What We Know About the Upcoming Genie+ Changes

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Hey Disney Vacationer. Summer is bringing more than just sunshine and smiles at Walt Disney World; it’s ushering in some major changes to the Genie+ Service that promise to enhance your theme park experience. So, grab your Mickey ears and let’s dive into what these Genie+ changes mean for your next magical vacation!

The Big Reveal: New Names, New Possibilities

Starting July 24, Disney is simplifying their Genie+ and individual Lightning Lane services with new names that spell clarity and convenience. The Disney Genie+ service will be rebranded as Lightning Lane Multi Pass, while the individual Lightning Lane will transform into Lightning Lane Single Pass. This renaming is part of a broader effort to make pre-park planning smoother and more intuitive. As one park official mentioned, “At Walt Disney World, guests have told us they would prefer to have the option to do more of their planning before their theme park day.”

Revolutionary Booking Options

Disney is not just changing names; they’re overhauling the booking system. Here’s the lowdown on what you can expect with the new Lightning Lane passes:

• Lightning Lane Multi Pass: Purchase this pass and you can make up to three Lightning Lane selections at a theme park in advance of your visit. You’ll also pick your times as you make these selections. After you use a selection on your visit day, you can make additional selections one at a time via the My Disney Experience app.
• Lightning Lane Single Pass: Similar to its predecessor, this pass allows guests to book a time for one high-demand attraction in advance. It’s perfect for those who have their heart set on specific blockbuster rides.

Planning Ahead: A Seamless Experience

Disney is all about creating magical experiences with minimal fuss. Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and other select locations can now plan their Lightning Lane passes up to seven days in advance for their entire stay (up to 14 days). Meanwhile, other guests can make plans up to three days ahead. This advanced planning is crucial as it allows guests to lock in their must-do rides and attractions well after sorting out their dining and other vacation plans.

Disney will streamline the app experience too. Soon, you’ll be able to purchase and plan with fewer steps and even bundle your Lightning Lane Single Pass and Lightning Lane Multi Pass in one seamless transaction.

Blending the Old with the New

The new Lightning Lane passes merge the best features of Disney’s current offerings with elements from the previously beloved FastPass+ service. This blend aims to provide flexibility and remove the hassle of on-the-fly planning, ensuring that your vacation is as relaxing as it is enjoyable.

Introducing Attraction Groups: A New Way to Plan Your Rides

Also new with the Lightning Lane Multi Pass is the introduction of attraction tiers, which Disney refers to as “attraction groups.” These groups come into play during the pre-selection process and are pivotal in planning your theme park strategy. Here’s a breakdown of how these tiers work across different parks:

Magic Kingdom Attraction Tiers

• Tier 1 Attractions (Choose up to one):
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
  • Jungle Cruise
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Space Mountain
  • Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
• Tier 2 Attractions (Choose up to two additional experiences, or all three from this tier):
  • The Barnstormer
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • Haunted Mansion
  • “it’s a small world”
  • Mad Tea Party
  • The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  • Mickey’s PhilharMagic
  • Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Tomorrowland Speedway
  • Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid

Single Pass Attractions (Not Available with the Multi Pass)
A Lightning Lane Single Pass can be purchased for:

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• TRON Lightcycle / Run

EPCOT Attraction Tiers

• Tier 1 Attractions (Choose up to one):
  • Frozen Ever After
  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
  • Soarin’ Around the World
• Tier 2 Attractions (Choose up to two additional experiences, or all three from this tier):
  • Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
  • Journey into Imagination with Figment
  • Living with the Land
  • Mission: SPACE
  • The Seas with Nemo & Friends
  • Spaceship Earth
  • Turtle Talk with Crush

Single Pass Attractions (Not Available with the Multi Pass)
A Lightning Lane Single Pass can be purchased for the following attraction:

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Attraction Tiers

• Tier 1 Attractions (Choose up to one):
  • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
  • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
  • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith\
  • Slinky Dog Dash
• Tier 2 Attractions (Choose up to two additional experiences, or all three from this tier):
  • Alien Swirling Saucers
  • Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
  • Disney Junior Play & Dance!
  • For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
  • Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
  • Muppet*Vision 3D
  • Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™
  • Toy Story Mania!

Single Pass Attractions (Not Available with the Multi Pass)
A Lightning Lane Single Pass can be purchased for the following attraction:

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Attraction Tiers

• Multi Pass Experiences (Choose up to three):
  • DINOSAUR
  • Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
  • Feathered Friends in Flight!
  • Festival of the Lion King
  • Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
  • It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
  • Kali River Rapids
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris
  • Naʻvi River Journey

Single Pass Attractions (Not Available with the Multi Pass)
A Lightning Lane Single Pass can be purchased for the following attraction:

• Avatar Flight of Passage

In each park, once you’ve redeemed a selection on the day of your visit, you may choose another Multi Pass experience from either group, subject to availability. For those with Park Hopper options, you can even switch parks and continue using your Multi Pass.

What About Disneyland Resort?

Fear not, Disneyland park goers! The Disneyland Resort will also adopt the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass starting July 24. However, the purchase, selection, and redemption processes at Disneyland will remain as they are now, tailored to the unique visiting patterns of the park.

Complimentary Features and App Upgrades

Alongside these changes, the complimentary features of the Disney Genie service will continue to be accessible via the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps, which have seen significant enhancements over the past year. These include easier navigation for making dining reservations, mobile food ordering, and more.

In conclusion, Disney’s upcoming changes to the Genie+ service are designed to enhance your planning and park experience. Whether you’re a planner at heart or prefer a bit of spontaneity, these updates are sure to make your Disney adventure even more magical. Get ready to experience the parks like never before, starting this July 24th!

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