It was bound to happen, the slow demise of our beloved free fast passes…and replaced with Genie Plus. However, that doesn’t mean Disneyland and Walt Disney World are going to be absolutely horrible and packed with lines that go out to outer space. Instead, the Walt Disney company came up with a better and unfortunately more expensive option: Genie+ and Lightning lane pass.
If you are willing to spend the money, then this is a must, as it can shave off hours of wasted time from your jam-packed Disney day. If you have kids, then we stress the importance of the value of Disney genie plus because no one wants to wait in line with an angry 7-year-old… no one.
However, just getting the genie plus service doesn’t guarantee a smooth day. You have to be creative and witty with how you plan your day, and not when to invest in the additional lightning lane passes for the most popular of attractions.
That’s why we made this guide to help beginner Disney visitors stand a chance against the mobs of tourists that plague the lands of Disney. Now you’ll have a better time enjoying your vacation instead of stressing about the game plan for which ride to hit next. ??? So grab some water and crackers and let’s crack this genie plus! ???
This post is all about the best tips and overall guide on the new Disney Genie + System and its buddy service the Lightning lane pass for the most popular of rides. We’ll uncover the best game plan for getting the most with your money with genie plus!
Disclaimer: Disneyland, Disney World, all Disney subsidies, Disney logo, and name are trademarked and owned by the Walt Disney company. We don’t claim any part and are simply giving tips to help out fellow Disney fans. We don’t claim to be professionals or experts. These tips may or may not work for you. Always double-check genie plus cost and availability as Disney can change them at any moment without notice. Always follow park rules and local state laws. Be safe and have fun!
Disney Genie Plus Service & Lightning Lanes Facts
How much is FastPass at Disney?
The FastPass is now retired and replaced with Disney Genie Plus
The Disney Genie Plus has an average daily price of $15 plus tax per person per day at Walt Disney World and a flat rate of $20 per person per day at Disneyland. It gives access to the once-known FastPass line and is applicable to more than 50 attractions at Walt Disney World and 19 at Disneyland.
Disney Genie+ allows riders to use the lightning lane for rides that are eligible. Meanwhile, some rides are only eligible for individual lightning lane entrance passes which is a separate pass from the Genie+.
Is Disney Genie free?
The Disney Genie services not to be confused with Disney Genie+ services can be found on Disney Apps for FREE. The tech-friendly service will help you navigate the theme parks with tips for reducing time on the line, discovering the magic, and eliminating guesswork for your vacation by doing the heavy lifting for you so you can make the most of your time. We love the free Disney genie service, the tip board is awesome!
Looking to ride the most rides, and do you have kids? Learn about Rider Switch Options!
What is included in Genie Plus?
Disney Genie is the complimentary travel planning program incorporated into the Disney apps. Within the Disney world and Disneyland apps, Disney Genie’s complimentary service will provide you with a custom itinerary created just for you that will continuously update itself throughout the day based on your day.
You’ll receive dining and attraction recommendations based on the feedback you gave Genie about your interests. You will also have access to an interactive map that will show you any recommendations for you and show your booked plans, like dining reservations and lightning lane locations if you’ve purchased any.
Lightning lane passes do not come free with Disney’s complimentary Genie service, so you will need to purchase either Genie+ or purchase individual lightning lane passes. Disney Genie also conveniently provides you with a custom tip board that essentially tells you to queue wait times, ride closed/open status, allows you to join queues, mobile order food, and book dining reservations. Using the tip board you can also book lightning lane passes if you’ve purchased Genie+.
Disney Genie+ is a paid subscription that allows you to utilize the Lightning Lane entrance for eligible rides to avoid the standing line in a selected attraction. Genie+ allows you to utilize lightning lane entrances for all of its eligible rides after paying a one-time fee per person per day.
Genie+ also gives you access to photo pass lenses and unlimited photo pass downloads for capturing the most picture-perfect moments with your party. And Genie+ gives access to engaging audio tales that give you information and the historical background of the parks
What Genie+ does not include is the individual lightning lane entrance eligible rides. So basically, most rides will be covered under Genie+, but a select few will need to be purchased separately.
I know it all gets confusing but we will incorporate a list further down in this post to show you which rides are Genie+ eligible and which rides need to be purchased separately for the lightning lane entrance passes which require separate individual lightning lane reservations.
What is the lightning lane at Disney?
Lightning Lanes are a new way for visitors to avoid the line to the best attractions. Lightning Lane serves as a secondary queue that places guests at the top of the main attraction. Almost any popular attraction has these types of queues: a standby queue and a Lightning lane queue, and sometimes a singer riders line as well.
