How To Schedule Rides at Disney World

Planning a trip to Disney World can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to scheduling rides to maximize your park experience. The key to a successful visit is understanding how the ride scheduling system works, and how to use it to your advantage. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to schedule rides at Disney World.

Understanding the Scheduling System

Disney World has replaced its previous FastPass+ system with the new Disney Genie+ program. This is a paid service that provides access to quicker lines for over 40 attractions across all parks. With the Disney Genie+ service, you can make one selection at a time throughout the day from a list of available attractions. After you’ve made your selection, you’ll be given a one-hour window to return and enter the Lightning Lane.

Additionally, some popular attractions use a virtual queue system instead of a regular standby line. To join a virtual queue, you need to use the My Disney Experience app. Virtual queues fill up quickly, so it’s essential to be prepared and act fast when trying to join one.

Step-by-Step Guide to Scheduling Rides at Disney World

Here are the steps to schedule rides at Disney World:

Step 1: Purchase Disney Genie+ Service

Disney Genie+ service starts at $15 per person, per day. It allows you to use Lightning Lane entrances at select attractions to bypass the regular lines.

Step 2: Download the My Disney Experience App

This app is essential for managing your reservations, accessing virtual queues, and checking wait times. You’ll need to create an account if you do not already have one.

Step 3: Make Genie+ Reservations

On the day of your visit, starting at 7 a.m., you can make Genie+ reservations for attractions through the My Disney Experience app.

Step 4: Reserve Individual Attraction Selections

The Individual Attraction Selection system allows you to reserve specific attractions that are not included in the Genie+ service. You can reserve up to 2 rides per day, and they don’t have to be in the same park if you have a Park Hopper ticket.

Step 5: Join Virtual Queues

For attractions that use a virtual queue system, you can join the queue through the My Disney Experience app. There are typically two opportunities to join a virtual queue each day: 7 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Insider Tips and Tricks

Take advantage of these insider tips and tricks to maximize your ride scheduling at Disney World:

1. Arrive Early: Get to the parks early to maximize your ride time, as crowds tend to grow throughout the day.
2. Eat at Off Times: Avoid peak mealtime crowds by having lunch around 11 a.m. or 2 p.m.
3. Use Rider Switch: If traveling with young children, take advantage of the Rider Switch service to avoid waiting in line twice.
4. Stay on-site: Guests staying at Disney World resorts have earlier access to Individual Lightning Lane reservations.
5. Utilize park touring plans: Follow park-specific touring plans to optimize your time and visit popular attractions in the morning or evening.

Remember, planning is key when scheduling rides at Disney World. By understanding the system and using the available tools and services, you can optimize your Disney World experience and make the most of your time at the parks.