In 2024, Disney has once again updated their popular Genie+ program, introducing new features and changes to the service. As a frequent visitor to the Happiest Place on Earth, I’ve made it my mission to stay on top of these updates and share my knowledge with fellow Disney enthusiasts. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down every detail you need to know about using Genie+ at Disneyland in 2024, ensuring you get the most out of your hard-earned money.
Download the Disneyland App
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of Genie+, let’s start with the basics: you must download the official Disneyland app. There’s no way around it – having the app on your mobile device is an absolute must. Make sure to download it before your vacation and fill out all the necessary personal information, including credit card details. This will come in handy when you need to make mobile orders or purchase Genie+ itself.
It’s also crucial to input information for everyone in your party, whether it’s your family members or friends joining you on the trip. The app will link everyone together, making it easier to make reservations for the entire group simultaneously.
Understanding Disney Terminology
When discussing Genie+, it’s essential to understand the different terminology Disney uses. There are three main components: Genie, Genie+, and Individual Lightning Lanes.
- Genie: This is a free service that comes with the Disneyland app. It’s designed to help plan your day, but many visitors find it ineffective as it doesn’t account for your location within the park.
- Genie+: This is the paid portion of the service, and it’s what allows you to skip most of the lines at various attractions. As of 2024, Genie+ costs $30 per person, per day.
- Individual Lightning Lanes: Certain high-demand attractions, such as Radiator Springs Racers in Disney California Adventure Park and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Disneyland Park, are not included in the Genie+ service. To skip the lines at these attractions, you’ll need to purchase Individual Lightning Lanes, which can cost anywhere from $7 to $20 per person, depending on the attraction and crowd levels.
Purchasing Genie+
To purchase Genie+, simply open the Disneyland app and click on the “My Genie+ Experience” section. From there, you can select the number of people you want to purchase for and complete the transaction.
There are two ways to purchase Genie+: per day or in advance. If you’re buying it per day, you can only do so once you’ve entered the park and checked in. However, if you’re planning a multi-day visit, you can pre-purchase Genie+ for the duration of your stay.
Pre-purchasing Genie+ has its advantages. First, if Disney increases the price during your visit, you’ll be locked in at the rate you initially paid. Additionally, authorized Disney vacation planners like Get Away Today can help you pre-purchase Genie+ as part of your vacation package, making the process seamless.
How to Maximize Your Genie+ Experience
Now that you understand the basics of Genie+, let’s dive into the strategies for maximizing your experience and getting the most out of your investment.
Timing is Everything
One of the most common mistakes people make with Genie+ is using it too early in the day when wait times are relatively short. During the first hour or two after park opening (known as the “golden hour”), many attractions have minimal wait times, so it’s best to avoid using Genie+ during this period.
Instead, wait until the lines start building up before tapping into your Genie+ reservations. This way, you can take advantage of the shorter standby lines early on and save your Genie+ for when the crowds pick up later in the day.
The Two-Hour Rule
Genie+ allows you to make a new reservation every two hours, but there’s a trick to maximizing this feature. Let’s say you make a reservation for Space Mountain at 9 AM, and the system tells you to return at noon. Instead of waiting until noon to make your next reservation, set an alarm for 11 AM (two hours after your initial reservation). At 11 AM, make a new reservation for another attraction, like Indiana Jones Adventure.
Continue this process, setting an alarm every two hours and making a new reservation each time. This strategy ensures you’re constantly utilizing your Genie+ benefits and maximizing the number of attractions you can experience.
The Immediate Reservation Hack
Here’s another pro tip: once you’ve used your Genie+ reservation and scanned into an attraction, you can immediately make your next reservation while you’re in line. This way, you’re not wasting any time and can keep the reservations flowing seamlessly.
For example, if you made a 10 AM reservation for Space Mountain, as soon as you’ve scanned your Genie+ and entered the line, make your next reservation for the ride of your choice. This technique allows you to stay ahead of the game and experience more attractions throughout the day.
