Disney Announces Major Change Coming to Parks Next Month

Disneyland and Walt Disney World are overhauling their Genie+ ride reservation system, effective July 24th. The updated system, rebranded as "Lightning Lane Multi Pass," will allow guests to book reservations in advance, eliminating the current day-of-booking requirement.

The current Genie+, introduced in 2021 as a paid replacement for the complimentary FastPass system, has faced criticism for its day-of booking limitations. This new system aims to address these concerns.

Key Changes:

• Advance Booking: Disney resort guests can book up to seven days prior to arrival; other guests can book up to three days in advance. This pre-planning capability mirrors aspects of the former FastPass+ system.
• Name Change: Genie+ is being renamed "Lightning Lane Multi Pass," with individual Lightning Lane reservations becoming "Lightning Lane Single Pass."
• Expanded Reservations: Guests will be able to make more Lightning Lane reservations than currently allowed under Genie+.
• Limited Disneyland Changes: While Disneyland will adopt the name change, its booking and redemption processes will remain largely unchanged. Walt Disney World will experience the most significant alterations.
• Virtual Queue Remains: The Virtual Queue system, used for attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and TRON Lightcycle / Run, will remain unaffected.

The changes will incorporate elements of both Genie+ and the previous FastPass+ system, offering guests greater flexibility and reduced in-park planning stress. The new Lightning Lane Multi Pass will include all attractions currently offered via Genie+, plus the newly opened Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World.

While Disney aims to improve guest experience with these changes, the ultimate success of the Lightning Lane Multi Pass system remains to be seen. The upcoming summer months, with numerous park events and discounted tickets, will provide a crucial testing ground for this significant update.