The addition of Genie+ remains one of the most controversial Disney World changes since its arrival to the parks in 2021.
This new skip-the-line service replaced Disney’s FastPass+ system, requiring visitors to purchase the service at the start of the park day. With the service, guests are able to book a return time to join the Lightning Lane queue at the rides and attractions. In order to book another attraction, the user must either redeem the first attraction they booked OR wait 120 minutes — whichever comes first. In June 2023, Disney began offering multi- or single-park Genie+ options so that guests could choose where they’d use the service if not utilizing the ParkHopper ticket option. Despite recent changes, though, many Disney World guests still feel unsatisfied with the service.
The vast majority of complaints regarding the service circle back around to the fact that for the price of Genie+, you should be able to do MORE with the service. At the same time, it’s nearly impossible to experience all you want in certain parks without making the purchase. With surge pricing, you could be paying up to $175 per day for a family of 5. That’s ONE day! Further, folks lament the lack of spontaneity and how their day is spent on their phones booking new attractions.
So… What Genie+ change could FIX everything? Well, we think there are a few things to learn from Universal. Universal Orlando utilizes an Express Pass system, which allows visitors to pay a flat rate and join any ride’s Express line throughout the day. You don’t have to book anything — you just join the queue. You can join each line once per day.
If Disney World utilized a system similar to this, it would allow more spontaneity that people feel they lost with the discontinuation of the FastPass system. It would require much less planning while you’re in the parks, and it would allow for a more accurate budget ahead of time, since there would be a flat rate rather than surge pricing based on demand.
Disney probablyyyy won’t EVER do this. Why? Well, it takes away exclusivity. Disney is a luxury theme park that advertises itself to a select clientele. The theme parks and resorts operate in a way that makes guests feel special, set-apart, and exclusive. Removing the exclusivity of the Lightning Lane queues by removing the need to book certain attractions to sell out would remove exclusivity because anyone with the service would be able to join the line at any given time.
This would likely result in more chaotic lines. People would flock to select attractions while others would remain empty. Things would probably be off-balance. Disney would either have to lower the amount of Genie+ services available to purchase each day, OR drastically increase the price.
Another thing that we think Disney could learn from Universal that’s probably a bit more feasible is the inclusion of Genie+ services for guests staying at Deluxe Resorts. Guests staying at Universal’s Premier Tier resorts already have access to the Express lines as an extra perk. Not only is this a great way to say thanks to those who are already choosing to stay Deluxe, but it could also lead to more folks booking those rooms. But, once again, that would remove some of that exclusivity of the Deluxe Resorts.
What do you think? Would either of these things make purchasing Genie+ more “worth it?” We’ll continue to keep you updated with Disney news and advice, so make sure to follow along for more so that you never miss a thing!
Looking for more Genie+ news? Click here!
Join the AllEars.net Newsletter to stay on top of ALL the breaking Disney News! You'll also get access to AllEars tips, reviews, trivia, and MORE! Click here to Subscribe!
Do you usually purchase Genie+? Let us know in the comments!
Genie+ limits the number of passes at the ride per hour, which keeps the lines moving (Lightning lane and stand-by). If anyone could go on any ride, rides could get clogged up if too many people chose to go on it at a time.
Whatever it takes to get me OFF MY PHONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The changes that would be worth it is (1) to be able to book in advance, plus (2) the ability to choose a preferred time.