Disney just loves throwing us loops, don’t they?
Major news just dropped regarding the replacement of Genie+ at Disney World and honestly, we still have a lot of questions. But, as your friends here on All Ears, we’re going to make sure we tell you all the need-to-know info about this new change at the parks — including the loss of 3 attractions that are no longer available on Lightning Lane Multi Pass (and we’re pretty heartbroken about it).
Disney World can feel a little intimidating when you keep hearing about all the constant changes going on at the parks. This time the change comes in the form of Lightning Lane Multi Pass, the new way to ‘skip the line’ of your favorite attractions. Honestly, it feels like we just got Genie+ (and for some of us, finally got comfortable enough to understand how it works), and now it’s been snatched away from us like it was a cookie we were trying to eat before dinner.
But just like all good things, change is needed to move forward and advance, and we’re just gonna ride the wave and trust that this is going to improve our park experience…Except, there is one thing we’d like to firmly give a talkin’ to Multi Pass about, and it’s “Why on earth did it remove these Lightning Lane options?!”
Character Meet and Greets
This one kinda shocked us because Mickey and Friends over at Epcot’s new CommuniCore Hall just opened with a Lightning Lane and now, like a snap of Thanos’ finger, it’s gone.
With Genie+, not only could you book Lightning Lanes for rides, but you could also reserve them for popular character meet and greets at the parks. This is no longer an option with Lightning Lane Multi Pass (or even Single Pass) so if you were planning to take a trip soon and had your heart set on a specific meet and greet, be aware that only the stand-by entrance will be available for now.
Parades
Here’s another loss we mourn, I don’t know how we will ever recover.
Booking a Lightning Lane for a parade, such as the Festival of Fantasy over at Magic Kingdom, granted you access to a designated viewing area of the parade. This was great for parade fans who wanted to guarantee themselves a good view without the need to stake out a spot hours ahead. Sadly, this is no longer included in the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass. No, I’m not crying, you are.
Stage Shows
Another option we unfortunately have to say goodbye to is the ability to reserve Lightning Lanes for shows.
This option allowed you to secure better seating for any of the live stage shows around the parks. Another tough loss for us, this option came in handy with Animal Kingdom’s and Hollywood Studios’ popular shows.
Lightning Lane Multi Pass is a big change, true, and although we do mourn the loss of several past Lightning Lane options, there are benefits to this new system taking over the parks. Stay tuned as we bring you all the latest tips and tricks to this new attraction reservation system along with the latest Disney updates!
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Interesting that all these removals occur with venues requiring live action characters and performers. Perhaps it’s related to Human Resources’ desire or need for flexibility in scheduling their highly specialized cast members.