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Disney recently released Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Lightning Lane at Disney World. These new features are exciting enhancements to a Disney World vacation for the 50th Anniversary Celebration.
I got to spend some time at Disney World testing these new features. I am excited to share all about the new Disney Genie with you.
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Video Guide to Disney Genie at Disney World
You can watch the video that goes into details about Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Lightning Lanes. You can also scroll down below with more details about the new Disney Genie.
Guide to Disney Genie at Disney World
Let’s start with the basics of Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Lightning Lanes at the Disney Parks.
What is Disney Genie?
Disney Genie is a planning experience on the My Disney Experience app. This new experience is free. It will suggest rides (best for your family) along with wait times. It will recommend dining and include links for Mobile Ordering. Disney Genie is well your magical genie helping you plan your day while at the parks.
What is Disney Genie+?
I LOVE this new upgrade. Basically, you can take Disney Genie to the next level with an upgrade called Disney Genie+. This option is an extra $15 per person per day at the Disney Parks. I will share more of the Disney Genie+ benefits shortly.
What is Lightning Lane?
The Lightning Lane is a separate line on select rides and shows at the Disney Parks. These lines are only for guests that purchase Disney Genie+ and individual Lightning Lane reservations.Â
Now that we know a bit of the new vocabulary, let’s jump more into Disney Genie.
How to Use Disney Genie
Before you visit the Disney Parks, you do have some pre-planning.Â
First, be sure you have an updated My Disney Experience (as of October 19, 2021) on your smartphone. You do need this updated version to access Disney Genie.
Once you have this updated version, you can start the fun. When you open Disney Genie it will ask about you and your family. This will help Disney Genie make recommendations for you throughout the day. You pick some of your favorite type rides, how you like to eat (at quick service or character dining), do you want to see characters or parades or shows? These all help Disney Genie make recommendations for you.
During your day at the Disney Parks, you will see these recommendations on My Disney Experience under My Disney Genie Day.
Why Upgrade to Disney Genie+?
Let’s talk more about the Disney Genie+. As you are setting up your Disney Genie, you will have the option to add Disney Genie+. This is an additional $15 per person per day. Disney Genie+ offers several benefits.
Audio Tales
The first benefit is Audio Tales. If you love the behind the scenes, you will enjoy the Audio Tales. You will learn how a ride is created or the history of Cinderella Castle. It is an educational and fun part of the Disney Genie+.
PhotoPass Lenses
Another fun perk is the Disney PhotoPass lenses. Kids, tweens, and teens will love these lenses. However, I had a ton of fun creating them, too. I spent about 30 minutes just playing with the villains’ lens. The best news is these pictures are easy downloads right to your phone. Talk about amazing souvenirs!
Book Reservations
Finally, my favorite! With Disney Genie+, you can book reservations for rides and shows throughout the day. Would you like to be a VIP and go right to the front of the line? Yes, please! You can make only one reservation at a time with Disney Genie+. After you ride that ride or see that show, you can then make another selection. It is very similar to the Disneyland MaxPass.
In addition to the regular Disney Genie+ reservations, you can also buy reservations (called Individual Lightning Lane) for the more popular rides. For example, Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog, or Mine Train. The price ranges. The prices during my visit ranged from $8 per person for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway to $15 per person for Rise of the Resistance. You can also only purchase (2) Individual Lightning Lane reservations a day.
Disney Genie Updates & Review
Any guest visiting Disney World can enjoy the new Disney Genie and upgrades. However, being a Disney World Resort guest has its privileges. If you are staying at a Disney World Resort, you can buy the Lightning Lane reservations at 7 AM in the morning. A few non-Disney Hotels like Shades of Green and Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin also get this free perks.
Everyone else has to wait until the park opens. This is a HUGE benefit, because you can grab the more popular rides like Rise of the Resistance before the general public. During my visit, many of the Individual Lightning Lane reservations sold out.
I have been testing out the Disney Genie for a few months and love it! Reach out to your travel professional to help you add Disney Genie to your vacation. If you need help planning your Disney World vacation, we would love to help you.
Have you tried Disney Genie yet?
