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Disney made so many HUGE announcements this afternoon and this one appears to be great news!
Announcements and Genie+
This afternoon, Disney made many announcements about the future of the guest experience at the Walt Disney World parks for 2024 and beyond. This announcement chain included many important details that guests have been clamoring for since the stark changes following the 2020 parks closure.
One such change, the removal of the Fastpass+ system and the addition of the Genie+ system, has not been a fan favorite change. Guests saw the removal of a once free system and the addition of a new system that required premium payment for less convenient access. This system is complex and requires and understanding of a changing program, including the differences between Individual Lighting Lanes and Genie+, how to work with the two hour booking window, and more. We’ve covered Genie+ extensively on the blog, including tips for maximizing its value and strategies for use.
A major guest complaint, besides the obvious issue of cost, is that guests cannot plan their day at the park in advance. Unlike the 60 day Fastpass+ booking window, guests must book their Genie+ lightning lanes and individual lighting lanes in the moment, making it much more difficult to have a planned itinerary for one’s park experience. Today, Disney made an announcement that signifies changes in the process for the future!
Advanced Booking?
It now appears that Disney is planning to roll out a process that “simplifies the Genie+ experience” through advanced booking. Read the direct quote from Disney here:
“We have heard from guests that they would like ways to plan with Disney Genie+ service and Individual Lightning Lane selections before the day of their park visit, and we want you to know we are working on ways guests may do this for visits in 2024. Our goal is to give you the opportunity to spend less time planning in the park and more time enjoying your visit with friends and family. While we are not yet able to share specific details, we look forward to sharing more information at a later date.”
Disney Parks Announcement
Your Thoughts
So, it appears as though we will see the option for advanced booking in 2024! We will keep you updated as further news breaks on changes to Genie+.
Are you excited about the possibility of planning your lightning lanes in advance in 2024? Share your thoughts below and be sure to share this article with your favorite Disney Parks companions!
Share the love!
Deb feydo
Friday 12th of May 2023
Disney is no longer a fun trip to plan, cost keep going up, no free transfers from airport, it’s sad
Mike
Thursday 11th of May 2023
This is why I have yet to plan, or take a Disney vacation. I was trying to start to research and discovered Disney no longer sends out paper info packets. I have a few books but the biggest hold up has been having to make a reservation for certain days and if me or my travel agent forget to, I'm SOL for that days visit. The other thought is what if my kids get sunburt on day 1 and we want to take day to to relax, but we already have reservations and forfeit that park ticket. Or the issue of the fast pass that if I wanted to go on one of the starwar rides but I didn't want to get up at the ass crack of dawn or overslept and missed the booking window. I'm SOL. Especially with the price point of tix, hotel and travel from NC. As much as I want my girls to freak out when meeting Elsa, Anna, Minnie, and everyone, the price point and return is out of ratio.
Go back to the old fashion first come first serve for rides, no reservations for enternace, and bring back 1 hour early admittance for on-site hotel reservations.
Thomas Hobbs
Thursday 11th of May 2023
It doesn't seem to solve any issues for annual pass holders. They seem to continue to be left behind since you already have their money. Hotel accommodations, dinner reservations are not available at prime times for APHers. It was confirmed by guest services that those things are saved for guests and future guests who have not paid yet. This is the main reason ,other than our annual passes doubling in price per person, which we buy 4 per year. Could you put out information that pertains to annual pass holders, those that support the parks and Disney throughout the year.
D
Wednesday 10th of May 2023
I hope this happens. Disney is becoming too much work: getting up at the crack of dawn to utilize genie +, lightening lanes, virtual q's, and dining reservations. It's too much Disney!
Sandy
Tuesday 9th of May 2023
Ok great. How does this help me in June? DO IT IMMEDIATELY! It started out that way! No reason to wait till 2024!