Guide to Genie+ Service at Walt Disney World

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you may have heard about the new Genie+ service that can help you make the most of your park experience. Genie+ is a paid service that allows you to make reservations for select attractions and experiences, as well as access other features like virtual wait times and personalized recommendations.

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You’ll also be able to see virtual wait times for other attractions and receive personalized recommendations based on your interests and preferences. The Genie service to get recommendations about your day and see wait times is FREE, and available to all guests.

With the Genie+ paid service, you can save time and avoid long lines, allowing you to make the most of your park experience by booking a return time for select attractions. When you book multiple Genie+ attractions throughout your day, this should lower the amount of overall time you spend in line.

During the slower times of year, purchasing the Genie+ service may be unnecessary if wait times are lower. Purchasing Individual Lightning Lanes for high interest rides may be something you’re interested in doing no matter the crowd level, as it allows you to return back to in-demand rides with lower wait times than standby lines.

Genie+ Service Highlights

• Genie+ is a paid service that allows you to make reservations for select attractions and experiences, access virtual wait times, and receive personalized recommendations.
• To use Genie+, you’ll need to download the My Disney Experience app and purchase the service for each day of your visit.
• You’re also able to use the regular Genie service to get tips during your park day without using the paid service.
• Some popular rides offer an Individual Lightning Lane instead of being included in the regular Genie+ service. If these are your top priority, weigh whether Genie+ is right for your family, or if you should focus on purchasing Individual Lightning Lanes instead. (Or both!)

Understanding Genie+ Service

If you are planning to visit Walt Disney World, you may have heard about the Genie+ service. It is a new system that allows you to skip the standby lines at certain attractions. In this section, we will explain what Genie+ is and how it differs from the legacy FastPass system.

What Is Genie+?

Genie+ is a paid service that allows you to make a reservation for select attractions at Walt Disney World. Once you purchase Genie+, you can use the Disney Genie app to select the attractions you want to ride and make a reservation for a specific time. You can only make one reservation at a time, but you can make additional reservations once you have used your current one.

Genie+ vs. Legacy FastPass System

The legacy FastPass system allowed guests to make reservations for select attractions in advance. Unlike Genie+, the FastPass system was free and allowed guests to make multiple reservations at once. However, the FastPass system was discontinued in 2021, and Genie+ was introduced as a replacement.

One major difference between Genie+ and the FastPass system is that Genie+ includes most of the popular attractions, while the FastPass system had limited availability for some attractions. Additionally, the FastPass system allowed guests to make reservations up to 60 days in advance, while Genie+ only allows same-day reservations.

The Genie+ service can be a great option for guests who want to skip the standby lines and make the most of their time at Walt Disney World. However, it is important to note that Genie+ does not guarantee immediate access to attractions and that availability may vary throughout the day.

We also recommend using Genie+ only on the days of your trip when you plan to spend the majority of the day inside the theme park and you plan to go to the most in demand attractions. Use this tool as a part of your park touring strategy to minimize wait times on specific days of your trip.

Getting Started with Genie+

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you’ll may want to take advantage of the Genie+ service. The cost can add up, since it is a per person price, however it can save time of waiting in longer standby lines while in the theme parks.

Purchasing Genie+

To use Genie+, you’ll need to purchase it through your My Disney Experience app or at the park entrance. The cost for Genie+ starts at $15 per person, per day. Note that this cost is in addition to your Walt Disney World ticket price and you have to purchase Genie+ for each day of the trip that you will want to utilize it.

As you can see by the graphic above, screen shot in May – prices will vary depending on time of year and crowd levels.

Once you’ve purchased Genie+, you’ll be able to make one Lightning Lane reservation at a time for select attractions throughout the park. After you’ve used your initial reservation, you can make another one, and so on, throughout the day.

Using My Disney Experience App

To use Genie+, you’ll need to have the My Disney Experience app downloaded on your smartphone. Once you’ve purchased Genie+, open the app and select the “Genie” option from the main menu.

From there, you’ll be able to make Lightning Lane reservations for select attractions throughout the park. You can also view wait times for attractions and get recommendations for things to do based on your interests.

Making Reservations

When using the Genie+ service at Walt Disney World, making reservations is a breeze. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of reservations you can make and how to do it.

Booking Attraction Reservations

With Genie+, you can book attraction reservations for select rides and experiences. Simply open the My Disney Experience app and select the attraction you want to ride. If a reservation is available, you can book it for a designated time slot. You can only hold one reservation at a time, but once you use it, you can book another.

