Recently, Disney revealed its brand new planning feature that will be coming to the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps this fall — Disney Genie.
With personalized itineraries, forecasted wait times for attractions, new Lightning Lane entrances, and more, there’s a whole lot to unpack about the new app. And, that’s why we’re breaking it all down in our most Frequently Asked Questions about Disney Genie!
We’re Answering Your Most FAQ About Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Individual Attraction Selection!
When Will Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Individual Attraction Selection launch in Disney World and Disneyland?
Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Individual Attraction Selection will debut in Disney World only on October 19th, 2021.
Disney has not yet shared when the features will launch in Disneyland Resort.
What is the Difference Between Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Individual Attraction Selection?
Check out a FULL breakdown of the differences between Disney Genie, Disney Genie+ HERE and a FULL breakdown of the differences between Disney Genie+ and Individual Attraction Selection HERE!
Is Disney Genie+ $15 per person, per day to ride unlimited rides?
No, Disney has confirmed that guests will NOT be able to re-ride attractions with Genie+. This means that those using Disney Genie+ will only be able to “skip that line” at each attraction once per day.
However, you can still re-ride attractions, you’ll just need to hop into the standby line instead for the second (or third) go around.
Guests who choose to purchase Disney Genie+ will have access to new Lightning Lanes (basically the replacement of FastPass lanes) at over 40 attractions throughout all four theme parks in Disney World.
Those who purchase Disney Genie+ at Disneyland (which costs $20 per person, per day) will be able to access Lightning Lanes at over 15 attractions in both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
Keep in mind that the ability to select a Lightning Lane for Disney Genie+ attractions will be subject to availability and return windows will be one hour for each selection.
All guests who purchase Disney Genie+ can make their first Lightning Lane selection at 7AM in Disney World or when first entering the park at Disneyland. Once the first Lightning Lane is used, guests can then select another, and so on, similar to how MaxPass was at Disneyland.
Attractions that are in higher demand (or “fancy rides”, as we’re calling the individual attraction selections) will be available as an additional cost that will vary based on the date, time, and attraction regardless of whether you purchase Disney Genie+.
Learn More About the Pay-Per-Ride Available for Attractions NOT on Disney Genie+ HERE!
Is there any benefit to staying on-site at a Disney World Resort hotel?
Yes, guests staying at Disney World Resort hotels, the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin, or Shades of Green will be able to purchase up to two Individual Attraction Selections (aka Lightning Lanes at the “fancy rides” not included in Genie+) at 7AM on the day of their visit. All other park guests will need to wait until the park opens to make their selections.
Keep in mind that all guests who have purchased Disney Genie+ will be able to make their first Lightning Lane selection at 7AM, regardless of whether they are staying on-site. So, the real benefit for hotel guests is that they have earlier access to Lightning Lanes at the most popular, pay-per-ride Disney attractions not available through Genie+.
Read More About the Disney Genie+ Benefits When Staying at a Disney World Resort HERE!
When can I buy Disney Genie+ in relation to my trip?
Disney Genie+ can be purchased prior to your vacation (just note that you must purchase for the entire length of your stay if doing so) or on the day of your trip to Disney World. However, you will not be able to make your Lightning Lane reservations until the day of.
Do I have to use Disney Genie+ every day of my trip?
Guests who choose to purchase Disney Genie+ as part of their tickets or vacation package ahead of their visit will need to purchase it for the length of their stay (aka all days of the multi-day visit). However, when purchased on the day of the visit, guests can add Disney Genie+ for any single day.
What time can you make Disney Genie+ and Individual Attraction Selections?
At Disney World, all guests can make their first Lightning Lane selection with Disney Genie+ at 7AM on the day of their visit.
Those hoping to purchase Lightning Lane at up to two Individual Attraction Selections at Disney World will be able to make their selection when the park opens. And, only guests staying at Disney World Resort hotels, the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin, or Shades of Green will be able to purchase these pay-to-ride attractions earlier at 7AM.
At Disneyland, all guests can make their first Lightning Lane selection or Individual Attraction Selection when they first enter the park on the day of their visit.
Do you need to purchase Disney Genie+ to then purchase the additional pay to ride attractions?
No, all Individual Attraction Selections (aka the fancy rides that aren’t included with Disney Genie+) can be purchased without Disney Genie+.
So, guests can choose to purchase both Disney Genie+ and up to two Individual Attraction Selections per day, choose to only purchase Disney Genie+, or choose to only purchase a maximum of two Individual Attraction Selections per day.
What rides are included in Disney Genie+?
