5 Things Genie+ Experts Would Never, Ever Do in Disney World

IMPORTANT NOTE!! Major changes are being made to the Genie+ system in Disney World starting July 24th, 2024. This post reflects the current Genie+ system that will remain in place through July 23rd, 2024. For our full page of information about the CHANGES coming to the system (which will go into effect on July 24th, 2024), click here.

We use Genie+ a LOT in Disney World, and we’ve gotten pretty good at working the system to our advantage in the past few years.

Genie+

Genie+ can feel a bit complicated with its varying prices and rules about when and how and what you can book Lightning Lane-wise, but it’s definitely possible to conquer and use to make your vacation more successful. As people who’ve used Genie+ dozens (if not hundreds) of times, today we’re sharing our list of things that Genie+ experts would NOT do in Disney World!

Wait to Purchase Genie+

First of all, we’re going to advise you against WAITING to purchase Genie+. Genie+ cannot be purchased ahead of time in Disney World, so you’ll have to wait until midnight on the day of your visit to buy it. You don’t necessarily need to wait up until the stroke of 12 to make your purchase, but we definitely suggest buying Genie+ for everyone in your party before 7AM.

Kali River Rapids LIghtning Lane

Why 7AM? Because that’s when everyone who purchased Genie+ can make their first Lightning Lane selection for the day. At 7AM the popular rides go really quickly, so you’ll want to have already logged on and purchased Genie+ for everyone in your party — that way you can be ready to do your booking at 7 on the dot.

Prioritize Less Popular Rides

Once that 7AM booking time happens, there’s something else that a Genie+ expert would never do, and that’s booking a less popular ride FIRST. The 7AM booking window is not the time to snag Dumbo the Flying Elephant or It’s a Small World or TriceraTop Spin.

it’s a small world

Nope, at 7AM, you’ll want to go for those super popular rides, assuming you want to ride them at all without waiting in 2 hour lines. 7AM is a good time to book Jungle Cruise, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After, Slinky Dog Dash, or Na’vi River Journey. Those tend to go more quickly than the other options, and by the time you get the chance to make your second Lightning Lane of the day, their availability could be greatly diminished.

Buy the WRONG Genie+ Option

If you’re a Genie+ expert, you’re definitely not going to buy the wrong Genie+ option. When you go to make your Genie+ purchase each day of your trip, you’ll be given the choice between buying Genie+ for any of the four parks individually or buying the Multiple Parks option.

©Disney

If you’re planning on Park Hopping at all, you’ll want to purchase the Multiple Parks choice — it’s way cheaper than buying Genie+ individually for each park. But on the same token, don’t spend money on the Multiple Parks Genie+ if you don’t have a Park Hopper ticket. The Multiple Parks Genie+ is typically one of the more expensive options, and you don’t need access to Genie+ at all four parks if you’re just going to EPCOT, for instance.

Buy Genie+ Too Often

One mistake that you may not think about is buying Genie+ too often! If you’re coming to the parks during a slower season and wait times aren’t too bad, you may not need it for every day of your vacation. Generally, we recommend getting Genie+ for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, but Animal Kingdom and EPCOT can be a bit of a toss-up.

EPCOT

Genie+ is incredibly useful for avoiding lines during holiday seasons or summer break, but those random weekdays during other parts of the year when there aren’t many visitors? You might not need it. And why spend the money on getting it for everyone in your party if you’re just going to use it to skip 15-minute waits?

Sleep in on Those High-Priority Days

Unfortunately, one Genie+ mistake that happens a lot is that people sleep in! As we mentioned before, your first Genie+ selection can be made at 7AM, and if you want to snag those really popular rides, we definitely recommend getting up to book AT 7.

Genie+

Also, the earlier you start booking, the more rides that you’re likely to accomplish with your day. If you’re paying for Genie+, you’ll want to get your money’s worth, and that starts with being up early in the morning to snag your first Lightning Lane.

Disney Genie+ allows you to book the Lightning Lane for rides.

Those are some of the biggest mistakes you can make when using Genie+, and now you know to avoid them! Stay tuned to DFB for more tips and advice on how to conquer the Disney World parks. We’ve got you covered!

REMEMBER: Major changes will hit the Genie+ system starting July 24th, 2024. See our posts and pages below for more updates:

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

What’s your best Genie+ tip? Tell us in the comments!