As you start planning your Disneyland vacation you may start to see the words Genie+, Fastpass, Lightening Lane (LL), and Individual Lightening Lane (ILL) come up quite a bit. Why? Because no one likes to wait in lines all day at Disneyland and this is the fastest way to get through those terribly long lines! I have put together a list of what rides use the (LL) and (ILL) systems and your most popular questions about this new Fastpass system at Disneyland.
What is the Genie+ Lightening Lane (LL) Fastpass and when can I reserve them?
A Genie+ Lightening Lane (LL) is a new reservation for the most popular rides. Essentially you will pick a time to use your LL Fastpass for the ride of your choice. Be aware that they do run out!
You will be able to purchase both Individual Lightening Lanes and Lightening Lane passes when the park opens on the day of entry.
Disney has separated the Genie+ Fastpasses into 2 separate sections.
Individual Lightening Lanes (ILL)
These passes are available to purchase as an a’ la carte add-on, they are not included with your Genie+ purchase. Nor do you need to purchase the Genie+ Lightening Lanes pass to use the ILL passes.
These passes are usually for the most desirable rides with the longest wait lines or the newest rides with virtual queue lines.
How to Purchase Individual Lightning Lane Selections
- From the main menu in the Disneyland mobile app, select “Tip Board”.
- Select an Individual Lightning Lane experience and follow the prompts to purchase.
When to Select Attractions
You can purchase individual selections for up to 2 different attractions per day upon entering a theme park. Note: Lightning Lane entry for these attractions will only be available to purchase individually and are not included with Disney Genie+ service.
How much is the Genie+ Individual Lightening Lane (ILL) pass?
Prices vary depending on how busy the parks are and could cost you between $7.00-$15.00 per attraction. You can reserve 2 (ILL) passes a day for 2 different rides. You cannot reserve the same ride twice.
During peak for a family of 4, you would need to pay $28.00-$60.00 for this upgrade to use for one ride.
Lightening Lanes (LL)
Lightening Lanes rides
Use the Lightning Lane entrances offered through Disney Genie+ service and save time waiting in line. On average, Guests can enter 2 to 3 attractions or experiences per day using Lightning Lane entrances, if the first selection is made early in the day.
You can enjoy a Disney Genie+ service Lightning Lane entrance once per day one each of the participating rides. If you’d like to experience an attraction again or see a certain show again within the same day, you will have to use the regular standby line.
How much is the Genie+ Lightening Lane (LL)?
Prices vary depending on how busy the parks are and could cost you and your family a pretty penny. I’ve seen prices from $20.00-$31.00 a day per ticket. During the holidays or peak season, you can expect to pay more towards $31.00 per ticket per person.
During peak for a family of 4, you would need to pay $124.00 for this upgrade to use for the day.
How to Purchase Disney Genie+ Service:
- Before Your Visit:
Disney Genie+ service is available as an add-on to a ticket or vacation package purchase. You can purchase via Disneyland.com or authorized travel professionals. - Same Day of Visit:
If you did not purchase Disney Genie+ service with your ticket or package before your visit, you may be able to purchase it upon entering a theme park on the day of your visit via the Disneyland app. Please note that there may be days where day-of Disney Genie+ sales are stopped based on demand for the service.
When to Select Attractions:
You’ll be able to select the next available arrival windows to enjoy a Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane attraction via the Disneyland app upon entering a theme park.
Once you’ve redeemed your initial selection (or the arrival window has passed), you can use the Disney Genie service Tip Board or My Day itinerary to see when you’re eligible to make another selection. You can make selections, one at a time, all day up to regular park closing, subject to availability and limited to one Lightning Lane selection per attraction per day.
Can I modify my Lightning Lane selections?
If you would like to modify your Lightning Lane selection through Disney Genie+ service to a different experience or attraction, reduce the party accompanying you, or choose a different time, here’s how:
- In the Disney Genie service, select either the Tip Board or My Day tab.