Magic Kingdom
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Haunted Mansion
- “it’s a small world”
- Jungle Cruise
- Mad Tea Party
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Splash Mountain
- The Barnstormer
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid
EPCOT
- Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
- Journey Into Imagination With Figment
- Living With The Land
- Mission: SPACE
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Spaceship Earth
- Test Track
- The Seas With Nemo and Friends
- Turtle Talk With Crush
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Beauty and the Beast — Live on Stage
- Disney Junior Live On Stage
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – Reopening December 19, 2021
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Muppet*Vision 3D
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Star Tours
- Tower of Terror
- Toy Story Mania
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Festival of the Lion King
- Dinosaur
- Feathered Friends in Flight
- It’s Tough To Be a Bug
- Kali River Rapids
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Na’vi River Journey
- The Animation Experience at Conservation Station
Disneyland Resort
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Haunted Mansion
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Note that all of these attractions will still have FREE standby lines available for guests who do not purchase Disney Genie+.
Learn More About the Attractions Included in Disney Genie+ HERE!
What rides are Individual Attraction Selections?
Magic Kingdom
EPCOT
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disneyland Park
- Rise of the Resistance
Disney California Adventure
Learn More About the Rides Available as Individual Attraction Selections HERE!
Again, keep in mind that all of these attractions will still have FREE standby lines or virtual queues available for guests who do not purchase Individual Attraction Selections.
Can I modify my tickets to add Genie+ before my trip?
If you would like to add Genie+ to a Package reservation that you already have and booked directly through Disney, you will need to reach out directly to Disney Reservations at (407) 560-2428 to inquire about modifying the reservation to make the changes to the tickets.
If you’ve booked tickets with a Disney Resort reservation, you can also have your tickets modified at check-in. And, don’t forget that all guests can purchase Genie+ each day as they go in the parks.
Can I still use standby lines?
Yes, all attractions will still have standby lines that are free for all guests.
Keep in mind that a free virtual queue will also be in place for Rise of the Resistance (at Disneyland only), WEB Slinger: A Spider-Man Adventure, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
Here’s What You Need to Know About the Virtual Queue for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in EPCOT
Can Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane return times “sell out?”
While Disney has confirmed that each ride has a limited number of Genie+ reservations each day, it is important to note that Genie+ reservations are often replenished throughout the day and therefore are not necessarily “sold out” for the day when they are listed in the My Disney Experience app as “Not Currently Offered.”.
The only case where Lightning Lane return times have not been replenished so far (and truly did “sell out”) is at Rise of the Resistance. This is an Individual Attraction Selection (costing $15 currently), and we’ve seen the return times become unavailable before 10AM multiple days in a row since its launch. So, it does seem that Individual Attraction Selections are more permanent when they become unavailable.
How many Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane reservations can I have at once?
Unlike FastPass+, Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane selections will need to be booked one ride at a time for a single-use pass. So, you won’t be able to book your next Lightning Lane until you’ve scanned into your first ride during the 1-hour return window.
However, there are a few exceptions to the one Lightning Lane at a time rule. For example, if the next Genie+ return time is more than 2-hours away, you’ll be able to select another Genie+ attraction for earlier (this is known as the 120-Minute Rule).
The Confusing 120 Minute Disney Genie+ Rule You NEED to Know
Additionally, if a ride is closed due to inclement weather or technical difficulties, you’ll be able to book a new one. And, just like with FastPass+, that Lightning Lane you had booked can be used at a later time if the attraction reopens or at a list of select attractions (which Disney has yet to designate).
Learn More About Disney Genie+ Return Times HERE!
Will Disney Genie+ park hop with me?
Yes, Disney Genie+ can be used at attractions across all four Disney World Parks if you are park hopping on the day that you purchase.
As 2PM approaches (which is when park hopping starts in Disney World currently), the Disney Genie feature in the My Disney Experience app will begin to include Genie+ reservation times that are available at other parks. Or you can toggle the time that you plan to get to the other park and Disney Genie+ won’t suggest any reservations until after that.
Is there any benefit to being a Disney World Annual Passholder or Magic Key Holder?
Annual Passholders at Disney World and Magic Key Holders at Disneyland will be able to add Disney Genie+ to their plans on the day of their visit.
Disney shared that they will look at other enhancements to make in the future.
Learn More About How Disney Genie+ Works for Annual Passholders HERE!
Is there a discount for Disney Vacation Club Members or Annual Passholders?
No, currently Disney has confirmed that there will not be any discounts available to Annual Passholders for Disney Genie+ or Individual Attraction Selections. And, Disney has not announced any discounts associated with either service for Disney Vacation Club Members.
What’s the deal with PhotoPass and Disney PhotoPass AR Lenses?
As part of the purchase of Disney Genie+, guests at both Disneyland and Disney World will have certain access to Disney PhotoPass downloads.
At Disneyland, guests who purchase Disney Genie+ will receive unlimited PhotoPass downloads for the day (much like the former MaxPass).
