Ah, Disney Genie+, one of the most controversial aspects of Disney parks nowadays.
Many guests find it confusing or are frustrated by the extra price, while others enjoy the way it allows them more time in the parks to do what they want. We’ve experimented with it a ton and shown you all the sides to it we can. But we thought we’d ask you all on Facebook how many times you’ve used the service, and WOW, your answers were varied!
Zero Times
The top response on the post was zero times. Lots of our readers shared that they have not used the service, either because they just outright refuse to pay the extra money, or because they go so often (some shared they’re annual passholders) that it’s not necessary for them.
The Disney Genie+ Rule You Keep Forgetting is Now Official
Not Genie+, But Individual Lightning Lane
A few readers shared that they haven’t purchased Genie+, but they have purchased Individual Lightning Lanes for certain attractions and found it worth it. Someone on our team recently decided to book an Individual Lightning Lane for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind when she’d be walking through the park from the Skyliner before going to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and personally thought the $17 was very worth it. It really depends on what your priorities are in the park!
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1-5 Times
Some guests shared that they’ve used it 1-5 times for shorter trips. While some said it was very helpful and allowed them time to do other things like relax by the pool or sleep in, others said it was stressful and it didn’t allow them to fully experience the park because they were glued to their phone. Most of the readers who shared they only used it once said they would never use it again because of it’s stressors, while the ones who have used it more than once really found it beneficial.
AllEars TV: Should You Pay for Genie+ in EPCOT Now?
Week Long Trips & Beyond
Lastly, all the guests who shared they got it for their week trips (or longer) shared that it was an extremely beneficial service for them. A few readers mentioned it allowed their kids to ride their favorite rides multiple times, and they were able to do everything they wanted to accomplish during their trip.
Ultimately, deciding if Genie+ will be useful for your trip is a decision only you and your group can make. It’s important to do research on the service before your trip, and meet with your party to discuss how it could hurt or help your party.
We’ve got loads of videos and posts walking you through the ever-changing service, so don’t feel too overwhelmed by it, and let us do the hard work for you! As always, stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest Genie+ news.
This Genie+ change could SAVE you money in Disney World!
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How many times have you used Disney Genie+ in Disney World? Let us know below!
I wonder what Disney will do if people don’t buy it. Once enough people use it because they think it is worthwhile, if they find out it really isn’t, then Disney will have to come up with some other way to reach into your pocket and get you to pay more for what used to be free. And trust me they will do just that. And if you think whatever they come up with will cost the same or less than Genie+, you aren’t paying attention. We are DVC members and are going down in February for 5 days and plan on going to the parks once. We will stay at the Beach Club and save money by not getting multi day passes and ordering groceries and preparing most of our own meals. We will have a relaxing time and get out of the snow and cold and do other things like lounge by the pool, go to Disney Springs, etc..
Last I heard about it is that it was non-refundable. So if a ride breaks down and you had purchased a lightning lane pass for that ride, you are S.O.L.
We used it with good success mid summer on our first family trip to WDW (I had been to WDW a couple of times several years ago, but hadn’t taken kid/spouse- Disneyland is closer to us on the West Coast and is our usual choice). We were able to ride everything on everyone’s list in each park (one park per day- no hopper) If we were able to visit WDW frequently or in the less busy time of year? probably wouldn’t have bothered, but doing it for once/first time trip? It allowed us to save on some very long wait times during the busier vacation period and fit a lot more into our days.
“A few readers mentioned it allowed their kids to ride their favorite rides multiple times”
I don’t think that’s accurate, because I think that you can only use Genie+ once per ride (unless the parents are letting the kids use their card or magic band).
I’ve learned to tolerate Genie+ but I don’t like the 7am thing, because we usually want to go to the parks later in the day.
That is correct … Only one time use
Will never purchase Genie+ or Lightning lane. Have been to WDW 4 different times this year (5 days or longer each trip) and have yet to purchase either. Really don’t see a need too.
Great move…. Disney just wants more and more money… Parking is almost as much as a day ticket to other parks in the area!!!!