My family of 4 are going to Disney for the first time in about a month, and i've watched probably a dozen videos trying to figure out genie / genie + / lightning lane, and this is the ONLY one that made it make sense. thank you, thank you, thank you! Great Job!!
Hey Melanie. Thanks so much for watching. I really appreciate it! Glad to hear you got something out of the video. Hope you and your family have an amazing time!
Simply the best explanation and review of Genie+ & Lightening Lane I’ve seen so far. Great info, fab shots, nicely edited. Thank you for your time in doing this.
This was a really great vlog, super informative and aesthetically pleasing (not an easy balance to strike). Thank you for taking the time to make it. You made the needlessly complicated Genie + make much more sense. I don’t think it’s for us, we love the magic and taking in the atmosphere but can’t see how we can do that when having to constantly check a phone. We’re going to have a break from Disney next year and return the following when Genie + has had a bit of time to bed in. You’re vlogs have given us so many great ideas of other things to do in Florida, we’ll have no problem filling out trip!
Thank you!! :). It was a challenge making this one, I can't lie! To try and make something like this not boring (to both myself and the viewer lol) was a challenge and hopefully I somewhat succeeded! The magic is still alive at Disney for sure, but there is a huge reliance on the phone now which I know many will not mind, but it is not something I enjoy. As you say, over time they may well make changes to the service for the better. Thanks so much for watching! :)
Thank you for all your effort to compile and present this information in such a concise way, Chris. This all seems like it could be overwhelming for those of us who only visit Disney once every five years or so; it feels like a one-shot deal with a lot of pressure to ace this system to get the most from our trip. Your review has given us more clarity and we are grateful! Many thanks from new viewers in South Carolina.
Thank you so much Randee. I really appreciate you taking the time to watch the video, and I am glad to hear you got something from it. I hope you have a great next trip. I hope to be back to making videos soon. Thank you again.
Bless you for taking us through this so comprehensively. It helped a lot. The 120min rule is similar to the system over in Disneyland - but that too isn’t (or wasn’t, at least when we went) was something they’re clear on. We found out about that one from YT too. Have recently heard mixed results about G+ from Brits out in Florida recently. We guess with people having to use up travel vouchers it’s becoming swamped with visitors which must be adding to the demand, and that will only continue throughout this year. It’s a frustration that you can now add G+ to your booking (for those coming from the U.K. at least) for around £6/day - except for those of us that booked tickets prior to G+ being launched. We would still have to pay the 15. 🤷🏼♂️ When we went to DLP we said that we wouldn’t pay for LL but we did for BTM as we didn’t want to wait 2 hours in standby as our time there was limited and we had other things we wanted to do. Which, we guess, is what Disney is (literally) banking on. Hope you’re well and keep doing what you’re doing!
Hey Guys!! First of all, thanks so much for taking the time to watch the video. I hated the sound of my own voice by the end of it! 😂. I think overall my frustration is the lack of information out there for guests at the time I made the video. Everything I learned from digging around and none of it was from Disney literature. I hear that the 120 min rule is similar to California, though I have never been to Disneyland. I think that there are definitely some benefits to the system if you really don’t want to wait in lines, but it certainly has a knock on effect to regular lines etc I also find the reliance on a phone to be a little disheartening as it definitely distracts a little from the day. For me at least, I’m sure many won’t have that issue. I have spent a few days this week with Frances @francesinorlando_ on Instagram and when she saw I was replying to you, she got very excited and is telling me all about you! Thanks again for watching and leaving a comment. Hope you guys are well 🥰
.....I finally understand how this thing works because of you. Trust I have seen a bunch of vids and read a bunch of articles. You explained it the best. Thank you for your effort
I watched so many videos about genie +, and yours is by far the most useful, and enlightening. Thank you!!! You helped me a lot. Disney should promote a video just like that for everyone.
Hi Chris , have finally got around to watching this honest and informative vlog . Great tips and I agree that the constant requirement to using a Smart Phone will diminish the enjoyment that the already expensive Ticket price is meant to deliver. I work for an aggressive Sales company and the mantra of the Sales Division is "the Margin is in the Mystery" . That should be the Tag line of Genie + Regards Lee
Ha thank you so much Lisa. I really appreciate that! So glad you got something out of it and thank you for watching. Hope you have a great trip when it comes aroufn
The best Genie + information vlog I've seen , super informative explaining all the positives & negatives , great honesty and as always superb overall vlog quality .. well done Chris
As someone who is going to Disney in February, and complete confused by this whole system, this video was invaluable. Thank you for not only a stunning video but such raw and real reactions to a seemingly helpful turned destructive program. I feel so much more educated on the system but more importantly, got me thinking how to use this wisely without ruining my day from the stress. Thank YOU
Thank you so much Luci. I truly appreciate that. Thanks so much for watching and I’m really glad you got something out of it. It doesn’t have to be stressful, just use it however works best for you, but most importantly focus on having an amazing time in February! :)
Thank you very much for this informative and beautiful video! Our family of 4 have been planning our 1st (and probably only) Disney World trip which is coming up in early February. I have been researching and planning for over a year. I've read a lot and watched videos on Genie + and you are the first I've ever heard mention of the 120 minute window. THANK YOU!!! Our son has severe ADHD and Autism and we are going to apply for a DAS pass for him. His adhd is extremely severe, so much so that I had to take him out of public school and homeschool him (I worked at the school in the special needs dept and still couldn't get his needs met because of the severity of his inability to cope with being made to be still and sit at a desk. Turns out we love homeschool! So that's been a huge blessing! ) We've never taken our kids to a theme park because of his needs. Our son is 13 now and somewhat better at dealing with being around people and we thought now may be a good time to do a big family trip. I am worried about him because I know he is not capable of standing in a normal line, he gets too stressed and then acts out. I am hoping if I can plan well enough he won't gave to be in lines too much and can walk around or get a snack etc. He's fine if he has freedom to move. We'll that was all way too much information...so sorry! I just want to do the best for my family but unsure if DAS and Genie+ will be enough to help avoid a meltdown from my son. I want him to have fun and enjoy the experience and magic. If anyone has recommendations for getting help or planning a Disney trip with a special needs kid please let me know! Thank you!! 😊
Hey Emily, thanks so much for watching the video. I really appreciate it and am glad to hear that you enjoyed it. That is so exciting that you have a family trip coming up so soon. The DAS pass will come in really hand for you and your son. I have not looked into how DAS & Genie+ work in unison, but I am sure you will be able to utilize both to have the best opportunity to give your son the best time he can have. You can operate the DAS pass through the app now which is better than how it previously worked tbh. I hope you all have the most amazing time in February and feel free to reach out on IG if you have any questions whilst you are here! Thanks again and Happy New Year!
Thanks so much Lizzie!! I really appreciate it! It was as confusing to make as it probably was to watch, but hopefully by the end it made some sense lol!!! Thanks again! :)
Probably the best review and explanation of Disney Genie+ I've watched on RUclips. Very interesting about that 120 mins rule, first time I've heard about it !! 235 days to go
Thank you so much Bob. I really do appreciate it. I’m so glad you got something out of it and so glad you have a countdown underway!!! It will be here in no time. :)
Ah thank you so much Katie. I really appreciate you watching and glad that it was helpful. Hope you have a great trip when you go. Happy Holiday’s and new year.
Thank you so much for this video Chris! So informative and beautifully edited 👌Honestly this video was the best explanation of Genie/Genie plus that I’ve seen. Got a trip coming up from the UK next year so have been really trying to learn a bit more of what to expect and you answered all of my questions! Lots of love from the UK ❤️
Thank you so much Emma! I really appreciate that you watched it and took the time to comment. Really glad you got something out of it too. So exciting you have a trip to look forward to next year!!! Thanks again. :)
This is the best, most informative video I've watched so far on explaining the Genie stuff. You explain it really well, and clear. And using your phone to show it to was a great idea. And as always, your videoing of the park is general is just amazing 😁 thanks for taking the time to make this video, very helpful 👍
Your patience to wade through the mountain of material to understand the new Genie system at WDW is amazing, you are to be commended! I feel sorry for this generation that has not experienced the joy of just walking through a theme park and having fun with their family without any technology to do so. You also have great taste in T-shirts, I have the same one. LoL
Thank you!! It certainly took a minute to make this video, but hopefully people understood a little more about it by the end. It is a real shame that there is now so much reliance on a phone to get the most out of the day. There is definitely some benefit to the planning aspect of the app for people, but hopefully they use it with a balance of just being there too!
