Guide to Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Disneyland & California Adventure
Our guide to Lightning Lanes at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure answers frequently asked questions about the paid FastPass & Genie+ replacement, info & tips about the line-skipping Multi-Pass and Single Pass ride reservations, with advice for maximizing your attraction count and time savings. (Updated August 13, 2025.)
For starters, Genie+ is dead at Disneyland. Last summer, Walt Disney World completely overhauled its line-skipping system, killing Genie+ and introducing Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass. Like a phoenix rising from Arizona, this is basically paid FastPass. The rules are more or less the same as that–but it costs money.
Disneyland Resort also uses the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass names. The key distinction is that there are no substantive changes at Disneyland. It’s wholly a matter of branding. It’s literally just a name change at Disneyland for the sake of continuity between the coasts. Lightning Lane Multi-Pass is exactly the same as Genie+ and still pretty similar to MaxPass, but pricier.
If you were already familiar with paid line-skipping at Disneyland from the last few years, all you really need to know is that it’s now called Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass. And honestly, the new names make more sense and are less confusing to casual guests than pairing Aladdin and Cars characters for no reason in particular.
There are no plans to bring pre-arrival ride reservations to Disneyland. Of course, that could always change if the system is well-received (and more profitable!) at Walt Disney World, but there’s absolutely no reason to believe it’ll happen at Disneyland. As such, expect the changes to Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass to continue in name only.
The two coasts have very different demographics. It’s unlikely that the more local and Annual Passholder-centric park will adopt advance booking of Lightning Lanes. It’s simply not something wanted or needed by the overwhelming majority of more spontaneous Disneyland guests.
The good news is that, like almost everything else, Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass is easier to use at Disneyland Resort. Nevertheless, there are some things worth addressing about the DLR incarnation. Even though it’s more straightforward and simpler at Disneyland, there’s still a learning curve. Going into your days at Disneyland and DCA armed with knowledge of the ins and outs of Lightning Lanes can make a huge difference, help you get more done, wait in lines less, and be able to re-ride your favorite attractions.
Fall 2025 Updates
Before we dig into the FAQ to Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass at Disneyland, let’s cover the latest changes. Disneyland Resort has announced an exclusive perk for Magic Key Annual Passholders! From August 13 to August 18, 2025, Magic Key holders can enjoy an increased discount of 50% off on the Lightning Lane Multi Pass service.
If you’re an AP visiting during these dates, LLMP might actually be worth purchasing. Don’t be fooled by this window coinciding with school going back into session and coming before Halloween starts, both of which suggest these will be slow dates to visit. As we explain in our list of the Best & Worst Dates to Do Disneyland & DCA in 2025, 2026 and 2027, this is also the tail end of a ticket deal, end of summer AP blockouts, and the return of Tier 0 tickets. Meaning that even as summer tourist crowds depart, there will be an influx of locals.
The other recent change is that Pirates of the Caribbean finally cast away its Lightning Lane Multi-Pass. Thankfully, as this is a ride that never should’ve added a Lightning Lane in the first place. It was added to Pirates of the Caribbean due to a lack of LLMP inventory during other attraction refurbishments.
Finally, it’s also worth noting that we’re currently seeing something similar at Disney California Adventure due to a combination of closures, frequent ride downtime, and ‘stealth’ refurbishments–all of which effectively reduce ride capacity and balloon standby wait times. The good news is that this is starting to improve with Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout now operating all of its elevator shafts!
All of this is discussed at length in the latest update to How We Did Every Lightning Lane Ride at Disneyland & Disney California Adventure In One Day! Suffice to say, knocking out every Lightning Lane Multi-Pass attraction in both parks in a single day is now more difficult as of Fall 2025 unless you start in DCA. (On a busier day, an element of luck will also need to be involved.)
Additionally, prices have increased and there’s now a wider range to them. The base cost of Lightning Lane Multi-Pass is now $32 per person per day at Disneyland Resort, when purchased in advance. Surge pricing means the service can be even more expensive on peak season days, up to $39 on some dates. Most days, LLMP will cost $36.
Because of this, we highly recommend purchasing tickets now to lock-in current Lightning Lane pricing if you have an upcoming trip to Disneyland. Buying legitimate discount Disneyland tickets save you money on admission and you can also buy Lightning Lane Multi-Pass at the base price, rather than paying the same-day surge prices.
