Howdy, Lynn! Thanks for bringing your question to planDisney!
It was recently announced that a new service, called
Disney Genie, will be debuting this fall. Disney Genie is a complimentary digital feature in the
Disneyland app that will create customized park-touring itineraries based on your interests. It will even update throughout the day based on wait times to make sure you maximize your time in the parks.
Disney Genie+ will also be available this fall, but for an additional fee. This feature will function much like Disney FASTPASS and MaxPass services worked in the past (those services have been officially retired). With Disney Genie+, you will select the next available return time for an attraction and then skip most of the wait by using the Lightning Lane. This service is available on over 15 attractions and can be purchased for $20 per day, per ticket.
We don't yet know the exact date that Disney Genie and Disney Genie+ will be launched, but since I see you will be visiting in December, it is very likely that you will be able to take advantage of these services for your trip. If you have already purchased your theme park tickets, you can add Disney Genie+ on the Disneyland app each day that you visit. If you wait to
purchase your theme park tickets until after Disney Genie goes live, you will have the option of adding Disney Genie+ to the entire length of your tickets ahead of time. For attractions that don't offer the Lightning Lane, you will simply wait in the standby queue.
I hope this information is helpful. Have a great time at the Happiest Place on Earth!
-Linda