Our information to the Genie+ at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure solutions continuously requested questions concerning the paid FastPass & MaxPass alternative, data & ideas concerning the line-skipping Lightning Lanes, journey reservations, and itinerary instruments. (Updated March 3, 2023.)
Genie+ and Lightning Lanes have now been in use at Disneyland and DCA for over a 12 months, and the system has developed throughout that point a little bit bit. Naturally, the replace for the Florida parks have overshadowed the California ones, and questions concerning the former outnumber the latter by roughly 1,971 to 1. No shock, since Walt Disney World planners are much more hardcore. There’s additionally the sensible actuality that Disneyland locals skilled the same system with MaxPass. It additionally helps that, like nearly every little thing else, Genie+ is simpler to make use of at Disneyland Resort.
Nevertheless, there are some issues price addressing concerning the DLR incarnation. Even although it’s extra easy and less complicated at Disneyland, there’s nonetheless a studying curve. Going into your days at Disneyland and DCA armed with information of the ins and outs of Genie+ and Lightning Lanes could make an enormous distinction, make it easier to get extra achieved, wait in traces much less, and be capable of re-ride your favourite points of interest. With that in thoughts, right here’s our FAQ to Genie+ at Disneyland…
Let’s begin with some fast updates about Genie+ for Spring 2023. First, the bottom value of the Genie+ add-on is now $25 per particular person per day at Disneyland Resort, which is up from final 12 months’s value of $20. In addition to this, Disneyland has launched ‘surge pricing’ which means the service could be much more costly on peak season days. Thus far, Genie+ has hit $30 on a number of events final vacation season and this 12 months. We count on Genie+ to succeed in $30 per day with regularity throughout Spring Break 2023.
As such, we extremely suggest buying tickets now to lock-in present Genie+ pricing when you have an upcoming journey to Disneyland. Not solely will shopping for reputable low cost Disneyland tickets prevent cash on admission, however it’s also possible to purchase Genie+ on the base value, somewhat than paying the same-day surge costs.
The closing replace is that Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is now open in Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland, and at present is promoting Individual Lightning Lane entry. The digital queue for this new journey has already been retired, and we wouldn’t be stunned if it strikes to Genie+ someday within the subsequent a number of months. Probably not earlier than spring break, and perhaps not earlier than summer season. But it’s not common sufficient to maintain the Individual Lightning Lane standing.
On the same observe, WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure was “downgraded” from Individual Lightning Lane standing to the Genie+ service late final 12 months. The following FAQ and Genie+ information have been up to date in March 2023 in mild of the aforementioned adjustments.
Since the Genie system launched, we’ve been within the parks extensively testing it out and sharing outcomes in addition to the entire newest information and adjustments in our posts about Genie+ and Lightning Lanes.
One factor you would possibly discover in perusing these posts: there’s nothing for Disneyland! This is just not a conspicuous omission or us overlooking Genie+ at Disneyland and DCA. To the opposite, we’ve examined the paid FastPass service quite a few occasions in 2023 already–together with as just lately as March 2023. It’s merely a matter of not many materials variations at Disneyland.
Not a lot has modified, both by way of tweaks to the Genie+ service or its usefulness. We have seen some minor issues, however not sufficient to benefit fully-fledged updates. That’s excellent news, as Genie+ has labored effectively from the beginning at Disneyland and DCA and that continues to be the case. The overwhelming majority of the issues and complaints about Genie+ at Walt Disney World don’t apply at Disneyland (save for UI points).
With that mentioned, we do have just a few updates to share…
What occurred to the free FastPass system?
Paper FastPass has been retired, and now resides in Yesterland alongside Superstar Limo. In addition to changing the paid MaxPass, the free FastPass can be completely retired at Disneyland. Genie+ is the everlasting alternative for each.
What are Lightning Lanes, the paid Genie+ service, free Genie function, and particular person or a la carte attraction choices?
