Your Ultimate Guide to Genie Plus at Animal Kingdom: To Use or Not to Use?

Hello, Disney lovers! Today we're diving into the ins and outs of using Genie Plus at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Let’s get straight to the point and help you decide whether this add-on is worth your time and money.

What is Genie Plus and What Does It Cost?

Genie Plus is Disney’s latest tool to help you skip the regular standby lines. For a per person per day fee, you can reserve access to Lightning Lanes, allowing you to bypass the usual queues for select attractions. The cost varies depending on the day and time of year. For the most up to date pricing, make sure to check the Disney app. It is important to note, not all attractions are included in Genie Plus. Notably, Avatar Flight of Passage isn’t part of Genie Plus. For that, you'll need to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane pass, which costs extra.

Avatar Flight of Passage – The Star Attraction

Flight of Passage is one of the most popular rides in all of Walt Disney World, let alone Animal Kingdom. This immersive experience, which lets you ride a banshee through Pandora, is a must-do. However, the lines can get notoriously long, often exceeding two hours. Since it's not included in Genie Plus, you'll need to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane to bypass the wait. If you can only splurge on one, make it this one. It’s an unforgettable ride that you’ll want to experience at least once.

The Best Strategy for Conquering Animal Kingdom

Do you really need Genie Plus for Animal Kingdom? The short answer is: not necessarily. If you arrive at the park early, you can get a lot done before the crowds build up. Animal Kingdom opens earlier than other parks, so take advantage of that early start. Head straight to the major attractions like Flight of Passage (if you don’t have an Individual Lightning Lane), Expedition Everest, and Kilimanjaro Safaris. Early risers can often manage these big-ticket rides without much of a wait.

But, if the idea of waking up at the crack of dawn doesn't appeal to you, Genie Plus can help make your day more relaxed. With Genie Plus, you can reserve access to rides and enjoy the park at a more leisurely pace. No need to rush from one attraction to the next; you can take your time and still hit all your must-dos.

Why You Should Book Na'vi River Journey First

If you decide to use Genie Plus, the first ride you should book is Na'vi River Journey. This serene boat ride through Pandora's bioluminescent rainforest tends to book up quickly and the line can often exceed 60 minutes. It’s a visually stunning experience and a great way to start your day in the park.

My Take on Genie Plus at Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom isn’t as ride-focused as some of the other Disney parks. It's more about the immersive environments, animal encounters, and live shows. Because of this, you can often enjoy a full day without needing Genie Plus, especially if you have a solid plan and arrive early.

However, Genie Plus does offer the convenience of skipping the lines for certain attractions, which can make your visit more relaxed and enjoyable. If you’re visiting during a particularly busy time, or if you prefer a more laid-back experience, Genie Plus can be a worthwhile investment.

But if you have to choose between Genie Plus and an Individual Lightning Lane for Flight of Passage, I recommend going with the Individual Lightning Lane. Flight of Passage is the longest line in the park, and skipping it can save you a significant amount of time. Plus, the ride itself is worth every penny.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, whether or not you should use Genie Plus at Animal Kingdom depends on your touring style. If you’re an early bird with a strategic plan, you might not need it. But if you prefer to take things at a slower pace, Genie Plus can help you make the most of your day.

Whatever you decide, make sure to experience Flight of Passage. It's a highlight of Animal Kingdom that you won’t want to miss.

Have you used Genie Plus at Animal Kingdom? Share your experiences in the comments below. And if you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with fellow Disney fans!

Until next time, enjoy the magic of Disney!

There are changes coming to Disney's Genie+. Read about it here!