Speaking of higher prices, Disneyland has also launched a new top tier line-skipping service: Lightning Lane Premier Pass. Lightning Lane Premier Pass includes one entry to each Lightning Lane entrance in the theme park they are visiting that day (or both parks with a valid Park Hopper ticket), which guests can use anytime throughout the day at their convenience – without needing to book an arrival time in advance. In a nutshell, Lightning Lane Premier Pass is Disney’s answer to Universal’s Express Pass.
The price of Lightning Lane Premier Pass varies by date and demand, but is typically priced between $300 and $400 per person, per day. Prices will be displayed in the Disneyland app up to 2 days in advance of your park visit. Purchasing is subject to limited availability. Due to its cost, Lightning Lane Premier Pass has a very limited audience, so we’re not going to focus on it here. It’s also straightforward and easy to use, so an FAQ isn’t really necessary. If you do want more info, see our post about Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Disneyland.
Since the Lightning Lane system launched, we’ve been in the parks extensively testing it out and sharing results as well as all of the latest news and changes in our posts about Lightning Lanes.
One thing you might notice in perusing those posts: there’s nothing for Disneyland! This is not a conspicuous omission or us overlooking Lightning Lane Multi-Pass at Disneyland and DCA. To the contrary, we’ve tested the paid FastPass service in 2025 already, including since the start of Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary, which has resulted in higher crowds. It’s simply a matter of not many material differences at Disneyland.
Not much has changed, either via tweaks to Lightning Lanes or their usefulness. We have noticed some minor things, but not enough to merit fully-fledged updates. That’s good news, as Lightning Lanes have worked well from the start at Disneyland and DCA and that continues to be the case. The vast majority of the problems and complaints about Walt Disney World do not apply at Disneyland.
With that out of the way, here are the basics you need to know about Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure…
What happened to the free FastPass system?
Paper FastPass has been retired, and now resides in Yesterland alongside Superstar Limo. In addition to replacing the paid MaxPass, the free FastPass is also permanently retired at Disneyland. Lightning Lane Multi-Pass is the permanent replacement for both.
What are the components of the system?
Disney Genie (Free) – A feature in the Disneyland app that’s basically a personalized itinerary feature. Think of it as Disney’s answer to Google Maps–if Google Maps told you to drive your car into a lake every 5 minutes. Genie tells you where to go, but doesn’t offer you any line-skipping. It’s seriously awful–even if you know absolutely nothing about Disney, you’d be better off guessing or flipping a coin to choose what to do.
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass (Paid) – This provides priority access to more than 20 attractions at Disneyland and DCA. You choose the next available time to arrive, and can make one selection at a time throughout the day. Lightning Lane Multi-Pass (LLMP) also includes audio experiences and unlimited PhotoPass downloads from your day at Disneyland Resort.
Lightning Lane Single Pass (a la carte Paid Purchases) – Choose a specific time to arrive at up to 2 different highly demanded attractions and bypass the standby line. There are 2 attractions at Disneyland Resort offering this, and they are not included in LLMP. Pricing for this option varies by date and attraction.
Lightning Lane Premier Pass (Paid All-Inclusive Line-Skipping) – Get one-time entry to each available Lightning Lane attraction for one day—including all attractions available with both Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass. Ride the Lightning Lane attractions you want, when you want. You don’t need to choose a specific arrival time.
Lightning Lanes (real world infrastructure) – The name for former FastPass entrances. These are the physical queues in the park through which Lightning Lane Multi-Pass or Single Pass purchases can bypass standby lines.
Which attractions are available for Lightning Lane Single Pass (LLSP) purchase?
Here’s the official list of Lightning Lane Single Pass attractions at Disneyland Resort:
Disneyland
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Disney California Adventure
- Radiator Springs Racers
Again, these two attractions are not available via the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass service. Guests can only buy Lightning Lane Single Pass selections for both per day.
Which attractions are available via the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass service?
Here’s the official list of Lightning Lane Multi Pass attractions at Disneyland Resort:
Disneyland
- Autopia
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
- Haunted Mansion
- Haunted Mansion Holiday (Halloween & Christmas Seasons)
- Indiana Jones Adventure
- “it’s a small world”
- “it’s a small world” holiday (Christmas Season)
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Space Mountain
- Star Tours — The Adventures Continue
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Disney California Adventure
- Goofy’s Sky School
- Grizzly River Run
- Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT!
