Hi there, Christy.
Disney friends make the BEST friends, don't they? Walt Disney World Resort has a way of bringing people together, even complete strangers, unlike any other place on Earth. My husband and I met a couple on the ferryboat leaving Magic Kingdom Park on our first trip "home" 10 years ago and have been vacationing with them here ever since. I'm excited for you to embark on this adventure and make oodles of memories with your friends in just a few short weeks.
I think you'll find that Disney trips with friends are the best kind, and, thankfully, Walt Disney World Resort makes it easy for you to do so. The first thing you need to do is make sure you are all connected as
Family & Friends in your
My Disney Experience accounts. Go to your Profile, then click on your
Family & Friends List. Check here to see if your friends' names are listed. If not, scroll down below the list of names and look for the option that says "Add a Guest." There are three ways to do this - find them through Guests you're both connected to, enter their name and age or enter their Resort reservation information. If you have any trouble connecting your friends, call 407-560-2428 for further assistance.
Once you're all connected in your Family & Friends lists, make sure everyone in your party has valid
Park Pass reservations for the same theme parks on the same days. If you still need to make park reservations, just select their names from the list of eligible Guests when setting it up.
When it comes time to purchase
Disney Genie+ service on the morning of your adventure, have each individual purchase it through their own My Disney Experience account. I recommend making your purchases before 6:00 a.m. to account for any technical hiccups that might occur.
Access your Tip Board in the app at 7:00 a.m. on the dot and click on your group's first Lightning Lane selection. Once you do, a list of all eligible connected Guests with valid Disney Genie+ service for the day will appear. Select the names of all your accompanying friends who wish to be a part of that Lightning Lane selection and finish out the prompts to complete your booking. Repeat this process for subsequent Lightning Lane selections throughout the day. It's really that simple!
You and your friends will have the opportunity to partake in the
50th Anniversary Celebration while you're here, and you'll also arrive just in time for the
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, which is the perfect way to experience
EPCOT together.
I hope the pixie dust is abundant on your Disney day with your friends, Christy. Enjoy every magical moment together!
Alyssa