Genie+ has changed so much in Disney World that you might be incredibly confused about just how to use the service. (And we don’t blame you!)

For those unfamiliar with it, Genie+ is the PAID skip-the-standby-line service that has replaced FastPass+. Generally speaking, it allows you to pay a certain amount to make a Lightning Lane selection for a participating ride and then use the Lightning Lane to skip the standby wait. But how and when you make those Genie+ selections, what rides are included in Genie+, the pricing for Genie+, and MORE have ALL changed in the past few years. And one more important change is on the way.

As a brief overview, Genie+ allows you to pay a certain amount (which varies based on the date and what park you’re buying Genie+ for or if you’ll be buying a multi-park option) to make Lightning Lane selections for participating rides, one at a time. When your Lightning Lane return time arrives, you hop in the Lightning Lane and skip the standby wait. You can then make another Lightning Lane selection, and so on.

Some of Disney’s most popular rides are NOT part of the standard Genie+ service though. To skip the standby lines or virtual queues at those really popular rides, you’ll instead need to use the Individual Lightning Lane Service, which allows you to pay for the chance to skip a ride’s standby line ONCE.

Those are the very basics of the system, so now let’s look at some of the ways it has changed.

Genie+ Changes That Have Already Taken Place

Genie+ was first introduced in 2021 at Walt Disney World but it looks VERY different than it did just a few years ago. It even looks different now than it did a few months ago!

This may not be a completely exhaustive list, but here’s a peek at just some of the MAJOR Genie+ changes that have been made recently:

• Various Dates — On various occasions, Disney has changed what rides are available through Genie+ versus Individual Lightning Lane, sometimes adding more rides to the standard Genie+ service.
• June 2022 — Disney removed the ability to buy Genie+ in advance of your trip. Now, ALL guests can only purchase Genie+ on the day of their visit (starting at midnight).
• August 2022 — Certain adjustments have been made in the past to Genie+ and how it interacts with Park Hopping, specifically impacting your ability to make certain selections at the park you’ll be hopping to in the afternoon.
• August 2022 — The Genie+ portion of the My Disney Experience app was updated to provide a notification of the 120-minute rule, more clearly indicating when you can book your next Lightning Lane.
• October 2022 — Disney introduced surge pricing for Genie+. Previously, the service was a flat fee of $15 per person per day. After the October 2022 update, that price could vary depending on the date. The pricing system has since changed again, which we’ll talk about in a second.

• December 2022 — Genie+ was updated to allow for modification of selections after they’re made (rather than requiring guests to cancel their initial selection and make a new one). This then impacted the 120-minute rule (which governs when you can make another Genie+ selection after making your first one) in a way that can be really beneficial if you use the modification option.
• March 2023 — Disney changed the system so that those who purchase Genie+ are now given free PhotoPass downloads of attraction photos taken on the day of purchase.

That leads us to two of our more recent changes. One of the biggest has been a change to Genie+ pricing. In June of 2023, Genie+ switched to park-specific pricing. The cost of Genie+ now not only depends on the date of your visit but also depends on what PARK you want to use Genie+ at. You can now purchase park-specific Genie+ options or a multi-park option, and the pricing can vary depending on which one you pick (Genie+ for some parks may be cheaper than others).

This has changed what happens if Genie+ sells out at a single park during your trip. With the old system, if Genie+ sold out in any park, it was impossible to purchase the service at all. But, under this new set-up, if Genie+ sells out at one park, it’ll make the multi-park option unavailable and the Genie+ park-specific option for the park where it has sold out. But you’ll at least still be able to buy Genie+ for OTHER individual parks where it has not sold out.

And finally, in August of 2023, Genie+ was updated to feature a helpful toggle switch. Now, when you’re scrolling through the Tip Board on the My Disney Experience app, you can toggle a switch “on” that limits your search to those rides that offer Genie+. That can help you more clearly see where the service is available.

That’s a LOT of changes. But there’s still one we’re waiting for more details about…

But There’s ONE We’re Waiting For…

There’s a MASSIVE Genie+ change coming in 2024. In 2023, Disney acknowledged that they’ve heard guests saying they wish they could “plan with Disney Genie+ service and individual Lightning Lane selections before the day of their park visit.”

