Hello, Arlene and welcome to planDisney!
Arlene, I’m glad you’ve stopped by with your question. Just as Jasmine had Aladdin, I’m hEAR to help you navigate this "
Whole New World" so let’s start by talking about MagicBands.
MagicBands are not required to gain access to any of the Disney Genie or Disney Genie + services, but an option for guests. My favorite feature of the
MagicBand is outside of the parks: unlocking my Disney Resorts Collection hotel room! At the end of the day (typically when my hands are full of packages or kids) it makes coming “home” easier. If the MagicBand isn’t for you,
check out the Disney MagicMobile option. This allows your smartphone to function like a MagicBand, storing your theme park tickets and more.
Now, Arlene, since you mentioned getting around the park, let’s talk about the new
Disney Genie and Disney Genie + service with access to the Lighting Lane queues. First, it’s important to note that you are welcome to tour the parks as you have done in the past without the use of either new option. Stand-by queues for attractions will still be available with wait times posted. It also might be helpful to view the Disney Genie service and the Disney Genie + service as two separate options. The first (Disney Genie) is a complimentary planning tool that will be available through your My Disney Experience Mobile App to help you plan out your park day, helping to maximize your time by suggesting attractions and providing more “real time” information. Disney Genie + is an upgraded (paid option) of this service that allows you to have access to the Lightning Lanes. This does mean that Lighting Lanes are not available without the additional cost. Arlene, take a moment and view the video about Disney Genie on the Disney Parks Blog
HERE.
I hope this helps as you’re imagining what your next visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth might be like. If you have any additional questions, please come on back to planDisney where we love to help guests discover the
"shining shimmering splendor"… of vacation.
Lauren