When Disneyland reopened after it’s 2020 closure, the MaxPass and fast pass systems didn’t reappear in the parks. For months, fans have speculated as to how the system would be updated, or even if it would return at all. And finally, Disneyland has announced its replacement – along with a few other new additions to trip planning.
GENIE
Source: Disney
The first layer of this announcement is Genie: Disney’s free new digital service to help you organize your trip. I’m not clear on whether or not this will replace the Disneyland App or be incorporated into it, but the service will offer many existing features from that app – plus extras. You’ll be able to build your itinerary, check wait times, mobile order food, and join virtual queues.
In addition, there are features within Disney Genie you can purchase. Which brings us to Genie+.
GENIE+
Source: Disney
If you upgrade to Genie+ ($20 per day, per person), you’ll have access to audio experiences (details still to come on that), photo pass, and lightning lane, the new fast pass system. You don’t need to upgrade to Genie+ if you want a lighting lane for an individual attraction (more on that in a second), but if you want to skip the lines throughout the day, Genie+ will be your best option.
LIGHTNING LANE
Lightning lane will work the same way as the previous fast pass system: you will only be able to hold one at a time, and can book a new one as soon as you hit your window. Like the previous system, there is no daily limit to the number you can use per day.
If you don’t want to upgrade to Genie+, you can also just purchase a lightning lane for a specific attraction. Prices and availability for this feature have yet to be announced, but will almost certainly fluctuate based on the season and crowds. (Update 12/6: see starting attraction list below).
Source: Disney
**Update 12/6/21 – Genie+ will go live at the Disneyland Resort on Wednesday, December 8. We now know the 3 attractions you can purchase individual lightning lanes for, without buying Genie+: Radiator Springs Racers, Rise of the Resistance, and WEB SLINGERS. You can purchase up to 2 of these attractions per day, at up to $20 per person per ride.
Additional info announced today:
- You can only make one lightning lane selection at a time, and only use lightning lane for a specific attraction once per day. However, if your lightning lane time is more than 2 hours ahead, you can make your next selection at the 2 hour mark.
- Mobile food ordering will be available through the free portion of the Genie app.
- It looks like all attractions that previously offered fast pass will offer lightning lane.