Welcome to planDisney, Brenda, and as Genie from Aladdin would say, "Let's make some magic!" I'm thrilled to hear you'll be visiting
Walt Disney World Resort in a few months. You and your niece will experience a whole new world together in the theme parks. And Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes are two new tools that are shining, shimmering, and splendid ways to help you maximize your time. So let's see how it all works!
Genie+ is a service you will need to purchase each day that you'd like to use it in the theme parks. I've used Genie+ at all
four theme parks but found it especially useful at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney's Hollywood Studios. You can make your first attraction selection at 7:00 AM, so be sure to purchase Genie+ before that time. You and your niece can make those purchases separately on your apps using your own payment methods. The good news is that as long as the two of you are linked in your apps, one of you can make the Genie+ selections throughout the day.
My best tip for using Genie+ is to make your next choice as soon as you're eligible. That could be as soon as you've completed the scan-in process for your current selection or as soon as two hours have passed, whichever comes first. I've even set the alarm on my phone, so I will remember to make my next selection. It's easy to get caught up in the Disney magic and forget!
As for purchasing
Individual Lightning Lanes during your visit, I have a couple of options for you. The first is for each of you to purchase on your devices and choose a similar time slot. This may be risky in case the exact times aren't available. But since it's only the two of you, this might be a good option. The other scenario is for one of you to purchase both Individual Lightning Lanes and reimburse the other later.
The only tricky part I foresee is that all of this will happen around the same time each morning. The key is prioritizing your must-do activities and making your morning strategy accordingly. The Individual Lightning Lanes often fill up quickly, so if those attractions are high on your list, you and your niece should tackle those first.
Although they require some planning upfront, I've thoroughly enjoyed using Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes on my recent trips. I know you will have a fabulous time on your upcoming visit, Brenda!
Stop by planDisney anytime because you ain't never had a friend like me!
Magic awaits,
Elaine