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When Disney World canceled FastPass+ in late 2021, it caused a number of problems and angered some of its theme park visitors.
The biggest change, of course, was that something that was free now costs money on top of theme park tickets. That’s been a tall order for some people, but it’s worth noting that Disney World has also kept overall capacity at its Florida theme parks below pre-pandemic levels.
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Under the old FastPass+ system, ticket holders could make three ride, show or experience reservations before their visit to the park. People staying at Disney hotels can do so up to 60 days in advance, and those who aren’t can do so up to 30 days in advance.
Once you have completed all three reservations, you can make another reservation, and continue to do so until the end of the day. In addition to FastPass+ being free, many Disney World visitors liked that they could plan their visit, at least partially, in advance.
Variations of the old order are back, according to a surprise announcement from Walt Disney (Dis) .
Image source: TheStreet
Disney World Drops Genie+
FastPass+ was not a desirable replacement for a number of reasons. First, it had multiple components. The first component, Genie+, was the most straightforward replacement.
Genie+ is sold daily at variable prices based on demand and allows Disney World guests to book a ride, show or experience. Once that first reservation is used, people can make another reservation.
However, some newer rides are not part of the Genie+ system. They can be booked for a separate fee under the name “Lightning Lane”. To further confuse people, when you book a Genie+, the special lane you get is called the “Lightning Lane”.
It’s a less than ideal system and Disney World has taken some big steps to correct it. The first part of this is that the four Florida theme parks will drop the Genie+ name.
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This is the replacement for Genie+ at Disney World
Disney World will drop the Genie+ name and adopt the Lightning Lane branding. Florida theme parks will see the debut of Genie+ on July 24 Lightning Lane Multi Pass, while Lightning Lane Single will now be known as Lightning Lane Single Pass.
It’s a simpler naming strategy that more accurately reflects the brands found in its theme parks. Disneyland will also adopt the new naming convention, but it won’t offer the second change happening at Disney World, the opportunity to make reservations before you visit.
When you purchase a Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can select up to 3 Lightning Lane selections at a theme park before your visit. You will also be able to choose available times while making your selections.
“When you purchase a Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can choose up to 3 Lightning Lane options at the theme park before your visit. You will also be able to choose the available times during your selection. And on the day of your visit, once you have used a selection, check the My Disney Experience app for availability for an additional selection,” the company shared in the email.
The company added that the Lightning Lane Single Pass “will operate much as it does today, where you can secure a time to ride one of our most sought-after attractions, but now you will be able to make your purchase and plan in advance.” .
The advance booking window will be shorter than it was in the days of FastPass+. People staying at a Disney Resort hotel will be able to book Lightning Lane tickets at least 7 days in advance, for the duration of their stay (up to 14 days), while everyone else will book Lightning Lane tickets at least 3 days in advance.
Annual Passholders can book Lightning Lane in the 3-day window unless they are staying at the property in which case they will be eligible to book 7 days in advance.
“Guests can purchase a Lightning Lane Multi Pass, a Lightning Lane Single Pass, or both. The app will also be updated to make the purchasing and planning process faster and easier, with fewer steps and a new option to purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass and a Lightning Lane Multi Pass in one transaction,” Disney shared.
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