As a result, Disney shared that they’re “working on ways guests may do this for visits in 2024.”

According to Disney, the 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.”  It seems the overall goal will be to “simplify” your Genie+ experience.

Disney hasn’t shared just what those changes will be, but 2024 is RAPIDLY approaching so we’re really hoping to hear some updates soon. Based on what they’ve shared so far, it seems the changes could result in some ability to do a bit of pre-planning with Genie+ ahead of your trip.

In the days of FastPass+, guests were able to schedule 3 FastPass selections in advance of their trip. That may have given guests some sense of comfort knowing they at least had those 3 rides secured, and it may have taken some of the pressure off of planning in the parks (though guests could make more selections after those initial 3 were used up).

Could something similar be done with this update? It’s possible but not yet clear.

It’s also possible that the changes won’t just be limited to Genie+. Disney acknowledged that guests want to plan their Genie+ AND Individual Lightning Lane selections in advance. So perhaps there will be some ability to pre-select Individual Lightning Lanes for Disney’s most popular rides well ahead of your trip too.

Thus far, the details of those 2024 changes have not been revealed, but we are waiting for any and all updates. In the meantime, it’s crucial that you understand how the Genie+ system works, whether it’s worth it for you, and how to make the most of it. Check out our posts below for some help:

• Here’s when you DON’T need Genie+
• See our FULL page about the Genie+ service

And stay tuned for more news!

What changes would you like to see made with Genie+? Tell us in the comments!

The post Disney Genie+ Has Changed 9 Times — But We’re Still Waiting on ONE Big Update first appeared on the disney food blog.

Progress is ongoing for the new Disney100 nighttime spectacular coming to World Showcase Lagoon at EPCOT, with a hexagonal structure taking shape in the lagoon itself and both barges and other show elements being staged and completed backstage. We have updates from the ground, as well as an aerial overview from bioreconstruct.

World Showcase Lagoon Construction

Some of the pilings in World Showcase Lagoon have had more length added to them in preparation to drive them into the lake bed for foundational purposes.

Not every piling has had additional length welded yet, though some have been marked for up to 135 feet in depth.

The last of the “Harmonious” barges were removed last month and crews have since been working to prepare the lagoon for a new permanent show.

The construction out in the lake in preparation for the new nighttime spectacular is difficult to see from World Showcase, but we’ll take a bird’s eye view in a moment.

Assembly on this hexagonal platform continues. There are also pairs of pilings set up in an outer circle.

Some of these may indicate where docks will be installed for movable barges.

Aerial View of World Showcase Lagoon Construction

The hexagonal platform is much clearer from above.

The inner L dock was originally used for the rotating globe of the retired IllumiNations show. One of the pairs of pilings faces the Italy pavilion island, a popular spot for private events viewing fireworks.

In the above photo, the incomplete sides of the hexagon have the supports taking shape just under the surface of the water.

Aerial View of Backstage Show Barges

This aerial view indicates where the show elements are being constructed backstage. The yellow arrow at the bottom of the image shows where four completed show barges are already docked.

Each has a pair of outboard motors at the ends of the u-shape to maneuver them into position. In the above photo, more progress is visible.

At point 1 in this aerial view, we see the fifth barge under construction. This will join the other four large u-shaped barges already in the water. A grand total of six barges are expected when this part of the project is complete.

Where the image is marked with a 2, there’s a floating square in the water, tucked inside the u-shaped barge. Numbers 3, 4, 5, and 6 are other floating squares out on the dock.

From this angle, we can see the floating square tucked into the u-shaped barge more clearly at the bottom of the image.

This aerial view shows the completed barge’s show elements labeled. At 1, we see a movable fountain jet. At point 2, movable show lighting is mounted. There are eight pairs of movable jets and lighting on the arms of each completed u-shaped barge. Point 3 is another view of the floating square platforms that fit inside barges.

There are many of these floating squares being assembled backstage, with four potentially fitting inside each of the estimated six u-shaped barge.

Above, a more recent photo of completed floating squares.

From another angle, we can see the scale of the barges and floating squares as they’re being constructed. In the bottom right of this image, a Disney bus on the road provides an idea of scale. From this angle, 1 indicates the four recently completed barges, 2 shows the fifth barge being assembled, and 3 marks the floating squares.

