Welcome to planDisney, Kim! Since I'm also a mature mousketeer, I'd love to discuss a strategy for your upcoming
Walt Disney World Resort visit. The Most Magical Place on Earth should be just that, so let's leave the stress behind and talk about having some fun!
I agree that the past few years have brought some changes to planning a visit, but please don't let that discourage you.
Genie+ Service is entirely optional, so my first tip is to try it at either Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park or EPCOT. I've found these parks to be a good training ground for using Genie+.
I typically set an alarm a little before 7:00 a.m. on the day I'd like to use Genie+ so I can purchase it and be ready to book my first
Lightning Lane attraction at 7:00 sharp. You do this on the Tip Board in the My Disney Experience Mobile App from the comfort of your Disney Resort Hotel, and I've been known to crawl back in bed afterward!
One of my favorite features of the Tip Board is that it tells you when you are eligible to book your next attraction. My advice is to set an alarm on your phone so that you can book the next one. Since you can book every two hours, you'll probably be on your phone less than you think.
A bonus tip is that once you scan in at an attraction using your current Lightning Lane, you can immediately book your next one, even if it's been less than two hours. I usually scan in and step to the side of the queue so I can choose my next attraction, put my phone away, and enjoy the ride!
If you like using Genie+ Service on your experimental day, try it at other theme parks. On a recent four-day visit, my family only purchased Genie+ for our day at
Disney's Hollywood Studios. We enjoyed a slower pace for our other park days. I recently read some advice to make a list of every activity you want to do and then cut it in half. It takes the pressure off and lets you relax and take in the sights you might ordinarily have missed.
Although Genie+ is optional, I do recommend you plan for two things. First, be sure to make
Theme Park Reservations, and I also advise getting a few dining reservations. You're within your 60-day booking window, so you can
schedule meals anytime. My husband and I always have a meal at
Tony's Town Square Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park and ask to eat on the porch to people-watch.
Kim, please remember that
planDisney is here to answer any specific questions, so please stop by anytime. I'm sprinkling pixie dust that your visit is practically perfect!
Magic awaits,
Elaine