Disney Genie (Free) – A function within the Disneyland app that’s principally a customized itinerary function. Think of it as Disney’s reply to Google Maps–if Google Maps informed you to drive your automotive right into a lake each 5 minutes–it tells you the place to go, however doesn’t give you any line-skipping.
Disney Genie+ (Paid) – This supplies precedence entry to 19 points of interest at Disneyland and DCA. You select the subsequent accessible time to reach, and might make one choice at a time all through the day. Genie+ prices $25 per day and likewise contains audio experiences and limitless PhotoPass downloads out of your day at Disneyland Resort.
Individual Lightning Lanes (a la carte purchases) – Choose a selected time to reach at as much as 2 totally different extremely demanded points of interest and bypass the standby line. There are 2 points of interest at Disneyland Resort providing this, and they aren’t included in Genie+. Pricing for this feature varies by date and attraction.
Lightning Lanes (actual world infrastructure) – The identify for former FastPass entrances. These are the bodily queues within the park via which Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane purchases can bypass standby traces.
Which points of interest can be found for Individual Lightning Lane (ILL) buy?
Here’s the official checklist of ILL points of interest at Disneyland Resort:
Disneyland
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Disney California Adventure
Again, these two points of interest aren’t accessible by way of the Genie+ service. Guests can solely purchase Individual Lightning Lane choices for each per day.
Which points of interest can be found by way of the Genie+ service?
Here’s the official Genie+ checklist of points of interest at Disneyland Resort:
Disneyland
- Autopia
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
- Haunted Mansion
- Haunted Mansion Holiday (Halloween & Christmas Seasons)
- Indiana Jones Adventure
- “it’s a small world”
- “it’s a small world” vacation (Christmas Season)
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- 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!
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark (Halloween Season)
- Incredicoaster
- Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Soarin’ Over California (Spring Season)
- Toy Story Midway Mania
- WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
Which Genie+ choices are the “best” ones?
After extensively Genie+ and Lightning Lanes extensively at Disneyland Resort, we’ve ranked the most effective Genie+ Lightning Lane picks for each parks based mostly upon time saved and the way shortly return occasions refill and run out. This is useful for selecting the order to ebook your journey reservations, particularly on busier days at Disneyland. Here are the lists for every:
In addition to consulting these lists prior to creating your Genie+ Lightning Lane choices, we’d suggest following a savvy rope drop technique and good itinerary. There are lots of nice points of interest at Disneyland Resort that do not have Lightning Lanes, and also you’ll wish to beat the crowds to take pleasure in low wait occasions at these.
Is Genie+ well worth the cash at Disneyland and/or DCA?
We assume so, particularly for those who use it neatly.
We Did Every Genie+ Ride at Disneyland & DCA In A Day covers how we did 32 points of interest in a single day, and how one can obtain related “success” by leveraging Genie+ plus sound technique. It’s actually not that tough–a lot simpler than at Walt Disney World!
I’ve seen complaints about Genie+ on-line, what’s up with these?
There have been lots of complaints, however principally about Genie+ at Walt Disney World. In Florida, there have been points with company solely having the ability to reserve 2-3 Lightning Lanes per day, or worse in some circumstances. This is for a variety of causes, however principally that extra vacationers are shopping for Genie+ at Walt Disney World and 3 of the 4 parks there have far fewer rides. This creates an imbalance of provide and demand–extra competitors for fewer Lightning Lanes.
By distinction, extra locals go to Disneyland and that viewers is much less more likely to buy Genie+ as a result of they don’t have the identical sense of urgency to repeat points of interest. On high of that, each parks at Disneyland have higher attraction density. In different phrases, there’s much less competitors for extra points of interest. All informed, that makes for a extra laid again and simpler expertise with Genie+ at Disneyland.
That may change through the busy vacation season, however we doubt it. Genie+ debuted final Christmas at Disneyland, and there have been no points throughout peak vacationer season dates. Despite this, the Disneyland app has pushed out a warning notification (see above) for some dates.
How will we incorporate Genie+ into our day with standby traces?
