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There is no actual Lightning Lane benefit for Disney onsite guests

There is no actual Lightning Lane benefit for Disney onsite guests

Genie+ is up and running. Disney promises there is a perk to on-site guests who purchase Genie+ plus, but are they? Read on for all the details.

Genie and Genie+

Disney Genie
Credit: Disney

Genie and Genie+ are now live. Disney Genie is a free service within My Disney Experience. This new addition promises to make your visits to the parks easier providing customization, recommendations and more.

Our own Kenny the Pirate was in the parks yesterday trying it out. Many people, along with our pirate, experienced frustration when trying to book their Lightning Lane selections.

Are you going to use Disney Genie or Genie+ on your next trip? Make sure you are prepared by doing these TWO things first.

Rides “Sold Out”

Credit: Disney

Disney stated that they will not “sell out” of Genie+ and that it will always be available for purchase. However, this will leave some experiences unable to be booked unless you act quickly.

Guests were directed to less popular attractions during the day like Swiss Family Robinson Tree House or The Country Bear Jamboree. These attractions are fun things to do, but maybe not one of the first things I would be looking for Disney to suggest for me.

Over in Hollywood Studios yesterday (October 19, 2021) three rides “sold out” earlier in the day. The first ride to sell out was an Individual Lightning Lane ride (you pay even more to ride), RISE OF THE RESISTANCE.

The next ride to be “sold out” was Slinky Dog Dash. This ride is one that you can book a Lightning Lane with the $15 plus tax purchase (at Disney World). The final ride that “sold out” well before park closing was Millenium Falcon.

Ride Availability

Credit: Disney

For on-site guests, they can begin booking their Individual Lightning Lane attractions at 7am. Disney advertises this as an ON-SITE PERK.

Guests not staying on Disney property (off-site guests) are not able to buy or book their first Individual Lightning Lane attraction until park opening.

One would think this would be a HUGE advantage to on-site guests, but it doesn’t appear to be the case. At 8:57 a.m. it was noted that a return time for on-site guests for Rise of the Resistance was 4:15pm.

Photo Credit: KtP writer Heather

Earlier booking times appeared for Rise of the Resistance when Lightning Lane purchases went on sale for everyone

At 9 a.m., when anyone is able to book or purchase a Lightning Lane, the return time dropped back down to 10:05 a.m. I would be frustrated if I thought this was a perk and now I am stuck getting a later time in the day vs someone staying off property.

Photo Credit: KtP Writer Heather

This is even more frustrating, as once you book an Individual Lightning Lane time you CANNOT modify this. The experience may not be canceled. All sales are final with the Individual Lightning Lanes.

It appears that Disney is holding some Lightning Lane availability for off-site guests. So is this really a perk? It doesn’t look like on-site guests get much of an advantage.

One way to be sure to get your must do’s done is to follow one of Kenny’s plan. Be sure to subscribe to character locator for the best touring plan for your vacation!

What do you think of the release of earlier times at park opening? Let us know on the Kenny the Pirate Facebook page. Don’t forget to join the KtP crew page too!

-Heather Alosa


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Dinnerout

Thursday 21st of October 2021

Agreed. Stop giving them money. Stop giving them the power. Ultimately you decide if it's worth it. Personally, I'm done with the mouse house.

Alice

Thursday 21st of October 2021

Yuck!! I'm a park regular but am taking some family for the 1st time in January. Too bad we couldn't have made the trip before this crappy app took effect.

Tlaw

Wednesday 20th of October 2021

Given on-site hotel pricing and the Disney bus saga, it makes sense to stay off property and save some $$ (and easier to get an off site dining reservation).

It also gives you a chance to hop up to Universal and compare the parks.

What are you doing Chepak? Why does the Board of Directors allow you to continue screwing Disney up?

Bob

Wednesday 20th of October 2021

Disney Genie is not designed for park guests. The purpose of DG is to allow the program to schedule venues to spread the park guest crowds. Published wait times are not accurate by design, and this is stated in the app. In using DG the park guest has no way to control their park day.

Maria G O'Boyle

Wednesday 20th of October 2021

UGH - really Disney???? I am becoming so disheartened with all of the changes - to me nothing seems like a positive change. I think resort guests, DVC members, AP holders - we are all losing more than we gain. I miss the perks and I miss the magic. :(

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