2024 has been a year full of change at Disney World!
Magic Kingdom
One of the biggest changes happened over the summer when we said goodbye to Genie+ and hello to Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass. This new pay-to-skip-the-line service completely changed the way that Lightning Lanes were purchased and booked, and in some way, the new system mimics its predecessor, FastPass+. Many people seem to glance over two other changes that were made with this new system, but they are essential to think about, especially when planning your trip!
As a refresh, Lightning Lane Multi Pass is Disney World’s new version of Genie+, whereas Lightning Lane Single Pass is the new version of Individual Lightning Lane. If you are staying at a Disney World hotel, you can purchase your Lightning Lanes (both Multi or Single) seven days before your trip. All others can book three days prior. Rides are now broken up into tiers, and you can select three attractions via Multi Pass before you arrive.
Lightning Lane
There is also Lighting Lane Premier Pass, which is available in limited quantities to Deluxe Resort guests. This pass allows you to enter all the Lightning Lanes within one park, one time, without the need to reserve a time slot.
©Disney
As if the names, booking window, and ride tiers were not enough change, Disney also quietly removed two offerings that were once part of Genie+.
Lightning Lane at Peter Pan’s Flight
Disney World is full of entertainment offerings as well as character meet and greets. Lines for characters and viewing for entertainment, like parades, can get crowded. With Genie+, you could reserve a Lightning Lane for more than just attractions and some shows. You could also select character meet and greets and parade viewing.
Ariel in the Festival of Fantasy parade
When the change of the system rolled out in July, we noticed that these offerings were no longer going to be part of the new system. While this might not be a big deal to some, those who are more familiar with what was offered with both FastPass+ and Genie+ may be shocked to see that you can no longer reserve a spot for parades or character meet and greets.
Lightning Lane for character meet and greets is no longer part of Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
The good news is that you will still be able to see when character meet and greets and parade times will happen. You can view these times in the My Disney Experience app, but here’s a word of warning: times do change, so make sure to continuously check throughout the day so you are not caught off guard by any changes.
Make sure to check the My Disney Experience app for updated parade times!
We are not entirely sure why Disney decided to remove Lightning Lanes from parades and character meet and greets (we have some ideas), but it is essential to consider this when planning your trip so you can adjust your game plan. If you are confused about these changes to the Lightning Lane system, you are not alone! We have tons of resources on our site and on our YouTube channel to help you master Lightning Lane Multi and Single Pass! To stay up to date on all the latest Disney news, make sure to continue to follow along with Disney Food Blog!
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Disney has lost its purpose and become yet another commercial attraction to those who can afford it. We have been coming to Disneyworld since it opened in 1971. How disappointing for families today who have to not only pay to enter, which is reasonable, but this is not enough. For an additional price you can get to cut everyone in line because you paid for a lightening lane. Can everyone afford this? Should they have to? Disney remains a wonderful place, but they are price gouging everything from hotel rates to food and mementos.