Scheduling Shows and Experiences

In addition to attraction reservations, you can also look up show times and experiences in the My Disney Experience app. This includes parades, fireworks shows, and character meet and greets.

Add them to your day’s schedule to keep track of all of the activities you have on your “must do” list. These may both be done without the paid Genie+ service in the regular Genie area.

Dining and Virtual Queue Reservations

The My Disney Experience app allows you to make dining reservations and virtual queue reservations for select attractions. To make a dining reservation, simply select the restaurant you want to dine at and book a time slot. These can be made as early as 60 days plus length of stay prior to your vacation, so for meals you know you will want in advance – book them early!

For virtual queues, select the attraction and book a time slot at 7am on your theme park day. It’s important to note that virtual queue reservations are subject to availability and may fill up quickly.

Maximizing Your Park Experience

When using the Genie+ service at Walt Disney World, there are several ways to maximize your park experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time in the parks.

Planning Your Itinerary

Before you arrive at the park, it’s a good idea to plan out your itinerary for the day. With Genie+, you can create a personalized itinerary that takes into account your favorite attractions, dining options, and entertainment. You can also see forecasted wait times for each attraction, which can help you plan your day more efficiently.

When creating your itinerary, be sure to prioritize your must-do attractions and schedule them for earlier in the day. This will help you avoid longer wait times later in the day when the parks tend to get busier.

Using the Tip Board

The Tip Board is a great tool to use throughout the day to help you plan your next move. It displays current wait times for all attractions in the park, as well as any scheduled showtimes and character meet and greets.

Be sure to check the Tip Board frequently to see which attractions have shorter wait times and adjust your itinerary accordingly. You can also use the Tip Board to plan your dining options and catch any scheduled entertainment.

Park Hopping with Genie+

With Genie+, you can park hop between all four Walt Disney World parks in a single day. This is a great way to experience the best of each park and maximize your time in the parks.

When park hopping, be sure to check the forecasted wait times for attractions in each park before you make your move. This will help you make the most of your time and avoid longer wait times.

Navigating the Parks with Genie+

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you’ll want to take advantage of the Genie+ service to make the most of your time in the parks. With Genie+, you’ll be able to select popular attractions, understand Lightning Lane entrances, and manage wait times with ease.

Selecting Popular Attractions

Genie+ makes it simple to select the popular attractions you want to experience at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. Simply open the My Disney Experience app, select the park you’re visiting, and choose the attractions you want to ride. Genie+ will then create a personalized itinerary for you based on your selections.

Understanding Lightning Lane Entrances

With Genie+, you’ll have access to Lightning Lane entrances at select attractions. These entrances allow you to bypass the regular standby line and enjoy a shorter wait time.

Lightning Lane entrances are subject to availability and may not be available for all attractions. The app will indicate which attractions you can schedule with your Genie+ service and return using the Lightning Lane.

Managing Wait Times

One of the biggest benefits of using Genie+ is the ability to manage wait times. With real-time wait time updates, you’ll be able to plan your day more efficiently and avoid long lines. You can also use the app to make modifications to your itinerary throughout the day.

By selecting popular attractions, understanding Lightning Lane entrances, and managing wait times, you’ll be able to enjoy more rides and attractions during your visit.

Additional Genie+ Features

If you’re considering using Genie+ service at Walt Disney World, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several additional features that come with the service. These features can enhance your park experience and make it even more magical.

PhotoPass and On-Ride Photos

One of the great features of Genie+ is that it includes unlimited PhotoPass downloads. This means that you can have your photo taken by a Disney photographer at various locations throughout the park, and then download the images for free. You can also get on-ride photos from select attractions, which are automatically added to your PhotoPass account.

This can be a great value for families that intend to take a lot of PhotoPass photos throughout the theme park.

Augmented Reality Lenses

Another cool feature of Genie+ is the augmented reality lenses. These lenses use your phone’s camera to overlay animated characters and effects onto the real world. You can use them to take fun photos and videos, and they’re a great way to capture memories of your trip.

Audio Tales

If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, Genie+ also offers audio tales. These are audio recordings that you can listen to while you’re in line for certain attractions. The tales are designed to enhance the ride experience and give you more background information about the attraction.

These additional features make Genie+ a great value for anyone visiting Walt Disney World. Whether you want to capture memories with PhotoPass, add some magic with augmented reality lenses, or immerse yourself in the park with audio tales, Genie+ has something for everyone.

