Disney Genie+ Launch Date & Details - Walt Disney World

Disney Genie Launches at Walt Disney World Resort on October 19

A new digital service, Disney Genie, will become available on October 19th at Walt Disney World Resort. First revealed in August, this system represents an evolution of the company’s previous reservation tools. It allows visitors to both create and modify their park itineraries.

Guests will be able to book time slots for highly sought-after attractions. Furthermore, optional paid access to expedited queues, known as “Lightning Lane” entrances, will be available. This can be purchased individually for specific rides or as part of the “Genie+” package.

Replacing Existing Services

The introduction of Disney Genie will result in the phasing out of older systems. FASTPASS, FastPass+, and Disney MaxPass will all be replaced by this unified service. Disney plans to implement Genie across both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

Personalized Itinerary Planning

At the heart of the Disney Genie experience lies a sophisticated trip-planning feature. This capability generates a customized itinerary based on a guest’s preferences. The system considers desired rides, attractions, dining experiences, and entertainment options.

Genie users can tailor their day to include specific interests. For example, they can prioritize character meet-and-greets or locate the best bars within the parks.

A Shift from Previous Reservation Systems

Previously, guests utilizing FastPass+ could make up to three advance reservations. Additional reservations could then be made throughout the day via the My Disney Experience app. However, securing reservations for popular attractions proved challenging.

The earlier system favored guests staying at Disney resorts, who had a 60-day booking window, while others were limited to 30 days. Tier 1 attractions were also often unavailable during initial booking.

Addressing Concerns and Introducing Costs

Disney Genie seeks to resolve these issues, though it introduces associated costs. This has sparked criticism from some Disney fans who believe the existing trip costs are already substantial. The announcement video has received significant negative feedback.

However, paid fast-lane access is common among competing theme parks and can be beneficial for those with limited time.

Available Options: Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane

Starting October 19th, guests will have two paid options: individual Lightning Lane access for up to two attractions or the broader Genie+ service.

The following rides will be available for individual Lightning Lane purchase:

• Magic Kingdom: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain
• Epcot: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After
• Disney Hollywood Studios: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest

Selecting two individual options may not guarantee access to all desired attractions.

Genie+ Access and Pricing

Disney Genie+ provides access to Lightning Lanes at over 40 attractions across the four parks, including many Tier 1 rides. The price is $15 per ticket per day at Walt Disney World Resort and $20 per ticket per day at Disneyland Resort.

À la carte pricing will fluctuate based on the date, attraction, and park. For example, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure may cost $9 per person on October 19th and $11 on October 23rd. Expedition Everest could be $7, while Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance might be $15 on the same dates.

Integration with My Disney Experience

The launch of Disney Genie at Walt Disney World Resort is accompanied by detailed information on its integration with the My Disney Experience app. This app provides access to tickets, park maps, showtimes, and mobile food ordering.

Impact on Third-Party Planning Services

Currently, many visitors rely on third-party apps and blogs for park planning advice. Genie aims to provide similar services directly within the My Disney Experience app, leveraging Disney’s data on wait times and park conditions.

This in-house solution could potentially affect the revenue of businesses specializing in park planning.

Dynamic and Adaptable Planning

Unlike static plans, Genie’s recommendations will adapt to changing circumstances. The system will adjust itineraries based on unexpected events, such as needing to return to a hotel for a nap or deciding to re-ride a favorite attraction. This free aspect of the service is available to all users, regardless of whether they purchase paid access.

Disneyland Resort Launch Date

Disney has not yet announced a launch date for Disney Genie at Disneyland Resort, but it is expected to arrive this fall.