What is Genie+, and Is it Worth It?

 Genie+ is an add-on service that allows guests to skip the standby lines at many popular attractions at Disney theme parks. Since it first premiered at Walt Disney World and Disneyland in October 2021, Genie+ has become an integral part of planning a Disney vacation, whether you choose to utilize the service or not. Below, we discuss how Genie+ works, what’s included, and whether it’s a worthwhile expense to budget for during your Disney vacation. 

How Genie+ Works ​

With Genie+, you make reservations to enter an attraction’s Lightning Lane entrance (the faster, non-standby line). After selecting the ride you’d like to reserve, you’re given the next available one-hour arrival window to return to the ride. All guests can make their first reservation starting at 7 am each day. You can make your second selection two hours after the park opens (typically between 10 and 11 am on most days). You can make additional reservations one at a time once you scan into the Lightning Lane for a previous reservation or two hours after you’ve made a reservation (whichever comes first). You check into each attraction by entering the Lighting Lane and tapping the Mickey Mouse-shaped scanners using your smartphone or MagicBand. Genie+ works when park hopping, and you can now modify reservations. 

Attractions Included with Genie+

There are 40 Genie+ attractions available across all four theme parks at Walt Disney World and 19 at Disneyland. Attractions change from time to time. Currently, Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World leads the way with the most rides available with the Genie+ service. Some of the attractions included in Genie + are: 

Walt Disney World

• Big Thunder Mountain
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Reserved seating for the Festival of Fantasy parade 
• Jungle Cruise
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Haunted Mansion
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• “it’s a small world”
• Space Mountain
• Character meet & greets with Mickey at Town Square Theater, princesses at Princess Fairytale Hall, and Ariel in Her Grotto 
• Mickey & Mickey’s Runaway Railway 
• Slinky Dog Dash 
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run 
• Tower of Terror 
• Toy Story Mania 
• Rock’n’Roller Coaster
• Expedition Everest 
• Kilimanjaro Safaris 
• Na’vi River Journey 
• Soarin’ Around the world 
• Test Track 
• Frozen Ever After 
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Disneyland

• Incredicoaster
• Soarin’ Over California
• WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure 
• Autopia 
• “it’s a small world” 
• Matterhorn Bobsleds 
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run 
• Space Mountain 
• Splash Mountain 
• Indiana Jones™ Adventure 
• Haunted Mansion

View a complete list of included attractions for Disney World and Disneyland. 

Attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Avatar Flight of Passage aren’t included with Genie+. If you want to skip the standby line for these rides, you will need to purchase access to the Lighting Lane individually, which you can do with or without buying Genie+. 

Genie+ Cost ​

Genie+ is an add-on service that must be purchased for each member of your party. Just like theme park tickets, pricing varies by day and demand. Prices start at $15 per person at Walt Disney World and $25 per person at Disneyland. 

Other Genie+ Features ​

The main benefit of Genie+ is the ability to skip the standby line and experience many park attractions while saving time. However, there are a few other features of Genie+ you’ll want to take advantage of (they’re a great way to pass the time in standby queues and while waiting for shows, parades, and fireworks). PhotoPass AR filters allow you to “genie-fy” yourself or transform into some of your favorite Disney characters. Some filters are only available in specific locations at the parks, so it’s a fun scavenger hunt to find them all. Non-location-based filters can be used up to 45 days after your Genie+ purchase. At Disneyland, you get unlimited PhotoPass digital downloads for the day you purchase Genie+. Audio guides also give you some behind-the-scenes looks and fun facts about the parks. 

How to Purchase Genie+

At Walt Disney World, Genie+ must be purchased the day you want to use it through the My Disney Experience app. You can buy Genie+ starting at midnight at make your first ride reservation at 7 am. Genie+ is subject to availability, so it may be beneficial to purchase it earlier in the day to ensure you can get it. Once you’re in the My Disney Experience app, select “My Disney Genie Day” from the dashboard. Then hit the “My Day” tab, and tap “Get Disney Genie+ for Today.” 

At Disneyland, Genie+ can be added to vacation packages. 

Is Genie+ Worth It? ​

Yes! Purchasing this service is worth its value in the amount of time you’ll save standing in line to experience popular attractions, especially if you’re visiting during peak times. The ability to skip the lines gives you more opportunities to enjoy everything the parks have to offer without spending half your day waiting in standby queues. 

Disney Vacation Planning with Just Add Magic Travel®

Take the stress out of planning your Disney vacation with Just Add Magic Travel. Although Genie+ is a service you must purchase the day you plan to use it, I can provide helpful tips and guide you on how to get the most out of Genie+ so you’re ready to go on your selected park day. If you have any questions about how this service works and whether it’s right for you, contact me today. I’m happy to help! Ready to plan your next magical vacation? Get a free quote for your trip here. 

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