How to Use Disney Genie+ at Walt Disney World

Goodbye old FastPass+ system at Walt Disney World, hello new paid Disney Genie+.

Starting at $15 per ticket per day (plus tax), you’re able to purchase Genie+ and skip the Standby Line for select attractions.

This new system is similar to the now-retired MaxPass at Disneyland and is built directly into the My Disney Experience app.

After you pay for Genie+, you’ll be able to choose the next available arrival time for a variety of attractions and other experiences at all Walt Disney World theme parks.

When your return time is called, you’ll enter the attraction via the “Lightning Lane,” the new name for FastPass lines.

Genie+ at Walt Disney World also includes Disney parks-themed audio experiences and Disney PhotoPass Augmented Reality Lenses.

There’s a lot to learn about Genie+ and how to use it, so go no further. We’re here to help you with exactly that!

What is Disney’s Lightning Lane?

Disney’s Lightning Lane is the new name for FastPass+ lines.

Who can use the Lightning Lane?

There are several ways to access the Lightning Lane:

Individual Lightning Lane Selections

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.

Genie+

For the starting price of $15 per ticket per day (plus tax), Genie+ allows you to bypass the Standby Line using the Lightning Lane at select attractions across each Walt Disney World theme park. More on how to purchase it below.

Disability Access Service

Disability Access Service (DAS) guests will use the Lightning Lane to board to attractions when their return time is called.

VIP Tour Guides

You will use the Lightning Lane to access attractions at each park when you purchase a Disney World VIP Tour.

What is 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.

What Is The Tip Board?

It is inside The Tip Board where you can purchase Lightning Lane pay-per-ride selections as well as make Genie+ selections (if you have purchased that).

The Tip Board in Disney Genie also displays estimated wait times for your top attractions, entertainment, and dining.

What Is The My Day Tab?

The My Day tab is where you can see your personalized daily itinerary, along with Disney Genie recommendations.

Which attractions are included with Genie+ access?

Here are Disney World’s Genie+ Lightning Lane attractions (including select characters and shows) available:

Magic Kingdom

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Enchanted Tales with Belle
• Festival of Fantasy Parade
• Haunted Mansion
• “it’s a small world”
• Jungle Cruise
• Mad Tea Party
• Meet Ariel at Her Grotto
• Meet Cinderella and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
• Meet Mickey and Minnie at Town Square Theater
• Meet Princess Tiana and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Space Mountain^*
• The Barnstormer
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid

^*During busy times of the year, Space Mountain moves from being an Individual Lighting Lane Selection to Genie+.

Epcot

• Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
• Frozen Ever After^*
• Journey into Imagination with Figment
• Living with the Land
• Mission: SPACE – Green
• Mission: SPACE – Orange
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure^*
• Soarin’
• Spaceship Earth
• Test Track
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends
• Turtle Talk with Crush

^*During busy times of the year, Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure move from being an Individual Lighting Lane Selection to Genie+.

Hollywood Studios

• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
• Disney Jr. Dance Party
• For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
• Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway^*
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Muppet*Vision 3D
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Star Tours
• Star Wars Launch Bay
• Star Wars Launch Bay: Encounter Darth Vader
• Star Wars Launch Bay: Meet Chewbacca
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Toy Story Mania!
• See Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight

^*During busy times of the year, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway moves from being an Individual Lighting Lane Selection to Genie+.

Animal Kingdom

• Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King
• DINOSAUR
• Expedition Everest^*
• Feathered Friends in Flight!
• Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
• It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
• Kali River Rapids
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost
• Naʻvi River Journey
• The Animation Experience

^*During busy times of the year, Expedition Everest moves from being an Individual Lighting Lane Selection to Genie+.

What’s the benefit of using Genie+ to book shows and parades?

While there is no special or reserved seating for shows, if you arrive near the beginning of your window you’ll be allowed to enter before other guests not using Genie+.

This means, especially on a busier day, that you’d most likely be guaranteed a seat and one possibly with a better view.

