Guide to Genie+ at Disney World

Ever since Walt Disney World introduced Disney Genie+ in 2021, there’s been a lot of information to digest.

Even more so, details continue to change and new strategies to develop. We, ourselves, are still absorbing the ins and outs of the new FastPass+ system, too.

Because we know it can be overwhelming, we wanted to try to make it as easy for you as possible, especially if you’ve never used the service before to tour the parks.

Since the launch of the infamous Genie, we’ve written a lot of articles to help you navigate it all. So, we thought it would be a good idea to put these links in one easy-to-use place.

Below is a guide with details quickly explaining what each system is, the pros and the cons of each, along with links to our articles that we hope will help you with all of your planning needs.

In this article

Disney Genie+

Disney Genie+ is the new FastPass+ system at Walt Disney World. Unlike the old FastPass+ system that was free, Genie+ uses a date-based pricing system, with busier times of the year being more expensive.

Currently, Genie+ starts at $15 per ticket, per day (plus tax). Currently, there isn’t a way to know ahead of time how much Genie+ will cost on the day of your visit. Instead, you will see the price when you go to purchase it inside the My Disney Experience app.

During busier times of year, the price will most likely be higher. For example, during Thanksgiving 2022, Genie+ reached $29 per day (plus tax).

Genie+ is built directly into the My Disney Experience app. When your return time is called, you’ll enter the attraction via the “Lightning Lane,” the new name for FastPass lines.

Pros: Allows you to bypass the Standby Line with shorter waits, can make selections directly from your mobile device (no more physically going to kiosks), don’t have to purchase it for the entirety of your trip
Cons: An additional cost, pricey for families, certain selections are extremely competitive (they can go super fast), for the best use of the system you must wake up extremely early to make your first booking, can only book the day of (no more booking in advance like FastPass+)

Learn more about Genie+

Individual Lightning Lane Selections

individual lightning lane return time - disney genie+ - my disney experience app

This pay-per-ride option allows you to purchase a time to ride select popular attractions at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood, and Animal Kingdom. Once your return time is called, you can board the attraction using the Lightning Lane.

The Individual Lightning Lane attractions selections are not included with Genie+. They are sold separately and are pay-per-use. If you opt to pay for it, you’ll schedule a time to arrive at up to 2 “highly demanded” attractions each day using the Lightning Lanes.

Pros: Allows you to bypass the Standby Line with shorter waits, can make selections directly from your mobile device, on-site guests can make pay-per-ride bookings at 7 a.m. alongside Genie+ selections
Cons: An additional cost, pricey for families, certain selections are extremely competitive (they can go super fast), for the best use of the system you must wake up extremely early to make your first booking, on-site guests can book earlier with off-site guests having to wait until park opening

Learn more about the pay-per-ride option

Touring Plan Strategies

If you want the best chance of navigating not only the parks in general, but also when booking Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes selections, you’ll need a strategy before entering the parks. We’ve compiled a couple helpful guides that will help you devise touring plan strategies with and without Genie+ and another noting which Lightning Lane attractions you should book first.

Learn more about the best strategies to tour the parks with Genie+

Disney Genie

Disney Genie is the new digital planning tool built in the My Disney Experience app that gives you a personalized itinerary and recommendations to help you map out an entire park day, including attractions, dining, entertainment, and more. Unlike the systems above, regular Disney Genie is simply a free planning tool with no special line access.

Pros: Free, personalized itinerary for non-planners, brings existing planning features together in one place (dining, experience reservations, Mobile Order, and more)
Cons: Can steer you in the wrong direction when it comes to pointing out what attractions or experiences you should be doing in that moment, not needed (nor do we reccommend wasting time using it)

Learn more about Disney Genie

How to use Disney Genie at Disney World

Genie+ at Disneyland

genie plus comparison disney world and disneyland

If you want to know how Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes work at Disneyland, go no further. There are many similarities, but also some big differences, including pricing, when you can book, and how many attractions are available.