What is a fast pass? Is this something you have to pay for? What are the benefits?”

Welcome to planDisney, Shalanda!

There are so many magical attractions at Walt Disney World. Since you'll be traveling during those busy summer months, you'll wish you could cut down on those wait times. Thankfully, that wish can come true with Disney Genie+. This new service has replaced the old FastPass+ service. Let me do my best to briefly explain what the entire Disney Genie service is and how it all works.

I like to imagine the Disney Genie service in terms of 3 magical wishes (and no, before you ask, you can't ask for more wishes):

Wish #1 — Disney Genie
Each and every Guest is able to access this complimentary service using the My Disney Experience Mobile App. This free feature can help you plan your itinerary for the day by considering what's important to you. It even updates and optimizes your plans based on ever-changing wait times. So if there are certain attractions, shows, or meals you want to experience, then you can tell Genie and he'll use his powers to create a flexible plan for you.

Wish #2 — Disney Genie+
This is similar to the old FastPass+ system. However, unlike the old system, you have to purchase this new service. By purchasing Disney Genie+ you basically upgrade your park ticket to include "phenomenal cosmic powers." These powers enable you to select Lightning Lane entrances at over 40 attractions throughout the Theme Parks. These entrances allow you to skip the regular standby lines and enjoy the attractions quicker. Starting at 7:00 AM on the day of your visit, you'll be able to make your first Lightning Lane selection. Once you enjoy that attraction, or two hours after making your selection (whatever comes sooner), you can then make another Lightning Lane selection. You can keep doing that throughout the day until there are no more Lightning Lane selections available.

You can purchase Disney Genie+ on a day-to-day basis. You can do this very easily using the My Disney Experience Mobile App. On the day of your visit, just open up the app, click on the three lines at the bottom right corner of your screen, and then select "My Genie Day." There should be an option that says "Get Disney Genie+ for Today." Select it and you'll find a list of all the people in your party (these will be the people you've added via My Friends & Family). Select the members of your party that will use this service and then make your purchase. 

Wish #3 — Individual Lightning Lane Entrances
Individual Lightning Lane entrances are available for some of the more high-demand attractions in the Theme Parks. These attractions usually have longer wait times. However, you can purchase Individual Lightning Lane entrances to bypass the regular standby line. You can use this service with or without purchasing Disney Genie+. However, even if you have Disney Genie+, Individual Lightning Lanes do cost extra. The cost of each Individual Lightning Lane varies by attraction. You can book up to two Individual Lightning Lane entrances per day per Guest.

Whew! That's a ton of information, Shalanda. Basically, Disney Genie+ (wish #2) and Individual Lightning Lane Entrances (Wish #2) will cost you money, but save you time. So it's a matter of deciding what is most important to you.

If you have any follow-up questions, feel free to reach out again. 

ChEARS,
Mike