Welcome back to planDisney, Karen!
For the first time in forever, you’ll be coming home to the magic of Walt Disney World Resort - hooray! Remember how giddy Princess Anna was for the castle gates to finally open up? I’m guessing you’re feeling the same right about now. I am beyond excited for you, my friend!
Of course, a lot can change in 10 years, so I’m glad you stopped by. As with any Walt Disney World Resort vacation, the first thing you want to do is book your accommodations at a Disney Resort hotel. Then, you want to purchase your theme park tickets. Make sure your tickets and Resort reservation are linked to your
My Disney Experience account. If they aren’t showing up on your “My Plans” page, you can easily link them via the
Link Reservations and Purchases page. Once everything is linked, proceed with
making your Theme Park Reservations via the Disney Park Pass system as soon as possible (these are required to enter the theme parks at this time).
The
Park Hopper Option is still available as an add-on upgrade to your ticket. Unlike before, you cannot park hop until 2:00 p.m. each day, and you must have already entered the theme park your Theme Park Reservation is for that day before you can park hop to another park. At this time, you do not need a Theme Park Reservation at the subsequent theme parks you visit in a given day (subject to change).
Nearly every aspect of your vacation will involve the
My Disney Experience mobile app in one way or another, Karen, so start exploring and get to know it inside-and-out. You can check in for your Resort reservation,
place Mobile Food & Beverage orders, unlock your Resort room door, view your Disney PhotoPass photos, and more using your app. The interactive map feature in the app can be used to view parade times and routes, wait times, nearby Disney PhotoPass locations, Character Experiences, etc.
The My Disney Experience app is also the best method for utilizing
Disney Genie service and Disney Genie+ service during your trip. Disney Genie service is a complementary tool you can utilize that takes your must-dos and builds you a custom itinerary. Disney Genie+ service is the next step up from Disney Genie. It costs a nominal fee per Guest per day and can be purchased in your app. You’ll have access to all the planning tools that Disney Genie offers, but you’ll also be able to book Disney Genie+ service Lightning Lane selections.
Lightning Lanes essentially save your place in line, based on the next available return window, so you can enjoy other theme park offerings rather than wait in the queue. You can book one Genie+ service Lightning Lane at a time via the Tip Board in your mobile app, starting at 7:00 a.m. each day. You can continue booking Lightning Lane selections every two hours or after redeeming your initial selection, whichever comes first. Additionally, each park has one or two Individual Lightning Lane entrances you can purchase for an additional fee per attraction per day. You can purchase up to two Individual Lightning Lanes per day.
Karen, I know I just gave you A TON of information, so if you need further clarification on anything, please let me know. Happy planning!
Alyssa