Is Lightning Lane worth it at Disneyland?
At the Lightning Lane entrance, the visitor can go straight into the area where the attraction begins with its first characters. It can be quite worth the money to pay out to avoid a line that could easily run between 60 and 90 minutes and sometimes multiple hours during peak season.
Is Disney genie plus worth it?
Nevertheless, Disney Genie Plus has the potential to provide useful services especially if traveling during peak seasons as the lightning lane entrances will help you spend less time waiting in line. The lightning lane entrances really only help people that are big on riding the rides, if you’re more of a foodie or there to watch shows then this probably isn’t for you as the main feature that genie+ offers are lightning lane entry.
What is the difference between Genie Plus and individual lightning lane access?
In an attempt to get deeper, the Disney Genie+ program lets you essentially skip lines for over 50 attractions at Disneyworld and about 19 at Disneyland. Meanwhile, individually chosen Lightning Lanes are limited to the most famous E-ticket rides. Imagine if the attractions are crowded and have a hour-long queue or rides that can be very long or break down often will hold back the line.
How much does Genie Plus cost?
Is Genie Plus expensive? Genie+ has a daily price per person of $15 plus tax at Walt Disney World and a daily price of $20 per person at Disneyland which includes all taxes & fees. If you wish to use it you may use Genie+ by using Disney’s respective apps for Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
What rides are not included in Genie Plus?
These rides are NOT included in Disney Genie+ services and can be bought separately via individual lightning lane passes. Two choices are available per person and for the entire day and prices may vary according to dates. Keep in mind there is a limit to one ride per day.
Here is a list of current attractions not available with genie plus Disney and are individual lightning lane selections.
Disneyland/ Disney California Adventures:
- Rise of the Resistance
- Radiator springs
- Web slingers
Visiting Walt Disney World:
*Some Start on August 7th, 2022
- Mickey and minnies runaway railway*
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Frozen ever after*
- Remy’s Rattatoui adventure*
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Space mountain*
- Expedition Everest*
- Rise of the resistance
What is the Complimentary Disney Genie service and Genie plus Disney?
Disney Genie is a great app for Walt Disney World resort parks and Disneyland parks that allows people to create and share Disney experiences. It honestly makes the park visit so much easier and simpler for planning as it does a lot of planning and recommending for you. You’ll also be guided around theme park areas with crucial tips that will help you reduce wait times, make planning easier, and experience wonderful Disney magic. Disney Genie + is a paid service for lightning access, photopass usage and audio tales.
How do I use Disney Genie plus?
Disneyworld
First Download the My Disney Experience App
From your Genie Day Page or My Day Page, go down the screen. Use Tip Board- Tap Disney genie+ services. Tap on book experiences in the vicinity of the desired attractions like Genie+ Lightning Lane.
The Complimentary genie services can be used on the app free of charge, use it for planning your trip and dining options.
Disneyworld allows you to reserve lightning lane entry off-site at 7AM.
Disneyland
Genie+ can be purchased before your visit as a ticket add on and can be purchased through Disneyland.com.
If not purchased before your visit you can purchase the day of your visit after entering the theme park by using the Disneyland app.
Only after entering the park can you begin to reserve lightning lane passes and arrival windows.
Eligible Attractions for Genie+ Lightning Lane Entrance
*We only listed rides and not meet and greets or shows*
Lion king, meet the princesses, and visiting your favorite Disney pals are part of the lineup for Disney world so check the link to learn more if you’re interested in those attractions
Walt Disney World Resort
Magic Kingdom Genie + Rides
Genie Lightning Lane Entrance- Purchase required
*Offered only through Genie+, not individual purchase, until August 7, 2022.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Space Mountain: Roller coaster that darts through a black mountain with intense flashes, sounds, and speed! When it’s busy expect to have to get a lightning lane pass.*
Disney Genie Plus
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: A loud wooden roller coaster.
Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin: Kids love this ride!
Dumbo the Flying Elephant: A kid-friendly ride that is very slow
Haunted Mansion: A fun ride that takes you through the haunted mansion to see some frightful things.
It’s a small world: A slow peaceful ride that is set in water and the tune of its a small world.
Jungle Cruise: A fun tropical ride that takes you on a tour of the jungle to see “exotic” animals in their natural habitats.
Mad Tea Party: The old teacup ride that all kids ride at least once when visiting Disney parks.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Peter Pan’s Flight: Kid-friendly ride that takes you on a journey through neverland
Pirates of the Caribbean: We are huge huge fans of Pirates of the Caribbean and ride this ride at least twice a day ?. It can get very busy since it works for all age groups.
