Hi Samantha! Welcome to planDisney!
We'll just be missing each other this holiday season, as I'll be heading home from my
Walt Disney World Resort vacation just before you'll be jumping on a plane or in the car to head down! I'll be the one crying while you're singing "And I'm almost there!" like Princess Tiana!
I love to hEAR that you and your party are interested in using the relatively new
Disney Genie+ Service to maximize your time in the Parks during your trip! While the Genie saves your spot in line you'll have time to bounce around and make other memories by catching the
Festival of Fantasy Parade, grabbing an iconic churro or DOLE whip, or shopping through the
Emporium on Main Street U.S.A.
There are very few differences between the way Disney Genie+ Service works for Guests depending on whether they are staying in a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel or not. All Guests, regardless of their status as a Guest of a Disney Resort, can purchase Genie+ anytime after midnight on the day of their intended Park visit. All Guests are also able to make their first
Lightning Lane selection at 7 a.m. sharp that day. Guests of Disney Resorts Collection hotels, the Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve, and Shades of Green are also able to make their first
Individual Lightning Lane selections at 7 a.m. on their Park days. All other Guests are able to make their Individual Lightning Lane selections at the official Park opening time.
As of right now, Disney Genie+ is only available during regular Park hours and not special ticketed events such as
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, but I have to say that after attending an after-hours event last year I don't think you'll even need it! There is SO much to do at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, like
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show, that you probably won't even wait in much of a standby line at all!
Enjoy every magical moment of your stay!
Ashley M