Fantastic as always Chris, thanks for taking the time to explain it so well, definitely understand it better now especially the 120 minute window did not know that and as you say they don’t advertise it. Beautiful shots of the park too. Hope Jen and Luna are doing ok x take care
Thank you for making this video Chris!! It’s so informative. I feel sad watching this video snd feel Disney has lost its magic a little bit. Its ok for me and my family but I feel that some people that are not technologically savvy will suffer! We are a family of 8; if we spent the day in DHS the same way you did, this could potentially cost us $320!! Anyway, thank you so much for making this video and explaining the Genie+ and LL system so clearly and concisely. I’ve watched other videos from “seasoned Disney Vloggers” and yours is way better than any I’ve watched (and I’ve watched a lot 😂). Keep up the good work Chris!!
Thanks so much Sharon! I think the magic is definitely still there at Disney, but it has shifted direction a little. I think if you go there and make it your own and use the app wisely, but remain immersed in being there it is still a great time. The $$ and reliance on the phone is a frustration, but for me the main one is the lack of clarity for users that has been shared / or not, by Disney. Thanks so much again for watching and glad you got something from it :)
This is a very informative video! We used Genie+ in HS. The park was so busy that we were only able to make three selections because everything was unavailable except the shows. It was very frustrating. But it was worth the cost because Slinky dog was 120 wait times that day and Rock n roll coaster was down all day…. Making all the other ride’s wait time much higher
Hey Kelly, thanks so much for watching! I think HS is a very hit or miss park for Genie+ for the very reason you mention, which is a limited number of attractions. Putting aside the cost, it maybe makes sense for somewhere like MK, but for HS which such little choice on attractions, it can really be frustrating! Glad you were able to use it to your benefit though as best you could and hope you had a fantastic trip overall. Thanks so much again!
Thanks so much for this vlog Chris. We are coming over in May and I feel I have a much better handle on the Genie Plus thing now - still trying to get my head around the 120 min window so will need to watch this again 🤣
Thanks so much Kathryn. I appreciate you watching and glad to hear you found it useful! Very exciting that you have a trip coming up! Hope you have a great time!! Happy New Year! :)
Chris I am a bit behind on my vlog viewing as I have watched everyone you have made & wow this is exactly how I feel about all the changes ! I am not planning on coming back to the US for a few years but I can say although a planner by nature the changes are just too much .. like you say maybe once I will purchase for the star wars ride but getting my husband to agree to pay thousands to go to America in the first place is a process (lol) so saying lets add all that money to it , not a chance ! ... I will probably come & do Florida in a completely different way now & I feel the magic is slipping away which is so sad ! Thank you for the vlog as always informative & honest .. take care & stay safe ..
Hey Bev. Thank you so much for taking a look. This one is a little tedious / confusing 😂. The magic is still here, but it has changed a bit. That is for sure. You can still make it your own though. As you say, there is still so much to see and do in Florida. So when you do get back here I hope you have an amazing time. Hope you have a peaceful Christmas 🎄
Thanks so much Sarah, I really appreciate that! It is a little confusing that's for sure, but if you choose to use it at some point, you will figure it all out fairly quickly! Just remember to look up from your phone often :)). Thanks again and hope you are well
Thanks so much for watching chris. I really appreciate it. I agree with you though. Whilst it “works” as intended, the amount of attention it takes up in the day or the amount you are simply checking your phone becomes rather annoying.
This is such a helpful explanation and so good to see you learning and explaining as you go. Super helpful. The 120 mins is a game changer! I do agree with you though that the thought of needing to be glued to a phone to get availability of rides is very frustrating when you could previously plan ahead of time if you wanted to. I’d be interested in how well the park wifi will work for this or whether you need to use mobile data, as from Uk that will be further cost to factor in each day. Thanks for great content as always 👍
Hey Lou. Thank you so much for watching. I really appreciate it! Also it's good to hear you found it helpful! The park WiFI at Disney is (for the most part) solid and reliable and you should not have any issues with connecting to this and shutting off your data. I obviously have US service, but find that 90% of the time my phone is connected to their WiFi. Thanks again! :)
Thank you so much Chris, really well explained. I am so glad I watched this as I was going to buy Genie + with my tickets, not thinking about how it will charge me for the 14 days, and I am only going for 10, and not every day will be a Disney park day. you have saved me a lot of money, and I agree I dont want to be on my phone all day at the park. I am going to do LL for the star attractions only. this is really the most informative video out at the moment about genie+. Thank you, Thank you and Thank you some more.
Thanks so much Sian!! I think that in the UK, there are probably discounts to be had on adding it, but if you just take that additional cost and divide it by 14... it will give you the cost per day to compare to the $15 per day it costs daily here. As I say, I cannot see anyone truly needing to use it for every day they are in the parks and so to be selective when here, might work out more cost effective if you are looking to use it. That said, it is each to their own of course and some people will feel that if they buy it, they have it and it is one less thing to think about. Just remember that the genei+ service does not include LL access for the top 2 rides in each park! :) Thanks so much again for watching! :)
Great vlog Chris! When I come in January ,I will not be purchasing genie plus at all , I feel it’s a rip off and I’m disappointed in Disney ! I understand they are a business and need to recoup the money, lost during the pandemic, but so too has everyone else ! ! I don’t want to spend my day on my phone I’m on holiday , no stress thank you , it would stress me out ,constantly refreshing my phone ! They are spoiling the experience ! Stay safe x x love to Jenn and Luna x
Thanks so much Ilse! The magic is still very much alive at Disney, so don't worry about that! I tend to agree with your feelings. I would say that there is some benefit in utilizing the planning portion of the app, just to keep in touch with current wait times, but also for ordering food! The paid side of things, really is a personal choice. it definitely speeds things up, but I also agree that its a bit of a rip off! Just remember to use your phone less than you look top and around you!! :). Thanks so much for watching and have an amazing trip! :)
Thank you so much for making this vlog. We are relatively tech savvy guys, but even we were struggling to plan using Genie+ for our upcoming trip flying from London. Beautifully presented as per usual. Give us a shout if you’re around in the 1st 2 weeks of Feb for a drink
Hey Chris 🤗 thanks so much for this video and for your honesty. Thankfully I am not a ride person so I’ve not needed to understand all of this but it is so so confusing 😵💫😵💫😵💫 I totally agree, people will end up being glued to their phones and miss out on the magic that Disney is meant to be 🤷🏽♀️ it’s crazy 😕 xx
Thanks so much. I appreciate it as always! It is somewhat confusing for sure, but mainly, I feel due to the lack of knowledge or education about it that Disney has put out. There are upsides to the free planning service I feel, and of course if people are happy to pay for individual rides etc then there is a real benefit to those people too. It all comes down to personal choice really, but as of now, I am not the biggest fan. Thanks again :)
Thanks for this video! Why Disney had to make this so complicated is beyond me. I agree with you that they have spoiled the magic. You want to get away from your phones and technology. I will have to go back and rewatch your vlog a few times to get the hang of stacking the lightning lanes 😂
Hey Michelle. Thanks so much for watching! It is a little complicated, that is for sure! I think over time and with using it, it would become clearer to people, but as of now, there are certainly a lot of unsure people. I answered the 120 min rule for someone else here and so I am going to cheat and copy and paste it. Hopefully iy makes some sense... Thanks again!! :). OK.... sooooooo, let me try to clarify 😆. You can hold a LL return time and once you use it, you can book another (almost immediately).... so, say at 9am you book a Lightning Lane for an attraction with a return time of 10am. You will have to wait until 10am, use it and then book another one. At 10am, you get another for say 11:30am. You have to wait until 11:30am, use it and then you can book another etc The 120 min rule.. Now lets suppose that at 9am you booked a LL return time for an attraction, but the return time was not until 2pm. What this means is that 120 mins after you BOOK at 9am (so at 11am), you are eligible to go into the app and book another one, despite still having the return time you booked for 2pm. So, at 9am, you book your return time for an attraction at 2pm. At 11am, for example you can then book another one. Let us suppose in this example, you get one for something at 12:15pm. What this means is that at 12:15pm, you would go to said attraction and use it.... (this is now what I meant in the video, by the 2 hour window shifts). Even though you only booked that one 1t 11am (less than120 mins) you CAN immediately book another one, despite having the 2pm return time still and the 2 hour window starts again at THIS point of booking.... The other example could be: 9am - book return time for 2pm 11am - (120 mins passes) you can book another LL.. Let us say it is for an attraction at 4pm This means you hold a return time for 2pm and for 4pm.... Sooooo at 1pm (120 mins after you made the last reservation) you can book another one etc etc etc. Hence me making comments about 120 min window moves and also the stacking Hopefully this helps ?!?!?!?! lol Thanks! :)
@@chrislostinflorida Hi thanks yes that helps a lot. I have screen shot it so I can remind myself how to do it in October if they haven’t changed it by then 😂
Really good vid and you did very well at explaining this. I’d love you to do this again soon and try it at Magic Kingdom. Be interested with more attractions whether it would make the service more or less positive.
