Hi Dave,
Welcome to planDisney and thank you for your question! How amazing, you’ll be leaving one magical vacation and then stepping into another!
Once you purchase
Disney Genie+ Service, at 7:00 a.m. on the day you have the Service, you’ll be able to select your first
Lightning Lane attraction. In your case, you can do this from anywhere! You don’t have to be at the Walt Disney World Resort to book Disney Genie+. It really all depends on your timing as you prepare to depart the ship. When you make it to your first Theme Park, you’ll use your first Lightning Lane and then you’ll be able to select your next Lightning Lane and continue the cycle throughout the day (subject to availability).
As for
Individual Lightning Lane, it’ll be a little different. Currently,
Disney Resorts Collection and other select hotel guests can begin purchasing Individual Lightning Lanes at 7:00 a.m. on the day of their visit to the Theme Parks. Guests not staying in those hotel types will be able to purchase Individual Lightning Lanes at Theme Park opening. You’ll want to check out the
Walt Disney World Resort calendar or check for your Theme Park’s opening time in the
My Disney Experience mobile app.
My advice for you and your guests would be to set alarms on your phone so you’re ready about 5 minutes before 7:00 a.m. to purchase Disney Genie+ and 5 minutes before Theme Park opening for Individual Lightning Lane. This way you’re ready to book as soon as the windows become available! You’ll definitely want to have your Lightning Lane windows a bit later in the day so you don’t risk missing an attraction as you’re traveling to the Resort. Once you’re in the Theme Parks if you have any questions about the process, make sure to speak with a
Guest Experience Cast Member. They are extremely knowledgeable and can answer any Disney Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane questions. Just look for the blue umbrellas!
I hope this “Bit By Bryanna” is helpful as you prepare for your epic vacations.
If you have any other planning or vacation questions, please feel free to reach out, I’m always happy to help!
The Magic Is Calling,
Bryanna