For step-by-step single day itineraries utilizing Genie+ and standby at Disneyland Resort, see our step-by-step plans:
Like all of this, these pattern itineraries is perhaps overwhelming and discouraging. Just needless to say a regular touring plan may additionally be overwhelming and discouraging for first-timers. Walt Disney World is without doubt one of the most intricate and convoluted trip locations on the planet, and it solely turns into “easy” with information and expertise.
Can we buy each Genie+ and particular person Lightning Lane entry?
Yes.
Since there isn’t any overlap between what’s lined by Genie+ and by the person or a la carte line-skipping, it’s possible you’ll buy each.
Can a time slot be chosen for Individual Lightning Lane returns?
No.
Unlike at Walt Disney World, Individual Lightning Lane purchases at Disneyland don’t permit the number of a time slot—it’s the subsequent accessible time for these, similar to Genie+ Lightning Lane choices.
When can we purchase Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lanes?
At Disneyland Resort, you have to buy Genie+ and make your Lightning Lane reservations after you enter one of many parks. This is true for each Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes.
You may buy Genie+ previous to visiting as a length-of-visit ticket add-on. This is feasible by way of Disneyland.com, licensed third celebration ticket sellers, or journey brokers. See our Guide to Discount Disneyland Tickets for suggestions.
When can company be capable of make Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane choices?
Disneyland company are be capable of make their first Genie+ choice or Individual Lightning Lane buy upon coming into the park. Unlike Walt Disney World, nothing could be booked at 7 am. It’s all as soon as contained in the park, and there’s no on-site benefit.
This works precisely how MaxPass labored, which means that you could make reservations instantly upon scanning into the turnstiles. Even if the park is just not but formally open otherwise you go away, you’ll be capable of make reservations.
Can one particular person enter the park and make Lightning Lane reservations for everybody?
No.
Unfortunately, every particular person must scan into the park for the system to view them as an “active” visitor. On the plus aspect, there isn’t any robust incentive to make Lightning Lane reservations ASAP upon coming into Disneyland or DCA. To the opposite, it’s usually strategically advantageous to do standby traces first and make your first Lightning Lane journey reservation round 10 am. (This is determined by crowds, your priorities, and so on.)
How many Individual Lightning Lane attraction reservations can every visitor ebook per day?
Two, and people reservations have to be at totally different points of interest. (In different phrases, no doing both attraction twice.)
What do Individual Lightning Lane points of interest value at Disneyland?
The beginning value is $12 per attraction, with the very best value being $25–for now. Disneyland didn’t point out that $25 is the ceiling for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. To the opposite, the corporate indicated it will use “variable” date-based pricing, which suggests ILL prices may go even greater throughout peak season dates.
However, that didn’t occur throughout final 12 months’s vacation season and it hasn’t occurred up to now in 2023. That may change throughout spring break or summer season season, however we’re beginning to see much less demand for Individual Lightning Lane entry, so we suspect that $25 might be the height value.
Can the identical attraction be booked a number of occasions with the Genie+ service at Disneyland and DCA?
No, re-rides aren’t at present attainable.
As with something, that is topic to alter because the system evolves. MaxPass did permit re-rides and had no situation, so we wouldn’t be stunned to see this coverage quietly change in California.
How many journey reservations could be made at a time with the Genie+ service?
Guests are capable of make one reservation at a time–with the flexibility to make a subsequent reservation instantly upon tapping into an attraction.
Is anything included with Genie+ at Disneyland?
In addition to Lightning Lane entry, buying Genie+ at Disneyland entitles you to the next:
- Enjoy Unlimited Disney PhotoPass Digital Downloads from the Day – Download and share digital photographs from choose eating places, points of interest, iconic settings and extra.
- Enhance Your Photos with Disney PhotoPass Lenses – Unlock a particular assortment of Disney-themed lenses in your cellular system, permitting you to discover augmented actuality results.
- Listen to Audio Tales – Discover the parks in cool new methods via fascinating enjoyable information and behind-the-scenes insights throughout your go to.