Thanks so much Pete. I really appreciate it! I think it is a video I can definitely remake at some point in the future, once the system has been in place for a bit longer to see what has changed and if my opinion has. Thanks again!
Hi Chris watching this again as we are going to Hollywood Studios on 3rd Jan with my son and fiancée and they really want to do Rise of the Resistance and I want to buy the lightening lane for all 4 of us but from what you are saying we can’t do that until 9am as we are not on site. From what I have seen we have no chance as all the on site guests can book from 7am. You also said we can buy Genie + from midnight the day before - did I hear this right?
Hey. So. If you are not staying at a Disney hotel then you can purchase individual LL selections such as rise from 9am (park opening). Resort guests are able to purchase at 7am. Keep checking the app periodically as they will appear throughout the day, but you’ll need to be ready to pounce lol. As for purchasing the Genie+ service. You can but it any time from midnight on the day you are going to use it. Cheers.
Hi Chris 👋🏻 wow what informative video you have patience of a saint to explain all that. I personally think I’m done with Disney for awhile, although that upsets me to say. It’s getting ridiculous with all the apps etc. Way back when I first visited what a joy it was to walk round meeting characters and joining relatively small queues for the rides. no planning was ever needed. It made the place so much more magical, I remember going round and round on Buzz Lightyear with our little one all spontaneously. It’s all too regimental now for me. Thanks though for showing us how things are operating now, just a shame it’s not for us at the moment, feel lucky we have visited many times “in the good old days” 😂😂😂👋🏻
Hey Lisa! Thanks so much, I really appreciate it! The magic is still there at Disney for sure, it has changed a little bit recently though for sure. I am not a fan of having to be lost in my phone all day and I like to take most days as they come, without having every second planned out. I think like with anything, experiences are all about who you are with and why you are there and to that end, the magic is still very much there, but I very much understand your thoughts on the focus having shifted away from where it used to be when in the parks. Hope you had a lovely Christmas and Happy New Year.
Hey Chris. Thanks so much for watching. As I say in the video, using the service will undoubtedly make lines faster. Make sure to use the 120 min thingy :). Have a great trip!!
Hi, thanks for the video it helped me to understand a lot more than I did before. Do you think that genie + could possibly work for a group of 9 ? Would we get on a lot? I'm worried we could purchase, but there not be slots for 9 people in the same window, thereby wasting all that money. Appreciate your thoughts 🙂
Hey Sarah! Thanks so much for watching. I really appreciate it! I think Genie+ can work for a large group, but I would 100% make sure all of your Disney accounts and linked so that one person can book the LL for everyone at once. When you select the return time it will ask you how many it is for. I’m unsure as to what the maximum that could be booked is though! I would recommend maybe just testing it on one day to begin… or if you know you only want to ride the main attraction in the park (say rise) maybe just pay for that individual LL. Whatever you choose I hope you have a great time. Thanks again!
Definitely considering the Genie + for my son who is going over Christmas week as it will be packed. Probably not for us as we have AP tickets and staying for January and February when it’s much quieter. Well hope we will be there and US don’t close borders again.
As I say in the video. if you do utilize the service, the wait times are for sure, significantly reduced which will in turn allow you to potentially get far more done in your day! So, if you are thinking of coming at absolute peak times etc, it could be of benefit. If you are here for a significant amount of time like you will be, then you have far more options to come and go to the parks as you please and less stress about having to get it all done in one day!! Hope you have an amazing trip!
Fabulous cinematography as always Chris. Great explanation of Genie +. I use the disabled access scheme, can't remember what it is called. Do you know 8f this has changed?
Thanks so much Susan, I really appreciate it :). Glad to know you got something out of it too! so I think you are referring to DAS pass system. That still exists and I am fairly sure it works in the same capacity as it used to (I have not used it personally), but from what I understand the process is the same, but it is now also through the MDE app rather than having to visit the CM at the attraction entrance to book a return time. It can be used in conjunction with the Genie+ system. Copy and paste this link. It’s a blog that explains the DAS system as it is now. Thanks again for watching. mickeyblog.com/2021/10/21/new-das-system-greatly-improves-disney-park-experience/
I definetly prefer the original fast pass idea rather than genie plus etc seems a little greedy.Another great video bud and well explained.Loving the editing skills.Have a great week look forward to next upload 😎👍
Brilliant vlog sir as always - love Disney World but feel Genie + is a bit of a con and don't want to be on my mobile all day. Take care and stay safe - Kevin & Cyndy UK 😎
Thanks so much as always guys. I think that there are probably some benefits to be had by utilizing the planning portion of the app, and I know some people have said it has helped in terms of getting in lower standby times etc. I just hope people remember to look up a lot whilst on their trips! Hope you guys are well! :)
I think if an individual Lightning lane (the special purchased rides) go down, your ILL gets converted to a pass that let's you use it for any of the other paid rides. It doesn't have to be in the same park, either.
Great video!! Do you know if the stacking, the way you did it in the video, is still allowed? Because I read an article about Disney closing a loophole in regards to the 120 min rule/stacking but I didn't 100% understand it. Thanks!
Thanks so much Tasha!!! As far as I am aware, it still works in terms of the 120 minute window etc. it would not surprise me if it were something Disney look to alter, but as of now I think it still works. Thanks again and have a happy holiday. 🎄
We’ve decided to give all our hard earned cash to Universal on our next trip too. We used to always stay at Disney when we visited Florida but we definitely don’t fancy the stress of this at all, I really don’t see how it can be fun.
I think there is benefit to the free portion of the app in terms of knowing crowd levels and standby times etc, but I think it’s very important to accept, parks are busy and to use it as you need, but keep your focus on all that is happening around you. Thanks so much for watching. :)
I think you can still go and have a wonderful time at Disney, but you need to sadly accept everything is phone based and geared towards the genie+ system. The magic isn’t gone, but it’s a bit different for sure. The free planning service can likely be of some benefit. Universal is a great trip though. Love that place 🌎:)
You can only book the individual priced LL at 7am if you are in property, but you can purchase Genie+ for the day and book your first return time at 7am even off property. Thanks so much for watching. I really appreciate it :)
OK.... sooooooo, let me try to clarify 😆. You can hold a LL return time and once you use it, you can book another (almost immediately).... so, say at 9am you book a Lightning Lane for an attraction with a return time of 10am. You will have to wait until 10am, use it and then book another one. At 10am, you get another for say 11:30am. You have to wait until 11:30am, use it and then you can book another etc The 120 min rule.. Now lets suppose that at 9am you booked a LL return time for an attraction, but the return time was not until 2pm. What this means is that 120 mins after you BOOK at 9am (so at 11am), you are eligible to go into the app and book another one, despite still having the return time you booked for 2pm. So, at 9am, you book your return time for an attraction at 2pm. At 11am, for example you can then book another one. Let us suppose in this example, you get one for something at 12:15pm. What this means is that at 12:15pm, you would go to said attraction and use it.... (this is now what I meant in the video, by the 2 hour window shifts). Even though you only booked that one 1t 11am (less than120 mins) you CAN immediately book another one, despite having the 2pm return time still and the 2 hour window starts again at THIS point of booking.... The other example could be: 9am - book return time for 2pm 11am - (120 mins passes) you can book another LL.. Let us say it is for an attraction at 4pm This means you hold a return time for 2pm and for 4pm.... Sooooo at 1pm (120 mins after you made the last reservation) you can book another one etc etc etc. Hence me making comments about 120 min window moves and also the stacking Hopefully this helps ?!?!?!?! lol Thanks! :)
I think if you choose to use it, it will make more sense once you’re here using it. Feel free to reach out on my Instagram DM if you have any questions. Have a great time in April, and the magic is here, it’s just changed a little Thanks for watching!!
