Travel

The Ultimate Guide to Walt Disney World’s Queue Options 2023

Walt Disney World is known for its world-class theme parks, attractions, and entertainment. With so much to see and do, it’s important to plan your day carefully to make the most of your trip. One of the most important elements of your park planning is deciding how to experience your favorite attractions. The parks offer several queue options, Disney Virtual Queue, Lightning Lane, and Genie+. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of these options and help you determine which one is right for you. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney pro, this comprehensive guide will help you make the most of your trip to the parks.  Now with that out of the way  – let’s get to the good stuff. 

First up - Walt Disney World Resort Genie

The complimentary Genie service, also known as the Walt Disney World Resort Genie, is an AI-powered planning system designed to help you make the most of your trip to Walt Disney World. The service is available to guests who have booked a stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel.

The Genie uses advanced algorithms to help you optimize your time in the parks. With the Genie, you can:

  • Plan your itinerary: The Genie will suggest a customized plan for your trip based on the attractions, shows, and dining options you want to experience.
  • Select Lightning Lane: You can select up to three Lightening Lane per day for each member of your party. These allow you to skip the stand-by line and enjoy attractions with a shorter wait time.
  • View wait times: You can view wait times for attractions, shows, and restaurants in real-time, so you can plan your itinerary accordingly.
  • Receive notifications: You’ll receive notifications throughout your trip, such as reminders for your FastPasses, dining reservations, and park hours.

The complimentary Genie service is a convenient and easy-to-use tool that helps you make the most of your trip to Walt Disney World. With the Genie, you can have a more seamless and enjoyable experience at the parks.  

Next up is Genie+ - The paid version of the Walt Disney World Resort Genie

Genie+ is a paid version of the Walt Disney World Resort Genie that offers additional features and benefits to help you make the most of your trip to Walt Disney World.

With Genie+, you’ll receive all of the benefits of the complimentary Genie service, including:

  • Plan your itinerary: The Genie will suggest a customized plan for your trip based on the attractions, shows, and dining options you want to experience.
  • Select Lightening Lanes: You can select up to three Lightening Lanes per day for each member of your party. These allow you to skip the stand-by line and enjoy attractions with a shorter wait time

In addition to these features, Genie+ offers:

  • More Lightening Lanes access to select Genie+ attractions, giving you even more chances to experience your favorite attractions with a shorter wait time.
  • Priority access to attractions: With Genie+, you’ll receive priority access to select attractions, allowing you to experience more attractions with a shorter wait time.
  • Personalized recommendations: You’ll receive personalized recommendations from the Genie, based on your preferences and travel history.

The cost of Genie+ varies but is currently around $18.00 per day.  You can check the current price and availability of Genie+ by visiting the Walt Disney World website.

In general, Genie+ is a great option for travelers who want to experience as much as possible at Walt Disney World, with a shorter wait time. If you’re looking for a more convenient and stress-free way to experience the parks, Genie+ may be worth the investment, and I’ve simplified the process for you in a downloadable PDF Guide, just fill out the form below to receive your free download!

Wait.... what is a Lightning Lane?

Lightning Lane is a paid service offered by the Walt Disney World Resort that allows you to skip the standby line for select attractions. With Lightning Lane, you’ll receive:

  • Priority access to attractions: You’ll have the opportunity to experience select attractions with a shorter wait time, without having to stand in the standby line.
  • A dedicated entrance: You’ll enter the attraction through a dedicated entrance, separate from the standby line, to minimize your wait time.
  • More time to enjoy the parks: With Lightning Lane, you can spend more time experiencing your favorite attractions and less time waiting in line.

Lightning Lane is a great option for travelers who want to experience as much as possible at Walt Disney World, but don’t want to invest in a full-fledged VIP tour. It’s also a great option for travelers who have limited time in the parks and want to maximize their experience.

The cost of Lightning Lane varies based on a variety of factors, including the length of your trip, the number of people in your party, and the time of year you’re visiting. You can check the current price and availability of Lightning Lane by visiting the Walt Disney World website.  You do not need to have Genie+ in order to snag Lightening Lanes, you can purchase them individually as well. 

Disney Virtual Queue

The Disney Virtual Queue is a system offered by the Walt Disney World Resort that allows guests to virtually wait in line for select attractions while they continue to enjoy the parks. With the Disney Virtual Queue, you can:

  • Experience attractions with less waiting time: You can experience select attractions with a shorter wait time, without having to physically stand in line.
  • Plan your day in the parks: The Disney Virtual Queue allows you to plan your day in advance by reserving your place in line for select attractions, so you know exactly when you’ll be able to experience them.
  • Explore the parks: Instead of standing in line, you’re free to explore the parks and enjoy other attractions, dining, and entertainment while you wait.
  • Receive notifications: You’ll receive notifications when it’s your turn to experience the attraction, so you can head over to the attraction and enjoy with a shorter wait time.

The Disney Virtual Queue is a free service that is included with your park admission. You can join the Disney Virtual Queue for select attractions through the My Disney Experience app or at the attraction’s entrance. The availability of the Disney Virtual Queue varies based on the time of year, the park, and the popularity of the attraction, so it’s important to check the availability and join the queue as early as possible.

Paid Perks - which is better?!

The decision between Genie+ and Lightning Lane comes down to personal preference and the type of experience you’re looking for during your visit to Walt Disney World.

Genie+ is a premium service that offers guests expedited access to multiple attractions with little to no wait time. With Genie+, you can skip the lines and enjoy a VIP experience at several popular attractions. It also provides you with a personal concierge who will help you plan your day and make the most of your time in the parks.

Lightning Lane, on the other hand, is a reserved queue experience for select attractions. With Lightning Lane, you’ll have a designated area to wait in line and be able to enjoy the ride with a shorter wait time. However, Lightning Lane only offers access to a limited number of attractions and may still have some wait time involved.

Ultimately, the better deal depends on your priorities and the type of experience you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a VIP experience with little to no wait time, then Genie+ may be the better option for you. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with a shorter wait time, then Lightning Lane may be a better choice.

In conclusion, the decision between Genie+ and Lightning Lane, as well as the other queue options available at Walt Disney World, comes down to personal preference and the type of experience you’re looking for during your visit. Whether you’re looking for a VIP experience with little to no wait time, a budget-friendly option with a shorter wait time, or something in between, there’s a queue option that’s perfect for you. To make the most of your trip to Walt Disney World and ensure you have the best possible experience, consider reaching out to a travel agent who can help you plan your trip and book your tickets. By working with a travel agent, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that your trip is in good hands and you’ll be able to focus on having fun and making memories that will last a lifetime. So why wait? Contact me today to start planning your next Disney World adventure!