At Disney World, guests who purchase Disney Genie+ will get access to Disney PhotoPass AR Lenses.
These are built into the My Disney Experience app and include interactive filters from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp, Ratatouille, and there will even be one with the 25th Anniversary Birthday Castle!
Click HERE to Learn More About the PhotoPass AR Lenses in Disney World!
How Much Will the Individual Attraction Selections Cost?
Pricing for Individual Attraction Selections will vary by date, attraction, and park meaning that each ride will cost a different amount on different days. But Disney has announced that the maximum pricing for Individual Attraction Selections will be $15 per person, per ride.
The example that Disney shared that “Lightning Lane entrance to Remy’s
Ratatouille Adventure will be $9 per person on October 19th and $11 per person on October 23rd.” Additionally, “on both those dates, Lightning Lane entrance to Expedition Everest will be $7 per person – while Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will be $15 per person.”
But, it’s important to keep in mind that this cost can (and likely will) change throughout the year, lowering during less busy times (and even days) of the year and increasing during busier ones.
Can you change or cancel your Individual Ride Selections once you’ve paid?
No, Disney has confirmed that guests will NOT be able to change their 1-hour return window once they have completed their purchase and will NOT be able to cancel their reservations to receive a refund.
The only instance where modifications or cancellations will be allowed is in the case of a ride closure. So, if the ride that you selected is closed unexpectedly during your return window, you will be able to choose a different time. And, the only case where a refund will be issued is if the ride is closed all day.
Learn More About Disney’s Policy on Modifying Pay-Per-Ride Selections HERE!
Can I receive a refund for my Individual Attraction Selections if I don’t use them?
No, in addition to not being able to cancel or modify your Individual Attraction Selections, guests will NOT receive a refund for the rides if they miss their 1-hour return window.
The only case where a refund will be issued is if the ride is closed all day.
Does everyone in my group have to purchase Disney Genie+ for the day like the dining plan? Or can you pick and choose?
No, Disney has confirmed that you will be able to select which guests you’d like to purchase Disney Genie+ for in your party through the My Disney Experience app.
Just keep in mind that those in your party whom you do not purchase Disney Genie+ for will not be able to have access to Lightning Lanes and “skip the line.”
Can I get a boarding group AND pay to ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure on the same day?
Yes, guests who are able to secure a boarding group for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure can also purchase it as an Individual Attraction Selection.
You’ll just want to keep in mind that you will not be able to change or cancel your Individual Attraction Selection even if you are able to secure a stop in the virtual queue.
Will rider switch be part of Disney Genie+ or still at the rides? How will it work?
Yes, rider switch is available with Genie+, however, all of the guests in your party planning to ride must purchase access to the Lightning Lane at the attraction you’re riding.
If only one person in your party has purchased access to the Lightning Lane, Disney will have the first group ride the attraction through the standby line and then have the second group (of up to two people) go through the Lightning Lane. So, you’re really not getting much of an advantage if only one person in your Rider Switch party is purchasing the new service(s).
Learn More About Using Rider Switch with Genie+ HERE!
Can I use Disney Visa Rewards Dollars to pay for Disney Genie+?
If you use a Disney Visa, you can use your Disney Visa Rewards Dollars to pay for Genie+.
You can apply your rewards dollars online or over the phone. Be sure to contact guest services if you need help!
What We Still DON’T Know About Disney Genie
How will Disney Genie+ work if you don’t have a phone?
It is unclear whether Disney Genie+ will be available for guests without a smartphone as of right now. In the past, FastPass+ kiosks were available to help families make selections without their phones though Disney has not confirmed if this will be the case for Genie+.
Can I pay for the same Individual Attraction Selection twice in one day?
More updates will come on this soon!
We’re Breaking Down Disney Genie in the Easiest Possible Way — Click HERE!
So, there you have it — the answers to the BIGGEST questions we’ve had since Disney Genie was announced! And, if you’re still confused about Disney Genie or want to learn more, we’re breaking down EVERYTHING that we know in our video below!
Check Out How the New Disney Genie Features Help You Plan Your Day in the Parks!
What big questions do you still have about Disney Genie? Let us know in the comments!
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If I’m the only person in a party of 4 with the my Disney experience app on my phone, do the other three members of my party need magic bands to “tap in” for genie+ rides? Do I tap my phone 4 times? How does this work?
Do you know if two members of your party can be booking genie at the same time? For example, at 7am could one person be purchasing ROR while another member of your party is trying to get a genie+ LL for Slinky Dog for the same party without it getting hung up?
Hi Karen! Yes, one person in your party can book an Individual Access Selection while someone else books a regular Lightning Lane attraction.
Do both phones need to be logged into the same account or if there are 2 linked accounts, can each person be on their own account?
