Hiya Jesse,
Welcome to planDisney! Managing your time at Walt Disney World Resort is essential, especially when it comes to avoiding long lines. While the Fast Pass system of the past has been retired, the
Disney Genie+ service can be used to make your wait times in line more manageable.
Disney Genie+ is an add-on service similar to the original fast pass system. It allows you access to Lightning Lane entrances for attractions and experiences so you can bypass standby lines. The two main differences between the two services are that you pay per Guest and each day for the service, whereas the original service was complimentary, and you cannot pre-schedule all of your Lightning Lane selections in advance of your trip. To get started with Disney Genie+, you first need to purchase Disney Genie+ through the
My Disney Experience mobile app. You can do this starting at midnight the day of your visit (but you can buy at any point throughout your Theme Park day as supplies last). I recommend purchasing Disney Genie+ at least 15 minutes before 7 AM EST. After purchasing Disney Genie+, beginning as early as 7:00 AM on the day you visit the Theme Parks, you can make your first Lightning Lane selection. Unlike with Fast Passes, you can only make one selection at a time, so I recommend selecting the attraction you most want to ride first. Then check your My Disney Experience mobile app under “My Disney Genie Day” to see when you can make your next Lightning Lane reservation.
If you are used to the original fast pass system and need to become more familiar with Disney Genie+, Sarah, I recommend checking out these
videos (and the podcast below). They can help you get ready to tackle the new system like a pro. If, after exploring these resources, you still have some questions, please come back and see us. All of us panelists have had a lot of experience using Disney Genie+ and would be happy to help you confidently use it in a few weeks.
Happy Planning,
Ashley F.