how to purchase genie +

3 min read 27-01-2025

Planning a Disney World vacation is exciting, but navigating the park's various options can be overwhelming. One popular choice to maximize your time in the parks is Genie+, a paid service that helps you skip the standby lines for many attractions. This guide will walk you through purchasing Genie+ and using it effectively.

What is Genie+?

Genie+ is a paid service offered by Walt Disney World that allows you to make Lightning Lane selections for many rides and attractions throughout the four parks. This means you can bypass the regular standby lines and generally experience shorter wait times. It's a key tool for optimizing your park strategy and making the most of your day.

How to Purchase Genie+

Purchasing Genie+ is easy, but you need to do it on the day of your park visit.

Step-by-Step Guide:

My Disney Experience App: Download the official My Disney Experience app (available on iOS and Android). This is essential for managing your Genie+ selections.
Park Tickets: Ensure your park tickets are linked to your My Disney Experience account.
Enter the Park: Once inside the park, open the My Disney Experience app.
Genie+ Purchase: Around 7:00 AM (or park opening, whichever comes later), locate the Genie+ option within the app. It will appear prominently, usually in a banner or section showcasing add-on options.
Select Genie+: Tap on the “Purchase Genie+” button.
Confirmation: Review the price and confirm your purchase. Genie+ pricing varies depending on the date and park. You'll be charged to your linked payment method.
Ready to Book: Once purchased, you can start making your Lightning Lane selections!

Making Lightning Lane Selections with Genie+

After purchasing Genie+, you can begin scheduling your Lightning Lane returns. Here's how:

Find Available Times: The app will show available Lightning Lane return times for eligible attractions. Times often fill up quickly, particularly for popular rides.
Select a Ride: Choose the attraction you want to experience and select your preferred return time. Remember to check the wait times for standby queues. If the wait is short, you might choose to skip Genie+ for that ride to save on the cost.
View Lightning Lane: Confirm your selection and the time slot. The app will update your itinerary with the time to return to the ride's Lightning Lane entrance.

Tips for Maximizing Genie+

Purchase Early: Buy Genie+ as soon as you can on the day you plan to use it. This gives you a head start in selecting the most desirable return times.
Plan Your Day: Have a rough plan of the attractions you want to experience, prioritizing the most popular rides for early Lightning Lane selections.
Monitor Wait Times: Check wait times throughout the day. Sometimes, the standby line might be shorter than expected, making a Genie+ selection unnecessary.
Consider Individual Lightning Lane: For some of the most in-demand attractions, such as Rise of the Resistance, you can purchase an Individual Lightning Lane selection separately from Genie+. This selection isn't included in the Genie+ package.
Stay Connected: Maintain a stable internet connection on your phone to avoid any issues during the booking process.

Genie+ vs. Individual Lightning Lane

While Genie+ offers access to many rides, some top attractions require an Individual Lightning Lane purchase. This is a separate, one-time fee for each ride. Consider the cost and value based on your priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I share my Genie+ selections with others in my party?

A: No, each person in your party who wants to use Genie+ needs to purchase it separately.

Q: What happens if I miss my Lightning Lane return time?

A: You lose that selection. Try to be punctual and allow for travel time between attractions.

Q: How much does Genie+ cost?

A: The price varies daily and depends on park attendance and demand. Check the app for the current price.

Q: Can I use Genie+ at all four parks?

A: Yes, you can purchase and use Genie+ at any of the four Walt Disney World theme parks on the same day. However, you must purchase it separately for each park and each day.

By following these steps and utilizing the strategies outlined above, you can effectively purchase and use Genie+ to enhance your Disney World vacation and spend less time waiting in line and more time enjoying the magic. Remember to consult the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date information and pricing.