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.
All Disneyland Paris packages bookings made by 2nd April 2023 will receive a FREE crossing with P&O Ferries when you arrive between 1st April and 30th September 2023.
Benefits of Coming by C... Read more >
The 30th anniversary continues... and the magic is shining brighter than ever! It's time to dream bigger, laugh louder and smile wider as the 30th Anniversary continues until the 30th September, ... Read more >
Disney Cruise Line this year is celebrating its 25th anniversary with its "Silver Anniversary at Sea" celebrations. Today, Disney has released the signature song for the celebrations. Read more >
12,500 Disney Cast Members voted on a new contract offered by Disney after negotiations with the union, and 97% agreed to approve it. The deal includes a minimum of $17/hour for new and existing ... Read more >
Disneyland Paris has unexpectedly paused all sales of their annual pass, sort of like what they've been doing at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. Disney have said they are suspending sale... Read more >
The Walt Disney Company is sadly letting 7,000 employees go by the summer. The WSJ reports that this will include the entire "metaverse" division. It'll also include scrapping the teams Bob Chape... Read more >
Disneyland Paris (division of The Walt Disney Company) has reported a record $2.6 Billion revenue for 2022 (via Forbes). Disneyland Paris revealed it made a $51 million (€47 million) operating... Read more >
Disney PhotoPass has announced a new "Video Memories" feature built into the My Disney Experience app. It takes your PhotoPass photos and creates videos for you to share. Video Memories is availa... Read more >
Disney has announced that on May 14th, 2023, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at EPCOT will resume serving breakfast and lunch. The princess meet & greet restaurant reopened for dinner at the end of 2... Read more >
Can you claim a Blue Light Card (NHS) discount on your Disneyland Paris holiday? Yes, you can! However, you must book your Disneyland Paris package through the Walt Disney Travel Company UK (bet... Read more >