Space Mountain: Mentioned above
Splash Mountain: A ride that drops you from a steep hill and ends with soaked clothes ?
The Barnstormer
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: It’s a sweet child’s hood favorite and is especially loved by kids.
Tomorrowland Speedway
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
Epcot Genie +
Genie Lightning Lane Entrance- Purchase required
*Offered only through Genie+, not individual purchase, until August 7, 2022.
Frozen Ever After- sing-along ride *
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure*
Disney Genie Plus
Frozen Ever After*
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure*
Soarin’ Around the World
Spaceship Earth
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Turtle Talk with Crush
Disney’s Hollywood studios
Disney Genie Lightning Lane Entrance- Purchase required
*Offered only through Genie+, not individual purchase, until August 7, 2022.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway*
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Alien Swirling Saucers
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway*
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: mentioned in Disneyland
Muppet Vision
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith: A music-heavy and fast and short-lived roller coaster ride
Slinky Dog Dash
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™: Be prepared to feel like your heart fell to your stomach because this ride is fun and scary! you’ll be taken up to the top and dropped raised again to be dropped in further repetitions. Totally fun!
Toy Story Mania! : Get ready to have sore arms with this competitive ride
Animal Kingdom Genie Plus
Genie Lightning Lane Entrance- Purchase required
*Offered only through Genie+, not individual purchase, until August 7, 2022.
Avatar Flight of Passage: We knew this ride was going to a lightning lanes pass requirement, it’s way too popular and busy to not be. This ride takes you on a journey riding the native winged banshees to sore through the world of pandora.
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain*
DINOSAUR
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain*
Feathered Friends in Flight!
Finding Nemo
It’s Tough to Be a Bug
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Naʻvi River Journey
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland
Lightning Lane Entrance- Purchase Required
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: A popular ride that takes star wars fans for an immersive ride through the battle against the 1st order. Make sure to book a ticket early on in the morning so you get first picks.
Disney Genie+
Autopia:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: An old-school wooden roller coaster that can get pretty loud, make sure to go early as the most popular of attractions are the fast ones such as this ride.
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters: Shoot targets with your Astro blaster and prove you’re a better shot than buzz light year and your whole crew ?
Haunted Mansion: This is a favorite of ours, especially during Halloween when the nightmare before Christmas takes over. It also is an extremely popular ride that can have lines that take hours so try to go during lunch or nighttime.
Indiana Jones Adventure: Feel like you’re on an adventure in forbidden areas by joining India jones as he tries o escape the booby-trapped lair he’s in. Spoiler there s a huge boulder that wants to squish you ?
“it’s a small world”: A classic slow and slightly annoying water ride. If your feet are tired of walking and you want a moment to relax the new recommend this ride that sings “it’s a small world” probably a million times.
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: Lol we hope you are good at piloting because we were absolutely horrible and the kids in our group hated us ?. This ride features engineers, shooters, and pilots to smuggle some loot and escape the 1st order!
Roger Rabbits Car Toon Spin
Space Mountain: This almost pitch black ride, is joined with random lights and loud sounds to increase the scary feeling of how fast you’re going on this roller coaster. Keep in mind it’s a very busy ride and can fall off to only be lighting lane.
Splash Moutain: If you’re afraid of getting wet and ruining your makeup and hair then skip this ride, we always get soaked! The boat comes crashing down a steep hill and causes everyone to get wet so be forewarned.
Star Tours- The Adventures Continue: Escape from the empire as you zoom by on a ship with fellow passengers.
Disney California Adventure Park
Lightning Lane Entrance: purchased required
Radiator springs racers: This ride is a ton of fun! you’ll be able to ride your very own car with your friends and family, or if you select to go the faster single riders’ routes you’ll be booted to a random group. whatever your riding situation this ride is a ton of fun that makes you feel like you are in the movie
Web slingers: Located in Avengers Campus: A Spider-Man adventure. This ride reminded us of Buzz-light Year Astro blaster in that you’re playing for points to see who can destroy the most little spiders. The ride matches your hand movements to direct them to smash the bugs while on a slow-turning ride.
Disney Genie +
Goofy’s Sky SchoolGrizzly River Run: This ride gave us anxiety lol it turns so fast and the cart feels like you might fall off at any moment ?. It’s a smaller roller coaster as well so we were not expecting this.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission Breakout: THis is Y’s Favorite ride and if you love that feeling of falling/weightlessness then you have t get on this ride at least once. Rocket also makes the ride ten times funner ☺️.
