Genie + or bust?
Gone are the days of sending the fastest person in your family, at a dead sprint, to your desired FastPass kiosk and trying not to lose that tiny slip of paper that got you into Splash Mountain at 2:35pm.
Now, there is Genie+ and the paid Lighting Lane.
Worth it?
Maybe.
It completely depends on what your goal of a park day looks like – and even what park you’re heading to.
Are you wanting to do mostly shows? Hit all the parades? Leisurely wander around the World Showcase?
Plan to skip most of the big rides like Space Mountain, Rock ‘n Roller Coaster, and Cosmic Rewind?
Then Genie+ is definitely not for you.
But if your goal is to pack in as many rides as possible at Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios – then Genie+ is for you!
But at $15 per person per day you may want to prioritize what days you purchase it on the Disney World App.
My rule of thumb is simple: if I can wait in the shade or air conditioning then I will most likely wait in the standby line. For example, Toy Story Mania is always a long wait. BUT it is air conditioned and has some of the best emersion and world building - so I don't mind grabbing a snack or a cold drink and waiting in line.
If it is mostly in the sun or a wait longer than 55 minutes I’m going to go for the Genie+. By picking and choosing the long lines you are willing to wait in you can get the best bang for your buck with Genie+.
*Helpful hint*: before your trip, make a must-see list for the parks then cross-check it to see what on your list you can use Genie+ on. Use that to help you make the most of your day in the parks.
Disney created the "120 rule" to optimize Genie+.
Here's how it works: wake up before 7am to purchase for your group for the day. Make your first selection at 7am sharp on the Walt Disney World App. Then make another selection every 120 minutes after the park opens OR 30 minutes after your tap in for a ride OR 30 minutes after you miss a ride time.
*Helpful hit*: set alarms throughout the day so you remember to make more selections. Check and recheck throughout the day because people cancel their original bookings through out the day. You may be surprised to see what you can snag towards the end of the park day!
Lightning lanes are available for individual purchase per ride and puts you in the express line. You do not have to also purchase Genie+ for this feature, just purchase the Lightning Lane. During my last trip I used this to make sure I got to ride the new Cosmic Rewind a second time.
For an in-depth explanation of the Genie+ system, how to stack them when park-hopping, and other questions, book your next Disney vacation with me and I’ll break down all the tricks and tips for you!
So, what do you think of Disney’s new system? Let me know in the comments!