It used to be FastPass. Now it’s Genie. It used to be FastPass+, now it’s Genie Plus. What is it, how does it work, and will it help or hinder you and your families visit to Walt Disney World Orlando?
Please don’t forget that to visit Disney, everyone 3 years of age and older will need a valid ticket and a theme park reservation for the same day and same park you arrive to visit.
Genie, Disney’s proprietary software is a “convenient new digital service designed to create your best Disney day”, they say on their site. It is complimentary. To use it, you will need to download the app to your smart phone or reasonably current mobile device from either the Apple App or Google Play stores on line.
At Disney, from time to time, if you are lucky a “live” Geni wanders around, a draw for young and older fans.
What will Genie do for you?
Itinerary Planning
- allows the user to select the attractions of choice accessing more information
- the app will make recommendations for the user based on their selections, and information provided
- using the preferences you input, the app will “plan” your day to give you “the best Disney day ever” and maximizing the available time in the park
- daily and ongoing attraction updates to provide information for planning
All of the above plus much more is included in the free app.
What is Genie+ (Genie Plus) then?
Like its forbear FastPass+, Genie+ is Walt Disney World’s “faster access” system for their attractions. Nope, it’s not free. Currently in May 2022 the fee is $15 per day over and above their ticket price.
Why use Genie+?
- can choose the next available time to visit the attraction(s) of choice, one at a time
- ticket holder gets to use the the Lightning Lane entrance (leaves the other line standing still while, depending on the traffic, you might walk right into the arraction)
- video and audio of attractions and specials
- use the photopass system
Is it worth $15 per day per person to use the service?
I expect that depends on the circumstances of your visit to Disney World Orlando. If it’s a one day visit, why not spend an extra $15 to ensure you get to see most of the attractions you have time for?
If it’s a 2 or 3 day visit, perhaps try it on day 1, and if it suits add it, or, if the key attractions are done day 1, then maybe skip it day 2 or 3. It’s entirely up to you. You don’t have to buy it every day. Maybe just on the days you want to take in the most popular attractions?
On our next trip to Disney I expect we’ll acquire the Genie+?
Please see: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/en_CA/plan/my-disney-experience/mobile-apps/