10 things to know about Disney Genie launching at Disneyland on Dec. 8
Disneyland is launching its Disney Genie and Genie+ service starting Dec. 8 after launching it at Walt Disney World on Oct. 19. For those who have used MaxPass, it is similar in style, but there are some changes.
Whether you are a returning visitor or a first-timer, this new service found on the Disneyland app can have a major impact on how you decide to spend your time in the theme parks. But it really depends on how you choose to use it.
The free Disney Genie service is intended to help create a personalized touring plan based on your preferences and the current wait times. Pay an extra $20 per day for Disney Genie+, and you can use the Lightning Lanes (the former FastPass lanes). On top of that, you can pay a la carte for Individual Lightning Lane access for two of the three high-profile rides per day.
Or, you can ignore the Disney Genie and do things the old way: decide the attraction or entertainment you want to experience based on the wait times listed, and not pay for access to the Lightning Lanes. It can also be used with the Disability Access Service.
So, let’s get started and review the basics, as Disney has explained it.
1. What is Disney Genie, and how do I access the service?
Disney Genie is a complimentary digital service within the Disneyland app that can help you plan your best Disney day. In order to take advantage of Disney Genie and its features, be sure to download the app or upgrade to the latest version if you already have it on your mobile device.
2. What do I get with Disney Genie?
There are three key features with the Disney Genie:
- Tailored Recommendations: You’ll receive attraction and dining recommendations inspired in part by what you told Disney Genie service you’re most interested in doing. It even displays a good time to go to an experience and an idea of the forecasted wait. If you don’t like the recommendation, no problem, you can choose another recommendation. Think of this as your theme park navigator. New suggestions will be made throughout the day as circumstances change.
- A Personalized Daily Itinerary: Your “My Day” tab is where you’ll find Disney Genie recommendations and any plans you’ve made, including dining reservations, Disneyland Resort hotel reservations and activity bookings. You’ll also be able to virtually chat with a Cast Member who can help answer any questions that arise.
- A Custom Tip Board: This new feature will let you see estimated wait times for your top attractions, entertainment and dining. You’ll also be able to order food, make dining reservations and check into a restaurant, request to join an available virtual queue. These are functions that already exist on Disneyland app but will supposedly be tailored to you.
3. When can I start using Disney Genie?
The idea is that this is your planning tool. In the future, you will be able to begin selecting your favorite things to do and map out your days before you get to Disney World. Any Lightning Lane attraction selections—either as part of Disney Genie+ service or as an individual purchase—can be made on the day of your visit (more on this below).
4. What is Disney Genie+?
Disney Genie+ is an add-on option. The cost is $20 per ticket (person) per day.
This allows you to select the next available arrival window for the Lightning Lane entrance. You can make one selection at a time throughout the day. You can select Lightning Lane arrival windows across multiple theme parks for those who have the Park Hopper option.
Once you’ve redeemed your initial selection (or the arrival window has passed), you can make another selection using the app, up to park closing. So, as soon as you tap into the Lightning Lane, you can immediately make another Lightning Lane reservation. There is one change. Let’s say it’s 11 a.m. and the ride you really want to get on doesn’t have a window open until 4 p.m. You can make the 4 p.m. reservation and then two hours after you make that reservation you can make another. So at 1 p.m. you can make another reservation for something between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. or after 4 p.m. You can also change your window. You can cancel and rebook or choose another.
Additional features include:
- Disney PhotoPass: Enjoy unlimited Disney PhotoPass downloads
- Audio Tales: Discover the parks in cool new ways through fun facts and behind-the-scenes insights you can listen to during your visit.
5. When can I purchase Disney Genie+?
Starting Dec. 8, Disney Genie+ service will be available as an add-on to a ticket or vacation package. Purchase via Disneyland.com or authorized travel professionals. If you haven’t added Disney Genie+ to your ticket or package before your visit, you’ll be able to purchase it upon entering a theme park on the day of your visit via the Disneyland app.
6. When can start using Disney Genie+?
You’ll be able to select the next available arrival windows to enjoy a Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane attraction via the Disneyland app upon entering a theme park.
Once you’ve redeemed your initial selection (or the arrival window has passed), you can use the Disney Genie service Tip Board or My Day itinerary to see when you’re eligible to make another selection. You can make selections, one at a time, all day up to regular park closing, subject to availability and limited to one Lightning Lane selection per attraction per day.
7. What rides are part of the Disney Genie+ Lightning Lanes?
Disneyland Park
- Autopia
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
- Haunted Mansion
- Indiana JonesTM Adventure
- “it’s a small world”
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
- Space Mountain
- Splash Mountain
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Disney California Adventure
- Goofy’s Sky School
- Grizzly River Run
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
- Incredicoaster
- Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Toy Story Midway Mania!
8. What is the Individual Lightning Lane?
Individual Lightning Lane access will be available to purchase individually. Guests may purchase and select the next available arrival window for up to two attractions per day. This option will be available for all guests with valid theme park admission and park reservations—with or without Disney Genie+ service.
The attractions include:
Disneyland Park
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Disney California Adventure
- Radiator Springs Racers
- WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
9. What is the cost of the Individual Lightning Lane?
Pricing and availability will vary by date and attraction. Purchases could be $7 to $20 per ticket. Be sure to check the Disneyland app on the day of your visit for current prices and attraction availability.
10. When can I purchase the Individual Lightning Lane?
Upon entering a theme park, you can make individual purchases within the Disney Genie Service Tip Board or My Day itinerary in the Disneyland app. You can purchase individual selections for up to two different attractions per day upon entering a theme park.
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