Genie+ Speculation: Thoughts On Disney Axing The Pre-Purchasing Of Genie+
Banter 19-May-2022
From a customer point of view, Genie+ is bizarre because it's better value the less other people use it. When it replaced Fastpass+, some guests assumed that Genie+ would be required otherwise they'd be waiting in long queues all the time. Assuming it was just some sort of backhanded ticket price increase. I'm not surprised at this, because Disney has, for example, removed Disney's Magical Express service - which was priced into your hotel stay - leaving you to find your own way there, while not reducing the cost of the hotel stay. So I don't blame people who think they've essentially taken Fastpass+ out of the tickets and charging for them separately thinking it's required. That perception has to change though.
Over the very busy Easter of 2022, it was shared over social media that guests were paying (including those who prepaid) for Genie+ and only getting one ride out of it because all the Lightning Lanes were all booked up. This resulted in many guests visiting the guest services umbrella locations queuing to complain, resulting in guests who needed help with other things having to endure long waits.
Currently, Disney does not limit how many people can purchase Genie+ on any given day. You could turn up 5 minutes before closing and purchase it. The way they manage capacity is - just like with Fastpass+ before - is to cap the Lightning Lane availability.
Why? Disney recently updated their Genie+ help page to say guests could realistically expect to achieve "2 or 3 attractions" using Genie+ in a day, if the first one is booked first thing. Starting June 8th 2022, they're now also saying that Genie+ will be "subject to availability".
This could result in Disney capping the sales of Genie+ on any given day, but also introduce what they've been implemented a lot recently, and that's dynamic pricing. We could see the base price of Genie+ go up to $20 a day and the price actually fluctuate depending on how busy it will be in the park that day (using their infamous park reservation system). We could see on busy days Genie+ costing north of $30, but with less people being able to buy it.
Remember though, Genie+ is not required for you to have a good Walt Disney World holiday. Many people - even here on Mickey From The UK - have said that Genie+ was simply not needed on a good chunk of the days. With higher prices, we should see fewer people use it, which means less impact on standby. Maybe I'm just too optimistic, we'll see.
Book your 2023 Walt Disney World Resort holiday today to take advantage of Disney's "The Magic is Yours" package . Book your stay on select dates to take advantage of Disney's best offer for 2023.
"The Magic Is Yours... Read more >
Following the COVID-19 lockdowns and border closures, Disney has shared a photo of the first returning British cast members back to EPCOT! This first wave (above) of UK cast members are now back and working at EPCOT. Wel... Read more >
If you don't yet have your 2022 Walt Disney World tickets, Disney's 14 for 7-Day ticket offer ends August 31st. Whether you book your tickets direct with Disney or through a UK ticket vendor, you must secure this deal ... Read more >
Disney has announced the return of more Enchanting Extras at EPCOT today. Behind the Seeds is returning. This one-hour walking tour gives you an up-close and personal view of amazing plants, insects and fish throughout f... Read more >
On the evening of August 15th, Disney let local residents know that they will be conducting fireworks tests at around midnight at the Magic Kingdom. Curious why Disney would be doing fireworks tests when 'Disney Enchantm... Read more >
Over the summer, Walt Disney World has seen the return of many character meet and greets and character dining. While there's still a few characters yet to return, two characters are now back in their meet and greet meeti... Read more >
With many other cruise lines dropping their testing requirements, we're eagerly awaiting when/if Disney will alter theirs. Today, Disney updated their "know before you go" page, but the only restriction that was changed ... Read more >
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular is a nighttime show at Disney's Hollywood Studios that has not yet returned, just like Fantasmic. Even though Fantasmic has a return date of "2022" we all agree needs to come back ASAP. ... Read more >
Orlando International Airport (MCO) will open their brand new terminal - Terminal C - towards the end of September 2022. Airlines flying from the UK have already announced they'll be landing at this new terminal, those a... Read more >
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has been building a brand new terminal (Terminal C) to increase their capacity to cope with the amount of travellers visiting Florida each year. Terminal C will be home to 24 Food & B... Read more >