Disney Unleashes Exciting Park Revamp in August

Disneyland and Walt Disney World are significantly revamping their Genie+ ride reservation system, effective July 2024. This update addresses numerous guest concerns regarding the current system's limitations.

The most notable change is the renaming of Genie+ to "Lightning Lane Multi-Pass," with individual Lightning Lane selections rebranded as "Lightning Lane Single Pass." This rebranding coincides with a crucial enhancement: guests can now pre-book their Lightning Lane reservations. Disney resort guests can book up to seven days prior to arrival, while other guests can reserve up to three days ahead. This pre-booking option significantly streamlines the park experience, eliminating the need for same-day reservation struggles.

While Disneyland will primarily see the name change, Walt Disney World will experience the full impact of the improvements. The new system incorporates elements of both the former FastPass+ and the current Genie+ systems, aiming to provide a more flexible and user-friendly experience. The number of reservable Lightning Lane selections will also increase.

The Virtual Queue system, introduced in 2019, remains unchanged. Guests can still attempt to secure virtual wait times twice daily for select attractions such as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and TRON Lightcycle / Run (Walt Disney World) and the Haunted Mansion Holiday (Disneyland upon its reopening). All currently Genie+-eligible attractions will remain available under the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, including the soon-to-open Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Disney World.

Disney's decision to implement these changes suggests a response to widespread feedback regarding the previous system's perceived inconveniences. The ability to plan ahead offers a significant advantage, particularly during peak seasons and special events. However, the long-term effectiveness and guest reception of these alterations remain to be seen.