As for parades, you will get reserved seating.

How much does Disney Genie+ cost?

Genie+ costs start at $15 per ticket per day (plus tax) and increases based on demand. Disney has not confirmed a maximum price for the service, but costs for Genie+ in October 2022 varied from $15-$22 per ticket per day (plus tax).

You can expect prices to go even higher during the busiest times of the year. For example, Genie+ reached $29 per day (plus tax) over Thanksgiving 2022.

How does Genie+ and individual Lightning Lane selections compare in pricing?

You may end up paying the same amount for the chance to ride multiple Genie+ selections (typically nearly every attraction in each park) as you would to ride an individual Lightning Lane selection.

For example, on October 22, 2021, the price to ride Rise of the Resistance via the pay-per-ride Lightning Lane option was $15.

For the same $15, you could choose to purchase Genie+ instead on a lower demand day, which would give you access to around 14 attractions at Hollywood Studios. But, keep in mind that Genie+ does not include Lightning Lane access to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway or Rise of the Resistance. If you wanted to ride those attractions via Lightning Lane, you’d have to pay extra or wait in the Standby lines.

Of course, if you wanted to purchase both Genie+ and a pay-to-ride Lightning Lane pass for Rise of the Resistance, that would cost you $30.

How many Genie+ selections can I make at a time?

You can make one attraction selection at a time.

When can I make another Genie+ selection?

Everyone (both onsite and offsite guests) with Genie+ can make their first selection starting at 7 a.m. EST, with the ability to make another reservation immediately after scanning into an attraction.

You have to redeem a Genie+ selection before you can book another one — or you’ll have to wait 120 minutes from time of booking, whichever comes first.

When booking a Genie+ selection at 7 a.m. — before park opening — the 120-minute rule applies here as well. If you book a selection at 7 a.m. and the park doesn’t open until 9 a.m., you’ll have to wait until 11 a.m. to make another selection.

Most of the time, you can book another Genie+ selection as soon as you enter the Lightning Lane. But, if you don’t scan into a ride, you’ll be able to make another selection at the end of the arrival window for the current selection.

Important: Some attractions require you to scan your MagicBand (or card) at two touch points. If this is the case, you may have to wait to make another Genie+ selection until after the second scan.

If your first Genie+ selection is farther out than 2 hours from park opening (like 1 p.m.), you’ll be able to make another selection 120 minutes following the official park opening time and will most likely be able to grab a return time earlier than 1 p.m.

Return times can overlap. You need to pay attention to this and make sure you have time for what you’re booking.

To see the next available time that you can start booking another Genie+ Lightning Lane selection, go to the Tip Board tab and select an attraction or experience that you haven’t booked.

The “Confirm Your Party” screen (above) will show up. Scroll down and it will tell you when you can make your next selection.

Tip: Set a reminder or alarm on your phone to alert you when you can make another selection. Try doing this as well so you don’t miss your return window.

Can I make Genie+ selections ahead of time?

You can only make Genie+ selections on the day of your visit. This is different from the old FastPass+ system that allowed you to book your selections in advance.

Can I use Genie+ to ride the same attraction multiple times?

You are only able to use Lightning Lane once per attraction per day (for both Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane).

For example: If you want to make a Genie+ selection for Pirates of the Caribbean, you can only use Genie+ once to ride Pirates of the Caribbean on that particular day.

Will Genie+ selections run out for the day?

There is always a chance return times for select attractions will go faster than others and sometimes even run out for the day.

If unavailable, “Not Currently Offered” will be displayed.

This is where you’ll have to prioritize certain rides over others and make sure you snag reservations for attractions at the top of your list, especially if you don’t want to wait in a Standby Line.

Remember: you can’t pre-select your return time. You snag the next available spot in the Lightning Lane.

Sometimes more inventory becomes available, so keep checking. You never know what will open up.

Tip: Return times for Slinky Dog Dash at Hollywood Studios go fast. If this is your top priority, book a Genie+ Lightning Lane selection ASAP.

