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Disney just announced a paid Lightning Lane service, which is the new version of what FastPass was. Curious how this will work for onsite guests vs offsite guests and who has the advantage? Here’s how.
Lightning Lane
Disney just announced the debut of Disney Genie + and Lightning Lane. This paid service is essentially what FastPass used to be, with a few modifications. You can read all about the announcement HERE.
There is a lot of information that we are currently trying to process because this is a totally NEW system. Basically, you will pay a set amount per person per day to experience most attractions, and then you can pay an additional fee to experience more of the top tier headliner attractions. Similar to FastPass, you can only have one selection at a time.
Changes to DAS are also set in motion with this announcement. More information about attractions and how to purchase will be available soon, and we will be sure to share with you when we see it!
Onsite Benefits
With Magical Express ending, the Early Theme Park Entry benefit slimmed down, and other modifications, many have wondered if staying onsite is worth it anymore.
Disney has heard our frustration, and resort guests WILL have an advantage over those staying offsite.
Those who are staying onsite and have valid park reservations will be able to book their first Lightning Lane attraction starting at 7 am the day of. All other guests will have to wait until they enter the park.
Lightning Lane’s price is based per attraction.
However, Genie+ will not distinguish between onsite and offsite. All Guests who purchased Genie+ (the set price feature) can book their first attraction starting at 7 am.
Will you book onsite hotels in order to use this benefit? Or will you continue to stay offsite? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook.
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Aksun
Thursday 19th of August 2021
It's all crap. Disney already costs an arm and a leg. Not gonna be bled to death once I step foot in the park for rides
I know this was the original set up when Disneyland opened...the difference was, it was affordable
Stacey Martella-Ferris
Wednesday 18th of August 2021
Insane. People need to start saying NO to Disney, or else they're going to just keep on money grabbing.
sandy
Wednesday 18th of August 2021
Ha ha we are already at the parks at that time! We will still stay offsite and make reservations to breakfast places if need be to gain early access to MK!
k
Wednesday 18th of August 2021
What???? Unpopular rides are gonna be cheaper. Although no indication what that cost will be. I can see it now..... Sitting on a park bench, people watching, taking a break $500.00 per person. Going in circles on Dumbo....$750.00. and so on up the ride tier. $2000.00 max. Disney thinks people will pay this without even thinking about it, as stated in another article. Well, it used to be fun.
Angel
Wednesday 18th of August 2021
Sort of sounds that way, but if your an offsite guest (I’m guessing more people will be staying offsite, in order to be able to afford all the extra $$$ Disney us now tacking on to a family’s trip) then you must wait until you are in the park. I understand that Disney lost a lot of money while they were closed for covid but it seems a little unfair to add such an extra expense to the consumer when people already pay a steep price to vacation there. I’m sure there will be those that say “well don’t go, more room for me” but I do think if the families who have to make tons of sacrifices to be able to make the trip to start with. If everyone in the park did the new fast pass, guess what, the “fast” will now be the slow. Staying on property has it benefits, but even with hotels at full capacity, Disney needs those additional offsite guests to make up the difference. Add now the on-site parking fee per day and these “extras” are adding up.