Hi Wendy, welcome to planDisney!
Your elite eight are going to have a great time exploring Walt Disney World Resort together. Attractions everyone can experience in one ride vehicle include Pirates of the Caribbean in Magic Kingdom Park, Frozen Ever After in EPCOT, Kilimanjaro Safaris in Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway in Disney's Hollywood Studios.
You've done your research, Wendy, and show a clear understanding of the difference between
Genie+ Lightning Lane reservations and
Individual Lightning Lane reservations. I understand each family is going to purchase Disney Genie+ service on their own. You can purchase anytime after midnight each park day via the Tip Board of the
My Disney Experience mobile app (three small lines at the bottom right of the home page --> Tip Board). I recommend purchasing by 6:45 a.m. EST so you can book your first Genie+ Lightning Lane attraction at 7:00 a.m.
Guests staying at a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel can purchase reservations for up to two Individual Lightning Lane attractions at 7:00 a.m.; all other Guests can purchase at
park opening. You can purchase an Individual Lightning Lane for anyone on your
Family & Friends List with valid admission and a theme park reservation linked to their My Disney Experience account. When making an Individual Lighting Lane purchase in the My Disney Experience app, you'll start by selecting your preferred time. Changes to your party can be made by selecting the "Edit" button. After reviewing your reservation details, the final step of the reservation process asks for Contact Info and Payment Information. Individual Lightning Lanes purchased together count as one transaction, which means the account owner is responsible for entering one payment method. To expedite the process, I recommend saving a payment method to your account (three small lines --> scroll down to My Profile --> Payment Method).
While purchasing Individual Lightning Lanes together adds an accounting step, Wendy, it also ensures your entire party gets to experience each desired attraction at the same time. Together is a magical place to be.
Plan magic; planDisney.
Jennifer