Tips and Tricks for Genie+ Users

If you’re planning a visit to Walt Disney World, this tips will help you maximize your use of the Genie+ service.

Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your experience:

Best Times to Make Selections

One of the best ways to maximize your time is to make your Genie+ selections as early as possible. You can start making selections at 7am on the day of your visit, even if the park doesn’t open until later. Keep in mind that some attractions may have limited availability, so it’s best to make your selections as soon as you can.

Another tip is to make your selections for later in the day. This way, you can enjoy the park without feeling rushed, and you won’t have to worry about missing out on your favorite attractions.

Utilizing the Virtual Assistant

The Genie+ service includes a virtual assistant that can help you plan your day. You can use it to make attraction selections, view wait times, and even get recommendations for dining and entertainment.

To use the virtual assistant, simply open the My Disney Experience app and select the Genie+ option. From there, you can chat with the assistant and get personalized recommendations based on your interests and preferences.

Line-Skipping Strategies

With Genie+, you can skip the regular lines at participating attractions. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of this service.

First, be sure to arrive at the attraction during your designated return time. If you miss your window, you may not be able to use your Genie+ selection.

Second, consider using Genie+ for attractions with longer wait times and use a combination of entering the park early or using extra magic hours. This will help you maximize your time in the park and avoid spending unnecessary hours waiting in line.

Also, don’t forget that you can use the Genie+ service across all four theme parks on the day your purchase it. Which is useful for Annual Passholders or if you have a park hopper ticket. This can enhance your park experience by allowing you to visit attractions across multiple theme parks that may have wait times that would normally be too long to all fit within one park day.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

As with any service, there may be some issues that arise when using Genie+ at Walt Disney World. Here are some common issues and how to handle them.

Handling Reservation Glitches

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, there may be glitches with your attraction reservations. If this happens, don’t panic. Here are some steps you can take to resolve the issue:

• Check your My Experience app to ensure that you have the correct reservation time and attraction selected.
• If the reservation time or attraction is incorrect, try modifying it in the app. If you are still having issues, head to the Guest Relations desk at the park for assistance.
• If the reservation time and attraction are correct but you are still having issues, try refreshing the app or restarting your phone. If this doesn’t work, head to the Guest Relations desk for assistance.

What to Do When Attractions are Full

It’s possible that the attractions you want to ride may be full when you try to make a reservation. Here are some steps you can take:

• Check the My Experience app regularly for availability. Reservations may open up throughout the day as other guests cancel or change their plans.
• Consider using Genie+ for less popular rides or attractions that may have shorter wait times.
• If you are really set on riding a specific attraction, try arriving at the park early or staying late to take advantage of lower crowds and shorter wait times.

Remember, Genie+ is designed to enhance your experience at Walt Disney World, but it’s not a guarantee that you will be able to ride every attraction. At the busiest times of year it may be easiest to focus on your top three rides or attractions your family would like to see, and then enjoy all that the park atmosphere has to offer.

Making the Most of Genie+

Now that you know all about Genie+, it’s time to put it to use on your Walt Disney World vacation. By using this paid service, you can save time, avoid long lines, and enjoy more of the park’s attractions.

When trip planning, be sure to factor in the cost of Genie+ and decide if it’s worth it for your group. If you do decide to get Disney Genie+ service, make sure to purchase it early in the day so you can start making reservations right away.

Once you have Genie+, use it to your advantage. Take advantage of the Lightning Lane entrances to skip the regular lines and fit more attractions into your day. Keep an eye on the wait times and use the service to plan your next ride or attraction.

Remember that Genie+ is not a guarantee of shorter wait times, but it can definitely help. Be sure to also take advantage of the other free features of Disney Genie, such as customized itineraries and restaurant recommendations.

Using Genie+ can enhance your Walt Disney World vacation experience, but it’s up to you to make the most of it. With a little planning and strategy, you can get the most out of this paid service and enjoy all that the park has to offer.

Planning the Rest of Your Vacation

If you’re heading to Disney World soon, you’ll want to think about what to wear during your trip. Visit our blog on what to wear at Disney World at every time of year, and there are packing guides for each month of the year.

Going to be at Disney when it is hot outside? These strategies for preparing for the heat at Disney World will help you stay cool! Visit our Guides page for these ideas and more to help you plan your magical vacation!