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark (Halloween Season)
- Incredicoaster
- The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
- Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Soarin’ Over California (Seasonal)
- Toy Story Midway Mania
- WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
Which Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections are the “best” ones?
After extensively testing Lightning Lanes at Disneyland Resort, we’ve ranked the best LLMP picks for both parks based upon time saved and how quickly return times fill up and run out. This is helpful for choosing the order to book your ride reservations, especially on busier days at Disneyland. Here are the lists for each:
In addition to consulting these lists prior to making your Lightning Lane selections, we’d recommend following a savvy rope drop strategy and good itinerary. There are a lot of great attractions at Disneyland Resort that do not have Lightning Lanes, and you’ll want to beat the crowds to enjoy low wait times at those.
Is Lightning Lane Multi-Pass worth the money at Disneyland and/or DCA?
We think so, especially if you use it smartly.
We Did Every Lightning Lane Multi-Pass Ride at Disneyland & DCA In A Day covers how we did 32 attractions in a single day, and how you can achieve similar “success” by leveraging Lightning Lanes plus sound strategy. It’s really not that difficult–much easier than at Walt Disney World!
How do we incorporate Lightning Lanes into our day with standby lines?
For step-by-step single day itineraries using Lightning Lanes and standby lines at Disneyland Resort, see our step-by-step plans:
- 1-Day Disneyland Itinerary with Lightning Lanes
- 1-Day Disney California Adventure Itinerary with Lightning Lanes
Like all of this, those sample itineraries might be overwhelming and discouraging. Just keep in mind that a normal touring plan might also be overwhelming and discouraging for first-timers. Walt Disney World is one of the most complicated and convoluted vacation destinations on the planet, and it only becomes “easy” with knowledge and experience.
Can we purchase both Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass access?
Yes.
Since there is no overlap between what’s covered by LLMP and LLSP, you may purchase both.
Can a time slot be selected for Lightning Lane Single Pass returns?
No.
Unlike at Walt Disney World, Lightning Lane Single Pass purchases at Disneyland do not allow the selection of a time slot—it’s the next available time for those, just like Lightning Lane Multi-Pass selections.
When can we buy Lightning Lanes?
At Disneyland Resort, you must purchase and make your Lightning Lane reservations after you enter one of the parks. This is true for both Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass.
You can also purchase prior to visiting as a length-of-visit ticket add-on. This is possible via Disneyland.com, authorized third party ticket sellers, or travel agents. See our Guide to Discount Disneyland Tickets for recommendations.
When can guests be able to make Lightning Lane selections?
Disneyland guests are be able to make their first Lightning Lane purchase/selection upon entering the park. It’s all once inside the park, and there’s no on-site advantage.
This works exactly how MaxPass worked, meaning that you can make reservations immediately upon scanning into the turnstiles. Even if the park is not yet officially open or you leave, you’ll be able to make reservations.
Can one person enter the park and make Lightning Lane reservations for everyone?
No.
Unfortunately, each person needs to scan into the park for the system to view them as an “active” guest. On the plus side, there is no strong incentive to make Lightning Lane reservations ASAP upon entering Disneyland or DCA. To the contrary, it’s often strategically advantageous to do standby lines first and make your first Lightning Lane ride reservation around 10 am. (This depends on crowds, your priorities, etc.)
Does entering include Early Entry for on-site guests?
Yes.
This effectively gives on-site guests a half-hour head start to making Lightning Lane selections. See our Guide to Early Entry at Disneyland for more details about this perk for guests staying in the Hotels of Disneyland Resort.
When should guests actually start to make Lightning Lane ride reservations?
That depends.
In addition to the above guide covering the basics, you might want to check out our Early Entry at Disneyland Photo Report and Early Entry at DCA Photo Report. That shows just how much we got done during the bonus time, and how short lines are first thing in the morning.
As a general matter, we’ve found that making Lightning Lane selections immediately upon entering the park at or around opening time gives us return times that are simply too soon. During the first couple hours of the day, standby times are short at Disneyland–you want return times that are later, so you actually are bypassing a high wait time and long standby line…not one that’s just as empty as the Lightning Lane!
How many Lightning Lane Single Pass attraction reservations can each guest book per day?
