Hi Marissa! Welcome to planDisney!
A day trip to
The Most Magical Place on Earth is certainly better than no trip at all, but if I were you I'd definitely be pushing to stay in the magic through the night! Not only will you be able to stay later (and catch some amazing fireworks like
Disney Enchantment or
Harmonious) since you won't have a long drive home, you will also reap the benefits of
Early Theme Park Entry on your check-in day!
With Early Theme Park Entry, you'll want to get up with the sun if you're driving from home. You'll be able to enter your first Park of the day 30 minutes early and catch some of your favorite rides and attractions before the public as a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel Guest.
When discussing the new
Disney Genie+ Service, you'll find that all Walt Disney World Resort Guests, regardless of where they're spending the night, are able to make their first Lightning Lane selections at 7 a.m. sharp on the day of their visit. You'll be able to purchase Genie+ anytime after midnight on the day of your visit and hopefully have a Lightning Lane attraction waiting in the wings while you "rope drop" (start your day at Park opening) another!
I think you may be referencing
Individual Lightning Lanes, which are available for purchase by Disney Resort Guests at 7 a.m. and to all other Guests at regular Park opening time. Individual Lightning Lanes are separate purchases from Disney Genie+ and are available for some of the most highly anticipated rides in each Park. Guests are able to make two Individual Lightning Lane purchases a day, whether or not they choose to use Genie+ Service. When you are staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel you would be able to book these purchases at 7 a.m. on the day of your arrival, even if you have not yet physically checked in to your Resort.
I hope this information helps and you have a magical day at the Parks!
Ashley M