The PhotoPass Lenses and Audio Tales are taste-specific; some folks will these to be good additions to their day, however most company won’t ever use them. We’ve used these PhotoPass Lenses extensively at Walt Disney World, and so they’re usually fairly enjoyable as a value-add, however undoubtedly not the first and even secondary motive to purchase Genie+ at Disneyland.
Additionally, augmented actuality is a HUGE battery drainer. We discovered our cellphone batteries going from nearly-full to the crimson zone after round half-hour of use. Genie+ already entails lots of display screen time, so remember to pack a transportable battery charger regardless–however contemplate a larger battery for those who’ll be spending any period of time utilizing the PhotoPass Lenses or wish to cost a number of gadgets.
By distinction, most individuals will discover the PhotoPass picture downloads to be an enormous plus. We’ve heard from some households who’ve one particular person buy of their celebration buy Genie+ only for the sake of the on-ride photograph downloads. Given that Disney PhotoPass+ One Week prices $78, you come out forward by merely shopping for Genie+ for journeys which can be 3 days or fewer!
What if the return time for that choice is just not till a lot later within the day?
Guests are capable of make one other reservation 120 minutes after their first reservation even when they haven’t but redeemed the primary Genie+ choice.
Does this imply I can really maintain a number of Genie+ choices concurrently?
Yes, when utilizing the 120 minute rule. Disneyland’s official wording is complicated, but it surely’s attainable to stack Genie+ choices. In reality, there are quirks to the system that make it attainable to build up Lightning Lane reservations by way of Genie+ later within the day.
What if the return occasions battle with each other or different reservations?
Genie+ won’t cease you from making overlapping plans, so it is advisable to monitor this your self and ensure it doesn’t occur. It will merely provide you with a ‘warning’ message that you’ve overlapping plans (see screenshot above).
If a selected attraction’s return time conflicts along with your schedule, both choose a distinct attraction with a return time that isn’t problematic, or wait 5-10 minutes till the clock strikes ahead on return occasions and eliminates the overlap.
How do teams make Genie+ reservations?
Guests can hyperlink tickets and choose household and mates within the Disneyland app through the journey reservation course of.
Do Genie+ and/or particular person Lightning Lane points of interest work with Park Hopping?
Yes.
You are capable of reserve points of interest after 1 pm in a distinct park than the one the place you began your day and have reservations. Park Hopping with Genie+ or particular person Lightning Lane attraction purchases observe all the traditional guidelines of all three (Park Hopping, Genie+ and Lightning Lanes).
What occurs if I wish to Park Hop however the return time for the attraction I ebook with Genie+ is earlier than 1 pm?
Genie+ routinely accommodates Park Hopping. If the return time displayed is earlier than 1 pm, the system routinely modifies your reservation window to 1-2 pm for those who’re not already in that park.
What if not everybody in our celebration needs to do a sure journey?
You can select to solely make Genie+ reservations for some company inside your celebration.
Alternatively, you may make the reservation for everybody, and a few folks in your group can journey a number of occasions by scanning the redemption belonging to another person (protecting in thoughts that every one is legitimate as soon as). Certain thrill rides are too intense for Sarah, so I scan her Genie+ Lightning Lane entry code after utilizing mine.
Can solely sure company inside a celebration select to buy Individual Lightning Lanes?
Yes–identical thought. You can select amongst linked company within the Disneyland app from whom you wish to buy the ILLs.
Can company select to buy Genie+ solely on particular days?
Yes.
Only shopping for on particular days gives you the choice to have “commando touring” days and extra laid again ones, as a substitute of merely shopping for all through a Disneyland ticket or trip bundle–saving cash within the course of.
Are any digital queues in use at Disneyland Resort?
Yes.
At Disney California Adventure, World of Color – ONE makes use of a digital queue. This is reserved viewing for the nighttime spectacular, and doesn’t work in fairly the identical approach as prior digital queues for points of interest.
What’s up with the digital queues for rides?
