With the new Disney Genie+ service, you may be already thinking ahead to your next Disney vacation and wondering how you can best strategize for your family. Will your vacation planning change with the new system? Let’s consider some options.
Staying Off Property
With less benefits offered staying on site, consider that if you stay off property, you will save money. With the money saved, you can use it towards purchasing Lightning Lane access in your Genie+. I don’t think you will feel like you are missing too many extra benefits by staying off property. Everyone on and off property in the next year will have to consider the best method for transportation from the airports. Since Magical Express is being removed as a resort complimentary benefit, you may have to budget car rental whether you are on or off site. Get out your calculators; this option may work out best for you.
Reconsider Your Options for On Site Resorts
If you used to stay at Deluxe or Moderate resorts, the time may be now to rethink the value of a Value resort. With the money you are saving, you can access Lightning Lanes and also be in the Disney bubble, if that is your preference. This may be a good compromise and the best of both worlds. Bonus: if you have never stayed at Pop Century, you can enjoy the new Disney Skyliner transportation system, too!
Deluxe Resort Stay
Staying at a Deluxe Resort now has limited benefits. However, if that is your preference, the strategy is to take all of the opportunities afforded to you, which includes extended hours in the parks. Use them. Your strategy should be to optimize more park hours with early access. Lightning Lanes or select attractions may not even be needed for this type of stay. Strategize your stay by using the maximum benefits you are offered and you may not need to pay extra for the Lightning Lanes. A split stay may be a great compromise as well. Blending both worlds of Deluxe and Value may get you in that sweet spot.
If Disney Genie+ is too overwhelming, and a vacation where you don’t need to learn something new and master this service sounds good, a Disney vacation right now may not be your best option. See where the chips fall when Disney Genie+ rolls out to make better decisions. Disney will be there for you when and if you’re ready, but going with negativity or a lack of enthusiasm about trying a new system may not be right for you now. Remember to lean into the help of a travel agent, too. Dreams Unlimited Travel is available to help you make the best decision for your family.