In the Disney movie Aladdin, the title character relies on Genie to help make his dreams come true. Beginning October 19, visitors at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando can use their own “Genie” to make dreams come true — or at least ensure their day goes smoothly.
The new Disney Genie service, a feature in the My Disney Experience app, is, essentially, a digital assistant. Based on user input, it maps out the day so guests can easily see the entertainment and attractions they want to see each day without poring over visitor guides.
“Disney Genie service will maximize your park time, so you can have more fun,” Avery Maehrer, manager of communications, Walt Disney World Resort, explained in a blog post. “From specific attractions, foodie experiences, and entertainment, to general interests like Disney princesses, villains, Pixar, Star Wars, thrill rides, and more — just tell Disney Genie what you want to do and it will do the planning for you.”
Genie In A Phone
Genie uses an advanced algorithm and decades of Disney’s research about visitors’ experiences and preferences.
Here’s how it works. First, visitors enter up to eight attractions they don’t want to miss, including rides, attractions, food and entertainment, and even character meet-and-greets. Then Genie considers thousands of possibilities before creating the most appropriate itinerary.
Genie has other features and capabilities as well. For example, Genie also allows guests to make restaurant reservations online and even see current and estimated future wait times at any attraction.
“Genie effortlessly and smartly maps out an entire day inspired by the things you tell us you love — helping you make the most of your park time so you can have more fun,” Maehrer wrote in another blog post. “Similar to a navigation app on your phone, Disney Genie continues to update your itinerary from morning to night as the day changes, so you can stay spontaneous and go with the flow — whether you need a nap, encounter an unexpected rain shower, or want to take a detour for a Mickey ice cream bar.”
Genie+ Is Even Better
As you might expect, Disney offers another option as well. For an extra $15 per person, per day, users can upgrade to what’s known as Genie+.
This service builds on Genie’s functionality, but it also allows visitors at Walt Disney World to reserve times for attractions using the new Lightning Lane service, which replaces FastPass service.
Lightning Lane, which is available at more than 40 attractions across all four theme parks at Walt Disney World, saves visitors time because they don’t need to wait in long lines. It should be pointed out that visitors can also purchase Lightning Lane access for attractions without purchasing Genie+.
How The New Lightning Lanes Work
Beginning October 19, there will be two ways to book arrival windows for the Lightning Lane entrance at attractions across Disney World’s four parks. The first way is to use the Disney Genie+ service.
The reason there are two ways to secure Lightning Lane access is that some of the “most highly demanded attractions” will only offer Lightning Lane entry in what the resort calls an “á la carte” purchase. Or, to put it plainly, there are additional fees for Lightning Lane access to the two most popular rides at each park, even if you already paid for Genie+.
The two most desired attractions at Magic Kingdom are Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Space Mountain. The two attractions at EPCOT are Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the two attractions are Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Finally, the two attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park are Avatar Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest — Legend of the Forbidden Mountain.
Park-goers must pay attention because the prices will vary by date, attraction, and park. For example, the Lightning Lane entrance to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will be $9 per person on Tuesday, October 19, but on Saturday, October 23, when the park will presumably be busier, the price rises to $11 per person. On the other hand, on both those dates, Lightning Lane entrance to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will be $15 per person.
You can find all the details about the Lightning Lane entrance on Disney World’s website.
Know Before You Go
Face coverings are required for all visitors over the age of 2 in all indoor locations at Walt Disney World Resort — regardless of vaccination status. This includes while waiting in indoor queues and while on Disney buses, monorail, and other park transportation.
It’s also important to note that park attendance is managed by the resort using its Park Pass reservation system. Both a park reservation and valid admission for that same park on the same day are required to enter the attraction.
Finally, Walt Disney World recommends checking the theme park reservation system for availability before purchasing tickets. You can do that here.
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