We have been regular Disney guests since 1990. We were very good using the Fast Pass when it was available but are now disappointed it does not exist. Please explain how Genie + and Lightning Lane works. We are staying at Port Orleans March 13-19.”

Welcome to planDisney, Adelord. 

It's always a pleasure to help a Walt Disney World veteran. I bet you've been able to make so many magical memories over the past 20 years. You'll know as well as anyone that The Most Magical Place on Earth is always changing. As Walt said, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” The new Disney Genie service is one of those "new things." I realize it can be disappointing when something we love (like FastPass+) is replaced with something we're unfamiliar with. However, hopefully, I can help you understand how it all works.

Adelord, "I don't think you quite realize what you got here. So, why don't you just ruminate while I illuminate the possibilities." You can think of the entire Disney Genie service in terms of 3 magical wishes:

Wish #1 — Disney Genie
Every Guest is able to access this complimentary service using the My Disney Experience app. This feature helps you plan your itinerary for the day by considering what's important to you. It also updates and optimizes your plans based on wait times. If there are certain attractions, shows, and meals you want to experience, then you can tell Genie and he'll use his powers to create a flexible plan for you.

Wish #2 — Disney Genie+
If you purchase Disney Genie+, you can upgrade your ticket and receive "phenomenal cosmic powers." Similar to the old FastPass+ system, you can select Lightning Lane entrances at over 40 attractions throughout the Theme Parks. These entrances allow you to skip the regular standby lines and get on the attraction quicker. Starting at 7:00 a.m. on the day of your visit, you'll be able to make your first Lightning Lane selection. Once you enjoy that attraction, or two hours after making your selection (whatever comes sooner), you can then make another Lightning Lane selection. You can keep doing that throughout the day until there are no more Lightning Lane selections available.

Wish #3 —Individual Lightning Lane Entrances
There might be times during your Disney days when you'd like even extra "heavy ammunition in your camp." Individual Lightning Lane entrances are available for some of the more high-demand attractions in the Theme Parks. Currently, each Theme Park has two attractions that you can purchase Individual Lightning Lanes for. You can purchase Individual Lightning Lane entrances whether or not you've purchased Disney Genie+. However, even if you have Disney Genie+, Individual Lightning Lanes do cost extra. The cost of each Individual Lightning Lane varies by attraction. You can book up to two Individual Lightning Lane entrances per day per Guest. One final thing to note: Since availability is limited, you'll probably want to book your Individual Lightning Lanes earlier in the day so that you don't miss out.

I hope that explanation gives you some clarity moving forward, Adelord. You've never had a friend like Genie! If you would like some personal recommendations, some of my favorite attractions are Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, Avatar Flight of Passage, and Remy's Ratatouille Adventure. I like to arrive at the Theme Parks as early as possible so that I can jump straight on those rides.

Have a wonderful trip, Adelord. 

Mike