Two, and those reservations must be at different attractions. (In other words, no doing either attraction twice.)
What do Lightning Lane Single Passes cost at Disneyland?
The starting price is $12 per attraction, with the highest price being $25–for now. Disneyland did not indicate that $25 is the ceiling for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. To the contrary, the company indicated it would use “variable” date-based pricing, which means LLSP costs could go even higher during peak season dates.
Can the same attraction be booked multiple times with the Lightning Lane services at Disneyland and DCA?
No, re-rides are not currently possible.
As with anything, this is subject to change as the system evolves. MaxPass did allow re-rides and had no issue, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see this policy quietly change in California.
How many ride reservations can be made at a time with the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass service?
Guests are able to make one reservation at a time–with the ability to make a subsequent reservation immediately upon tapping into an attraction.
Is anything else included with Lightning Lane Multi-Pass at Disneyland?
In addition to Lightning Lane access, purchasing LLMP at Disneyland entitles you to the following:
- Enjoy Unlimited Disney PhotoPass Digital Downloads from the Day – Download and share digital photos from select dining locations, attractions, iconic settings and more.
- Enhance Your Photos with Disney PhotoPass Lenses – Unlock a special collection of Disney-themed lenses for your mobile device, allowing you to explore augmented reality effects.
- Listen to Audio Tales – Discover the parks in cool new ways through fascinating fun facts and behind-the-scenes insights during your visit.
The PhotoPass Lenses and Audio Tales are taste-specific; some people will these to be nice additions to their day, but most guests will never use them. We’ve used these PhotoPass Lenses extensively at Walt Disney World, and they’re generally pretty fun as a value-add, but definitely not the primary or even secondary reason to buy LLMP at Disneyland.
Additionally, augmented reality is a HUGE battery drainer. We found our phone batteries going from nearly-full to the red zone after around 30 minutes of use. This already entails a lot of screen time, so be sure to pack a portable battery charger regardless–but consider a bigger battery if you’ll be spending any amount of time using the PhotoPass Lenses or want to charge multiple devices.
By contrast, most people will find the PhotoPass image downloads to be a huge plus. We’ve heard from some families who have one person purchase in their party purchase Lightning Lane Multi-Pass just for the sake of the on-ride photo downloads. Given that Disney PhotoPass+ One Week costs $78, you come out ahead by simply buying Lightning Lane Multi-Pass for trips that are 3 days or fewer!
What if the return time for that selection is not until much later in the day?
Guests are able to make another reservation 120 minutes after their first reservation even if they have not yet redeemed the first Lightning Lane Multi-Pass selection.
Does this mean I can actually hold multiple Lightning Lane Multi-Pass selections simultaneously?
Yes, when using the 120 minute rule. Disneyland’s official wording is confusing, but it’s possible to stack LLMP selections. In fact, there are quirks to the system that make it possible to accumulate Lightning Lane reservations later in the day.
What if the return times conflict with one another or other reservations?
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass will not stop you from making overlapping plans, so you need to monitor this yourself and make sure it doesn’t happen. It will simply give you a ‘warning’ message that you have overlapping plans (see screenshot above).
If a specific attraction’s return time conflicts with your schedule, either select a different attraction with a return time that isn’t problematic, or wait 5-10 minutes until the clock moves forward on return times and eliminates the overlap.
How do groups make Lightning Lane Multi-Pass reservations?
Guests can link tickets and select family and friends in the Disneyland app during the ride reservation process.
Do Lightning Lane picks work with Park Hopping?
Yes.
You are able to reserve attractions after 11 am in a different park than the one where you started your day and have reservations. Park Hopping with Lightning Lane Multi-Pass or Single Pass purchases must follow all the normal rules of Park Hopping and Lightning Lanes, meaning that you need to wait until the Lightning Lane return time window has advanced past 11 am for the park to which you’re hopping.
What if not everyone in our party wants to do a certain ride?
You can choose to only make Lightning Lane reservations for some guests within your party.
Alternatively, you can make the reservation for everyone, and some people in your group can ride multiple times by scanning the redemption belonging to someone else (keeping in mind that each one is valid once). Certain thrill rides are too intense for Sarah, so I scan her Lightning Lane entry code after using mine.
Can only certain guests within a party choose to purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass?
Yes–same idea. You can choose among linked guests in the Disneyland app from whom you want to purchase the LLSPs.
