Artificial Intelligence has certainly captured our attention and imagination in 2023. While it has been in use in numerous applications for years (Have you ever asked Siri or Alexa a question and wondered how it can answer you? Or liked an Instagram Reel about Disney World and then realized Instagram is serving you up more and more Disney content? That’s A.I.), the release of chat-based A.I. tools has really resonated, and lots of folks are giving them a try for the first time.

So, that got us wondering: How much information about Disney World can we get from chatGPT?

First things first, if you don’t understand what artificial intelligence is, you’re not alone. So, I started out by asking chatGPT this question: “Explain artificial intelligence in simple terms.”

Here’s what our computer pal had to say…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the ability of machines to perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence, such as recognizing speech, making decisions, and learning from experience.

AI is achieved through the use of algorithms and mathematical models that enable machines to analyze data, identify patterns, and make predictions based on that data.

These algorithms can be trained on large amounts of data, allowing the machine to “learn” and improve its performance over time.

AI has the potential to revolutionize many industries and improve our daily lives in countless ways, from self-driving cars to personalized medical treatments.

Alrighty, then. So, chatGPT and the other AI chat models are basically “predictive text” like you have pop up on your phone — or even in an email. The computer is making a guess — albeit a highly, highly educated one — at what text you want to see next. 

At least for now, when you’re asking questions of an AI chatbot, you do need to keep in mind that the model you are asking questions of has been “trained” on data that has a cut-off date. Here’s how chatGPT explained that to me, when I asked how up-to-date its information is:

As an AI language model, my knowledge and information are based on the data that was available during my training period, which goes up to 2021. However, my algorithms and models have been designed to adapt and learn from new data and information provided to me, allowing me to generate responses based on the most recent and relevant information available.

Therefore, while my knowledge cutoff is 2021, I am able to provide answers and insights on current events and topics based on the information and data available to me.

This gap was very evident when I asked a question about Bob Iger. chatGPT told me Iger was the former Disney CEO, and that Bob Chapek had taken over … but didn’t mention that Chapek was later fired and Bob Iger is back at the helm.

So, I decided to ask about something that happened before 2021 — the ending of Disney World’s FastPass. The free FastPass+ program allowed guests to skip the lines for a handful of rides during a Disney World trip. It started in 1999 as a paper system that you used during your visit to the park, and evolved into a digital system that allowed you to reserve a few of your FastPasses even as much as 60 days out.

The system was suspended in 2020 when the parks closed. And then, it never returned — it was replaced by the paid Disney Genie+ service and Individual Attraction Selections on Dec. 8, 2021.

So… WHY did FastPass get the axe? Here’s what chatGPT had to say when I asked, “Can you explain why Disney World got rid of its FastPass system?”

As of September 2021, Disney World has replaced its FastPass system with a new service called Disney Genie. Disney Genie is a free digital planning tool that helps guests plan their day at the theme park by providing personalized recommendations based on their interests, such as which rides to go on or where to eat.

The decision to replace FastPass with Disney Genie was made to simplify the guest experience and to make it easier for guests to navigate the park. FastPass allowed guests to reserve a time to skip the line for a particular attraction, which created a separate queue and could lead to longer wait times for those who did not have a FastPass reservation.

With Disney Genie, all guests will have access to the same planning tools, and the service will make real-time recommendations based on wait times and other factors, which should help to distribute guests more evenly throughout the park. Additionally, some attractions will offer a Lightning Lane option for an additional fee, which will allow guests to skip the line without a reservation.

Overall, the move to Disney Genie is part of Disney World’s ongoing efforts to improve the guest experience and to make it easier for guests to navigate the park.

Now, I know some of you would disagree with chatGPT’s answer that the decision was made to “simplify the guest experience.” So, a follow-up question was in order. I asked, “Is Disney Genie+ easier for guests than the FastPass system?”

Disney Genie+ is designed to be a simpler and more streamlined experience for guests than the previous FastPass system. One of the main advantages of Disney Genie+ is that it eliminates the need for guests to plan their FastPass reservations in advance, which could be a source of stress and confusion for some guests.

With Disney Genie+, guests can make reservations for Lightning Lane access to certain attractions on the same day they visit the park, and the recommendations provided by the service should help guests navigate the park more efficiently.

Additionally, the Lightning Lane access offered by Disney Genie+ is available for a flat fee per day, regardless of the number of attractions the guest wishes to visit, whereas FastPass required guests to choose a limited number of attractions to reserve ahead of time.

However, it’s important to note that some guests may still prefer the old FastPass system, as it allowed them to secure reservations for popular attractions further in advance. Additionally, some guests may not want to pay the additional fee for Lightning Lane access to certain attractions, which could be a drawback of the Disney Genie+ system for some guests. Ultimately, whether Disney Genie+ is easier for guests will depend on their individual preferences and priorities.

So the A.I. recognizes that the fee for Genie+ (which has soared to $35 recently) may be a drawback for some people. I asked another question I know is on the minds of many FastPass stans, “Is Disney Genie+ just a way to increase spending by Disney World visitors?” Here’s what my algorithmically controlled friend had to say about that:

Disney Genie+ is a paid service that allows visitors to skip lines and access shorter wait times for certain attractions at Walt Disney World Resort. While the service does come at an additional cost, it is ultimately up to individual visitors to decide whether or not they want to purchase it.