Parts for the fifth barge currently being constructed are indicated by the yellow arrow.

Finally, this close-up shot of the floating squares gives an idea of their appearance, as well as size, compared with the orange cones in the top right corner.

More details about the new 100 Years of Wonder nighttime spectacular are anticipated at a later time. In September 2023, Disney100 celebrations will officially begin at EPCOT with Mickey and Minnie meeting in their platinum outfits and more — though it seems the nighttime spectacular won’t be ready by then and a debut date has not yet been announced.

Harmonious

The 50th Anniversary celebration has come to a close across Walt Disney World, and the nighttime spectaculars introduced as part of “The Most Magical Celebration on Earth” have now been performed for the final time. On April 2, guests visiting EPCOT were able to watch the last performance of the “Harmonious” nighttime spectacular before it was replaced by a limited return of “EPCOT Forever”.

“Harmonious” debuted on October 1, 2021, using five barges within the waters of the World Showcase Lagoon to deliver an all-new 20-minute nighttime fireworks spectacular. Harmonious featured a soundtrack of 15 songs in 13 languages from 240 artists around the world.

EPCOT Forever

EPCOT Forever initially debuted in October 2019 after the retirement of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

This nighttime show honors the park’s musical heritage, with a massive display of fireworks, music, lighting, lasers, and special effects set to revamped versions of iconic songs from classic EPCOT attractions such as “Journey into Imagination,” “Spaceship Earth,” “Soarin’,” “Tapestry of Nations,” and “Universe of Energy.” The show was designed to pay tribute to the past, present, and future of EPCOT.

Are you excited to see progress for a new EPCOT nighttime spectacular? Let us know in the comments.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post PHOTOS: Detailed Aerial View of Show Element Construction & Completed Barges for New Nighttime Spectacular Coming to EPCOT appeared first on WDW News Today.

The first-ever Disney Jollywood Nights, a new special ticketed event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, is now sold out.

Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed event that will take place from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on select nights between November 11 and December 20, 2023. This first date is now sold out.

“It’s a holiday vibe like you’ve never felt before,” Disney states. “Sights of sparkling décor, sounds of modern beats over classic holiday songs, tastes of craft cocktails and decadent dishes. It’s nostalgic and it’s glitz and glam galore. Get ready to dress in your holiday glam best or festive flair, dance the night away to merry mashups, indulge in divine treats and bubbling spirits, and snap selfies with iconic characters during this new festive event.”

Different entertainment areas in the park will be inspired by different genres:

• You’ll be welcomed to Disney Jollywood Nights with a DJ spinning a mix of holiday tunes. Commissary Lane comes to life with a lively Latin Street Fair. Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy host a live holiday special at Theater of the Stars with some of their Disney friends. And … what’s this? Hyperion Theater will host a spirited sing-along – more details to come.
• Encounter glitz and glamor galore at two limited-capacity entertainment experiences – a jazz lounge at The Hollywood Brown Derby and an other-worldly soiree at The Hollywood Tower Hotel Courtyard.
• Wrap up the night and enjoy the return of a festive favorite, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” This Santa-sized nighttime spectacular is jam-packed with music, fireworks, special effects and dazzling state-of-the-art projections.

There will be various photo opportunities:

• Pose with friends for holiday-themed Magic Shots and two new Disney PhotoPass experiences throughout the night. Complimentary digital downloads of your Disney PhotoPass photos captured during the event are included with the price of your ticket.**
• Meet Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the rest of the iconic gang in Animation Courtyard on a hot set with holiday props. Get into the spirit with your fave throwback friends like Powerline Max and Phineas and Ferb at Echo Lake and strike a pose with Edna Mode and chill with one of her super friends at Pixar Place.

Attractions open after hours will include Slinky Dog Dash, Rock N’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. (Star Wars: Rise of Resistance will use virtual queue during Disney Jollywood Nights.)

Special treats at Disney Jollywood Nights will include the Christmas Tree Cookie Stack.

A more hearty dish will be the Spicy Korean Chicken on a Mini Funnel Cake.

There will also be classic cocktails and holiday beverages available during the party.

