Katie,
Thanks for asking your question to planDisney!
Genie+ runs on your
My Disney Experience App, and like the related but separate
Individual Lightning Lanes program, it is a day-of attraction reservation system. You cannot book something days or weeks ahead of time.
Here are some of the program basics.
Regardless of where you stay, every guest who opts to use either of these programs would do so on the actual day they are going into a park. Genie+ can be purchased on the date of use, starting at 12:01 am that day (Orlando time). Genie+ Lightning Lane attraction times can be reserved starting at 7 am, the day of the visit. There is no difference in that start time for guests, whether they are staying at a Disney Resort hotel or not.
The Genie+ program lets you reserve one ride at a time for many of the popular attractions in each park. There are over 40 attractions to choose from across all four parks, so there are a lot of options. Basically, after you complete your first reserved ride time, you can make your next selection. The Individual Lightning Lane program, on the other hand, lets you reserve a specific ride time for one or two of the most popular attractions at a given park. These two programs run independently.
BONUS TIP #1Where do you buy and select Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane reservations?Just open your My Disney Experience App on your smartphone that morning, and you will see prominent links to make these purchases.
BONUS TIP #2Individual Lightning Lane times can be reserved starting at 7 am, the day of the visit, for guests staying at Disney Resort Hotels and other select hotels. All other guests can start making Individual Lightning Lane reservations at the time of park opening.
WARNING
While it is happens infrequently, Genie+ can sell out for a date. If having the service is something you find to be crucial, consider staying up the night before to secure it right at 12:01 AM, as you move over to the day in question.
Please feel free to
write me back directly if you have any follow-up questions.
Have a Magical Vacation!Doug