Hi Jon! You will need to link the two accounts, then each person can book on their own account. For instance, Molly and Quincy were linked as friends, but they each scheduled a ride that included both of them on their separate accounts. I hope that makes sense.
How does it work if only half your party is staying on Disney property and the other half isn’t? Can one person pay for the fancy rides at 7am for the whole group, even those not on property?
Hi Brenna,
Thanks so much for reaching out! Unfortunately, only those with a WDW Resort reservation will be able to purchase the fancy rides at 7am, so those staying off property would have to wait. The person booking would encounter an error if they tried to do it for everyone at 7AM.
What about guests under 3 that we don’t have a ticket for?
Example: mom and dad both buy Genie+ and use it to book a family friendly ride like the safari. I assume we can take our toddler too even though we did not buy Genie+ for her or include her in the booking?
Or are you supposed to buy Genie+ for those under 3 also? I didn’t see an option to do that at first glance.
Hi Alison,
Thanks so much for reaching out. Guests under 3 will not have to have Genie+. They will just accompany their party on the ride. 🙂
Staying onsite: can two people in same party both book on Genie? Example: one person is buying fancy ROTR at DHS for hopping later in the day, while the other person is booking LL for reserved park Epcot…at 7 am from resort.
Trying to strategize for the week before Christmas–thank you for any help you can offer
Is there a way two adult couples, vacationing at Disney World together, can buy Individual Lightning Lane passes to ride an attraction together without one of the couples always needing to pay for both couples – other than sitting beside each other and booking them at the same time? Thanks.
How does genie+ work for a kid (like 4 y.o.) who clearly doesn’t have a phone? Does only one person have access to reserve her a lightning lane? What if our party splits up? Can another adult manage her lightning lanes?
Also, if we have an adult who doesn’t have a smart phone, can I manage his lightning lanes just like I would for a child?
When you say you must purchase genie for entire length of stay in order to buy it before trip does that mean number of nights for total stay or number of days / park reservations you have ? Does it matter if it’s a Dvc reservation and tickets purchased separately? When purchasing once on site must it be done each day?
I can already see a loophole that people might possibly exploit to ride something twice. Example: I have a family member who doesn’t do most rides. I’m also the member in our family who is in charge of booking everything on the MDE app for everyone. I book myself for a Lightning Lane pass at Haunted Mansion at 9am, go on the ride, and won’t be able to book a LL pass for that ride again for the rest of that day. What’s to stop me from booking my family member for Haunted Mansion later in the day and going in her place, claiming that I am her? (Unless they’re checking IDs at the entrance of the rides, which I don’t really see them doing.)
You could do this with free Fastpasses as well. It’s not really gaming the system in that your family member paid for the slot on that ride, they’re just letting you use it.
I thought I read that the Genie+ wouldn’t sell out? So there’s a possibility I wouldn’t be able to use a lightning lane even though I get the Genie+?
Question about the pay per ride option in the future. Will you be able to choose times? For example, we are planning a trip before xmas(would love to run into Molly and team) and my son wants to ride Remy however would want to hop to Epcot at the end of the day and combine with dinner and fireworks. Thoughts?
I have a big concern, since you can only do one ride and can’t do another until you take the ride, if you pick a ride at 7:00AM from your WDW hotel and it gives you a 2:00 PM time you will be unable to use the Lighting Line until after 2:00 PM that day meaning you might be paying for one or two rides a day, unless I’m missing something?
Will the sale of genie+ be capped/limited? For example if you waited until the day of your ticket (and you aren’t a pass holder) could it potentially be sold out?
The easiest way to understand this entire system, is to just not go.
Cheaper too!
On day of, when making a Genie or Fancy ride pass, will it book that pass for my entire party? Or do I have to get passes for everyone individually?
If for the whole party can I pick and choose only a few people in case we split up?
And if its individually what happens if I cant get my party passes at the same time?
Is access to lightning lane immediately after you make selection? Or could you possibly get a return time of a few hours later rendering the genie + useless for several hours of your day waiting around for a return time, since you can only book one at a time?
i am looking for a answer to my question ?
can you purchase a lightning pass for rise of the resistance at the hollywood studios
twice in the same day ?
Hi Paul! As of now, Disney has not specified whether you can purchase a ride on Rise twice in one day. They also have not clarified if you can get both a free boarding group, and pay for Rise a second time later in the day.We will update as soon as more information is available!
Can you pick any available time for the day on “paid rides” or is the time assigned to you? Thanks.
Will you be able to hold a “fancy ride” lightning lane pass AND a regular lightning lane pass at the same time?
Hi Becky! Yes you’ll be able to use both Genie+ and the Individual Attraction Selection (aka fancy rides!).