We are visiting Disneyland in a few weeks. I understand that Genie + can now only be purchased starting at midnight on the day you are visiting the park. Is that correct? Once you have Genie + does it work the same at Disneyland as it does at Disneyworld?”

Hi James! Thanks for stopping by planDisney!

It looks like your trip is just a week away! Before you know it, you'll be walking down Main Street U.S.A. with your favorite Mickey-shaped treat, ready to bank some core memories with your friends and family! I'd be happy to help answer your questions to get you one step closer to the magic. 

James, these are great questions, as there are a few differences between Disney Genie+ at the Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort. Though the concept is the same, there are a few nuances it helps to be aware of. First, you do not have to wait until the day of your park visit to add Genie+ at the Disneyland Resort. If you have not yet purchased your theme park tickets, you can add Genie+ in the "Add-Ons" section of the purchasing process before checking out. If you've already purchased tickets, you'll just add Genie+ once you scan into the park on the day of your visit. Honestly, the process is as easy as Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo, so don't fret too much about it ahead of time. Simply fire up your Disneyland Mobile App, click the menu button in the bottom right corner, then select "Tip Board." From here, you'll see a Disney Genie+ icon. Click "Purchase for Today" and follow the prompts to check out. The process takes just a few minutes and you can make your first attraction selection immediately following checkout.

If you've used Genie+ at Walt Disney World, you'll find that the service works almost identically at the Disneyland Resort with just a few exceptions. As mentioned above, the purchase of Disney Genie+ differs slightly, including the price (subject to change). Also, at Walt Disney World, Guests can make Lightning Lane selections beginning at 7 a.m. ET. At the Disneyland Resort, all Guests can make their first selections once they enter the turnstiles at their starting park that day.

James, in my personal experience, the Genie+ service was even more magical at the Disneyland Resort. The Lightning Lane time slots do not fill up so quickly and are more available for Guests to book and enjoy. Just like at Walt Disney World, you'll be offered the first available return time. At Disneyland, I find that this return time is much earlier than many of the higher-demand attractions at Walt Disney World. Overall, I think you'll be very happy with your purchase!

Hakuna Matata,

Ashley