Anyone who buys the Genie+ service for the day is able to book their first Genie+ LL time at 7am. On property or not. Those on Disney property can purchase the individually priced rides (rise, Mickey and Minnie, space mountain etc) at 7am also. If not ok property. Those attractions are available to purchase from 9am. Thanks for watching
@@chrislostinflorida see I was always under the impression that the 7am advantage came with being on property, I didn’t realize it was open to everyone! Thank you for this insight!! Also eta: I looooooove your editing style, is your camera the European version? Does that make sense? I usually see a difference between a European and American camera/film
Just persuaded Andy that we will have to get a phone with US service as it would cost a fortune to use data on our UK phones. Wish Disney had just done what Universal does and sell express Lane tickets as this system is so confusing
You can always turn off the cell service on your phone, or place it in airplane mode and just connect to the Disney WiFi service to use the app :) The system is more inline with the paid Universal Express pass now, but with the main difference of at Universal, you pay and just show up to the line without need of reserving a return time etc. Thanks for watching
You can only book a lightning lane every 120 minutes OR after using one. I'm struggling to understand the complaint of constantly being in your phone. If you've stacked your bookings or just make a booking then you have no real reason to monitor thing for 2 hours. You should monitor the tip board before your trip to get an idea of what rides book up the fastest so that you know what rides to book first or in what order. Really not that complicated.
My point in the video about the 120 minute window, was not that it was complicated once you knew about it, but how Disney had not made it clear that it was even an option to guests to use it. So the vast majority of people (at that time) had no idea you could book more than one LL at a time. I only discovered it through researching the video and it was not to be seen on any Disney literature (at that time). I discovered it from non Disney resources. On the day I made the video, even the guest experience cast members were struggling to fully explain it (again, at that time). The lack of clarity on the 120 minute window was the point. In terms on being on your phone. It is a fact that nowadays at Disney, you are more reliant than ever on your phone. From genie + to booking LL to checking the tip board. (Checking it once before you go is not a truly realistic way of planning an entire day due to crowd fluctuation etc) and of course the reliance on mobile ordering. Therefore, in my opinion, the day at Disney with the addition on G+, for me, requires too much attention on a mobile device that was not there as much before. But then I suppose everyone has different opinions on that sort of thing, as they should depending on how they see it. I think the lack of clarity on the entire process from Disney was the main issue I saw when i made the video at that time. I do appreciate you watching though. Cheers!
@@chrislostinflorida oh I definitely get it. I've been getting a lot of information for how I will use Genie+ for a trip in May and I really think your video is great. I in no way meant check tip board one day. I'm 50 days away from my trip and I scan the tip board every day periodically for every park to get an idea of what rides run out of lightning lane the earliest and which rides are better left to chance. Naturally all you can do is form a game plan and be flexible as there's no telling how things will go down when you're there. For instance, smuggler's run and tower of terror both run out of lightning lane passes pretty quickly. So let's say you book the slinky dog ride since that is another one that goes fast and always has long wait lines. You won't be able to book another ride for 2 hours or after you've rode slinky. Chances are you're only going to be able to get smuggler's run or tower of terror but not both. By your next window the other is likely to be gone. And that's the thing I mean about constantly being in your phone. Once your choices are made and you can't book anything else for 120 minutes then you just have to let the chips fall where they may. It's out of your control so there's no reason to monitor the LL availability. You'll get what you can when you can. The important thing is to have fun. Can't wait to put this to use. Like I said I've been studying it a lot and your video really lays it all out and is a useful tool for the uninitiated. Great job!
I fully agree. Having fun is definitely the most important thing!! Hope you have a fabulous time when you’re over and that utilizing the system when you need to helps!!! Thanks for watching again!! :)
His accent made it hard for me to understand, especially when there were lots of back round noise. I had to stop the video early because I couldn't follow it. I was disappointed because it would have been information that would have been of assistance on my upcoming trip.
Very informative, but what a blimming faff, having to be on phone all the time, my opinion is go with the flow and take in the surroundings, be aware of spending time with family and friends, couldn't be assed with all this faffing, to much planning and stressing and it costs more money!!
My family of 4 are going to Disney for the first time in about a month, and i've watched probably a dozen videos trying to figure out genie / genie + / lightning lane, and this is the ONLY one that made it make sense. thank you, thank you, thank you! Great Job!!
Hey Melanie. Thanks so much for watching. I really appreciate it! Glad to hear you got something out of the video. Hope you and your family have an amazing time!
Simply the best explanation and review of Genie+ & Lightening Lane I’ve seen so far.
Great info, fab shots, nicely edited.
Thank you for your time in doing this.
Hey Andrew! Thanks so much for taking the time to watch the video and so glad you enjoyed it / got something out of it! Hope you are well!
This was a really great vlog, super informative and aesthetically pleasing (not an easy balance to strike). Thank you for taking the time to make it. You made the needlessly complicated Genie + make much more sense. I don’t think it’s for us, we love the magic and taking in the atmosphere but can’t see how we can do that when having to constantly check a phone. We’re going to have a break from Disney next year and return the following when Genie + has had a bit of time to bed in. You’re vlogs have given us so many great ideas of other things to do in Florida, we’ll have no problem filling out trip!
Thank you!! :). It was a challenge making this one, I can't lie! To try and make something like this not boring (to both myself and the viewer lol) was a challenge and hopefully I somewhat succeeded! The magic is still alive at Disney for sure, but there is a huge reliance on the phone now which I know many will not mind, but it is not something I enjoy. As you say, over time they may well make changes to the service for the better. Thanks so much for watching! :)
Thank you for all your effort to compile and present this information in such a concise way, Chris. This all seems like it could be overwhelming for those of us who only visit Disney once every five years or so; it feels like a one-shot deal with a lot of pressure to ace this system to get the most from our trip. Your review has given us more clarity and we are grateful! Many thanks from new viewers in South Carolina.
Thank you so much Randee. I really appreciate you taking the time to watch the video, and I am glad to hear you got something from it. I hope you have a great next trip. I hope to be back to making videos soon. Thank you again.
Bless you for taking us through this so comprehensively. It helped a lot.
The 120min rule is similar to the system over in Disneyland - but that too isn’t (or wasn’t, at least when we went) was something they’re clear on. We found out about that one from YT too.
Have recently heard mixed results about G+ from Brits out in Florida recently. We guess with people having to use up travel vouchers it’s becoming swamped with visitors which must be adding to the demand, and that will only continue throughout this year.
It’s a frustration that you can now add G+ to your booking (for those coming from the U.K. at least) for around £6/day - except for those of us that booked tickets prior to G+ being launched. We would still have to pay the 15. 🤷🏼♂️
When we went to DLP we said that we wouldn’t pay for LL but we did for BTM as we didn’t want to wait 2 hours in standby as our time there was limited and we had other things we wanted to do. Which, we guess, is what Disney is (literally) banking on.
Hope you’re well and keep doing what you’re doing!
Hey Guys!! First of all, thanks so much for taking the time to watch the video. I hated the sound of my own voice by the end of it! 😂. I think overall my frustration is the lack of information out there for guests at the time I made the video. Everything I learned from digging around and none of it was from Disney literature.
