How To Get a Fastpass on the Disney App

The Disney Fastpass system was a game-changer for regular park-goers, allowing them to bypass lengthy queues and make the most of their magical day at Disney. However, as of 2021, Disney has replaced its Fastpass system with the Disney Genie system. This includes the paid Disney Genie+ and Individual Attraction Selection (IAS) options. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to navigate these new features on the Disney app.

The Disney App: Your Key to a Magical Visit

The Disney App, officially known as the My Disney Experience App, is a comprehensive tool designed to enhance the experience of visitors to the Walt Disney World Resort. It offers a wide range of features that help users plan and manage their visit, both in the planning stages and in real-time while at the resort.

From purchasing theme park tickets, making dining reservations, and checking the forecasted wait times for attractions, to viewing your PhotoPass photos, the app provides all you need for a seamless Disney experience. It’s available for free on the App Store and Google Play.

The New Era: Disney Genie and Disney Genie+

Disney’s Fastpass system has been replaced with the Disney Genie+ system. The main difference between the two is that while Fastpass was free, Genie+ comes with a cost. At Walt Disney World, Genie+ starts at $15 per person, per day, and at Disneyland, it begins at $25 per person, per day.

The most popular rides at each park are not included in Genie+ and require an additional cost through Individual Lightning Lane tickets, which can range from $10 to $25 per ride.

Booking with Disney Genie+

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to secure a Fastpass-like experience using the Disney Genie+ system:

1. Download the App: The first step is to download the My Disney Experience app if you’re visiting Disney World, or the Disneyland app if you’re going to Disneyland Resort. Both apps are free to download.
2. Log in or Create a Disney Account: Once the app is downloaded, log in with your Disney account information. If you don’t have a Disney account, you’ll need to create one.
3. Link Your Plans, Tickets & Friends: After logging in, make sure that your park tickets, resort stay, annual passes, dining reservations, and Park Passes are all linked to your account and visible in the app. If you’re traveling with others who have their own Disney accounts, make sure your accounts are connected in your list of Family & Friends.
4. Purchase Access to Genie+: You can purchase Disney Genie+ for the day of your visit. In Disney World, all guests are able to make their first Genie+ selection at 7AM on the morning of their trip.
5. Make Your Selection: To make your selection, hit the three horizontal lines in the My Disney Experience app, and then select “Tip Board.” On the Tip Board, you’ll be able to see the various rides in each park and the next available return time to use that ride’s lightning lane.
6. Redeem Your Selection: As soon as you redeem your last scheduled FastPass+, you are entitled to make an additional selection, one at a time. Continue this process until no FastPasses remain that are of interest.

Remember, the Disney Genie+ system allows you to secure a maximum of 3 experiences per day 30 days in advance. However, if you have a reservation at a Disney Resort hotel, you can secure the same number of experiences per day 60 days in advance.

Maximizing the Benefits of Disney Genie+

Disney Genie+ is designed to help you maximize your enjoyment at the Walt Disney World Resort by reducing wait times for popular attractions. So, make sure to plan ahead and make the most of this service. Here are some tips to maximize the benefits of using Genie+:

• Plan Ahead: Before your visit, make sure to have your resort reservation linked (if you are staying at a Disney resort), have park tickets purchased for everyone in your party, have tickets linked to My Disney Experience, have a Park Pass secured for that day, and have Genie+ purchased if you are using it that day.
• Use the Tip Board: The easiest way to make Genie+ Lightning Lane selections is through the Tip Board in the My Disney Experience app. This will show all of your options for Genie+ Lightning Lane selections.
• Park Hopping: Genie+ is particularly helpful when you are park hopping. When you are in the Tip Board, click on “Change Park” and you’ll be able to select which park you’d like to hop to later in the day. You can make Genie+ Lightning Lane selections for the park you want to hop to throughout the day.
• Stacking Rides: Stacking rides is one of the best ways to hack Genie+. It’s when you hold more than one Lightning Lane selection (LL) at a time, preferably with overlapping times to maximize your day.
• Early Entry/Genie Plus Combo: One of the greatest benefits of staying at a Disney World Resort hotel is the 30-minute early entry perk. This Genie+ hack is a great tip for any type of parkgoer: if you are hopping or not, this can maximize the day in a BIG way.

Remember, the goal of using Genie+ is to minimize the amount of time you wait in line and maximize the amount of rides, characters, and entertainment you experience. So, plan your day wisely and make the most out of this service.

Conclusion

While the transition from Fastpass to Genie+ may take some getting used to, the new system offers a lot of potential for maximizing your Disney experience. With some planning and strategic thinking, you can make the most of your day at the parks. Happy planning and enjoy your magical Disney adventure!