Crystal,
Thanks for asking your question to planDisney!
So let's unbox this step-by-step.
Disney Genie: The basic Disney Genie service is, in fact, free. It runs within the My Disney Experience App. It serves up a daily itinerary for you, including dining and attraction recommendations based on your preferences. The recommendations come with valuable information like wait times, and links to online food ordering.
Disney Genie+: If you pay to add the Disney Genie+ option, you can use the Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane entrances for a reduced wait time. You can choose the next available boarding time at any of the 40+ attractions currently listed across the four parks. You book that next magical experience, and then get to enjoy some other activities in the park until your arrival time comes due.
Individual Lightning Lanes: These are typically 1 or 2 of the more popular attractions at each of the given parks where you can pay for an arrival window time. They won't be in the Disney Genie+ list of attractions, which is why you might want to pay for something in addition to, or instead of, Genie+. The prices vary for these attractions, based on demand, and this can help you lock in that "Must Do!" experience that was at the top of your bucket list.
But what about timing? When can guests start making those ride reservations?
- With Genie+, all Disney guests can start booking rides at the same time, currently 7:00 am. Being in a Disney resort does not give you an earlier time to start making reservations.
- With Individual Lightning Lane attractions, the Disney Resort Hotel guests do get to start on making reservations, beginning at 7:00 am that day, while all other guests can start ordering when the park opens.
I would recommend that you visit the Genie+ page to look at what rides fall into the two buckets of Genie+ Lightning Lanes or Individual Lightning Lanes, so that you can decide what your strategy should be. I hope this helps clear things up.
Have a Magical Vacation!
Doug