I hear that the 120 min rule is similar to California, though I have never been to Disneyland.
I think that there are definitely some benefits to the system if you really don’t want to wait in lines, but it certainly has a knock on effect to regular lines etc
I also find the reliance on a phone to be a little disheartening as it definitely distracts a little from the day. For me at least, I’m sure many won’t have that issue.
I have spent a few days this week with Frances @francesinorlando_ on Instagram and when she saw I was replying to you, she got very excited and is telling me all about you!
Thanks again for watching and leaving a comment. Hope you guys are well 🥰
.....I finally understand how this thing works because of you. Trust I have seen a bunch of vids and read a bunch of articles. You explained it the best. Thank you for your effort
Thank you so much for watching and so glad to hear you got something out of it :)
Beautifully edited. Can’t stop starring.
Thank you so much Ravi!
I watched so many videos about genie +, and yours is by far the most useful, and enlightening. Thank you!!! You helped me a lot. Disney should promote a video just like that for everyone.
Thank you so much Lilian! I really appreciate you watching and I’m glad to hear you found it useful! 😊
@@chrislostinflorida you made this crazy confuse new system more clear. Thanks for taking your time.
Chris you video was more informative than other videos shown in the tube. Thank for thanking the time and truthful insight.
Hey Carlos. Thank you so much for watching, I really appreciate it. Glad that you got something out of the video :). Happy New Year
I recommended both our daughter and other friends visiting Disney watch your vlog as it explains Genie + so well.
Thank you!! :)
Hi Chris , have finally got around to watching this honest and informative vlog . Great tips and I agree that the constant requirement to using a Smart Phone will diminish the enjoyment that the already expensive Ticket price is meant to deliver.
I work for an aggressive Sales company and the mantra of the Sales Division is "the Margin is in the Mystery" .
That should be the Tag line of Genie +
Regards Lee
Thanks so much Lee! I really appreciate you watching! You are pretty much spot on with the tag line!! Thanks again and hope you are well!
This was hands down the best video about genie+/LL and I’ve watched A LOT of them in preparation for our trip!! Thank you!!!!
Ha thank you so much Lisa. I really appreciate that! So glad you got something out of it and thank you for watching. Hope you have a great trip when it comes aroufn
The best Genie + information vlog I've seen , super informative explaining all the positives & negatives , great honesty and as always superb overall vlog quality .. well done Chris
Thanks so much Jason, I really appreciate it. :)
Thank you Chris - this is by far the best explanation I have seen of Genie Plus. I think I finally understand it now!
Thanks so much Clare!!! I really appreciate it. Glad you got something out of it! :)
As someone who is going to Disney in February, and complete confused by this whole system, this video was invaluable. Thank you for not only a stunning video but such raw and real reactions to a seemingly helpful turned destructive program. I feel so much more educated on the system but more importantly, got me thinking how to use this wisely without ruining my day from the stress. Thank YOU
Thank you so much Luci. I truly appreciate that. Thanks so much for watching and I’m really glad you got something out of it. It doesn’t have to be stressful, just use it however works best for you, but most importantly focus on having an amazing time in February! :)
Thank you very much for this informative and beautiful video! Our family of 4 have been planning our 1st (and probably only) Disney World trip which is coming up in early February. I have been researching and planning for over a year. I've read a lot and watched videos on Genie + and you are the first I've ever heard mention of the 120 minute window. THANK YOU!!! Our son has severe ADHD and Autism and we are going to apply for a DAS pass for him. His adhd is extremely severe, so much so that I had to take him out of public school and homeschool him (I worked at the school in the special needs dept and still couldn't get his needs met because of the severity of his inability to cope with being made to be still and sit at a desk. Turns out we love homeschool! So that's been a huge blessing! ) We've never taken our kids to a theme park because of his needs. Our son is 13 now and somewhat better at dealing with being around people and we thought now may be a good time to do a big family trip. I am worried about him because I know he is not capable of standing in a normal line, he gets too stressed and then acts out. I am hoping if I can plan well enough he won't gave to be in lines too much and can walk around or get a snack etc. He's fine if he has freedom to move. We'll that was all way too much information...so sorry! I just want to do the best for my family but unsure if DAS and Genie+ will be enough to help avoid a meltdown from my son. I want him to have fun and enjoy the experience and magic.
If anyone has recommendations for getting help or planning a Disney trip with a special needs kid please let me know! Thank you!! 😊
Hey Emily, thanks so much for watching the video. I really appreciate it and am glad to hear that you enjoyed it. That is so exciting that you have a family trip coming up so soon. The DAS pass will come in really hand for you and your son. I have not looked into how DAS & Genie+ work in unison, but I am sure you will be able to utilize both to have the best opportunity to give your son the best time he can have. You can operate the DAS pass through the app now which is better than how it previously worked tbh.
I hope you all have the most amazing time in February and feel free to reach out on IG if you have any questions whilst you are here!
Thanks again and Happy New Year!
Perfect explanation, great review of genie+. This has eased my mind a bit of the anticipation of using genie+ for my trip coming up in june. Thanks!
Thanks so much for watching Ashley! Hope you have a great trip!
Excellent Video Bravo.
Thank you so much!
Really informative vlog! By far the best I've watched. Clear and easy to understand. Thanks Chris for taking your time to do this for us all!
Thanks so much Lizzie!! I really appreciate it! It was as confusing to make as it probably was to watch, but hopefully by the end it made some sense lol!!! Thanks again! :)
Thank you 🙏 I think that has been the most informative thing I’ve seen on genie. It still makes my head hurt… but I know more than I did!!
Thanks Rachel. It is a very confusing setup to begin but, once / if you start using it, it does make more sense! Thanks for watching!! :)
Probably the best review and explanation of Disney Genie+ I've watched on RUclips. Very interesting about that 120 mins rule, first time I've heard about it !! 235 days to go
Thank you so much Bob. I really do appreciate it. I’m so glad you got something out of it and so glad you have a countdown underway!!! It will be here in no time. :)
This was the best and most thorough explanation of Genie + that I have been able to find.
Ah thank you so much Katie. I really appreciate you watching and glad that it was helpful. Hope you have a great trip when you go. Happy Holiday’s and new year.
Thank you so much for this video Chris! So informative and beautifully edited 👌Honestly this video was the best explanation of Genie/Genie plus that I’ve seen. Got a trip coming up from the UK next year so have been really trying to learn a bit more of what to expect and you answered all of my questions! Lots of love from the UK ❤️
Thank you so much Emma! I really appreciate that you watched it and took the time to comment. Really glad you got something out of it too. So exciting you have a trip to look forward to next year!!! Thanks again. :)
That’s some first class information there, thanks buddy and I hope we get to use it at some point soon 😀
As always, superb vlog 👏🏻
Thanks so much Neil. I really appreciate it! Thanks for watching and hope you get back here at some point! :)
This is the best, most informative video I've watched so far on explaining the Genie stuff. You explain it really well, and clear. And using your phone to show it to was a great idea. And as always, your videoing of the park is general is just amazing 😁 thanks for taking the time to make this video, very helpful 👍
Thank you so so much. I really appreciate that. So glad you enjoyed it and got something out of it! :).
Your patience to wade through the mountain of material to understand the new Genie system at WDW is amazing, you are to be commended! I feel sorry for this generation that has not experienced the joy of just walking through a theme park and having fun with their family without any technology to do so. You also have great taste in T-shirts, I have the same one. LoL
Thank you!! It certainly took a minute to make this video, but hopefully people understood a little more about it by the end. It is a real shame that there is now so much reliance on a phone to get the most out of the day. There is definitely some benefit to the planning aspect of the app for people, but hopefully they use it with a balance of just being there too!
Great vlog, thanks for your clear explanation & honest review.
Thanks so much Simon. Really appreciate it, and thanks for watching. :?
Fantastic as always Chris, thanks for taking the time to explain it so well, definitely understand it better now especially the 120 minute window did not know that and as you say they don’t advertise it.
Beautiful shots of the park too.