Can guests choose to purchase Lightning Lanes only on specific days?
Yes.
Only buying on specific days will give you the option to have “commando touring” days and more laid back ones, instead of simply buying for the duration of a Disneyland ticket or vacation package–saving money in the process.
Are any virtual queues in use at Disneyland Resort?
Yes.
At Disney California Adventure, World of Color uses a virtual queue. This is reserved viewing for the nighttime spectacular, and doesn’t work in quite the same way as prior virtual queues for attractions.
What’s up with the virtual queues for rides?
No virtual queues are in use for rides at Disneyland or Disney California Adventure. The parks have shifted to standby lines for all attractions that previously used them, including Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Web Slingers.
What changes with standby lines?
Nothing. Regular ole walk-up standby lines are still available on all attractions.
Can Magic Key Annual Passholders be able to purchase Lightning Lane access at Disneyland?
Magic Keyholders are able to purchase Lightning Lanes on a per-day basis, just like regular theme park ticket holders.
There’s now a 20% off discount on the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass service on days when APs use their pass for park admission. During the off-season, Annual Passholders have received as much as 50% off LLMP.
Is there an annual add-on for Magic Keymasters?
No. It’s possible one will be added down the road, but we wouldn’t expect that until pent-up demand fizzles out. At this point, it probably won’t happen until 2026, and maybe not next year at all.
Is there a Disney Vacation Club Member discount?
No.
Will these systems force me to be glued to my phone all day?
Using the Lightning Lane systems will definitely require phone use throughout the day–there’s no way around that. However, it could be as little as a couple of minutes every 90 to 120 minutes, or shortly after entering an attraction queue. It won’t be necessary to be constantly on your phone.
With that said, just as before with MaxPass, it’s likely that those guests who refresh the app compulsively and are diligent about making reservations will be at an advantage.
Are there multiple options for time slots when booking ride reservations?
The only option is the next available time slot.
Does this work with MagicBands at Disneyland Resort?
Yes. Lightning Lanes work with the MagicBand+, which has now debuted at Disneyland.
With that said, MagicBands are not required. You can use your park tickets or phone instead if you don’t have MagicBands.
Is refreshing and rebooking ride reservations possible with Lightning Lanes?
Yes.
How does this impact Single Rider or Rider Switch?
It doesn’t.
Planning a Southern California vacation? For park admission deals, read Tips for Saving Money on Disneyland Tickets. Learn about on-site and off-site hotels in our Anaheim Hotel Reviews & Rankings. For where to eat, check out our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews. For unique ideas of things that’ll improve your trip, check out What to Pack for Disney. For comprehensive advice, consult our Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide. Finally, for guides beyond Disney, check out our Southern California Itineraries for day trips to Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, and tons of other places!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Have any questions we didn’t answer with the above FAQ? Still confused by how Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Single Pass work at Disneyland and DCA? Think this is an adequate replacement to the FastPass and MaxPass systems, or do you wish Disneyland would’ve just left those alone? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Other thoughts or concerns? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
We are headed here for the first time at the end of august. I wasn’t aware that you had to be in park for your first genie selection- that kind of stinks. Unless you are allowed in earlier for staying at a Disney resort?
“Unless you are allowed in earlier for staying at a Disney resort?”
You are! See this: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/early-entry-disneyland-california-adventure-guide/
I’d actually caution you against making Lightning Lane selections too early in the day. We’ve made that mistake, and ended up with return times for Space Mountain while it was still a walk-on. The goal is threading the needle so your return times start as crowds begin building.
Reading now- thanks Tom 😉
Does everyone have to have the DLR app to scan Genie+ for returns or can I scan for the whole party on my app?
Hi Maxine,
You can scan for whole party on your app.
One difference from disneyworld is you can only start getting genie and genie plus reservations for someone after they enter a park. Just mentioning in case some of your party was entering later than you but you wanted to reserve a ride for whole party.
Only exception is virtual queue for runaway railroad where you can try for your whole party at 7am before park opens.
Hope that helps
We bought max pass on tickets we bought 2 years ago and will be using in a few weeks. Do we have to purchase genie + now or is that considered transferable?
