual Lightning Lane.
Park Hopping with Genie+
If you have a Park Hopper ticket, you can extend your Genie+ benefits to multiple parks after 2:00 PM. To switch parks, navigate to "My Genie Day" on the app and select "Tip Board," then click on "Change Park" to set up your next adventure.
Staying On a Disney Property: Extra Advantages
When you're staying at a Disney property, your Genie+ experience gets even better. Not only can you purchase Genie+ as early as 7 AM, but you also gain the advantage of acquiring an Individual Lightning Lane reservation at the same time. This is a significant perk because guests staying off-site must wait until 9 AM to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane selection.
The Disney Resort Advantage
Staying at a Disney Resort has its rewards. This head start on Individual Lightning Lane reservations allows you to secure your spot for those highly sought-after attractions before many other visitors even have the chance. It's a game-changer for those wanting to make the most of their Disney adventure.
Early Access for More Magic
By taking advantage of this early access to Individual Lightning Lanes, you can be among the first to enjoy the most popular rides with minimal wait times. This extra time in the park can make all the difference, letting you fit in more experiences and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
So, if you're considering accommodations for your Disney vacation, staying on a Disney property offers a unique advantage that can elevate your Disney Genie+ experience.
Tips on Genie+ Selections
You'll make one Genie+ selection at a time and can make another immediately after entering your chosen attraction. You must either redeem your current selection or wait 120 minutes from your booking time to make a new one. The app will notify you when it's time for your next selection. Here are some additional tips to help you maximize your Disney experience with the Genie+:
1. Early Bird Gets the Ride: Make your first Genie+ selection as soon as you enter the park. Popular attractions can get fully booked quickly.
2. Keep Refreshing Your Screen: If you can't find the ride you're interested in, or the available times don't fit your schedule, try refreshing your screen by pulling it downward. You can also revisit the page later to see if new options have become available. While there's no guarantee that your desired ride or time slot will open up, availability often changes, so it's worth checking back.
3. Learn from the App: Take some time to explore the Disney Genie app. It offers valuable insights into attraction wait times, dining options, and entertainment schedules, helping you make informed decisions throughout the day.
4. Link Your Group: If you're traveling with a group, ensure that all group members' tickets are linked in the app. This will make it easier to make selections together.
5. Create a Strategy: Plan your Genie+ selections strategically based on attraction locations and wait times. This can save you time navigating the park.
6. Enjoy the Extra Time: Combine using Genie+ with arriving at the park for Early Entry (for Disney Resort guests only) and/or Rope Drop. This way, you'll have the first couple of hours in the park with relatively low crowds to utilize the normal lines while "stacking" Genie+ selections for later.
7. Stay Flexible: While planning is essential, be flexible. Things might change throughout the day, so be ready to adjust your Genie+ selections as needed.
8. Consider Rider Switch: If you have young children and some members of your group want to ride thrilling attractions, take advantage of the Rider Switch feature. This allows one group to wait with the non-riding children while the others enjoy the ride, and then swap without waiting in line again.
Conclusion
Genie+ is an invaluable tool for maximizing your time and enjoyment at Disney parks. From family vacations to special occasions, this service can make your Disney dreams a reality.
To learn more or to tailor the perfect Disney adventure for you and your loved ones, don’t hesitate to book a discovery call with us. You can also join our private Facebook Group or follow us on Instagram and YouTube for more tips and updates.