Is Disney Genie+ Worth It?
RIP to FASTPASS and FastPass+.
FastPasses have not been available since the WDW parks reopened in July 2020. The Disney Food Blog reported seeing FastPass lane titles being removed on starting in March on popular rides. This led to a lot of speculation as to whether or not FastPass+ would return at all.
Disney finally answered that question last week with the introduction of Disney Genie and Disney Genie+. Through the My Disney Experience app, guests of both WDW and Disneyland can build an itinerary that will update throughout the day as well as provide wait times and suggestions on your day’s planning. This service is complimentary and is intended to uncomplicate your planning.
Disney Genie and Disney Genie+
Disney Genie+ is a paid for service ($15 per day per person at WDW and $20 per day per person at Disneyland) that allows guests to choose through the app the next available time for their chosen ride, show, or experience. Unlike FastPass+, you can only have one selection at a time as opposed to three through the previous program. Your selection will allow you to experience the attraction with a much shorter wait by using the Lightning Lane (the old FastPass+ lane).
For the most desirable attractions, guests can also purchase individual attraction selections to use the Lightning Lane. These can only be purchased for a maximum of two attraction per day, and prices will vary. These attractions will not be available through Disney Genie+, such as Seven Dwarves Mine Train at WDW and Radiator Springs Racers at California Adventure.
You will only be able to make Disney Genie+ selections the day of your visit - unlike its predecessor allowing up to 60 days to make selections.
Universal Express Comparison
I like to maximize my time in the parks by waiting in line as little as possible. I’ll jump around a park to hit rides at their lowest queue times even if I have to walk more. I would be a gold medalist if this were a sport! When I stay at Universal Florida, I stay at one of the Premier hotels to get access to Universal Express Unlimited. This program is similar to Disney Genie+ except that you can use it on any participating attraction (which is most of them!) as many times as you want each day for free. Otherwise, you can purchase this pass for $109.99 per day per person. The more limited option where you can use it only once per ride per day on most attractions is $79.99 per day per person.
I stayed at Universal’s Royal Pacific this past July, and it was HOT and crowded. I was extremely grateful for the Universal Express Unlimited allowing me to avoid standing in the heat and experiencing every ride in the park.
Comparing the Disney Genie+ to the Universal Express pass, the Disney version is a steal, but only allows one selection at a time. Universal’s option allows you to walk into every attraction other than Velocicoaster and Hagrid’s Magical Creature’s Motorbike Adventure.
Is Disney Genie+ Worth It?
So, is upgrading to Disney Genie+ or paying for the individual attractions worth it? I think that a price can be placed on time and convenience. That price is unique to each person. On crowded, hot days, the Disney Genie+ might be worth the upsell to allow you to experience more throughout the day. On less crowded days, you might be able to get away with hitting all of your favorite attractions without the upgrade.
So, it really depends. I’m sorry I don’t have more of a definitive answer, but reviewing a Disney crowd calendar is a good start to helping you decide. You can also request a free quote from me. In the details section, let me know you are unsure if Disney Genie+ is right for you (when available). I can give you more detailed information about your desired dates to help make your decision.