Thank you so much for this genie+ explanation and all the wonderful commenters sharing their experiences. We are heading to Disney mid December 2-day park hopping and bought the genie + at purchase but was nervous about being able to figure it all out. I feel a lot more confident about the process now, so thanks! I do have a question about the magicband+…has anyone used that? Seems like it might be easier than getting your phone every time and swiping for each in our party…are there any other benefits to having a magicband? We liked them when we went to WDW a few years ago but have never used them at DLR. Thanks all!
I’m a little reluctant answering this because I have no experience with magic band +and as you will see was not adept with photo pass. My thought for my next disneyland visit is I would like to have a magic band because when I used magic band at disneyworld it automatically recognized me on rides when I checked in with genie and I saw photopass pictures. I naively expected this to happen when I used my phone for genie at Disney land before they had magic band + and was so disappointed when I realized afterwards I should have scanned separately for the pictures on each ride. I would have dearly loved those pictures especially since it was probably my last Disneyland trip with my 80 year old cousin
Question is there any way at all to add genie + to already purchased tickets? I read somewhere you can rebook reservation dates and add but not sure that is true???
At this point you have to purchase the day of after you enter the park.
Hi Tom, we were at Disneyland Resort last week, and had a great time even though it was pretty hot. However, my one observation and frustration was the inequality of the access given to Genie + versus the standby line. I thought Genie + would give you a return time so you would not have to wait in the standby line, not give you front of the line access. On numerous occasions on numerous rides Genie + patrons could bypass the standby line completely. When these two lines meet, cast members would admit Genie + patrons over stand by patron by as much as 10 to 1. So for every single standby line patron admitted, 10 Genie + patrons were admitted. This, of course, slowed the standby line tremendously. Imagine the frustration of watching the family of 4 in front of you in the standby line being admitted, then watching as 40 Genie+ people are admitted as you wait. Many times cast member would admit and clear the Genie + line completely. Disney is showing us the difference between the Haves (Genie +) and the Have Nots (standby).
We also attended Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Night. The lines for the horror mazes can get very long – sometimes over an hour. But if you purchase the Express Pass, it gives you priority access. However Express Pass access and standby access approach 1 to 1. The standby line continues to move steadily. Express Pass is also way more expensive than Genie +, more than 4 times – approaching $80 or higher.
Genie + has its place for certain people. But I think Disney needs to tweak it to make it more equitable. When the Genie + line and the standby line patrons meet, if they were both admitted at a 1 to 1 ratio, Genie + would still save you lots of time. And for standby patrons Disney would show much needed goodwill. All would benefit.
I have 4 tickets linked in my Disney account for my two kids, my wife and myself. I plan to rope drop with the kids but the wife will be elsewhere during the day and will join us in the afternoon. I have two questions:
1. Is having the tickets linked going to cause problems at entry? How should we manage linked tickets that enter at different times?
2. Is having linked tickets going to cause problems should I decide to buy Genie+ for myself and the kids but not for my wife?
Thanks for the great website.
If you and your wife both have the Disneyland app, you can link your tickets together on both devices. Each of you can use them and there won’t be any problem. You will be able to easily get in with the kids, and she will easily get in by herself later. Same thing with Genie +, you can purchase it for just you and the kids, the app will ask you who you want to buy it for when you check out.
I went through the 5 stages of grief when Genie+ was announced for DLR, but now that I’ve finally reached acceptance, I buy it every time I go. From a value perspective, considering how expensive the base tickets are – the extra $ for Genie+ is completely worth spending when you consider how much more you’ll get to experience and how much easier and relaxed your day will be. If only there was a Magic Key annual option…agree that this will eventually materialize sometime down the road.
We LOVED Genie+ for our late June first-time Disneyland trip! We roped dropped the rides that don’t have LL and then rode everything else with Genie+. We did very little to no waiting in line, found the system very easy to use based on your 1 day itineraries, and found it to be exponentially better than WDW old fast pass system. The only thing that was frustrating was I couldn’t purchase LL until the park opened which is tricky while “speed walking” to Radiator Springs. Another tip – I just had my son and husband log into my Disneyland app account on their phones rather than linking separate accounts. It worked great for us!
How does PhotoPass work for attraction photos? Are we supposed to be able to download them without the watermark for free? If so, are we able to do that after our trip or does it have to happen the day of our visit?
I haven’t been to Disneyland in 12 years and all of this is making my head spin that I’m not sure I even want to go anymore. What happened to everyone just get in line and wait your turn?
