Disney World goes through changes what feels like every day — you take a trip and then a month later, things are different!
Attractions close for refurbishment or reimagining, new rides are opening, and we know there are some pretty big expansion plans and blue sky projects in the works for 2 of the 4 theme parks. If you’re heading to Disney World and trying to do everything you can, you may be choosing to buy Genie+ — Disney’s paid skip-the-line service. We have some important news though — CHANGES are coming to the system later this year that you need to know about.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Coming up very soon is the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom! (It’s already open for previews and opens to the public on June 28th!) This is a retheme of Splash Mountain, taking place in the same ride building and with the same ride system, just with a new story that occurs a year after the events of The Princess and The Frog film.
Disney has confirmed that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be part of Magic Kingdom’s regular Genie+ lineup, instead of being an Individual Lightning Lane selection (which is a separate, additional fee). This means you can pay for the Magic Kingdom (or multiple parks) Genie+ service and be quick requesting a return time for sometime during the day.
We suggest being fast — they likely will sell out for at least the first few weeks the ride is open. You can also ride this ride at no additional cost by using the Virtual Queue that will open at 7AM and 1PM each day.
Learn all about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure here!
The System is Changing!
Now, we’ll admit, it’s been a hot second since we’ve heard any update on this, but Disney did previously announce that they plan to simplify the Genie+ experience this year.
Disney specifically said, “We have heard from guests that they would like ways to plan with Disney Genie+ service and individual Lightning Lane selections before the day of their park visit, and we want you to know we are working on ways guests may do this for visits in 2024.” This means that, similar to FastPass, guests may be able to choose a few attractions to experience at select times of the day before their visit begins.
As it currently stands, you can buy Genie+ beginning at Midnight on the day you want to use it, and you can book your first Lightning Lane as early as 7AM. But being able to book a few ahead of time will take MASSIVE amounts of stress off the shoulders of many families.
MORE Simplification
In addition to the quote above, Disney also mentioned that their plan is to “give you the opportunity to spend less time planning in the park and more time enjoying your visit with friends and family.”
This means that, beyond the plan to pre-choose some rides ahead of your visit, Disney is also working on additional ways to simplify Genie+. What other options could there be? What would they look like? Fantastic questions…and no one has the answer to them yet.
We’re still waiting for Disney to tell us more about their Genie+ simplification plans, but be sure to stay tuned to DFB — we’ll tell you about the updates as soon as we hear them!
Learn everything there is to know about Genie+ right here!
All About Disney Genie, Genie+, and Individual Attraction Selection
BIG Genie+ Changes Being Planned For Disney World
FULL List of Rides Included With Genie+ in Disney World
3 Tips to OUTSMART Genie+ in Disney World Right Now
Please Stop Skipping These Genie+ Hacks in Disney World (They Really Work!)
Genie+ Tips for the Most Crowded Days in Disney World and Disneyland
Click HERE to See More About Disney Genie
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What changes are you hoping to see to Genie+? Tell us in the comments!
Belle Brook says
Most importantly how will this more greatly alter the DAS pass. It’s new recreation is discriminating against disabled people. Will this be a Disney tool to continue to abuse the power?
#DisneyDASDefender
Mark Vanzeyl says
I have NO ISSUES pre-purchasing genie+ and my included lightning lane rides as well as the higher end ride purchases. Heck, DW should love this idea. If I go in January and I’ve pre-booked, the place may actually be “quiet” and I wouldn’t have needed to prebuy genie+ so they got my money when maybe they wouldn’t have. Plus, the reduction in planning would be a welcomed relief.
William Wells says
These Genie+ plus changes are a very welcome upgrade. The old fast-pass system worked very well, it was simple and you could arrange your park activities in advance and leave the planning and scheduling hassles at home and just enjoy your vacation.
Laurel Lane says
I have an idea. Get rid of Genie+ and Lightning Lanes altogether and go back to the FastPass system they used to have which worked just fine.
Arlene says
You pay so much to even be in the park, especially with a family. The extra price for rides is so expensive considering you use to be able to bookthree FREE. Everyone had the same chance to book at their leisure and everyone was equal. Now those who are wealthier can spend all that extra which makes everyone else wait in impossible lines. This wasn’t what Walt had in mind when he talked about family fun. Between higher food prices and all the extras you have to pay, it becomes less enjoyable when you return with a Hugh bill for a week’s vacation.
Scoop says
How about 3, 5 or 7 days in advance? The day before we will be in Georgia if driving or boarding a plane if we fly. Being Apple to do this from home before we leave would be huge. Especially if we have all the grandkids in tow and their families
Ron says
HOORAY, Disney has finally realized that they can allow us with the Genie Plus to schedule rides well in advance of arrival, just like the FREE FAST PASS and would cost Disney ZERO DOLLARS to do it. THANK YOU
Now, I would love for Disney to bring back the MAGICAL EXPRESS. I would be willing to pay a reasonable amount for it. Thanks in advance
Lynn says
I would love it if they updated the app with the ability to have a favorite list for things like restaurants and experiences like build a light saber, etc so you don’t have to keep a list separately to keep track of all those things before the 60 day window allows you to book them.
Yale says
Oh yes, the money grab I knew that they were going to make when they discontinued Das for so many disabled people. I got your number Disney
Nick says
I have 0 faith that disney will do anything that they say, and i have even less faith than that, that they will nail whatever it is that they do… i really do love disney, just not the nonsensical crap that they have been doing saying lately. 🤷♂️