VIDEO: Disney Genie Plus and Lightning Lanes Explained (w/ Tips on When to Buy)

When can I purchase Disney Genie+?

Whether you have an Annual Pass or multi- or single-day ticket, you may only purchase Genie+ on the day of your visit via the app, one day at a time, “subject to availability,” per Disney.

You can do so on the day of your park visit starting at 12 a.m. EST. Basically, once the day changes, you can begin purchasing Genie+.

You can even buy Genie+ in the middle of your park day, if you want.

If you want to make that first Genie+ selection starting at 7 a.m., make sure you purchase Genie+ somewhat early to navigate the new system (including Disney Genie), especially if you’ve never used it.

Note: Genie+ won’t sell out.

Important Note: Length of stay purchases are discontinued as of June 8, 2022. Guests who purchased tickets that included Genie+, you will still be able to use the service during your visit.

Do I have to use Genie+ for every day of my trip?

No, you have the option to pick and choose when you want to use Genie+, which is nice for both financial and flexibility reasons.

Important: You don’t have to buy Genie+ for non-park days.

Do I use Genie+ to make individual Lightning Lane selections?

No, Genie+ and pay-per-ride Lightning Lane passes are separate from one another.

But, both are built into the Disney Genie system that’s available in the My Disney Experience app.

Which is better, Genie+ or individual Lightning Lane selections?

Which is better really depends on several factors, including what you’re willing to spend, the park, the attraction, crowds, wait times, your personal goals, and more.

Genie+ and individual Lightning Lane selections will definitely benefit guests who don’t visit Disney World as often or those who’ve booked a once-in-a-lifetime trip. You want to maximize your park time? This might be for you.

As for Disney World Annual Passholders, the new paid-FastPass system isn’t necessarily tailored to us.

More often than not, you can ride a lot of attractions with just Genie+. If you combine Genie+ with the pay-per-ride selections, you can accomplish quite a bit.

If you’re only concerned with the most popular rides, like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Flight of Passage, you may just want to pay to ride those and try Standby the rest of your day.

This isn’t an easy question to answer, because there are multiple scenarios and elements in play.

Can I cancel a Genie+ selection?

Yes, these selections can be canceled, but you must cancel before the return time window ends.

How do I cancel a Genie+ selection?

You’ll go to your My Day tab and click on the three dots at the top of your Genie+ Lightning Lane attraction selection.

Important: The cancellation process may differ for Android users. We’ve been told that sometimes Android users cannot cancel directly in the app and have had to visit Guest Services in order to make a cancellation.

A menu will appear at the bottom with three option. You’ll click on “Manage Details”.

You’ll be taken to your Genie+ selection. Here is where you click “Cancel”.

You’ll then be prompted to select the guests who wish to cancel. Once everyone is selected, you’ll hit “Confirm Changes.”

Your Genie+ selection is now canceled.

Can I Modify a Genie+ Selection?

In order to modify a current Genie+ selection to a new time or different attraction, you have to cancel first and then go through the whole booking process again.

That said, a much-needed update to the rebooking process is launching in early to mid-December 2022.

Soon, you’ll be able to modify Lightning Lane selections in the My Disney Experience app without having to cancel and rebook your selection.

You’ll also be able to search for other available attractions or arrival windows, along with changing your party size.

Important: You’re only able to modify a Genie+ Lightning Lane selection at the same park where the original booking was made. If you want to modify at a different park, you’ll have to cancel first and then book.

How do I rebook a Genie+ selection?

When the new update launches, you’ll follow these steps:

1. Click the 3 dots (“…”) on your Genie+ Lightning Lane selection
2. Then, select “Modify Plan”
3. You’ll then see other available Genie+ Lightning Lane times
4. You can then update with either a new attraction or time

Can I get a refund for Genie+?

According to the Genie+ terms and conditions, the service is “non-refundable, non-transferable, and revocable, and may not be redeemed for cash in whole or in part.”

What if a ride breaks down for one of my Genie+ selections?

