Just as we were getting used to Genie+ Service at the Most Magical Place on Earth, Disney Parks switched it up again. This might cause some grumbles for those who worked hard to perfect the art, but we are happy to say that these changes are actually extremely positive for vacationers headed down to Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida. These adjustments will make it much easier for guests (especially those staying on property) to have fun on vacation. Let’s take a deeper dive.
What are the basics?
Genie+ Service is now known as Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Individual Lightning Lane is now known as Lightning Lane Single Pass. For both, guests staying at one of the Disney Resort Hotels can purchase their Lightning Lane reservations 7 days prior to check-in with their MyDisneyExperience account. Multi Pass allows guests to select up to 3 eligible attractions ahead of their park visit for each day that they have purchased the service. Similarly, up to 2 Lightning Lane Single Pass selections can be made per day.
What’s the biggest difference?
It’s hard to say what the most important call out is for the new structure, but we feel the first one that should be noted is that the new way allows guests to book up to 7 days in advance of their arrival. When using a park-only ticket, Lightning Lane reservations can be made up to 3 days ahead of the first park entry date. No more spending all day at the park, putting the kids to bed but staying up until midnight to purchase your service, just to wake up again at 7AM to book your first experience before you do it all over again. It’s great news!
What rides are eligible for Single Pass?
In reality, this is the most complicated part…so pay close attention! If you were used to the Individual Lightning Lane, the Single Pass includes the same attractions. At launch, Single Pass reservations are available for the most popular rides throughout the resort. Those are as follows: TRON Lightcycle / Run Presented by Enterprise® and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom Park, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Prices for these selections vary based on date and projected park attendance. It’s also worth mentioning that these rides are not accessible for Multi Pass but will continue to offer standby or virtual queues. Check MyDisneyExperience to see which attractions require boarding passes.
How does Multi Pass work?
Still with us? This is where it really gets specific. Multi Pass has 2 different tiers for its eligible attractions. Guests can reserve 1 option from Group 1 and 2 options from Group 2 ahead of time with purchase of Lightning Lane Multi Pass. So, what qualifies as “top tier”? Group 1 options consist of what were once called “E-Ticket” attractions. These popular rides have consistently have the longest wait times, however you might be pleasantly surprised to see a few of your all-time favorites categorized as Group 2. Get the complete list for what qualifies for each category as of today. But wait, there’s more…Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park does not have categories for its Multi Pass selections. Phew!
Once you’re actually at the park and have scanned your way into your first Lightning Lane queue, you’re able to make another selection. Guests can hold up to 3 Multi Pass reservations for each day at any given time. When planning ahead, guests can only reserve attractions at one park per day. If you’re planning to hop and want to book a lightning lane attraction for another park that same day, you must wait until you’ve redeemed your first attraction before you’ll be eligible. Of course, everything is based on availability.
Any other pro tips or important information?
Guests of Disney Resort Hotels who are eligible for Lightning Lane Reservations up to seven days in advance include those staying at Swan, Dolphin and Shades of Green. While it sounds complex, one of the things that makes it easier is the ability to purchase your Lightning Lane Reservations for each day all in one transaction. We’re stoked about that one!
Another helpful feature to MyDisneyExperience is the Disney Genie feature we’ve come to know and love. It will continue to help optimize your trip planning and will suggest times for you to reserve attractions based around other plans you might already have on your agenda. An example of this would be dining experiences which can be booked up to 60 days out from check-in date for resort guests. The app will allow you to view all your plans easily and make necessary modifications as things come up, so make sure you’ve downloaded it before your vacation!
Still have questions or just ready to plan your dream Walt Disney World® Resort vacation? Did you know that your AAA Travel Agents are also Authorized Disney Travel Planners? Contact your Agent today. Call 518-426-1000 or email BookTravel@aaahv.com.