- Tap the Lightning Lane selection you wish to modify. A short menu will appear.
- From the short menu, select the type of change you want and follow the resulting prompts.
- Check to make sure the new experience, party makeup, or time is correct.
- Tap “Confirm Change,” then “Done.”
Disneyland
Disneyland has a lot of shade to help you keep cool during those hot summer days. There aren’t too many rides where you will be standing directly in the sun while waiting in line. I have chosen the following top rides to use your Genie+ LL on by how long and boring the queue lines are and how long you will be waiting in the hot sun.
Top rides to use your Genie+ passes on:
Space Mountain– The wait time for Space is usually very high and the standby queue line is extremely boring. There’s not much to do or look at and Space breaks down quite a bit, leaving you waiting in line for longer than the posted wait time.
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin– The wait time is normally around 50 minutes, and the posted wait time is almost never correct. The good news is the standby queue line is very cute and there’s lots to look at.
Splash Mountain– During the hot summer days, the wait time can be very high to ride Splash, and the queue line wraps around in the sun. Because Splash is expected to close in May to be reimagined, you can except extremely high wait times.
Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane Entrance
Fantasyland
- “it’s a small world”
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
Tomorrowland
- Space Mountain
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
- Autopia
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Toon Town
- Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
Adventureland
- Indiana Jones Adventure
New Orleans Square
- Haunted Mansion
Frontierland
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Critter Country
- Splash Mountain
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Individual Purchase for Lightning Lane Entrance
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (Beginning January 27, 2023)
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
California Adventure
California Adventure has far less rides than Disneyland and lacks shade and seating areas to rest. Be sure to stay hydrated and try to stay out of the sun as much as possible, this park can really get hot.
Top rides to use your Genie+ passes on:
WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure– The queue line for this ride is 50% outside if you are waiting longer than 50 minutes. Sometime in areas with no shade at all with only a couple of fans to keep you cool.
Soarin’ Over California– Soarin’ usually has a high wait time and the posted wait is almost never correct. The queue line is long and boring if you aren’t into reading about airplanes.
Grizzly River Run– During the hotter months Grizzly Run has a high wait time and the line winds around in the hot sun with little to keep you entertained.
Honorable mention Toy Story Midway Mania!– Toys Story has a queue line that is out in the heat but in a shady area. The problem for me is, you go from the heat to a room that blows extremely cold air freezing you for 20-25 minutes and then back out in the heat again. Body does not do well with the temperature change.
Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane Entrances
Paradise Gardens Park
- Goofy’s Sky School
Hollywood Land
- Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
Grizzly Peak
- Soarin’ Over California
- Grizzly River Run
Pixar Pier
- Toy Story Midway Mania!
- Incredicoaster
Avengers Campus
- WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
Individual Purchase for Lightning Lane Entrance
- Radiator Springs Racers
Helpful (LL) tips and tricks
If you are park hopping you might want to consider getting (LL) for the second park. This way, you can head to the first park for rope drop and hit as many rides as you can in the morning. Then head to the second park and use your (LL) for the busy/hot part of the day!
If you aren’t able to get (LL) passes for your favorite attractions on the specific days you want, you may be able to get them for day 2 or 3. So being flexible may be the way to go. Also, check daily for both (LL) and (ILL) reservations, people are constantly canceling their plans, and you may be able to snag one if you keep your eye out!
Can I get more than one (LL) pass at a time?
YES!
There’s the 2-hour rule, If the park opens at 8:00 AM but your first (LL) pass isn’t until 11:00 AM, you will be able to select another ride at 10:00 AM.
The best way to utilize the Genie+ is to make another (LL) reservation as soon as you’ve scanned your Magic Band for your (LL) pass entry. You can decide your next (LL) while you’re waiting in line!
FAQ
Do I need to Buy Genie+ (LL) to purchase an (ILL) entrance arrival time?
No, individual Lightning Lane selections are for attractions not offered through the Disney Genie+ service and must be purchased separately.