Do Individual Lightning Lane purchases reset the Genie+ Reservations? As in if I pay for Rise Of The Resistance will U not be able to book Space Mountain until I use it?
Individual lightning lanes purchase or use do not reset genie + reservations. Two systems are totally separate. You can purchase your one or two individual lightning lanes at the same time if you want, and you can book a genie + reservation like space mountain without regard for when you bought or used your lightning lane reservation(s.
Hope this helps
You mentioned unlimited photopass downloads. does this mean you don’t need to purchase photopass separately? It’s included in the price of the genie+?
Photopass is included as part of Genie + at Disneyland.
As previous happy users of MaxPass the last time were we in DLR (2017), we used your info on Genie+ to familiarize ourselves with the updated system. So helpful to know what to expect! We loved the more laid back approach MaxPass allowed us (and honestly just the more laid back approach of DLR overall), and Genie+ felt very much the same. Would have preferred if they hadn’t put rides into the individual paid passes, but just stood in standby line for those (not going to ever pay for those). Overall rode over 20 rides a day, with still some time to relax! My husband was easily able to control our party of 6’s stuff, with minimal time on the phone, just grabbing on the fly what struck our fancy. We probably would have managed okay on our own, but having a better idea before we went how it worked was immensely helpful. Thank you!
On a separate note: would be curious to hear your take on the park reservation system’s impact on rainy days. Even our friends and family in LA said the rain would keep people away, but we were there the day LA got record rain in March, and it seemed even busier than the previous day (which was a Sunday), and rain was forecast all day long. Maybe it was spring break, maybe it is because park reservations are hard to get so locals cannot simply come as much on a whim and skip a rainy day?
Your information about purchasing Genii + in advance for length of stay seems to be incorrect. It seems you can only purchase it each day after you scan in at the front gate.
@charlie the tuna , you can buy genie +in advance for length of stay.on your ticket. You can only make your first reservation using genie + after you enter the park.
In the ticket ordering process, it’s the step after selecting your reservation dates.
add on for length of stay needs to happen at the time you purchase the park tickets.
We were not sure when buying the park tickets and thought you could later add them after the fact – nope.
Hoping to clarify about the ILL times. I see where you say unlike WDW you can’t choose your time, but does it at least show you what time you’re booking or is it random and you won’t know until after you pay/book?
Hi Sabrina, I just used ILL and Genie + the last two days at Disneyland and california adventure. It tells you the time before you book it. 🙂 It was very easy to navigate through.
Oh excellent! Thank you!
Hoi
We are going in June to Anaheim.
We are from europe.
Wheeler Can we make a reservation for the attractions?
Only on the day inside or juist like WDW 3 months before?
We have genie+.
Do you have Some tips for us.
Thank you.
Regards Yvonne
@Yvonne you can only make your first genie + attraction reservation and your one or two individual lightning lane reservation once you’re inside Disneyland or California adventure. You can’t make reservations for attractions at any park in Anaheim or Orlando until the day of . It’s the day of whether you buy genie+ in advance or you buy genie + the day of too. You also pay for your individual lightning lane selections (rise of the resistance, web slingers or radiator springs racer) on the day of.. I’d recommend downloading the Disneyland app in advance to familiarize yourself with how genie + works and to link the tickets of everyone in your party.
Can you book individual lightning lanes in both parks the same day to accommodate park hopping?
@adrienne. Yes the time will default til after 1 for the second park.
If I enter the park early before the rest of my party, can I buy G+ for all of us and start making ride reservations for all of us? Or do they all need to be in the park for both of those to happen?
Thanks!
I’d like to know the answer to this too. Thanks.
With a group of 9 including young kids, I am curious for an answer to this question as well. If I enter the park early before the rest of my party, can I buy G+ for all of us and start making ride reservations for all of us? Or do they all need to be in the park for both of those to happen?
Thanks for all of your help Tom! Your guidance will enable us have the best day possible and we appreciate it.
If we book ROTR Lightning Lane- a la carte, will we need to wait to book our first Genie+ ride until we have tapped into ROTR or the standard 120 min. wait?
@carol A la carte has no effect on regular genie+. You can book your 1 or two a la carte rides and your first genie + as early as possible. It’s only the genie + rides where the “can’t book next ride til earliest of genie + tapin or 120 minutes” kicks in.