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Anaheim Disneyland: What You Need to Know About the New FastPass System

Updated: April 25, 2024

Written by

AAA Travel Editor, CW

Have you heard the news? There’s a new FastPass system at Disneyland Anaheim that works to make the magic even more accessible.

The system is called Genie Plus. And, as the name suggests, it will grant your wish for shorter wait times at Disney rides. Similar to the old FastPass system, the new one will allow you to skip the line at the park’s most popular attractions in a lightning lane. But unlike Genie from Aladdin, the Genie FastPasses at Disneyland come with a price!

Want to learn more? Let’s review how to use Disneyland FastPasses and the difference between the old system and the Genie systems.

Genie System: The Basics

The new Genie FastPass system has two tiers: Genie and Genie Plus. Genie is a free trip-planning resource that anyone visiting Disneyland can use. It makes tailored recommendations to park visitors and enables them to build their own itinerary on the Genie app. Whereas Genie Plus is a paid add-on to your park ticket that allows you to skip the line at the most high-traffic rides. It has replaced the old FastPass system.

A Genie Plus ticket at Disneyland starts at $25.00 per day. This pass covers 19 popular rides, including Autopia, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain and more. Although attractions are subject to change, review coverage before purchasing Genie Plus.

One alternative to Genie Plus is purchasing individual lightning lane entrances to the rides of your choice.

Individual Lightning Lane Rides

Individual lightning lane passes for select rides at Disneyland Anaheim are available, making it easier to experience popular attractions without waiting in long lines. These passes give you access to jump ahead of regular line queues, giving you more time to explore the park. Lightning lane passes simply offer priority boarding to a select ride so that you can get on right away. They differ from Genie Plus in that lightning lane passes are à la carte, whereas Genie Plus is comprehensive.

If there are only one or two rides you want to skip the line for only one or two rides, then you might not need Genie Plus. Simply buying individual lightning lane rides might be the best solution for you.

Is every ride covered by Genie Plus?

Not every ride at Disneyland is covered by Genie Plus. The list of included rides is subject to change, so be sure to check before buying Genie Plus. If the rides that you’re most excited about aren’t eligible for FastPass, then Genie Plus may not be worth it for you.

Genie Plus and Lightning Lanes: How It Works

Neither Genie Plus nor individual lightning lane passes have timed entry slots at Disneyland Anaheim. For both options, guests can access rides with their FastPasses on a first-come, first-served basis.

GeniePlus versus the Old FastPass System

The Genie Plus system offers several advantages over the old FastPass system at Disneyland. Instead of having to physically obtain a paper ticket, like with the old system, guests can now use the mobile app to access their reservations and skip long lines with the flash of their smartphones. Additionally, with Genie Plus, guests have more control over which rides to prioritize and can make changes or cancellations on the go. They can even select from various ride times, allowing them to plan their day at the park better. Genie Plus also allows guests to track wait times for attractions and be notified when rides become available for booking. With all these great features, it's no wonder why Genie Plus is quickly becoming the preferred choice for Disney fans!

Additional Benefits of Genie Plus

Enjoy unlimited Photopass downloads

Disney PhotoPass images are a great way to document your time in the park. With Genie+, you can download your Disney photos unlimited, make prints, create photo albums, or share them with friends and family. This allows you to keep all of your memories without worrying about Disney’s watermark or losing out on any seasonal PhotoPass opportunities. It’s also a great way to remember the details of your first park visit and make a lasting impact for years. With Genie+, you can keep your memories alive quickly and easily.

Magical audio experiences

Audio Tales is an excellent way for kids and adults alike to explore the park in an exciting, new way. And it’s accessible to you through Genie Plus. Audio Tales is like having a virtual tour guide at your side! Listeners can learn about the history of Disneyland and other interesting facts as they journey through the park. Plus, Audio Tales features funny anecdotes about some of the characters who inhabit Disneyland.

Genie Plus: Recap and Overview

Genie Plus at Disneyland Anaheim is a new and different experience for park guests looking to make the most of their trip. Guests who purchase Genie Plus can skip the line at select rides and gain access to exclusive attractions and entertainment experiences. Genie Plus members have a variety of ways to customize their experience. Guests can upgrade their tickets to access additional experiences such as exclusive tours, character meet-and-greets, rides with no wait times and more. Genie Plus also offers special packages for families and groups, including food, transportation and accommodations discounts. The Genie app gives guests access to all the latest information about exclusive experiences and offers.

Overall, Genie Plus at Disneyland Anaheim works to be a way for guests to smooth out and personalize their park experience. With its variety of exclusive attractions, discounts and customization options, Genie Plus can help make any visit to the park even more magical, for a cost.

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Anaheim today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.

Written by

AAA Travel Editor, CW

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