Can I use both the (LL) and (ILL) passes together?
Yes, you can buy the individual Lightning Lane for rides that aren’t offered through Genie+ (LL), while also using your (LL) passes.
What if I purchase Disney Genie+ service late in the day? Will it be too late to use my (LL) passes?
It might be, we recommend viewing the Lightning Lane entrance availability for your favorite rides before purchasing Disney Genie+ service. This way you aren’t wasting money on the (LL) service.
How do I add Genie+ to my existing park tickets?
You can only purchase the Genie+, one day at a time on each day of your visit, via the Disneyland app.
How to Purchase Disney Genie+ Service:
- From the main menu in the Disneyland mobile app select “My Disney Genie Day”.
- Select the “My Day” tab, then tap “Get Disney Genie+ for Today”.
Are standby queues still an option?
Yes, standby queues are still available for most rides. A virtual queue through the Disneyland app may be used for brand-new attractions. When the virtual queue is in place, a standby queue will not be available, and Guests must use the Disneyland app to enter the attraction or experience.
What does “next available arrival window” mean?
“Next available arrival window” just means the next available time you can redeem a Lightning Lane selection.
For example, at 9:00 AM, you might use Disney Genie+ service to book Lightning Lane entry for “it’s a small world.” Your My Day feed will update, confirming your selection with a range of time. The listing might say, “Redeem between: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.” To redeem your Lightning Lane selection, you’ll need to enter the Lightning Lane entrance for this attraction between the posted times.
When can I begin booking Lightening Lane passes?
For À La Carte Lightning Lane Entrance Selections (ILL)
All Guests with valid admission and a park reservation for the park they are visiting are eligible to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry when parks open.
For Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane (LL) Entrance Selections
Guests may be able to purchase Disney Genie+ service on the day of their park visit and make their first Lightning Lane selection starting at 7:00 AM.
Please note: Disney Genie+ service and Lightning Lane selections are subject to availability and change.
I hope this helps you pick out what Lightening Lane passes you want to choose for your next Disneyland trip and helps you better understand the new Lightening Lane passes! It can be confusing at times, pin this article on Pinterest so you can come back to it any time!
Helpful (LL) tips and tricks
If you are park hopping you might want to consider getting (LL) for the second park. This way, you can head to the first park for rope drop and hit as many rides as you can in the morning. Then head to the second park and use your (LL) for the busy/hot part of the day!
If you aren’t able to get (LL) passes for your favorite attractions on the specific days you want, you may be able to get them for day 2 or 3. So being flexible may be the way to go. Also, check daily for both (LL) and (ILL) reservations, people are constantly canceling their plans, and you may be able to snag one if you keep your eye out!
Can I get more than one (LL) pass at a time?
YES!
There’s the 2-hour rule, If the park opens at 8:00 AM but your first (LL) pass isn’t until 11:00 AM, you will be able to select another ride at 10:00 AM.
The best way to utilize the Genie+ is to make another (LL) reservation as soon as you’ve scanned your Magic Band for your (LL) pass entry. You can decide your next (LL) while you’re waiting in line!
FAQ
Do I need to Buy Genie+ (LL) to purchase an (ILL) entrance arrival time?
No, individual Lightning Lane selections are for attractions not offered through the Disney Genie+ service and must be purchased separately.
Can I use both the (LL) and (ILL) passes together?
Yes, you can buy the individual Lightning Lane for rides that aren’t offered through Genie+ (LL), while also using your (LL) passes.
What if I purchase Disney Genie+ service late in the day? Will it be too late to use my (LL) passes?
It might be, we recommend viewing the Lightning Lane entrance availability for your favorite rides before purchasing Disney Genie+ service. This way you aren’t wasting money on the (LL) service.
How do I add Genie+ to my existing park tickets?
You can only purchase the Genie+, one day at a time on each day of your visit, via the Disneyland app.
