Stephanie,
Thanks for asking your question to planDisney!
The short answer to your question is that with
Individual Lightning Lane purchases, you can select your time from whatever times are available. With
Genie+ Lightning Lane reservations, the system selects the next available time for you at the given attraction. But let's dig in a bit more deeply.
Disney Genie+: If you pay to add the Disney Genie+ option to your day, 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 more than 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. All guests, whether they are Disney Resort Hotel guests or not, can purchase the Genie+ program through their
My Disney Experience App and then book their first attraction at 7 a.m. that same day. With these selections, you cannot select a specific ride time.
Individual Lightning Lane: 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. The prices vary, based on demand, and this can help you lock in that
"Must Do!" experience that was at the top of your bucket list. You can purchase these, even if you are not using Disney Genie+. These are also purchased via the My Disney Experience App. If you are staying at a Disney Resort Hotel you can make an Individual Lightning Lane purchase starting at 7 a.m. the day of your visit, while other guests can start ordering when the park opens. With these selections, you do get to choose a ride time from the times available.
BONUS TIPAs your vacation nears, you may also hear about the
Virtual Queue program.
What is that? The Virtual Queue program is typically in place for only one or maybe two attractions at Walt Disney World at a time. It is for the newest, and most popular attractions, like
TRON Lightcycle / Run, presented by Enterprise. It is not an extra charge program, and at select times throughout the day, you try to get a reserved ride time for later that day. The first queue opportunity is at 7:00 a.m., and there will usually be a follow-up opportunity at 1:00 p.m. There is no preferential selection time for someone staying at a Disney Resort hotel, so 7 a.m. is the time for everyone. With this program, you do not get to select a specific time, but it can also hold the key to that new and exciting experience you are searching for!
Please feel free to
write me back directly if you have any follow-up questions.
Have a Magical Vacation!
Doug