As of March 2023, no digital queues are in use for rides at Disneyland or Disney California Adventure. The parks have shifted to standby traces for all points of interest that beforehand used them, however has reserved the flexibility to make use of the digital queues when demand is excessive.
Thus far, this has but to occur. Given that it didn’t happen through the peak vacation weeks of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, we doubt that the digital queues will ever be introduced again. At least, till one other new journey opens.
What adjustments with standby traces?
Nothing.
Regular ole walk-up standby traces are nonetheless accessible on all points of interest.
Can Magic Key Passholders be capable of buy Genie+ or particular person Lightning Lane entry at Disneyland?
Magic Keyholders are capable of buy Lightning Lane or add Genie+ on a per-day foundation, similar to common theme park ticket holders.
There’s now a 20% off low cost on the Genie+ service on days when Magic Keyholders use their go for park admission.
Is there an annual add-on for Magic Keymasters?
No.
There is just not a yearly add-on possibility for Genie+ for Disneyland Resort Magic Key Passholders. It’s attainable one might be added down the street, however we wouldn’t count on that till pent-up demand fizzles out. So perhaps 2023?
Is there a Disney Vacation Club Member low cost?
No.
Will these programs pressure me to be glued to my cellphone all day?
Using the Genie programs will certainly require cellphone use all through the day–there’s no approach round that. However, it could possibly be as little as a few minutes each 90 to 120 minutes, or shortly after coming into an attraction queue. It gained’t be essential to be consistently in your cellphone.
With that mentioned, simply as earlier than with MaxPass, it’s seemingly that these company who refresh the app compulsively and are diligent about making reservations might be .
Are there a number of choices for time slots when reserving Genie+ journey reservations?
The solely possibility is the subsequent accessible time slot.
Does Genie+ work with MagicBands at Disneyland Resort?
Yes. Genie+ work with the MagicBand+, which has now debuted at Disneyland.
With that mentioned, MagicBands aren’t required. You can use your park tickets or cellphone as a substitute for those who don’t have MagicBands.
Is refreshing and rebooking journey reservations attainable with Genie+?
That was the case with MaxPass, but it surely’s more difficult with Genie+ as a result of there’s no modify button–this implies it’s a must to cancel and rebook, which is a cumbersome course of.
Generally talking, count on options and performance to be added to Genie+ over time.
How does this influence Single Rider or Rider Switch?
It doesn’t.
Keep in thoughts that despite the fact that Genie+ and Lightning Lanes have now launched in California, the system continues to be in its infancy. Beyond that, Disney is clearly centered on the Walt Disney World model of the Genie system first as that’s the money-maker. Disneyland’s incarnation is on the backburner, and can seemingly evolve post-release based mostly on the distinctive operational wrinkles of the California parks. Our expectation is that Genie+ and Lightning Lanes will proceed to be tweaked in California.
This ought to reply many of the questions that readers have been asking concerning the Genie+ app function and Lightning Lanes which can be coming to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. In some circumstances, these “answers” are merely our greatest guesses and hypothesis, however in lots of circumstances that’s the most effective we will supply. There have been lots of questions, so if we didn’t tackle yours, we apologize. Please publish within the feedback beneath and we’ll reply extra as they’re requested!
Planning a Southern California trip? For park admission offers, learn Tips for Saving Money on Disneyland Tickets. Learn about on-site and off-site motels in our Anaheim Hotel Reviews & Rankings. For the place to eat, take a look at our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews. For distinctive concepts of issues that’ll enhance your journey, take a look at What to Pack for Disney. For complete recommendation, seek the advice of our Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide. Finally, for guides past Disney, take a look at our Southern California Itineraries for day journeys to Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, and tons of different locations!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Have any questions we didn’t reply with the above FAQ? Still confused by how Genie+ or Lightning Lanes work at Disneyland and DCA? Think that is an enough alternative to the FastPass and MaxPass programs, or do you want Disneyland would’ve simply left these alone? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Other ideas or issues? Any questions we may help you reply? Hearing your suggestions–even while you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!