Disney Genie+ may indeed lead to increased spending by some visitors, as they may choose to spend more time enjoying the attractions or shopping rather than waiting in line. Additionally, some visitors may be willing to pay for the convenience and time-saving benefits that come with Genie+.

However, it’s worth noting that the service is not mandatory and visitors are still able to experience the park without purchasing it. Disney also offers a free version of the Genie service that provides personalized recommendations and itinerary planning, so visitors have multiple options to enhance their experience at the park.

Overall, while Disney Genie+ does come at an additional cost, it provides a valuable service to visitors who are willing to pay for it, and it is ultimately up to individual visitors to decide whether or not it is worth the cost.

Are you noticing that these answers seem to be coming straight out of Disney World’s PR department? That’s not really a surprise — in order to provide the most accurate information, A.I. models are trained to look for sources such as company websites. So, we asked a question that might not be found on a Disney World website — “Is it worth it to pay for Genie+?”

Whether it’s worth it to pay for Disney Genie+ depends on a number of factors, including how important it is to you to skip the lines for certain attractions, how crowded the park is, and how much you value the convenience of not having to plan FastPass reservations in advance.

The cost of Disney Genie+ is a flat fee per day, which may be a worthwhile investment for guests who are looking to maximize their time at the park and ride as many attractions as possible. The Lightning Lane access provided by Disney Genie+ can help guests skip the regular standby lines for a selection of attractions, which can save significant time, especially during peak seasons when wait times can be long.

However, it’s important to note that Disney Genie+ does not provide access to all attractions, and some of the most popular attractions may require an additional fee on top of the Disney Genie+ fee for access through the Lightning Lane. Guests should also consider that the cost of Disney Genie+ can add up quickly if they are visiting the park for multiple days, and may not be worthwhile for guests who are more interested in taking a more leisurely pace through the park and enjoying the atmosphere and shows.

Ultimately, whether Disney Genie+ is worth it depends on your personal priorities and preferences. It may be worthwhile for some guests who are looking to maximize their time and access to attractions, while others may prefer to save the money and enjoy the park at a more relaxed pace.

So far, so good, I guess. We’re getting basic information that tows the line of what Disney wants you to know about Genie+, with some acknowledgement that it may have drawbacks. Now let’s test the idea that chatGPT’s information is outdated by asking how much Genie+ costs. At the time of this writing, Disney World is using surge pricing to set the daily cost of Disney Genie+. It’s a holiday week, and Genie+ has hit its highest price ever — $35 per day. How much does chatGPT think it costs?

As of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021, the cost of Disney Genie+ in Disney World is $15 per person per day. This price includes access to Lightning Lane at select attractions throughout the day, allowing guests to bypass the regular standby lines and experience shorter wait times. However, please note that prices and offerings are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check with the official Walt Disney World website or app for the most up-to-date information on pricing and availability.

OK, good job, chatGPT. Your pricing is outdated, but you warned us of that upfront. Finally, let’s ask, “Can you provide tips for using Genie+ in Disney World?”

Certainly! Genie+ is a service that allows guests at Walt Disney World to access certain attractions with shorter wait times. Here are some tips for using Genie+ effectively:

1. 1. Purchase Genie+ as early as possible: Genie+ can be purchased on the day of your visit through the My Disney Experience app, but it’s best to buy it as early as you can. This way, you’ll be able to make your first FastPass selection right away.
   2. Plan your FastPass selections: Once you have Genie+, you’ll be able to make your first FastPass selection immediately. It’s important to plan which attractions you want to use Genie+ for in advance, so you don’t waste time deciding once you’re in the park.
   3. Use the app to check wait times: The My Disney Experience app will show you wait times for all attractions, so you can decide which ones you want to use Genie+ for. You can also use the app to check availability for Lightning Lane reservations.
   4. Don’t forget about individual Lightning Lane reservations: Some popular attractions, like Rise of the Resistance and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, require an individual Lightning Lane reservation in addition to Genie+. Be sure to check availability and make reservations early.
   5. Be flexible: Genie+ can make your park experience more efficient, but it’s important to remain flexible. If an attraction you want to ride has a short wait time, it may not be worth using Genie+ for. Similarly, if an attraction you want to ride has a long wait time, you may need to adjust your plans.
   6. Make the most of your day: With Genie+, you can make up to one Lightning Lane reservation at a time. Once you use that reservation, you can make another one. Be sure to make the most of your day by continuously making reservations and riding attractions.

Overall, using Genie+ can be a great way to make the most of your time at Disney World. By planning ahead and being flexible, you can have a magical experience while minimizing wait times.

Whoops! While the tips here are a bit generic but solid, chatGPT is describing Lightning Lane reservations as FastPass selections more than once. We’re a bit confused now. And we’re not getting many actionable tips — nothing about the 120-minute rule, what time you can start making Lightning Lane reservations, nor how to stack or modify them.

Overall, chatGPT gave us pretty good information for the questions we asked it about FastPass and Genie+, but we won’t be using it to plan our trip anytime soon. If you need more information about using Disney Genie+, check out DFB’s step-by-step guide, as well as our video below!

Keep following DFB for up-to-date Disney World planning info!

Have you used any of the AI chatbots? What did you think?