Hope Jen and Luna are doing ok x take care
Thanks so much Amanda!! So glad you got something out of the video! We are doing well thanks, and hope you guys are also. :)
Thank you for making this video Chris!! It’s so informative. I feel sad watching this video snd feel Disney has lost its magic a little bit. Its ok for me and my family but I feel that some people that are not technologically savvy will suffer! We are a family of 8; if we spent the day in DHS the same way you did, this could potentially cost us $320!! Anyway, thank you so much for making this video and explaining the Genie+ and LL system so clearly and concisely. I’ve watched other videos from “seasoned Disney Vloggers” and yours is way better than any I’ve watched (and I’ve watched a lot 😂). Keep up the good work Chris!!
Thanks so much Sharon! I think the magic is definitely still there at Disney, but it has shifted direction a little. I think if you go there and make it your own and use the app wisely, but remain immersed in being there it is still a great time. The $$ and reliance on the phone is a frustration, but for me the main one is the lack of clarity for users that has been shared / or not, by Disney. Thanks so much again for watching and glad you got something from it :)
This is a very informative video! We used Genie+ in HS. The park was so busy that we were only able to make three selections because everything was unavailable except the shows. It was very frustrating. But it was worth the cost because Slinky dog was 120 wait times that day and Rock n roll coaster was down all day…. Making all the other ride’s wait time much higher
Hey Kelly, thanks so much for watching! I think HS is a very hit or miss park for Genie+ for the very reason you mention, which is a limited number of attractions. Putting aside the cost, it maybe makes sense for somewhere like MK, but for HS which such little choice on attractions, it can really be frustrating! Glad you were able to use it to your benefit though as best you could and hope you had a fantastic trip overall. Thanks so much again!
Thanks so much for this vlog Chris. We are coming over in May and I feel I have a much better handle on the Genie Plus thing now - still trying to get my head around the 120 min window so will need to watch this again 🤣
Thanks so much Kathryn. I appreciate you watching and glad to hear you found it useful! Very exciting that you have a trip coming up! Hope you have a great time!! Happy New Year! :)
Great video Chris, really excellent overview. Thanks
Thanks so much Gary. Really appreciate it!! :)
Chris I am a bit behind on my vlog viewing as I have watched everyone you have made & wow this is exactly how I feel about all the changes ! I am not planning on coming back to the US for a few years but I can say although a planner by nature the changes are just too much .. like you say maybe once I will purchase for the star wars ride but getting my husband to agree to pay thousands to go to America in the first place is a process (lol) so saying lets add all that money to it , not a chance ! ... I will probably come & do Florida in a completely different way now & I feel the magic is slipping away which is so sad ! Thank you for the vlog as always informative & honest .. take care & stay safe ..
Hey Bev. Thank you so much for taking a look. This one is a little tedious / confusing 😂. The magic is still here, but it has changed a bit. That is for sure. You can still make it your own though.
As you say, there is still so much to see and do in Florida. So when you do get back here I hope you have an amazing time.
Hope you have a peaceful Christmas 🎄
Your vlog best explains everything about genie+ thank you so much, but 100% agree with you on constant being on the phone. Lol.
Thank you so much for watching and glad you found it useful!! :)
This is a great video. Been trying to get my head around everything Genie+ and you’ve really helped. Thank you 😊
Thanks so much Sarah, I really appreciate that! It is a little confusing that's for sure, but if you choose to use it at some point, you will figure it all out fairly quickly! Just remember to look up from your phone often :)). Thanks again and hope you are well
Thank you, so helpful!
Thanks so much Toni! I really appreciate it :)
Your cinematography is amazing!! And thank you for sharing your experience with and opinion of the Genie+ system.
Thanks so much Karen, really appreciate you taking the time to watch! :)
Ohh no thanks. Everything sounds so complicated and stressful. I think I prefer to stay in line one hour 🤔 😅
Nice video as always 👍xx
Thanks so much for watching. 🥰
Totally agreed constantly on phone booking for next one which is suck instead of enjoying Christmas music and enjoying Disneyland Holiday spirit
:). Thank you for watching, and I agree with you, it means a lot to be in the moment!
Awesome overview. Totally agree with your look on genie plus. Found it totally a burden and stress. I was a bit pissed off with the experience.
Thanks so much for watching chris. I really appreciate it. I agree with you though. Whilst it “works” as intended, the amount of attention it takes up in the day or the amount you are simply checking your phone becomes rather annoying.
Thank you for this great video! This is a great explanation of how everything works.
Thanks so much Melinda! I really appreciate that!
Well done, very detailed! Thanks!
Thanks so much Craig. Really appreciate it :)
This is such a helpful explanation and so good to see you learning and explaining as you go. Super helpful. The 120 mins is a game changer!
I do agree with you though that the thought of needing to be glued to a phone to get availability of rides is very frustrating when you could previously plan ahead of time if you wanted to. I’d be interested in how well the park wifi will work for this or whether you need to use mobile data, as from Uk that will be further cost to factor in each day. Thanks for great content as always 👍
Hey Lou. Thank you so much for watching. I really appreciate it! Also it's good to hear you found it helpful! The park WiFI at Disney is (for the most part) solid and reliable and you should not have any issues with connecting to this and shutting off your data. I obviously have US service, but find that 90% of the time my phone is connected to their WiFi. Thanks again! :)
Great job explaining everything Chris! Lots of research and hard work on your part, cheers!!! Lots for families to consider 👏.
Thank you Stacey!! ❤️
Thank you so much Chris, really well explained. I am so glad I watched this as I was going to buy Genie + with my tickets, not thinking about how it will charge me for the 14 days, and I am only going for 10, and not every day will be a Disney park day. you have saved me a lot of money, and I agree I dont want to be on my phone all day at the park. I am going to do LL for the star attractions only. this is really the most informative video out at the moment about genie+. Thank you, Thank you and Thank you some more.
Thanks so much Sian!! I think that in the UK, there are probably discounts to be had on adding it, but if you just take that additional cost and divide it by 14... it will give you the cost per day to compare to the $15 per day it costs daily here. As I say, I cannot see anyone truly needing to use it for every day they are in the parks and so to be selective when here, might work out more cost effective if you are looking to use it. That said, it is each to their own of course and some people will feel that if they buy it, they have it and it is one less thing to think about.
Just remember that the genei+ service does not include LL access for the top 2 rides in each park! :)
Thanks so much again for watching! :)
Such a helpful video! Thank you! 😊
Thank you Millie!! Really appreciate it :)
Great vlog Chris! When I come in January ,I will not be purchasing genie plus at all , I feel it’s a rip off and I’m disappointed in Disney ! I understand they are a business and need to recoup the money, lost during the pandemic, but so too has everyone else ! ! I don’t want to spend my day on my phone I’m on holiday , no stress thank you , it would stress me out ,constantly refreshing my phone ! They are spoiling the experience ! Stay safe x x love to Jenn and Luna x
Thanks so much Ilse! The magic is still very much alive at Disney, so don't worry about that! I tend to agree with your feelings. I would say that there is some benefit in utilizing the planning portion of the app, just to keep in touch with current wait times, but also for ordering food! The paid side of things, really is a personal choice. it definitely speeds things up, but I also agree that its a bit of a rip off! Just remember to use your phone less than you look top and around you!! :). Thanks so much for watching and have an amazing trip! :)
Thanks for explaining it, definitely understand it alot better 👍
Thanks so much Paul. Really appreciate it and glad to know that you got something from it :)
Thank you so much for making this vlog. We are relatively tech savvy guys, but even we were struggling to plan using Genie+ for our upcoming trip flying from London. Beautifully presented as per usual. Give us a shout if you’re around in the 1st 2 weeks of Feb for a drink
Ah thanks so much guys. I really appreciate that. Glad that you found it useful! I’m sure I’m around most of feb so hope to see you around :).
