Disneyland's New Genie App Has Trouble Getting Out Of The Bottle
ANAHEIM, CA —On the release day of the new Disney Genie and Disney Genie+ program, for the majority of guests, the service and the much anticipated "individual Lighting Lane features" were unavailable as of Wednesday afternoon.
Wednesday, a resort spokesperson told patch that "technology challenges" brought the new system to a halt while they resolved issues.
"We are working hard to resolve some technology challenges that have impacted some of our guests today and are providing recovery options to those guests," they wrote, adding that sales for Lightning Lane options [Disney Genie+ / a la carte] "were paused" for the remainder of the day.
The service will try again to launch Thursday.
The Genie and Genie+ is Disneyland's answer to the sunset "fast pass" and "Max Pass" programs. That former printed ticket and app-driven reservation system allowed guests to either manage their fast passes by hand or select advanced reservations from anywhere within the park.
Since Disneyland reopened its doors after a lengthy closure due to the coronavirus pandemic, they've changed some things. Despite changes, many guests have been happy just to be "on the property," and were hoping to return to the first-class experience with the Genie+ service.
"Genie is not even working," a cast member wrote on Facebook. "I came to see how it was since I am a cast member, and wanted to try it so I can tell guests about it, and it won’t load. So much for trying today."
So What Is Disney Genie, Genie+?
Once the pixie dust settles, the addition of Disney Genie and Genie+ service is expected to complement the guest experience at the resort.
To use it, guests must have tickets or passes, as well as a park reservation, Public Relations Director Kelsey Lynch wrote in a blog post explaining the program.
Disney Genie+ will be available for advanced purchase after Wednesday, according to the post.
Disney Genie (FREE SERVICE)
The Disney Genie is a free aspect of the service that you can design to make the most out of what interests you at the park.
The Genie will act as your concierge, letting you know wait times, where you should eat, and different ideas for having the best day ever while visiting.
Lightning Lane Purchases
Visitors can also purchase access to "a la carte" Lightning Lanes (prices for individual tickets vary between $7 and $20, depending on the day and the ride).
Visitors can also purchase a $20 a day Genie+ service, .
Lightning Lanes are like "fast pass/max passes" of days gone by.
Starting Wednesday, you can reserve an a la carte Lightning Lane Top Tier rides at some of the most popular and difficult to ride attractions at the resort:
Radiator Springs Racers
Web Slingers
Star Wars, Rise of the Resistance
Be aware: a la carte prices will vary depending on the day of your visit.
Disney Genie +
The $20 per ticket program works much like the Max Pass used to, with a few differences. Use the app to book return times for rides (just like FastPass) from your phone.
How Does It All Work?
Several tutorials on the App explain the new system, and here's a bit of what we gleaned from watching them:
"The Genie+ is the next evolution of the fan-favorite Disney Max Pass service," they say. "Different from the a la carte Lightning Lane purchase."
Using Disney Genie+ includes a Photo Pass, like the Max Pass, and has extra options for entry than the Lightning Lanes, the tutorial video says.
"Pick your must-do's, select what you have to see while you are visiting," the tutorial says. "You can purchase Lightning Lane passes, or access the Genie+ options."
A Tip Board will give you ideas on what to do based upon what you've told the Genie you want to see, eat, and ride.
Your My Day tab will give you recommendations based upon what you book, and updated wait times.
All recommendations will show up at 7 a.m. on the day of your confirmed reservation.
Lightning Lane entrances are different than Stand By queues.
Not every ride offers a Lightning Lane. A few of our most highly demanded attractions will have lightning lane entrances.
You can only purchase a la carte Lightning Lane entrances once you enter the park, and there is a limit to how many Lighting Lane entrances you can purchase.
Got any Lightning Lane, Disney Genie or Genie+ tips for Patch?
Let us know in the comments!
RELATED: Amazon Outage Derails Disney Theme Parks' Major Systems
This article originally appeared on the Orange County Patch
