Exciting Changes to Genie+ at Walt Disney World: Everything You Need to Know!

Walt Disney World has announced significant updates to its Genie+ service, set to take effect on July 24, 2024. These changes aim to simplify the planning process and enhance the overall guest experience. Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know about the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass.

Introduction of New Names and Features

Disney has decided to rebrand and revamp the Genie+ service. From July 24, 2024, Genie+ will be known as Lightning Lane Multi Pass, while individual Lightning Lane selections will be called Lightning Lane Single Pass. These changes are designed to streamline the planning process and bring back some features from the beloved FastPass+ service.

Lightning Lane Multi Pass: A Comprehensive Planning Tool

Plan Your Visit in Advance

One of the most significant changes is the ability to make Lightning Lane selections ahead of your visit. Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels or select partner hotels can make their selections up to 7 days in advance for their entire stay, up to 14 days. Non-resort guests can make their selections up to 3 days in advance. This advance planning window provides ample time to organize your trip without the pressure of last-minute decisions.

Multi-Day Planning

With the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can plan for multiple vacation days in a single session. This feature allows you to make up to three Lightning Lane selections per theme park day, choosing available times for each selection. This flexibility ensures you can secure access to your favorite attractions without the daily scramble.

Tiered Attraction System

At Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT, attractions will be divided into two tiers. Guests can select one attraction from the first tier and two attractions from the second tier. Disney’s Animal Kingdom will not have this tiered system, giving guests more freedom in their selections. On the day of your visit, once you have used your initial selections, you can make additional selections through the My Disney Experience app based on availability.

Lightning Lane Single Pass: Securing Top Attractions

Advance Booking for High-Demand Rides

The Lightning Lane Single Pass allows guests to book a time for one of the most popular attractions in advance. This feature ensures that you can experience top rides without enduring long waits. High-demand attractions available through the Single Pass include TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney's Hollywood Studios, AVATAR Flight of Passage at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT.

How to Plan Ahead Using Lightning Lane Pass

For Resort Guests

Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and other select hotels can plan their Lightning Lane passes up to 7 days in advance for their entire stay, up to 14 days. This extended planning window allows guests to organize their trip comprehensively, coordinating ride selections with dining reservations and other plans.

For Non-Resort Guests

Non-resort guests have a 3-day advance booking window. This still provides a significant advantage, allowing guests to secure must-do rides and experiences ahead of their visit.

Enhanced App Experience

To complement these changes, the My Disney Experience app will undergo updates to make it more user-friendly. The new app interface will streamline the purchasing and planning process, reducing the number of steps required to make selections. Additionally, guests will have the option to purchase both the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass in one transaction, simplifying the overall process.

Why These Changes Matter

Disney’s updates to the Genie+ service aim to integrate the best elements of the current system with the convenience and predictability of the FastPass+ service. By allowing advance planning and simplifying the selection process, Disney hopes to reduce the stress and hassle often associated with trip planning. These changes are designed to enhance the guest experience, making it easier to enjoy the attractions and experiences that make Walt Disney World special.

Conclusion: A New Era of Planning at Disney World

The new Lightning Lane passes mark a significant improvement in how guests can plan their visits to Walt Disney World. Starting July 24, 2024, these changes will provide more flexibility and ease in organizing your trip. Whether you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel or planning a day visit, these updates are set to make your experience more enjoyable and less stressful.

As you prepare for your next Disney adventure, take advantage of the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass to ensure a smoother, more streamlined experience. Happy planning, and we hope to see you at the parks!

Have questions or thoughts on the new Lightning Lane passes? Share them in the comments below, and let’s discuss all the new changes coming to Disney!