Genie+ is Dead! Everything you need to know about Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Disney World is set to revolutionize the way guests experience its parks with the introduction of the Lightning Lane Multi Pass—starting in July 2024. This brand-new program promises to make your Disney adventures even more magical by significantly reducing wait times for popular attractions.
In this blog post, we'll explore what the Lightning Lane Multi Pass is, how it compares to the existing Genie+ service, and what this means for your next Disney vacation. We'll also cover the Lightning Lane Single Passes and highlight the new benefits of staying onsite.
What is the Lightning Lane Multi Pass?
The Lightning Lane Multi Pass is a new program designed to provide guests ultimate convenience. It allows them to skip the lines at multiple attractions throughout Disney World. This service offers a more convenient and flexible way to enjoy the parks. It minimizes time spent waiting in line and maximizes the fun.
How It Works
Purchase: Guests can purchase the Lightning Lane Multi Pass through their myDisney Experience app. They cannot buy it when making resort or ticket reservations.
Onsite guests can purchase the Multi Pass 7 days before their check-in date. On the other hand, offsite guests can buy it only 3 days before their first park day. Purchases open at 7 AM Eastern time. Guests outside the United States can purchase the Multi Pass only after entering the US.
Pre-Vacation Selection: On the day the Lightning Lane Multi Pass becomes available, you can preschedule up to 3 rides per day of your vacation. This is a huge benefit compared to Genie+. It allows you to plan more in advance and avoid using your phone all day.
Rides and attractions are divided into two groups. Group 1 includes Disney's most popular rides, while Group 2 includes everything else. You can book one attraction from Group 1 and two from Group 2 for your advance Lightning Lanes. You can also book all three from Group 2 if you prefer.
When park hopping, your 3 prescheduled Lightning Lanes must be from the same park. However, the Lightning Lane Multi Pass is still park hopper-friendly, as you can book same-day Lightning Lanes at other parks. More about that in step 4.
Access: At the parks, simply arrive at your selected attraction during your scheduled return window. Then, enter through the Lightning Lane for a significantly reduced wait time.
During-Vacation Selection: Once you scan into a Lightning Lane, you can schedule another based on availability. You can choose from any group or park. This allows for park hopping with the Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
For example, while all 3 of your original Lightning Lanes might be for EPCOT, you can replace them with rides from Hollywood Studios once you check in for those rides. You can hold up to 3 Lightning Lane reservations at a time and continue to replace them as you use them—until the park closes or until availability is gone.
Lightning Lane Multi Pass vs. Genie+
Both the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Genie+ reduce wait times to enhance your Disney experience. However, they have key differences.
Genie+
Booking Window: Genie+ attractions can be booked starting at 7:00 AM on the day of your visit, with no advance booking options.
Single Selection: With Genie+, guests can select one attraction at a time for Lightning Lane access. They can book the next one once the previous reservation has been used.
2-hour rule: If you haven't booked a new Lightning Lane in the past 2 hours, you can book another one. This is regardless of whether you've scanned into a previous Lightning Lane.
Availability: With Genie+, you could not see lightning lane availability before purchasing Genie+. This left guests frustrated that they couldn’t get return times for the rides they were interested in.
Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Advance Booking: Unlike Genie+, up to 3 lightning lanes per park day can be booked in advance of your trip with onsite guests being able to do so 4 days earlier than offsite. You will no longer have to wake up at 7:00 AM to book lightning lanes on your vacation.
Multiple Selections: Guest can pre-book up to 3 lightning lanes at a time before their trip for each day of their journey. So, if their vacation has 5 park days, they can book up to 15 lightning lanes in one sitting.
2-hour rule: No longer exists. Since prebooking is allowed, there is no longer a confusing 2 hour rule. You can book another ride as soon as you scan into a previously booked one.
Availability: With the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you will be able to see what Lightning Lanes have availability before purchase. That way you know exactly what you can get before you spend the money. A vast improvement to Genie+!
Lightning Lane Single Passes
In addition to the Multi Pass, Disney will also offer Lightning Lane Single Passes. This allows guests to purchase access to attractions not included in the Multi Pass. This replaces what is currently called Individual Lightning Lanes. So, what’s changing between ILL and the single passes?
Advanced Booking: You can purchase Lightning Lane Single Passes simultaneously as Multi Passes, ahead of your vacation. Like individual lightning lanes, guests can purchase up to 2 lightning lanes per day.
Other than advanced booking and the name, not a whole lot is changing with the Single Passes—formerly known as Individual Lightning Lanes.
Virtual Queues Update
While the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Passes offer new ways to experience Disney World, Virtual Queues for certain attractions have been temporarily suspended. Disney World is not using Virtual Queues, but they are not gone forever. With several new lands and attractions set to open in the coming years, Virtual Queues will likely return.
How It Works: When available, join the Virtual Queue through the My Disney Experience app at designated times throughout the day.
Attractions: Virtual Queues have been used for select high-demand attractions, such as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
No Additional Cost: Virtual Queues are included with park admission and do not require an additional purchase.
The Onsite Advantage
One of the most significant benefits of the Lightning Lane Multi Pass is the advantage it gives to guests staying at Disney World resorts. Onsite guests can book their Lightning Lane selections up to 4 days before offsite guests.
This is in addition to the perks onsite guests enjoy. Examples include early entry, easier dining reservations, free transportation to parks, free parking, early access to special event tickets, and extended evening hours for some resorts.
The introduction of the Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Disney World marks a significant enhancement to the park experience. It offers guests more flexibility, convenience, and shorter wait times. No matter if you're a seasoned Disney traveler or planning your first visit, the Lightning Lane Multi Pass will improve your experience. Combined with the advantages of staying onsite, it promises to make your trip even more magical.
Ready to plan your Disney World vacation and take advantage of the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass? Let byHannah Vacations help you create the perfect itinerary. Our expert travel agents will assist you in selecting the best accommodations, dining options, and attractions for an unforgettable experience. Contact us today to start planning your magical Disney adventure!