How to Purchase Disney Genie+ Service:
- From the main menu in the Disneyland mobile app select “My Disney Genie Day”.
- Select the “My Day” tab, then tap “Get Disney Genie+ for Today”.
Are standby queues still an option?
Yes, standby queues are still available for most rides. A virtual queue through the Disneyland app may be used for brand-new attractions. When the virtual queue is in place, a standby queue will not be available, and Guests must use the Disneyland app to enter the attraction or experience.
What does “next available arrival window” mean?
“Next available arrival window” just means the next available time you can redeem a Lightning Lane selection.
For example, at 9:00 AM, you might use Disney Genie+ service to book Lightning Lane entry for “it’s a small world.” Your My Day feed will update, confirming your selection with a range of time. The listing might say, “Redeem between: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.” To redeem your Lightning Lane selection, you’ll need to enter the Lightning Lane entrance for this attraction between the posted times.
When can I begin booking Lightening Lane passes?
For À La Carte Lightning Lane Entrance Selections (ILL)
All Guests with valid admission and a park reservation for the park they are visiting are eligible to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry when parks open.
For Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane (LL) Entrance Selections
Guests may be able to purchase Disney Genie+ service on the day of their park visit and make their first Lightning Lane selection starting at 7:00 AM.
Please note: Disney Genie+ service and Lightning Lane selections are subject to availability and change.
I hope this helps you pick out what Lightening Lane passes you want to choose for your next Disneyland trip and helps you better understand the new Lightening Lane passes! It can be confusing at times, pin this article on Pinterest so you can come back to it any time!
Is the Genie+ worth it?
OK so we are going to do the math for you on this using just 2 adults to keep it simple. We hopped on Disneyland’s website and put in the date of May 16th and 17th for this example.
A 2-day hopper pass for Disneyland during that time frame for two adults is $690.00.
A genie plus lightning lane pass is $25.00 a person leaving your total for 2 days $100.00.
And for the purpose of this example, we are just going to guesstimate on how much your hotel, food and parking is going to cost.
Hotel-$200.00 at night leaving your total for two days $400.00.
Parking at the hotel-$23.00 a night leaving your total for parking at $46.00.
Food at the parks for two days (not eating nice just eating at quick service restaurants) $100.00 per day leaving your total for two days $200.00.
Grand total $1436.00 for a 2-day vacation with the hopper pass, Genie+, hotel, parking and food.
Now lets look add a three day vacation for May 16th 17th and 18th without the genie+ pass.
A 3-day hopper pass for Disneyland during that time frame for two adults is $840.00.
And for the purpose of this example, we are just going to guesstimate on how much your hotel, parking and food is going to cost.
Hotel $200.00 at night leaving your total for 3 days $600.00.
Parking at the hotel an $23.00 leaving your total for parking at $69.00.
Food at the parks for two days not eating nice just eating at quick service restaurants $100.00 per day leaving you a total of $300.00.
Grand total $1809.00 for a 3-day vacation with the hopper pass, hotel, parking and food.
The difference between these two vacations is a total of $373.00. So, if you do shorten your vacation to two days, with a hopper pass using the genie plus pass for both days you could actually save yourself $373. Now keep in mind that this was just an example, and those prices could vary during the summertime/peak season. You might not get in as many rides using the Genie+ LL pass as you would during off seasons.
So, whether this is worth it to you or not it’s completely up when you are going, how many people are in your party and what your budget is. And keep in mind, you don’t have to use the Genie+ for every day that you are down there. If you feel like you did not ride as many rides as you were hoping, then maybe the next day add the Genie+.
Let us help you plan your next magical trip to Disney! Going to Disney can be very expensive, to save money on meals and snacks check out Our Favorite Snacks article. We go over our favorite snacks to bring to Disneyland. You will save massive money taking in your own meals and snacks. Our Items to Buy Before Your Next Trip to Disneyland post will go over what to buy and pack to save you time and of course more money. Follow us on any of our social media platforms for more tips and Disney fun!
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