Hi there, Tina! Thanks for sending us another great question! You're always welcome here at planDisney.
I've used
Disney Genie+ Service at Walt Disney World several times, and it wasn't until my trip earlier this month that I felt like I had mastered it. I'm happy to share my tips and tricks. We'll call it planDisney 101! The good news is that you can make your Genie+ Lightning Lane selections from your Disney Resort Hotel (or a resort off property) or
Disney Springs; there's no need to be in the theme parks at that time. Since my kids are teenagers, I start planning our day from our resort at 7:00 AM while they are sleeping. Here's how:
Disney Genie+ can be added through the
My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit anytime after midnight. I usually set my alarm for 6:45 AM, log into my account on the app, and look for the purple banner that says "Purchase For Today." The process only takes a couple of minutes. Then by 7:00 AM, I'm ready to make my first Lightning Lane selection!
Keep in mind that Genie+ Lightning Lane selections can only be made one at a time. You must redeem an existing Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane selection or wait 2 hours—whichever comes first—before making another Lightning Lane entrance selection. Please note: the 2-hour wait to make another selection begins when the park opens, even if you made your first reservation at 7:00 AM. So if the park you are visiting opens at 9:00 AM, you must wait until 11 AM to make another selection. If we don't arrive until the afternoon, I continue to book my reservations every two hours, setting the alarm on my phone to remind me. This way, you can end up with two or more Lightning Lane attractions in your plans at once!
Individual Lightning Lanes are purchased à la carte, meaning they are separate from your Genie+ purchase. However, they are an excellent way to ride the headliner attractions, such as
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Guests staying at Disney-owned hotels, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, or Shades of Green can make their Individual Lightning Lane selections at 7:00 AM (you do not need to be in the park). All other guests will have to wait until the parks open to begin making their individual selections.
I hope this helps, Tina! We'd love to assist you again in the future. You know where to find us!
Eean