Dates and Ticket Pricing For Disney Jollywood Nights

Disney Jollywood Nights is a limited-capacity holiday event. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels, and Shades of Green can buy tickets starting June 29. Tickets may be purchased by all guests starting July 6 on the Walt Disney World website. Ticket prices will range from $159 – $179 per person. Remaining party dates are:

•  November: 18, 20, 27, 29
•  December: 4, 6,16,18, 20

So far, only November 11’s party date has sold out.

Are you looking forward to brushing elbows with some famous characters at this swanky holiday soiree at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this year? Let us know in the comments.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post BREAKING: Opening Date for Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Now Sold Out appeared first on WDW News Today.

Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15th, and here at The DIS, we have been covering everything you can expect to honor this captivating culture. From characters and movies that represent Hispanic storytelling to food and beverages that celebrate the cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Last week, we took a spotlight look at some of the creative forces at work in the Disney Springs restaurant, Jaleo. This week, we are moving over to Planet Hollywood in Disney Springs to hear from Chef Rafael Chico, Executive Sous Chef, and Daniel Lopez, Senior Bartender and trainer.

Chef Rafael Chico, Executive Sous Chef at Planet Hollywood Disney Springs

Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Chef Rafael Chico moved to the United States at the age of five with no aspirations to advance into a career as a Chef. His first job behind a grill gave Chef Chico the opportunity to find his calling, falling in love with cooking. Fifteen years after starting with Planet Hollywood, the Executive Sous Chef takes on responsibility for everything from ordering and budgeting to managing his fellow staff.

How has your Hispanic background influenced your career? 

In so many ways — especially the food and culture. I always like to keep in mind the Spanish seasonings. I always start with the Spanish style of cooking and then tweak it to fit where I’m working or what dish I’m making. Being able to speak fluently in Spanish in English has definitely helped me in the industry, as well.

Chef Rafael Chico, Executive Sous Chef

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Daniel Lopez, Senior Bartender/Trainer at Planet Hollywood Disney Springs

Daniel Lopez is a Connecticut native who worked his way through the College Program at Walk Disney World before settling into a hospitality role at Planet Hollywood as a server. Lopez worked his way through the ranks, now managing inventory and staff behind the bar as well as taking on training duties along the way.

How has your Hispanic background influenced your career? 

My Hispanic background comes from my grandparents who moved to the Bronx, New York, from Puerto Rico. Family is so important within Hispanic culture. I personally remember growing up and visiting my dad’s side of the family every Sunday to eat various Spanish foods after going to church.

Daniel Lopez, Senior Bartender/Trainer

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Have you been to Planet Hollywood in Disney Springs?

The post Celebrating Hispanic Heritage With Planet Hollywood in Disney Springs first appeared on DIS.

The first date for Jollywood Nights has now sold out at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed event that will take place from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on select nights between November 11 and December 20, 2023.

“It’s a holiday vibe like you’ve never felt before,” Disney states. “Sights of sparkling décor, sounds of modern beats over classic holiday songs, tastes of craft cocktails and decadent dishes. It’s nostalgic and it’s glitz and glam galore. Get ready to dress in your holiday glam best or festive flair, dance the night away to merry mashups, indulge in divine treats and bubbling spirits, and snap selfies with iconic characters during this new festive event.”

Different entertainment areas in the park will be inspired by different genres:

• You’ll be welcomed to Disney Jollywood Nights with a DJ spinning a mix of holiday tunes. Commissary Lane comes to life with a lively Latin Street Fair. Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy host a live holiday special at Theater of the Stars with some of their Disney friends. And … what’s this? Hyperion Theater will host a spirited sing-along – more details to come.
• Encounter glitz and glamor galore at two limited-capacity entertainment experiences – a jazz lounge at The Hollywood Brown Derby and an other-worldly soiree at The Hollywood Tower Hotel Courtyard.
• Wrap up the night and enjoy the return of a festive favorite, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” This Santa-sized nighttime spectacular is jam-packed with music, fireworks, special effects and dazzling state-of-the-art projections.

There will be various photo opportunities:

• Pose with friends for holiday-themed Magic Shots and two new Disney PhotoPass experiences throughout the night. Complimentary digital downloads of your Disney PhotoPass photos captured during the event are included with the price of your ticket.**
• Meet Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the rest of the iconic gang in Animation Courtyard on a hot set with holiday props. Get into the spirit with your fave throwback friends like Powerline Max and Phineas and Ferb at Echo Lake and strike a pose with Edna Mode and chill with one of her super friends at Pixar Place.

