Hello Claire!
Welcome back to planDisney. Boy, do I have some exciting news to share with you! Changes were just announced for the Lightning Lane experience, effective July 24, 2024. You'll be thrilled to know that advance planning will soon be possible. Hooray! There are some caveats to consider depending on your date of visit and when you'll be arriving in the US. Let's walk through everything I've learned.
First and foremost, Disney Genie+ Service will be rebranded to
Lightning Lane Multi Pass on July 24, 2024. In addition, Individual Lightning Lane will be rebranded as Lightning Lane Single Pass on the same day. These simplified names are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to enhancements to the programs. Beginning July 24, guests will be able to purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass and select return times for 3 eligible experiences per day, and up to 2 Single Pass experiences per day.
Disney Resorts Collection hotel guests, and those staying at other eligible resorts, will be able to purchase and plan for their length of admission, up to 14 days, 7 days before check-in. Off-site guests will be able to purchase and plan 3 days in advance. Note that guests will not have access to pre-planning until the program changes launch.
As the keeper of my family's plans, I'm thrilled to eliminate the 7 a.m. scramble every morning of my trip. These changes will let me plan our entire visit on one day and allow easier coordination around existing dining reservations. We'll also be able to review return times before completing the purchase so we'll know exactly what's available before committing. Guests will even be able to modify return times for both Multi Pass and Single Pass experiences, subject to availability.
This offering will be available within the My Disney Experience Mobile App, but purchases cannot be completed outside the US. As an international guest, you'll need to wait until you've arrived stateside to purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Single Pass and begin making your experience selections. Though you might not arrive in the US 7 days before checking into your Disney Resorts Collection hotel, you can review available experiences and complete your purchase for the length of your admission as soon as you're on US soil. This should be a welcome change from waking up early each day and making some very quick decisions before that first sip of coffee (or tea).
It looks like your next arrival is planned for July 18, so you'll be in the middle of the magic as these changes go into effect. If you'll be visiting the parks through July 23, 2024, you'll use Disney Genie+ Service. Beginning July 24, you can purchase Lightning Lane Multi and/or Single Pass and plan for the remainder of your ticketed days. Be sure to review the experience groupings as
Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios will have eligible experiences separated into two groups. You'll be able to select one experience from Group 1 and 2 experiences from Group 2 for your initial 3 Multi Pass Experience selections. After redeeming your first experience you'll be able to select additional experiences, subject to availability, for the remainder of the day without additional group restrictions.
Claire, I hope this helps and gets you excited about your upcoming visit! If you have any additional questions please feel free to come back and ask us. We're happy to help offer further clarification and guidance.
Magic and memories,
Amy