If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland or thinking about planning a vacation, you’ve probably heard about Disney Genie, Disney Genie+ and Individual Attraction Selections. You might also be thinking “what is it and how do I handle all of this?” I’m here to help you out with this Guide to Disney Genie.

Looking for a Guide to Using Disney Genie at Walt Disney World? – Head here!

To get started, be sure you have downloaded the Disneyland app. The Disneyland App is where you will you be able to access many offerings available through Genie, Genie+ and Individual Attraction Selections. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you’re all set to get started using Disney Genie.

So let’s talk about the different terms you’ll need to know . . .

• DISNEY GENIE: Complimentary service that suggests daily plans based on your preferences.
• DISNEY GENIE+: Paid service that allows you to purchase and make arrival window selections for Lightning Lane entrances.
• LIGHTNING LANE: The line you will enter through.
• INDIVIDUAL ATTRACTION SELECTIONS: Paid access to individual high demand attractions

What is Disney Genie?

Think of Disney Genie as your starting point. Every guest who has a valid ticket and park reservation will have access to Disney Genie on their Disneyland app. When you open the app, be sure you are signed in, and then you’ll see a section called “Disney Genie Service.”

Select “Get Started Now.” You will be brought to a calendar that will highlight the day you previously selected. Click “Continue and you will be brought to your friends and family list (My Party). Be sure to select anyone who will be joining you while you are in the park. Please note that all guests will need a valid ticket and park reservation in order for you to include them in your Genie plans.

You’ll then be able to select your “Top Picks” – remember, this is not a reservation for any of these attractions or experiences. Genie is going to provide you a suggested itinerary for the day, but all reservations will still need to be made by you. Once you’ve selected your Top Picks, you will navigate to “My Interests.” You can select from categories such as “Disney Favorites” (Princesses, Villains, Star Wars, etc.), “Park Interests” (Fireworks, Parades, Events & Tours) and “Dining Interests” (Quick Service, Table Service, Character Dining). The below shows my picks for Disney’s Hollywood Studios – even though this is not in Disneyland, it gives you an idea of what the screen will look like.

The last piece of information you’ll provide is whether you’d like Genie to display information about height requirements and accessibility. This is helpful for parties with children and those who might need assistance at certain attractions and experiences.

Click “Display My Day” and take a look at what Genie has suggested for you and your party. Once again, remember that these are not reservations. If you’d like to reserve dining, you’ll need to do that through the “+” icon at the bottom of the app and click “Check Dining Availability.”

What is Disney Genie+?

Disney Genie+ is a paid service that allows you to purchase and make arrival window selections for Lightning Lane entrances. Ok, so what is a Lightning Lane? Lightning Lane is the queue that used to be for those with a Fastpass. It allows you to skip the standby queue and get to the front of the line faster. If you remember Fastpasses, Genie+ is similar, but it is paid and there are a few differences in terms of how and when you can book.

Genie+ can be purchased for $20 a day plus tax at the time I am writing this. When booking a vacation or ticket package, you can add-on Genie+ for the duration of your visit. If you’d like to purchase Genie+ for a single-day, you will have to purchase it once you get into the park on the day of your visit. If you are booking a vacation or ticket package, I highly recommend purchasing Genie+ at the time you purchase your ticket. It will be one less thing that you have to remember to do each day.

How does Genie+ work?

Guests may make their first Genie+ selection once entering the park. The next available return time will be provided to you for the attraction or experience that you select. You will only be able to make one reservation at a time, so be sure to prioritize “must do’s” when selecting.

At your arrival time, you will need to scan in at the entrance of the attraction. Be sure all guests in your party scan in.

You will be able to make your next Genie+ Lighting Lane reservation when:

• You have redeemed your first selection
• Your first selection’s arrival window has ended
• 120 minutes after you made your first selection

What attractions are included in Genie+?

Genie+ includes over 15 attractions across the 2 parks in Disneyland Resort. Attraction offerings are subject to change, so be sure to check the app and Disney’s official website.

Disneyland Park

• Autopia
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
• Haunted Mansion and Haunted Mansion Holiday
• Indiana Jones Adventure
• “it’s a small world”
• Matterhorn Bobsleds
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
• Space Mountain
• Splash Mountain
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Disney California Adventure

• Goofy’s Sky School
• Grizzly River Run
• Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
• Incredicoaster
• Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
• Soarin’ Around the World
• Toy Story Midway Mania

What is Lighting Lane?

The first thing to know about Lighting Lane is that it is actually the queue you will be using when you enter the ride with your purchased return time. Guests have been using the term interchangeably as the name of “Individual Attraction Selections” (doesn’t really roll off the tongue does it? Lol!), but don’t get confused when you come up to the entrance and see “Lighting Lane” if you purchased through Genie+.

Individual Attraction Selections are available for certain attractions in each park that are not a part of Genie+. These attractions are the most popular attractions in the park and reservations are an additional cost on top of Genie+.

How do I book a Individual Lighting Lane?

Guests may purchase Individual Lighting Lane reservations once they have entered the park.

Guests may purchase a total of 2 Individual Lightning Lane reservations per day. Please note that you are not able to purchase the same attraction twice in the same day and you DO NOT need to purchase Genie+ in order to purchase Individual Lighting Lane selections.

Prices vary based on attraction, season and day of the week. So far, it has seemed that the prices have stayed between $7 and $20 per person.

What attractions are available through Individual Attraction Selections?

Two of the most popular attractions are available as Individual Attraction Selections at each park. These attractions are subject to change.

Disneyland Park

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Disney California Adventure Park

• Radiator Springs Racers
• WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure

Get Help Using Genie+

If you’ve read through this guide and are feeling overwhelmed, know you are not alone. There are lots of changes taking place each day at Disneyland,” but that’s where I can help! As a Travel Agent who specializes in Disney, I can be your resource each step of the way as we book your dream Disney vacation.

If you’d like information about how I can help you, visit my Travel Planning page and complete the interest form so we can start chatting!