Gabrielle,
Thanks for asking your question to planDisney!
As it happens, you cannot purchase
Disney's Genie+, or book attractions days or even weeks in advance. Everything now that works based on the Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes programs is selected on the day of use.
But when and where can you purchase these services? Let's take a look at both programs.
Disney Genie+: If you pay to add the Disney Genie+ option, you can use the Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane entrances for a reduced wait time. You can choose the next available boarding time at any of the more than 40 attractions currently listed across the four parks. You book that next magical experience and then get to enjoy some other activities in the park until your arrival time comes. After that ride, you can pick your next attraction, and so on for the rest of that day. All guests, whether they are Disney Resort Hotel guests or not, can purchase the Genie+ program through their
My Disney Experience App and then book their first attraction at 7 a.m. that same day. There is no way to pre-purchase Genie+, and you cannot purchase a
"duration of trip" version.
Individual Lightning Lane: These are typically 1 or 2 of the more popular attractions at each of the given parks where you can pay for an arrival window time. The prices vary, based on demand, and this can help you lock in that
"Must Do!" experience that was at the top of your bucket list. You can purchase these, even if you are not using Disney Genie+. These are also purchased via the My Disney Experience App. If you are staying at a Disney Resort Hotel you can make an Individual Lightning Lane purchase starting at 7 a.m. the day of your visit, while other guests can start ordering when the park opens.
But where do you buy and select Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane reservations?
Just open your My Disney Experience App on your smartphone that morning, and you will see a prominent link on the home page of the app to make the purchase. Once done, you can then make your first selection, as soon as the clock strikes 7:00 am (Orlando time)!
WARNINGWhile it happens infrequently, Genie+ can sell out for a given date. If having the service is something you find to be crucial, consider staying up the night before to secure it right at 12:01 a.m., as you move over to the day in question. Based on your dates of travel I would not expect this to be something you need to do, but it is up to you how essential the service might be.
BONUS TIP #1Disney now offers you the option to purchase either Genie+ for all four parks or just one park. The ability to buy for just one park can add up to some savings for guests who are not planning to park hop.
BONUS TIP #2All the times I reference here are local, Orlando times. The system does not adjust for someone coming in from a different time zone, like the UK.
Please feel free to
write me back directly if you have any follow-up questions.
Have a Magical Vacation!Doug