If a ride breaks down during your return time, you will receive a “Multiple Experience” just like the old FastPass+ days.

You won’t be able to choose from every experience, but you’ll be able to choose another attraction to ride depending on what’s available.

Once the Multiple Experience converts to a Genie+ Lightning Lane selection, it counts as used and you’ll be able to make another Genie+ selection.

What happens if I miss my return time window?

If you miss your Genie+ Lightning Lane reservation for an attraction, that’s it for the day. You won’t be able to make another one for that particular ride.

Sometimes you’ll be given a small grace period, but that’s up to the discretion of the Cast Member.

Can I still join a virtual queue?

At this time, there is only one virtual queue at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (opening May 27 at Epcot).

Plus, the boarding group process can always be implemented again when Disney feels like it’s needed at select attractions.

Does Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Still Have A Virtual Queue?

On Jan. 10, 2022, the virtual queue was paused for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at Epcot making way for a Standby line.

In addition to the Standby line, depending on the time of year, you can also purchase entry via the pay-per-ride Lightning Lane option or ride with a Genie+ reservation.

Does Rise Of The Resistance Still Have A Virtual Queue?

On Sept. 23, 2021, the virtual queue was paused for Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios making way for a Standby line.

Disney stated that a virtual queue could return at a later date or “from time to time.”

In addition to the Standby line, you can also purchase entry via the pay-per-ride Lightning Lane option.

Does Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind have a virtual queue?

Yes, beginning May 27, the newest Epcot attraction will have a virtual queue for guests to join.

This also means a Standby Line won’t be available.

But, if you don’t snag a boarding group, there is also the option of purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane Selection for Cosmic Rewind.

Are Lightning Lanes Available Where There Is A Virtual Queue?

When available, attractions with virtual queues will still have Lightning Lanes.

But, the Lightning Lane can only be accessed with an individual Lightning Lane selection, and not with Genie+.

This means guests who don’t join the virtual queue can only ride if they purchase an individual Lightning Lane spot.

Can I make Genie+ selections with a Park Hopper?

Yes, as long as you have a Park Hopper benefit, you can make Genie+ Lightning Lane selections at different parks.

Does My First Genie+ Selection Have To Be Where I Made My First Theme Park Reservation?

No, you can make your Genie+ Lightning Lane selection outside of your theme park reservation.

But, keep in mind that you can’t park hop until the afternoon, starting at 2 p.m., so your reservation must be after this time.

And, to park hop, you must have first visited the park where you held your Park Pass reservation for that day.

That said, we don’t necessarily recommend this strategy.

You should really try to make your first selection where you have a park reservation, especially since you have to visit this park before you can hop.

And since you’re able to make your first Genie+ selection at 7 a.m., more than likely you won’t be able to grab a return time for after 2 p.m. (unless it’s a really popular attraction like Slinky Dog Dash).

Can I Make Park Hopping Genie+ Selections For Any Time Of The Day?

No, they must be made after 2 p.m., when park hopping begins at Disney World.

You also cannot choose a return time, but only select the next available spot in the Lightning Lane.

Is Disney PhotoPass included with Genie+?

Disney World guests purchasing Disney Genie+ service also receive digital downloads of their Disney PhotoPass attraction photos, taken in the park on the day of their purchase, at no additional charge.

Also, with a Genie+ purchase you’ll be able to try Disney PhotoPass Augmented Reality Lenses. There are also a few that are complimentary through the Snapchat app.

These are similar to Snapchat filters. They’re Disney-themed and found across the parks, with a few exclusive lenses in specific areas.

You can enjoy some of the lenses up to 45 days after the day you visit with the Genie+ service.

How do I access the Augmented Reality Lenses in the My Disney Experience app?

Once you’ve opened the My Disney Experience app, you’ll select the three lines in the bottom right corner of the screen and select “Disney PhotoPass Lenses.”

A purple screen will pop up letting you know what each button is for, before a disclaimer appears that you’ll have to “accept” in order to use select lenses.