Hey Chris 🤗 thanks so much for this video and for your honesty. Thankfully I am not a ride person so I’ve not needed to understand all of this but it is so so confusing 😵💫😵💫😵💫 I totally agree, people will end up being glued to their phones and miss out on the magic that Disney is meant to be 🤷🏽♀️ it’s crazy 😕 xx
Thanks so much. I appreciate it as always! It is somewhat confusing for sure, but mainly, I feel due to the lack of knowledge or education about it that Disney has put out. There are upsides to the free planning service I feel, and of course if people are happy to pay for individual rides etc then there is a real benefit to those people too. It all comes down to personal choice really, but as of now, I am not the biggest fan. Thanks again :)
Thanks for this video! Why Disney had to make this so complicated is beyond me. I agree with you that they have spoiled the magic. You want to get away from your phones and technology. I will have to go back and rewatch your vlog a few times to get the hang of stacking the lightning lanes 😂
Hey Michelle. Thanks so much for watching! It is a little complicated, that is for sure! I think over time and with using it, it would become clearer to people, but as of now, there are certainly a lot of unsure people. I answered the 120 min rule for someone else here and so I am going to cheat and copy and paste it. Hopefully iy makes some sense... Thanks again!! :).
OK.... sooooooo, let me try to clarify 😆.
You can hold a LL return time and once you use it, you can book another (almost immediately)....
so, say at 9am you book a Lightning Lane for an attraction with a return time of 10am. You will have to wait until 10am, use it and then book another one.
At 10am, you get another for say 11:30am. You have to wait until 11:30am, use it and then you can book another etc
The 120 min rule..
Now lets suppose that at 9am you booked a LL return time for an attraction, but the return time was not until 2pm.
What this means is that 120 mins after you BOOK at 9am (so at 11am), you are eligible to go into the app and book another one, despite still having the return time you booked for 2pm.
So, at 9am, you book your return time for an attraction at 2pm. At 11am, for example you can then book another one. Let us suppose in this example, you get one for something at 12:15pm.
What this means is that at 12:15pm, you would go to said attraction and use it.... (this is now what I meant in the video, by the 2 hour window shifts). Even though you only booked that one 1t 11am (less than120 mins) you CAN immediately book another one, despite having the 2pm return time still and the 2 hour window starts again at THIS point of booking....
The other example could be:
9am - book return time for 2pm
11am - (120 mins passes) you can book another LL.. Let us say it is for an attraction at 4pm
This means you hold a return time for 2pm and for 4pm....
Sooooo at 1pm (120 mins after you made the last reservation) you can book another one etc etc etc.
Hence me making comments about 120 min window moves and also the stacking
Hopefully this helps ?!?!?!?! lol
Thanks! :)
@@chrislostinflorida Hi thanks yes that helps a lot. I have screen shot it so I can remind myself how to do it in October if they haven’t changed it by then 😂
Really good vid and you did very well at explaining this. I’d love you to do this again soon and try it at Magic Kingdom. Be interested with more attractions whether it would make the service more or less positive.
Thanks so much Pete. I really appreciate it! I think it is a video I can definitely remake at some point in the future, once the system has been in place for a bit longer to see what has changed and if my opinion has. Thanks again!
Hi Chris watching this again as we are going to Hollywood Studios on 3rd Jan with my son and fiancée and they really want to do Rise of the Resistance and I want to buy the lightening lane for all 4 of us but from what you are saying we can’t do that until 9am as we are not on site. From what I have seen we have no chance as all the on site guests can book from 7am. You also said we can buy Genie + from midnight the day before - did I hear this right?
Hey. So. If you are not staying at a Disney hotel then you can purchase individual LL selections such as rise from 9am (park opening). Resort guests are able to purchase at 7am. Keep checking the app periodically as they will appear throughout the day, but you’ll need to be ready to pounce lol.
As for purchasing the Genie+ service. You can but it any time from midnight on the day you are going to use it.
Cheers.
Hi Chris 👋🏻 wow what informative video you have patience of a saint to explain all that. I personally think I’m done with Disney for awhile, although that upsets me to say. It’s getting ridiculous with all the apps etc. Way back when I first visited what a joy it was to walk round meeting characters and joining relatively small queues for the rides. no planning was ever needed. It made the place so much more magical, I remember going round and round on Buzz Lightyear with our little one all spontaneously. It’s all too regimental now for me. Thanks though for showing us how things are operating now, just a shame it’s not for us at the moment, feel lucky we have visited many times “in the good old days” 😂😂😂👋🏻
Hey Lisa! Thanks so much, I really appreciate it! The magic is still there at Disney for sure, it has changed a little bit recently though for sure. I am not a fan of having to be lost in my phone all day and I like to take most days as they come, without having every second planned out. I think like with anything, experiences are all about who you are with and why you are there and to that end, the magic is still very much there, but I very much understand your thoughts on the focus having shifted away from where it used to be when in the parks.
Hope you had a lovely Christmas and Happy New Year.
Thats alot of info. I'm tryingGenie+ on my Jan trip to see what its like. WIll set my alarm so I'm up and ready to book haha
Hey Chris. Thanks so much for watching. As I say in the video, using the service will undoubtedly make lines faster. Make sure to use the 120 min thingy :). Have a great trip!!
Thank you!!!
Thanks so much for watching Melissa!
Hi, thanks for the video it helped me to understand a lot more than I did before.
Do you think that genie + could possibly work for a group of 9 ? Would we get on a lot? I'm worried we could purchase, but there not be slots for 9 people in the same window, thereby wasting all that money. Appreciate your thoughts 🙂
Hey Sarah! Thanks so much for watching. I really appreciate it! I think Genie+ can work for a large group, but I would 100% make sure all of your Disney accounts and linked so that one person can book the LL for everyone at once. When you select the return time it will ask you how many it is for. I’m unsure as to what the maximum that could be booked is though! I would recommend maybe just testing it on one day to begin… or if you know you only want to ride the main attraction in the park (say rise) maybe just pay for that individual LL. Whatever you choose I hope you have a great time. Thanks again!
Definitely considering the Genie + for my son who is going over Christmas week as it will be packed. Probably not for us as we have AP tickets and staying for January and February when it’s much quieter. Well hope we will be there and US don’t close borders again.
As I say in the video. if you do utilize the service, the wait times are for sure, significantly reduced which will in turn allow you to potentially get far more done in your day! So, if you are thinking of coming at absolute peak times etc, it could be of benefit. If you are here for a significant amount of time like you will be, then you have far more options to come and go to the parks as you please and less stress about having to get it all done in one day!! Hope you have an amazing trip!
Fabulous cinematography as always Chris. Great explanation of Genie +. I use the disabled access scheme, can't remember what it is called. Do you know 8f this has changed?
Thanks so much Susan, I really appreciate it :). Glad to know you got something out of it too! so I think you are referring to DAS pass system. That still exists and I am fairly sure it works in the same capacity as it used to (I have not used it personally), but from what I understand the process is the same, but it is now also through the MDE app rather than having to visit the CM at the attraction entrance to book a return time. It can be used in conjunction with the Genie+ system. Copy and paste this link. It’s a blog that explains the DAS system as it is now. Thanks again for watching.
mickeyblog.com/2021/10/21/new-das-system-greatly-improves-disney-park-experience/
@@chrislostinflorida thanks Chris
I definetly prefer the original fast pass idea rather than genie plus etc seems a little greedy.Another great video bud and well explained.Loving the editing skills.Have a great week look forward to next upload 😎👍
Thanks so much bud. AS always, very much appreciated!! :)
Brilliant vlog sir as always - love Disney World but feel Genie + is a bit of a con and don't want to be on my mobile all day. Take care and stay safe - Kevin & Cyndy UK 😎
Thanks so much as always guys. I think that there are probably some benefits to be had by utilizing the planning portion of the app, and I know some people have said it has helped in terms of getting in lower standby times etc. I just hope people remember to look up a lot whilst on their trips!
Hope you guys are well! :)
I think if an individual Lightning lane (the special purchased rides) go down, your ILL gets converted to a pass that let's you use it for any of the other paid rides. It doesn't have to be in the same park, either.
Ah ok, that makes sense!! Thanks so much for watching and for letting me know. :)
Combining June from uk is genie plus a must
It will definitely help with the summer crowds
Great video!! Do you know if the stacking, the way you did it in the video, is still allowed? Because I read an article about Disney closing a loophole in regards to the 120 min rule/stacking but I didn't 100% understand it. Thanks!
