Hi there, Sydney. Welcome to planDisney and thank you for your question. I love the convenience of Disney Genie+ Service (especially when visiting with a group) and would love to help with your question.
Disney Genie+ Service is a fantastic option for reducing wait times and packing in as many attractions as you possibly can during your visit to the Disneyland Resort. Once you are scanned into the park, you can start making
Lightning Lane selections. Unfortunately, this means that one member of your party won't be able to make any selections (or have selections made on their behalf) until they've scanned into the park. To get a head start on this, you can link your entire group's tickets together and once this person scans in, you (or they) can immediately make the next Lightning Lane selection where they can join the entire group.
Something else to keep in mind, if you've already purchased your tickets, Genie+ can only be added after you've been scanned into the park. Disney Genie+ Service pricing varies and availability is limited. With your friend arriving later in the evening, there is the possibility that Genie+ may not be available upon arrival. If you haven't purchased your tickets yet, it may be worth considering purchasing Disney Genie+ Service as an add-on to your park tickets. You're also limited to one Lightning Lane selection per attraction per day. So if there are absolutely must-do rides as an entire group, you will definitely want to consider waiting until the last member of your group is scanned in. However, keep an eye on arrival window times on the "Tip Board" in the
Disneyland app.
Your visit will be here before you know it. I love enjoying rides during my visits and I also love eating my way through the parks. It just so happens that the
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival will also be happening during your visit. This is one of my favorite festivals and I'm looking forward to trying all the eats at the
Festival Marketplaces. If you have a chance, I highly recommend swinging by and checking out the festival. You can also take a peek at the
Disney Eats Foodie Guide to see if any of the festival eats catch your eye or make your mouth water. I've definitely made a long list of must-haves.
Sydney, I know this probably isn't the answer you were hoping for, however, I hope I was able to give you some helpful tips and information. If you have additional questions, please come back and see us at planDisney. Time to start your countdown to magic! Here's wishing you and your group a most magical visit to the Happiest Place on Earth!
See ya real soon!
Michelle