Not all lenses may be available at home or at your hotel. You may have to enter the park to access select ones. As you can see, if you don’t “accept” the above terms, you won’t be able to use particular lenses.

You may also be prompted to select the following in order to use the lenses.

What are audio experiences?

Also included in the purchase of Genie+ are Audio Experiences.

When listening to “Audio Tales,” you’ll learn insider tips, information, and other fun facts about different parts of the theme parks.

How do I access the Audio Tales in the My Disney Experience app?

Go to your My Day tab and scroll down until you see “My Disney Genie+ Features.” Once you’ve clicked this, select “Audio Tales.”

A map will come up showing you the available Audio Tales in the park you’re visiting. Click “Listen Now” to hear the short audio experience.

Once the tale begins, you can turn on closed captioning via the “CC” in the top right corner.

An important note made by Disney about Genie+ at Walt Disney World

How to purchase Disney Genie+ in the My Disney Experience app (a step-by-step guide)

Open The My Disney Experience App

Hit the “+” at the bottom of the home screen and tap “View My Genie Day and Tip Board”.

Navigate To Tip Board Tab In Disney Genie

At the top you’ll see a banner that reads, “Purchase for Today.” Click that.

You’ll Get This Disney Genie+ Prompt

Click “Get Disney Genie+ Service.”

You Will Be Prompted To “Review Details”

At this point in time, you can “Edit” your party to either delete or add guests guests. Once finished, hit “Continue.”

Important: Not only do you need to make sure your travel party members are in your Family & Friends list, but they must have valid theme park admission and the same theme park reservation. Otherwise, their names won’t show up or they won’t be able to be added to your Genie+ Lightning Lane selections.

You’ll Confirm Your Contact And Payment Information

Be sure to select your preferred form of payment and also make sure your billing address is correct. You’ll click “Next” to purchase.

At The End, You’ll Agree To The Terms & Conditions

Hit “Purchase.” You’re all set! You will also receive a Genie+ purchase confirmation in your email.

How to make a Genie+ selection in the My Disney Experience app (a step-by-step guide)

Open The My Disney Experience App

Hit the “+” at the bottom of the home screen and tap “View My Tip Board and Day.”

Navigate To Your Tip Board In Disney Genie

All Walt Disney World Resort guests can start making Genie+ Lightning Lane selections starting at 7 a.m.

When the booking window opens, navigate to your Tip Board in Disney Genie. You may need to pull down to refresh.

Note: The current window time available for Genie+ Lightning Lane selections is listed under “LL Genie+ LIghtning Lane.”

Make Sure You Are Looking At The Correct Park

You can make the correct park selection by tapping “Change Park” on the Tip Board and directly underneath the park name listed at the top.

In an important update: once you’ve selected your park for the day, the service no longer automatically defaults back to Magic Kingdom. Your park for the day should always appear first now!

Select Your Preferred Attraction

You can see the next available return time underneath “LL Genie+ Lightning Lane.”

If Necessary, You Can Edit Your Party At This Time

You can either add or deselect guests. Once finished, select “confirm party”.

Important: Not only do you need to make sure your travel party members are in your Family & Friends list, but they must have valid theme park admission and the same theme park reservation. Otherwise, their names won’t show up or they won’t be able to be added to your Genie+ selections.

You’ll Be Prompted To “Review Details”

Be sure to check your existing plans (tap the arrow next to “Plans During This Time”) so you don’t have too much of an overlap of selections.

If you have a Park Hopper, you can purchase Genie+ Lightning Lane selections at parks other than where you have a park reservation. Keep in mind that you have to do it after 2 p.m., when park hopping begins at Disney World.

Once you’ve confirmed your party, you can review the details and hit “continue” to lock in your booking.

You’ll Then See A “Reservation Confirmed” Screen

You’re all set. You can go to “View My Day” or hit the “x” to exit.

Your reservation will also show up on your My Day tab in Disney Genie, along with the main screen in the My Disney Experience app.

Once your purchase is complete, your Genie+ return time will be displayed under that ride in the Tip Board.

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