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Ali Baba had his forty thieves, Scheherazade had a thousand tales, and the Disney Parks had Fastpass and Maxpass – but not anymore! I have made my living as a travel advisor specializing in Disney products. And the one thing I have learned about Disney is: anytime you get used to a program, become comfortable with a program, they will change it. So, it shouldn’t surprise you that we are saying adios to the best way to skip the lines to popular rides, Maxpass and Fastpass. But never fear, because a replacement is already near, meet Genie+!
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New Disney Genie+ Program
The biggest change is, the Fastpass (previously at Walt Disney World Resort) and Maxpass (previously at Disneyland Resort) are gone. They were replaced by a paid service called Genie+. Genie+ costs $15 per day at Walt Disney World and $20 per day at Disneyland because everything is more expensive in California. There is also a free version, called Genie, that DOES NOT offer any line management options.
Under Genie+ you’ll choose a return time for your individual attraction selections on the day of your visit. You purchase Genie+ day by day. You can purchase Genie+ starting at midnight the day of your visit. You do not have to buy it everyday. You can purchase the Disney Genie+ service in the My Disney Experience app.
You will be able to make selections starting at 7 AM every day. The most popular rides are often gone in minutes, so make sure you set an alarm!
A few very popular attractions require an extra fee for Lightning Lane access. You can purchase just these select rides, with or without the Genie+ service. Unsurprisingly, the most popular rides, like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom or Guardians of the Galaxy at Epcot, are the ones that have the additional fee. Prices for these individual rides will range around $7-15 per person per ride.
Lightning Lane selections can only be made on the same day of your visit, but they can be made in more than one amusement park at a time, which is perfect for the park hopper option. Additionally, if you really want the ultimate experience you can book a Disney VIP tour to ensure that you have the most magical time.
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Genie, No Plus, Program
Soon you’ll be able to pay to skip past all the other peons in line for Space Mountain. Photo Courtesy of Zino Scheers on Unsplash
What’s included in the free version? Not as much, but hey the price is right! The free version is called just Genie, no plus. The complimentary version of Genie acts as your virtual assistant and allows you to save favorite rides, attractions, and restaurants. Then, it’ll put together a personalized itinerary for you. Pretty nifty. The program will find the best time for things like dining reservations. As Genie would say “C’mon whisper what it is you want You ain’t never had a friend like me.”
If you’re thinking, hey that kind of sounds like Touring Plans with new features, you aren’t wrong. The free version of Genie is very similar to what Touring Plans offers.
I have found that the complimentary version of Genie does not make what I would consider to be great suggestions. My experience is that you end up wasting a lot of time if you follow it exactly. I don’t think there is any harm is seeing what it suggests, but don’t blindly follow it. My grandpa would say “use your brain for more than a hat rack.”
[ctt template=”5″ link=”MTC0t” via=”no” ]Ali Baba had his forty thieves, Scheherazade had a thousand tales, and the Disney Parks had FastPass and MaxPass – but not anymore! Meet Genie+! [/ctt]
ReImagined Disability Access System (DAS)
What hasn’t changed? Well it’s a safe bet that the parks will still be crowded in July! Photo courtesy of Darren Gundling on Unsplash.
Disney is also making improvements to its Disability Access System (commonly called the DAS pass). You can now enroll before your trip, and you will be able to make selections right from your phone. As a disabled Disney goer, I’m really excited to see this much-needed change! Waiting in a long line at Guest Services to explain my disability to a total stranger was not exactly a magical way to start my day. Please note that guests strictly with only mobility concerns are generally not eligible for DAS, as you can use a wheelchair and/or scooter.
The wait times for pre trip enrollment can be a bit long, but I’ve had good luck first thing in the morning. Make sure the person getting DAS is available, they will take, what I’m sure is a beautiful, picture of them via webcam.
And yes, you can have both Genie+ and a DAS pass if someone in your party is eligible. Do you need both? Probably not, unless you are visiting during an exceptionally busy time.
Sorry Star Wars fans, Rise of the Resistance is one of the attractions you have to pay extra for if you want to use Lightning Lane. Photo Courtesy of Becky Fantham on Unsplash
When Is Disney Genie+ Happening?
The Disney Genie+ program rolled out on October 19th, 2021.
A lot of great things are happening for the 50th! Thank goodness they didn’t turn the castle into a giant cake again! Photo Courtesy of Brian McGowan on Unsplash
Can I Buy Disney Genie+ Only For Some Days Of My Vacation?
Yes, since you have to buy it day by day, you can choose which days to spend the money.
I have found that Genie+ is most useful for our family in Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. However its less competitive to get return times at Epcot and Animal Kingdom, so they are good places to learn if you need practice.
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Wait a Minute, Do We Still Need Travel Advisers?
I have seen a lot of people talking online about how Disney Genie+, with its artificial intelligence-designed itineraries, can replace Travel Agents/Advisors so I want to address that.
There is no replacement for having someone in your corner when you have a question or problem. Disney Genie+ is great, but an app can’t sit down with you, ask you a bunch of questions and then help you pick a hotel. Or help you when your luggage gets lost. And it’s unlikely that the Genie AI will be able to help you with unique situations, like helping you find a restaurant that can accommodate your son’s serious allergies, or helping you find every restaurant on property that serves chicken nuggets, not tenders, nuggets specifically. Obviously, I’m biased since I’m an agent, but seriously, a good travel agent is worth her weight in gold. And even seasoned “Disney pros” can benefit from having someone to call when you have a problem.
What Are You Telling Your Clients?
Most of my clients are coughing up the dough for Genie+. My own family did in March.
Please note though, that you should always consult with your own personal travel agent, as they know you and your family best!
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