Incredicoaster: The incredible roller coaster is a fun coaster for everyone, it can go down frequently though so we suggest riding earlier in the day.
Monster, inc. Mike & Sulley to the rescue! This subtle dark ride follows scenes from the movie as they try to catch boo the “monster”. Then proceed to send her home while hiding her from Randall.
Soarin’ Around the World: Soar over the world as you’re raised in the air to feel like you’re flying through the various famous landmarks.
Toy Story Midway Mania! if you’re competitive make sure you ride this attraction as you’ll be trying to beat each other score! Also, be forewarned you’ll have sore arms after ?
Genie+ is the latest effort by Disney to reduce wait times for rides at Disney theme parks. Since they got rid of the Disney fast pass, this new Genie+ pass along with its Disney lightning lane entrance pass partner is the replacement for that. Genie+ is essentially a paid-for fast pass. We do miss the free one but this one has its perks beyond just being an updated FastPass. If you liked our review or want to know more let us know in the comments section!
Our Guide To Maximizing Your Disney Genie Plus and Lightning Lane Passes
Buy Genie Plus Early! Only Applies for Disney World Access
Genie plus used to be an add-on that you could get in advance but now Disney is only allowing purchases on the day of your planned trip. You’ll want to make sure to get around to purchasing the tickets before 7 am as that is the time when you can book your first ride. Ticket purchases began at 12 am, day of your visit if you’re really worried about securing them ?
For Disneyland visitors, You can purchase either the day of or before your visit as an add on. You can make your first ride selection only after entering the park so its best to be at the park for opening.
Set up your Tip board for success with Genie+ and snag lightning lanes!
Download the My Disney experience app for Walt Disney World or Disneyland app for Disneyland if you haven’t already. Log in and click summon Disney genie (this only works if you have tickets within the next few days FYI) The genie button takes you to my day tab and allows you to start choosing your top pics and times for the day. So you won’t have to keep checking attraction times in the tip board area.
If you don’t have tickets within the next few days, you can play around with the app by instead clicking the stacked hamburger button lines thing lol what even is the name of that style of lines anyway? Leave a comment if you know ? Then click the tip board to see the attraction’s wait times, busy times, and if they are Disney Lightning lane available for genie plus or lightning lane individual purchase only.
Note: if the app freezes or is not updating wait times then pull down with your finger on the screen to refresh, or click the attraction name and then click the LL to have it refresh back to the tip board with new times.
Research a week before the trip!
We Like to check out the respective Disney app and see the most popular attractions and wait times for the days that we are going a week ahead. This gives us a rough idea of what rides to choose first as a priority and which rides are easier to get.
We noticed these priority rides that fill up quickly at both Disneyland and Disney world.
Also, consider Park Hopper; we go over the pros of Park Hopper and why we personally love it!
Disney World
Star Wars:Rise of the Resistance- this is a paid individual Disney lightning lane ticket
Slinky Dog Dash
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Flight of Passage
Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Disneyland parks:
Rise of the Resistance ride- paid lightning lane
Radiator Springs- paid lightning lane
Web Slingers- paid lightning lane
Millennium Falcon
Haunted Mansion
Indiana Jones
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Guardians of the Galaxy- Mission: Breakout!
*Based on this info we would recommend trying to book these for your day to have a chance at riding them*
Genie+ Rules and Tips to Know Before You Go
You’re only allowed one ride at each attraction so we recommend doing your favorites first and then if you want to ride again wait in the standby line later in the evening near closing when the park dies down. Also be aware of Disney’s wait time for Genie+ at both Disneyworld and Disneyland.
You must redeem your previous Genie+ selection or wait 2 hours starting after the park opens, whichever comes first, at Disneyworld. At Disneyland you must redeem your previous Genie+ selection or wait until the arrival window has passed. Then check the app to see when you can make another selection.
You may only purchase 2 individual lightning lane passes per day per person one at a time for two different attractions
Having a genie plus pass and lightning pass is not a guarantee to ride
You still need to buy a park ticket and make a park reservation
Book early, Disney is known for restricting access often!
Arrive early, when the park opens or earlier
Disney can shut down Lightning lane access when the park is overloaded
Disney can raise prices for individual lightning lane passes without notice
The tip board can also help with scheduling dining experiences via the disney genie ?
The End of our Guide to Genie+ and Lightning Lanes
That wraps up what we think are some of the best tips for using your genie+ and individual lightning lane access! If you enjoyed this post make sure to share it via the social share buttons on the bottom and top of this page ☺️. We also have some other awesome Disney posts you might be interested in!