The Ride Breakdown Advantage
Sometimes, ride breakdowns can work in your favor when you have Genie+. If you notice an attraction is temporarily closed, immediately try to select it for a Genie+ reservation. If the ride remains down and your return time expires, Disney will issue you a re-admission pass that allows you to skip the line at most other attractions (excluding Individual Lightning Lane attractions like Radiator Springs Racers and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout).
As a bonus tip, once you’ve obtained the re-admission pass, immediately try to book another Genie+ reservation for the same attraction. If it’s still down, you’ll receive another re-admission pass, enabling you to experience multiple rides with minimal wait times.
The Modify Feature
In 2024, Disney introduced a new “modify” feature for Genie+ reservations. Previously, if you had a reservation for an attraction but decided you didn’t want to ride it, you had to cancel the reservation and hope the desired attraction was still available when you tried to rebook it.
With the modify feature, you can now directly switch your existing reservation to a different attraction without having to cancel and rebook. This streamlines the process and ensures you don’t miss out on your preferred ride due to availability issues.
The Holy Grail of Genie+ Hacks
Now, let’s discuss what many consider the “holy grail” of Genie+ hacks. If a ride breaks down and you have a Genie+ reservation for it, don’t cancel or modify your reservation. Instead, wait until your return time expires. Once it does, Disney will issue you a re-admission pass that allows you to skip the line at nearly any attraction in the park, with the exception of Individual Lightning Lane attractions like Radiator Springs Racers, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Peter Pan’s Flight.
After receiving the re-admission pass, immediately try to book another Genie+ reservation for the same attraction that was down. If it’s still unavailable, you’ll receive another re-admission pass, allowing you to experience multiple rides with minimal wait times.
Maximizing Your Genie+ Experience at Walt Disney World
While this guide focuses primarily on Disneyland, it’s important to note that the strategies for maximizing Genie+ at Walt Disney World differ slightly. The sheer size and layout of the Walt Disney World Resort make it a different beast altogether.
At Walt Disney World, it’s crucial to plan your Genie+ reservations strategically based on park layout and transportation times between parks. Additionally, certain attractions may have different rules or limitations regarding Genie+ usage.
Stay tuned for a future blog post dedicated to mastering Genie+ at Walt Disney World, as the tips and tricks for that resort deserve their own comprehensive guide.
The Importance of Making Memories
As you embark on your Disneyland adventure, it’s essential to remember that the true magic lies in the memories you create with your loved ones. While it’s understandable to want to experience as many attractions as possible, given the significant investment involved, don’t let the pursuit of ride counts overshadow the quality time spent together.
At the end of the day, your children will remember the funny moments shared while waiting in line, the conversations during those long car rides, and the laughter and joy you experienced as a family. These cherished memories will last far longer than the thrill of any single ride.
So, embrace the journey, savor the moments, and remember that you are creating invaluable memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
In the ever-changing world of Disneyland, where magic meets innovation, mastering the Genie+ system is paramount to maximizing your experience and making the most of your hard-earned vacation. This comprehensive guide has equipped you with invaluable insights, strategic planning tips, and insider hacks to navigate the intricacies of the Genie+ service like a true pro.
From understanding the nuances of Disney terminology to leveraging the holy grail of ride breakdown advantages, you now possess a wealth of knowledge to elevate your Disneyland adventures. However, the true essence of these cherished moments transcends mere ride counts and efficiency. It lies in the laughter shared, the memories forged, and the unbreakable bonds strengthened with your loved ones amid the whimsical surroundings of the Happiest Place on Earth.
Embrace the magic, savor the journey, and let the enchantment of Disneyland weave its spell, creating unforgettable experiences that will forever etch themselves into the tapestry of your life’s most treasured tales. With this guide as your compass, the possibilities are endless, and the magic awaits, beckoning you to embark on a transformative odyssey where dreams take flight and joy knows no bounds.