Updated: June 28, 2024
In late June 2024, Disney dropped a bombshell on the theme park community with the reveal that the Genie+ skip-the-line ride reservation system — which had only been in place since 2021 — was changing across the board, with newly renamed Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass beginning operation on July 24th.
We’ve been testing out these new systems and bringing you all the details you need to know about the new rules, unique features, and extra fees to pay. But, one big thing to keep in mind is that there are some key differences between the services in Disney World and Disneyland, so we’re breaking them down for you!
Cost of Genie+
The first major difference between the two services is the cost! At Disney World, guests pay $15 per person, per day to gain access to Lightning Lanes (aka the old FastPass+ lanes) at a select list of attractions. But, at Disneyland, that price is a bit higher at $20.
The $20 price tag isn’t new to Disneyland fans though, as this is the same cost as the former MaxPass system (which functioned very similarly to Genie+).
What’s Included
And, it’s not just the cost of Genie+ that differs! At Disney World, guests who pay for Genie+ receive access to unique PhotoPass AR Lenses on the day of their trip and the following 45 days. But, at Disneyland, guests do not have access to these and instead receive unlimited PhotoPass downloads from the day.
Unique audio experiences are also included in Genie+ at both resorts, however.
Number of Attractions
Genie+ may cost more in Disneyland, but you won’t be able to “skip the line” at nearly as many attractions in the parks (there are only two of them, after all). At Disney World, 46 attractions are currently included with Genie+, but at Disneyland, it covers only 19 rides.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the rides that have Lightning Lane access:
Disneyland Park
- Autopia
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
- Haunted Mansion
- Indiana Jones Adventure
- “it’s a small world”
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
- Space Mountain
- Splash Mountain
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Disney California Adventure
- Goofy’s Sky School
- Grizzly River Run
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
- Incredicoaster
- Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Toy Story Midway Mania!
And, when it comes to Individual Attraction Selections (or what we’ve been calling “Fancy Rides”), there are even fewer to select from. The three options (which are NOT included in Genie+) are Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland Park, and WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, and Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure.
Keep in mind that at both Disneyland and Disney World, you do not need to pay for Genie+ to purchase Individual Attraction Selections.
Pay-Per-Ride Pricing
Speaking of those “Fancy Rides,” it will also cost you more to ride them in Disneyland compared to Disney World.
The biggest difference here is in the pricing for Rise of the Resistance, as the most we’ve seen Disney World charge guests for a Lightning Lane return window is $15, whereas the base price is $20 at Disneyland.
Keep in mind that Disney has previously stated that pricing for each attraction would vary by date, ride, and park, so we could see this go up or down in the future.
The pricing of the other two pay-per-ride attractions began at $7 in Disneyland, which is pretty comparable to the pricing at “less popular” Fancy Rides in Disney World.
When You Can Purchase and Select Lightning Lanes
The last notable difference between Genie+ and Individual Attraction Selections in Disney World and Disneyland is when you can actually purchase and use it. In both resorts, guests cannot buy the services until the day that they are headed into the park, but at Disneyland, guests must be in the park.
So, unlike Disney World, where guests can begin making their Genie+ selections at 7AM, all Disneyland guests must wait until after they enter the park to pay for Genie+ in the Disneyland app and make their first Lightning Lane Selection.
Additionally, guests staying at Disneyland Resort hotels have no advantage in making Individual Attraction Selections, as the same rule applies to these — you must enter the park before you can purchase.
So, you’ll want to keep these differences in mind when you’re choosing to use Genie+ in Disneyland! And, while there are quite a few differences in the services, there are also similarities. If you’re headed into Disneyland and want to learn more about them, make sure to check out these posts from Disney World to get you prepared:
- A full guide to Disney Genie, Genie+, and Individual Lightning Lanes
- Learn about the 120-minute rule
- Get all the details on the free Disney Genie
- Breaking down the confusing parts of Genie
- How to purchase Disney Genie+
- How to purchase Individual Attraction Selections
- How to get the most out of Disney Genie+
And, stay tuned to AllEars for more of the latest Disney Park news and updates!
Check out How Genie Started Off on a ROUGH Note in Disneyland
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Are you planning to try Genie+ on your next trip to Disneyland? Let us know in the comments!
I have loved going to Disneyland my entire life. The latest Genie + and lightening lane money grabs and forced reservations for simply entering a Disney park, rides and restaurants are honestly making me think my Disney days are gone forever.