How does the Lightning Lane at Disney World work? What to know before Genie+ changes
Samantha NeelyIt's a busy week for Walt Disney World, between new rides making their debut and changes to their fast pass system.
The theme park's announcement of their Genie+ system being replaced by two new systems starting next month certainly grabbed many parkgoers' attentions.
Implemented back in 2021, the Genie system served as an in-park planning tool and attraction reservation system. With the addition of Genie+, guests could reserve times to experience attractions for an additional cost, replacing the free Disney FastPass system.
Here's what these upcoming changes are and how they can impact your upcoming Disney vacation.
What is Disney's Lightning Lane? How does it work?
Disney's Lightning Lane entry lets parkgoers bypass the standby queue and join a separate queue for select attraction and entertainment experiences. There will be two new systems starting on July 24 — the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass.
The Lightning Lane Multi Pass will include the same rides currently covered by Genie+. A la carte Lightning Lane Single Passes will be available for the most popular attractions at each park, like Individual Lightning Lanes.
How does Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Day differ from Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes?
Starting July 24, guests staying at Disney World’s resort hotels can make selections up to seven days in advance, all at once, for up to 14 days of their stay. Other guests can make selections up to three days in advance. So, say goodbye to waking up at 7 a.m. to book the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Star Wars Star Cruiser!
Parkgoers will also be able to see prices and select attraction times before purchasing passes “so you know what you’re getting.” Currently, guests have to purchase Genie+ before they can see availability. Disney World’s app and website will be updated for easier planning and purchasing.
How many pre-arrival selections can be made with Lightning Lane Multi-Pass or Lightning Lane Single Pass?
Guests can make up to three advance Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections for each day of their trip. Once they arrive at the park and complete their first experience, they can book additional experiences pending availability.
Lightning Lane Single Passes remain limited to two per day, like Individual Lightning Lanes are currently.
Can I book the same rides multiple times in a day? Is the '120' rule still a thing at Disney?
Disney Tourist Blog shares that, just as with Genie+, you won’t be able to book the same Lightning Lane more than once per day.
Frequent parkgoers and Genie+ might recall the infamous "120 rule" which is where you can only make a new selection every 120 minutes or after you have redeemed the previous Genie+ selection, whichever comes first. With the changes to Lighting Lane, the rule is now gone.
Can I make ride selections for multiple Disney parks?
Disney's website shares that once you redeem a selection on the day of your park visit, you can use the My Disney Experience app to choose another multi pass experience in any Walt Disney World theme park, as long as you have a valid ticket with the Park Hopper option or an Annual Pass.
The ability to visit another park is subject to the park’s capacity limitations.
How much is the Lightning Lane at Disney World?
Disney Lightning Lane pricing varies by date and park. There will be no price increase related to these changes.
According to Walt Disney World officials, guests can expect similar pricing to Genie+ when Lightning Lane Multi-Pass launches.
How do I purchase the Lightning Lane Single and Multi-Pass?
Before you purchase a Lightning Lane pass, Disney World officials say you’ll need to do 3 things:
- First, download the latest version of the My Disney Experience app.
- Connect everyone in your travel group on your Family & Friends list in the My Disney Experience app—so you’ll be able to purchase Lightning Lane passes and make plans for everyone that is eligible.
- Gather your group’s wish list for attractions and experiences. You can save your group’s top picks in the My Disney Experience app using the “My Day” feature.
When you’re ready to purchase Lightning Lane passes, here’s what to do:
- Open the My Disney Experience app, then tap the Lightning Lane Passes section on the home screen.
- Select a date and theme park.
- Select a Lightning Lane Single Pass, a Lightning Lane Multi Pass or both.
- If you select a Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can choose up to 3 Lightning Lane Multi Pass experiences and arrival windows in advance.
- If you select a Lightning Lane Single Pass, you can choose an arrival window in advance.
- Follow all prompts to complete your purchase — and receive a confirmation.
- From the confirmation screen, you can tap “Plan Another Day” to purchase another pass—or tap “View My Day” for details about your Lightning Lane selections.
Can I modify my Lighting Lane Single and Multi-Pass plans?
Yes. Officials advise those to tap the Lightning Lane Passes section on the My Disney Experience home screen to find your plans. Then, you can:
- Change your selected park and/or date in advance (subject to availability)—up until the moment you redeem your first Lightning Lane selection of the day.
- Change each selected experience and/or arrival window in advance (subject to availability)—up until the start of the arrival window
Can Lightning Lane Single and Multi-Pass both be purchased together?
Yes. You can purchase all Lightning Lane passes for your travel party for the same day in a single transaction.
However, the FAQ section of the site notes that Lightning Lane Multi Pass holders can only choose from a variety of eligible multi pass attractions and experiences. For single pass attractions, Lightning Lane entry is only available with the purchase of a Lightning Lane Single Pass.
Will Disney Genie still be available?
The free Disney Genie planning tool will still be available for all guests to help plan their trips. The paid Genie+ service is the one changing.
Contributing reporting: Eve Chen, USA TODAY