Are you confused about using Disney Genie+ in Disney World?

Trust me, you are not alone. At DFB, we get questions every day about Disney’s paid service that helps you “skip the line” on some attractions. LOTS and LOTS of you (and maybe some of the team here, too) really miss its predecessor FastPass+, which seemed simpler (not to mention FREE). But we’ve used Genie+ a whole lot now, and I’m here today to reassure you that it works, and using it is simpler than reading about HOW to use it. For real!

We’ve got Disney Genie+ videos on the DFB YouTube channel. We’ve got detailed Disney Genie+ posts right here on our website. We’ve even got FREE Disney Genie+ cheat sheets (which you can have sent to your email RIGHT NOW by clicking below).

Basically, we’ve covered Genie+ over. And over. And OVER again. And the reason we DO that is because when you first hear about Disney Genie +… it can be REALLY confusing and overwhelming and, dare I say, downright frustrating.

And I’m not saying that NO parts of Genie+ are convoluted whatsoever. But what I AM saying is IF you do your research beforehand, Genie+ really isn’t as complicated to use in the parks as you might initially be led to think. Think of it like… building a swing set.

When you first look at the instructions as a whole, things get overwhelming really fast. There are so many screws, and metal parts, and tools that you’ll need to use, and what on EARTH is THAT thing?? But when you finally dive into the swing set-building process and take things one step at a time, the process becomes smoother and a whole lot less overwhelming.

So don’t let all the Disney Genie+ hacks and tricks and step-by-step procedures end up doing the OPPOSITE for ya and make you so overwhelmed that you don’t even want to attempt using Lightning Lanes at all. Because once you GET to the park after studying up on Genie+, the process is actually a lot more smooth-sailing than you might realize and really WILL help you bypass those super-lengthy ride lines.

So if there are THREE easy Genie+ words of advice that I can give to ya right now that aren’t overwhelming and will STILL help you understand the service better before you use it for the first time, here’s what I’ve got for ya:

ONE: Buy Genie+ Early

Disney Genie + goes on sale via the MDE app right at midnight on each day of your park visits. After you purchase the service, you won’t be able to make your first Lightning Lane selection until 7AM.

TWO: Select One Lightning Lane at a time

The MDE app will keep you updated about when you’ll be able to make your next Lightning Lane selections, but BASICALLY, you can make a new selection after…

A.) You’ve just used your last one

Or B.) Two hours since your last Lightning Lane was selected.

Don’t let this “two hour rule” trip you up! It’s literally here to help you get your money’s worth out of this service, since Lightning Lane return times through Genie+ will always be assigned to you. So if you select a ride with a return time that doesn’t happen until later in the evening, that two hour cooldown period lets you choose another Lightning Lane to add to your collection… basically as a reward for your patience.

THREE: Keep in mind that some Lightning Lanes require a separate purchase.

I’m a visual gal, so think of Disney Genie+ like… a bag of fun-sized candies. For one candy bag purchase, you’ll have access to MULTIPLE candies. However, if you want that PREMIUM, full-sized candy bar, you’re not gonna be able to get that in the fun-sized bags. You’ll have to pay a separate price for those.

And in this case, the “full-sized” candies include:

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT
• Flight of Passage in Animal Kingdom
• Rise of the Resistance in Hollywood Studios
• Tron Lightcycle / Run AND Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Magic Kingdom

Now let’s talk for a second about the NEW ride in Magic Kingdom — Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. I think A LOT of people are going to expect that Tiana’s is an Individual Lightning Lane purchase, but it’s not. It’s going to be available on regular ol’ Genie+! Now mind you — I’m guessing the Lightning Lane times for it will sell out quickly, so if you have your heart set on riding it, you’re probably gonna want to make that your first Genie+ selection at 7AM.

You can also try to get a FREE Virtual Queue for Tiana’s through the My Disney Experience app. You’ll want to be all set to try for that RIGHT at 7AM on the day you’re headed to Magic Kingdom. If you don’t get in, you can try again at 1PM. But here’s the big warning I have for you: Don’t think you can just head to Magic Kingdom and get in line for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. At least for the forseeable future, there will not be a standby queue. You will have to book the ride through either the free virtual queue or through Genie+. Got it? We don’t want you (or your kids!) to be disappointed!

I know. This can feel like a LOT of information all at once. But, like I said, if you take the time to study up on this service before your trip, you’ll start to catch on REAL quick once you’re actually inside the parks. And keep following us here on DFB — we’re always watching for Genie+ updates, and we’ll bring ’em right to ya!

Genie+ Tips for the Most Crowded Days in Disney World

What confuses you most about Genie+? Let me know in the comments below!

The post REAL TALK: Genie+ Does Work, and It’s (Usually) Worth It first appeared on the disney food blog.