Thanks so much Tasha!!! As far as I am aware, it still works in terms of the 120 minute window etc. it would not surprise me if it were something Disney look to alter, but as of now I think it still works. Thanks again and have a happy holiday. 🎄
I don't want to go on holiday and be on my phone constantly whats the point, happy to go to universal and avoid the hassle
We’ve decided to give all our hard earned cash to Universal on our next trip too. We used to always stay at Disney when we visited Florida but we definitely don’t fancy the stress of this at all, I really don’t see how it can be fun.
I think there is benefit to the free portion of the app in terms of knowing crowd levels and standby times etc, but I think it’s very important to accept, parks are busy and to use it as you need, but keep your focus on all that is happening around you. Thanks so much for watching. :)
I think you can still go and have a wonderful time at Disney, but you need to sadly accept everything is phone based and geared towards the genie+ system. The magic isn’t gone, but it’s a bit different for sure. The free planning service can likely be of some benefit. Universal is a great trip though. Love that place 🌎:)
You can only book at 0700 if stay on disney hotels ,so lik me staying in a villa I can only do it at 0900 by then lightning lanes are sold out
You can only book the individual priced LL at 7am if you are in property, but you can purchase Genie+ for the day and book your first return time at 7am even off property. Thanks so much for watching. I really appreciate it :)
Explain the 120 min rule. I get that after 120 min pass you can book another. But after you use the earlier one, how can you book another and another?
OK.... sooooooo, let me try to clarify 😆.
You can hold a LL return time and once you use it, you can book another (almost immediately)....
so, say at 9am you book a Lightning Lane for an attraction with a return time of 10am. You will have to wait until 10am, use it and then book another one.
At 10am, you get another for say 11:30am. You have to wait until 11:30am, use it and then you can book another etc
The 120 min rule..
Now lets suppose that at 9am you booked a LL return time for an attraction, but the return time was not until 2pm.
What this means is that 120 mins after you BOOK at 9am (so at 11am), you are eligible to go into the app and book another one, despite still having the return time you booked for 2pm.
So, at 9am, you book your return time for an attraction at 2pm. At 11am, for example you can then book another one. Let us suppose in this example, you get one for something at 12:15pm.
What this means is that at 12:15pm, you would go to said attraction and use it.... (this is now what I meant in the video, by the 2 hour window shifts). Even though you only booked that one 1t 11am (less than120 mins) you CAN immediately book another one, despite having the 2pm return time still and the 2 hour window starts again at THIS point of booking....
The other example could be:
9am - book return time for 2pm
11am - (120 mins passes) you can book another LL.. Let us say it is for an attraction at 4pm
This means you hold a return time for 2pm and for 4pm....
Sooooo at 1pm (120 mins after you made the last reservation) you can book another one etc etc etc.
Hence me making comments about 120 min window moves and also the stacking
Hopefully this helps ?!?!?!?! lol
Thanks! :)
I’ve been wondering about this it seems crazy to me lol
Thanks Sean. Appreciate you watching. It’s a pretty confusing service to say the least! :)
I'm still confused and hoping I'll still feel the magic when I go in April 😳
I think if you choose to use it, it will make more sense once you’re here using it. Feel free to reach out on my Instagram DM if you have any questions. Have a great time in April, and the magic is here, it’s just changed a little Thanks for watching!!
@@chrislostinflorida Thank you!!
I wish they just used the lightening pass as us and not schedule it..
I agree! Thank you for watching :)
How were you able to book your first LL at 7am if you weren’t staying on property?
Anyone who buys the Genie+ service for the day is able to book their first Genie+ LL time at 7am. On property or not. Those on Disney property can purchase the individually priced rides (rise, Mickey and Minnie, space mountain etc) at 7am also. If not ok property. Those attractions are available to purchase from 9am. Thanks for watching
@@chrislostinflorida see I was always under the impression that the 7am advantage came with being on property, I didn’t realize it was open to everyone! Thank you for this insight!!
Also eta: I looooooove your editing style, is your camera the European version? Does that make sense? I usually see a difference between a European and American camera/film
Just persuaded Andy that we will have to get a phone with US service as it would cost a fortune to use data on our UK phones. Wish Disney had just done what Universal does and sell express Lane tickets as this system is so confusing
You can always turn off the cell service on your phone, or place it in airplane mode and just connect to the Disney WiFi service to use the app :)
The system is more inline with the paid Universal Express pass now, but with the main difference of at Universal, you pay and just show up to the line without need of reserving a return time etc.
Thanks for watching
LL $15 plus tax per person makes very expensive day on top of park tickets
I completely agree with you.
You can only book a lightning lane every 120 minutes OR after using one. I'm struggling to understand the complaint of constantly being in your phone. If you've stacked your bookings or just make a booking then you have no real reason to monitor thing for 2 hours.
You should monitor the tip board before your trip to get an idea of what rides book up the fastest so that you know what rides to book first or in what order.
Really not that complicated.
My point in the video about the 120 minute window, was not that it was complicated once you knew about it, but how Disney had not made it clear that it was even an option to guests to use it. So the vast majority of people (at that time) had no idea you could book more than one LL at a time. I only discovered it through researching the video and it was not to be seen on any Disney literature (at that time). I discovered it from non Disney resources. On the day I made the video, even the guest experience cast members were struggling to fully explain it (again, at that time). The lack of clarity on the 120 minute window was the point.
In terms on being on your phone. It is a fact that nowadays at Disney, you are more reliant than ever on your phone.
From genie + to booking LL to checking the tip board. (Checking it once before you go is not a truly realistic way of planning an entire day due to crowd fluctuation etc) and of course the reliance on mobile ordering. Therefore, in my opinion, the day at Disney with the addition on G+, for me, requires too much attention on a mobile device that was not there as much before. But then I suppose everyone has different opinions on that sort of thing, as they should depending on how they see it.
I think the lack of clarity on the entire process from Disney was the main issue I saw when i made the video at that time.
I do appreciate you watching though. Cheers!
@@chrislostinflorida oh I definitely get it. I've been getting a lot of information for how I will use Genie+ for a trip in May and I really think your video is great.
I in no way meant check tip board one day. I'm 50 days away from my trip and I scan the tip board every day periodically for every park to get an idea of what rides run out of lightning lane the earliest and which rides are better left to chance.
Naturally all you can do is form a game plan and be flexible as there's no telling how things will go down when you're there. For instance, smuggler's run and tower of terror both run out of lightning lane passes pretty quickly.
So let's say you book the slinky dog ride since that is another one that goes fast and always has long wait lines. You won't be able to book another ride for 2 hours or after you've rode slinky. Chances are you're only going to be able to get smuggler's run or tower of terror but not both. By your next window the other is likely to be gone.
And that's the thing I mean about constantly being in your phone. Once your choices are made and you can't book anything else for 120 minutes then you just have to let the chips fall where they may. It's out of your control so there's no reason to monitor the LL availability. You'll get what you can when you can. The important thing is to have fun.
Can't wait to put this to use. Like I said I've been studying it a lot and your video really lays it all out and is a useful tool for the uninitiated. Great job!
@@chrislostinflorida and yes. Disney is terrible at explaining the intricacies. I definitely haven't learned anything from any official guidance. Lol.
I fully agree. Having fun is definitely the most important thing!! Hope you have a fabulous time when you’re over and that utilizing the system when you need to helps!!! Thanks for watching again!! :)
His accent made it hard for me to understand, especially when there were lots of back round noise. I had to stop the video early because I couldn't follow it. I was disappointed because it would have been information that would have been of assistance on my upcoming trip.
I’m sorry my accent took away from the video for you, but thanks for watching.
Very informative, but what a blimming faff, having to be on phone all the time, my opinion is go with the flow and take in the surroundings, be aware of spending time with family and friends, couldn't be assed with all this faffing, to much planning and stressing and it costs more money!!
You talk so fast. 😅
Lol. This video would have been 4 hours long otherwise :). Thanks for watching