Attractions open after hours will include Slinky Dog Dash, Rock N’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. (Star Wars: Rise of Resistance will use virtual queue during Disney Jollywood Nights.)

Special treats at Disney Jollywood Nights will include the Christmas Tree Cookie Stack.

A more hearty dish will be the Spicy Korean Chicken on a Mini Funnel Cake.

There will also be classic cocktails and holiday beverages available during the party.

Disney Jollywood Nights is a limited-capacity holiday event. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels, and Shades of Green can buy tickets starting June 29. Tickets may be purchased by all guests starting July 6 on the Walt Disney World website. Ticket prices will range from $159 – $179 per person. Party dates are:

•  November: 11,18, 20, 27, 29
•  December: 4, 6,16,18, 20

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post BREAKING: First Date for Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Now Sold Out appeared first on WDW News Today.

The friendliest dragon in the skies is now appearing on more new merchandise at EPCOT, including new t-shirts and a mug with an included saucer.

Figment Mug with Saucer – 24.99

This first item was spotted at the Creations Shop in World Celebration.

The new Figment mug comes with a saucer, and has a light lavender hue to it.

The dragon himself is on the front, with gears surrounding him and a light bulb above, indicating he’s just thought of something brilliant. The text reads: “There’s a great big beautiful idea!” The Sherman Brothers, renowned Disney musical collaborators, are responsible for both the “One Little Spark” tune for Journey into Imagination and “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” for Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, which has called Magic Kingdom home since 1975.

The included saucer reads “Imagination” and has a light bulb as well.

The interior of the mug is a much darker purple.

There’s a Great Big Beautiful Idea! T-Shirt – 24.99

Both of the following t-shirts were discovered at the shop in ImageWorks, at the exit for Journey into Imagination with Figment.

The first shirt has a similar design to the mug, with “There’s a great big beautiful idea!” encircling Figment as he ponders up some new notions.

One Little Spark! Lights Up for You T-Shirt – 36.99

These t-shirt depicts Figment in flight, gesturing toward the slogan: “One little spark! Lights up for you.” A rainbow of sorts is in the background, with dotted red, green, blue, and yellow colors. The shirt itself is gray.

40 Years of Sparks

Figment has been a staple of EPCOT since 1983, cherished and beloved by guests from past and present. Imagineers Tony Baxter and Steve Kirk led the development of a new, elaborate, adventurous dark ride for all ages at a time in which many visitors felt the park was lacking an experience children could appreciate as much as adults. Journey Into Imagination was born, and a little purple dragon became the central figure, along with the mystical Dreamfinder, who would help riders learn to explore and appreciate the limitless power and potential of their own creative minds.

Our indigo friend has had a rough go of it over the years, enduring three immensely different iterations of the ride to varying degrees of success, failure, love, and pure, loathsome hatred. Generally, the public regards the original version as overwhelmingly superior, the second as one of the worst attractions of all time, with the third and current design somewhere in between. Our full and in-depth Figment history is available here, in honor of Imagination’s 40th anniversary.

As the major overhaul of EPCOT began, it was rumored that a new attraction in the space would feature characters from Pixar’s “Inside Out” alongside Figment, who was featured briefly in an Easter egg in the film; however, no ride change was ever announced. Joy from “Inside Out” does now meet guests in ImageWorks.

While Figment’s home attraction continues to see its popularity wane and fade over time, the character continues to expand in popularity and presence across EPCOT and general media. In September 2022, Deadline broke the news that Disney is developing a movie based on Figment. The feature film will be produced by Seth Rogen’s Point Grey Pictures, with Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit (“Pokémon Detective Pikachu”) serving as writers.

A Figment meet and greet will also be arriving soon to replace Vanellope from “Wreck-It Ralph” at ImageWorks.

Are you curious about any of this new merchandise, or excited for future Figment offerings? Let us know in the comments.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post New Figment Merchandise Lands in EPCOT, Including Imagination-Themed Apparel and Mug with Saucer appeared first on WDW News Today.