Disney Fastpass, a beloved system for many Disney park-goers, was officially retired in 2021 and replaced with a new system, Disney Genie+. The change sparked a lot of discussions and reactions from the public, especially among Disney fans. This in-depth article will break down everything you need to know about the transition from Disney Fastpass to Disney Genie+.
Disney Fastpass was retired in 2021 and replaced with a new system called Disney Genie+. The change was made to introduce a new paid option that would integrate into the My Disney Experience app, offering guests more flexibility and customization in their park experience. The initial reaction to the discontinuation of the Fastpass was largely negative, with fans expressing concerns about the accessibility and cost of the new system.
What Was Disney Fastpass?
Disney FastPass was a virtual queue system introduced in 1999. It allowed guests to reserve a specific time window for a particular attraction, effectively reducing their waiting time. The FastPass system was free and included in the park admission.
Why Was the Disney Fastpass Discontinued?
Disney decided to discontinue the Fastpass system in the fall of 2021. The change was made to introduce a new paid option that would integrate into the My Disney Experience app through the new Disney Genie planning feature. The new features, including Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane passes, aimed to offer guests more flexibility and customization in their park experience.
Reaction to the Discontinuation of Fastpass
The initial reaction from the public and Disney fans to the discontinuation of the Fastpass was largely negative. Many fans were unhappy with the change, as they felt that the new paid options were less accessible and more expensive compared to the previous free Fastpass system.
Introducing Disney Genie and Disney Genie+
Disney has replaced the Fastpass system with Disney Genie, a digital park planning service. Disney Genie is a feature integrated into the Disneyland app and My Disney Experience app in Florida, designed to guide visitors through the theme parks with tips to help them spend less time in lines and plan their day more efficiently.
Disney Genie+ is a paid option that provides access to Lightning Lane entrances at select attractions, similar to the old MaxPass system. The Disney Genie service was introduced in Walt Disney World in October 2021 and in Disneyland in December 2021.
Comparing Fastpass and Disney Genie+
The transition from FastPass to Disney Genie+ has had both positive and negative impacts on the overall Disney park experience. While some guests appreciate the personalized planning and reduced wait times, others are frustrated with the additional costs and limitations of the new system.
Cost Differences Between Fastpass and Disney Genie+
The FastPass system was free for park guests. In contrast, Disney Genie+ ranges from $16 to $22 per day at Walt Disney World and $25 per day at Disneyland. This is in addition to your park admission. The Lightning Lane access for individual attractions is separate from Genie+ and has varying prices depending on the ride, date, and park, with costs reaching up to $35 per person per day.
Future of Disney’s Queue System
Disney has no plans to bring back the Fastpass system. Instead, they will continue to update and tweak the Genie+ system to balance supply and demand, improve guest satisfaction, and set reasonable expectations.
Impact on Wait Times
While the Fastpass system was designed to reduce wait times, its impact was somewhat mixed. It allowed guests to reserve access to popular attractions in advance, reducing their wait times. However, it also led to longer wait times for those in the standby lines. The impact of the new Genie+ system on wait times is yet to be fully understood.
In conclusion, the transition from Disney Fastpass to Disney Genie+ represents a significant change in how guests experience Disney parks. While the new system offers some advantages, it also comes with additional costs that have been met with mixed reactions from guests. As Disney continues to refine the system, it remains to be seen how it will evolve and what impact it will have on the overall Disney park experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What attractions are included in the Disney Genie+ service?
Disney Genie+ includes Lightning Lane access to more than 40 attractions across the four Walt Disney World theme parks and over 15 attractions at Disneyland Resort. However, it’s important to note that high-demand attractions are not included in the Genie+ service and require a separate Lightning Lane purchase.
Can I use Disney Genie without paying for Disney Genie+?
Yes, the basic Disney Genie service is free to use and provides personalized itineraries, recommendations, and current and forecasted future wait times. The Disney Genie+ service, which provides Lightning Lane access to select attractions, is a paid feature.
How many Lightning Lane selections can I make with Disney Genie+?
With Disney Genie+, you can make one Lightning Lane selection at a time throughout the day. Once you’ve used your selection or after a certain period of time has passed, you can make another.
How does Disney Genie+ affect guests with disabilities?
Disney has a Disability Access Service (DAS) that offers an alternative to waiting in traditional queue lines for guests unable to tolerate such lines due to a disability. This service is not affected by the introduction of Disney Genie+ and continues to be available.
Can I still use the standby lines if I don’t want to pay for Disney Genie+?
Yes, standby lines are still available for all guests at all attractions. Disney Genie+ simply offers an alternative for those who wish to reduce their wait times for an additional fee.
