It's been a while since I've given an update. I've been busy with my small-business, my job, and of course my family, but I am eager to get back to this blog!
Many changes have occurred since I last posted including the elimination of the old fastpass system, allowing for the start of Genie+ and paid lightning lanes, changes to crowd levels, annual passes, and more!
I'll start with the simple ones. Annual passes were redesigned in 2021 and now have new names, new prices, and new rules. To top it off, only one of the annual pass options is currently available for purchase: the pixie pass. This is a weekday only pass, and is the lowest priced option available only to Florida residents.
The other passes increase in price, while also increasing the number of days you are allowed access. No word currently on when these passes will be available again for purchase.
These are the Annual pass options and prices:
Pixie Pass: $399
Pirate Pass: $749
Sorcerer Pass: $969
Incredi-Pass: $1399
On to crowd levels. Usually crowd levels go down once school is back in session. The first couple weeks after the new year are usually slower, an increase during MLK weekend, lower crowds again until President's day weekend, then low crowds until spring break starts about mid-March.
Don't expect low crowd levels any time soon. Spring break is in full swing now, and it will only get worse! There is only so much the park reservation system can do.
The final point I'm going to touch on is Fastpass and Genie+.
The fastpass system you knew (and maybe loved) is long gone. There is now a paid system to get to the front of the line. You can purchase Genie+ starting at $15/person per day. This will give you access to the genie+ system which will allow you to select "lightning lane" time slots for each ride. Prices will change and so far have gone up to as high as $29/person per day.
There are select rides at each park that are not included in Genie+ and have a separate paid lightning lane which can range in price per person based on the day. This list has changed since it first was introduced. The current list can be found here: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/genie/lightning-lane/#faqItem1
The difference between Genie+ and Fastpass are:
Genie+ plus only allows you to select one ride at a time.
You can select a ride only once.
You have to wait until the day of to make selections
Your first Genie+ selection can be made at 7am. The second selection can be made 2 hours after park open, or after you use your first selection (whichever is first).
Your subsequent selections follow the same 2 hour or usage rule. 2 hours after your previous selection or after you use the selection.
Tips on Genie+:
There are 2 ways to go about using Genie+. The first is to try for the rides with the longer wait times in the morning. The second is to try for a ride with the earliest return time, so you can maximize how many passes you can get in a day. I recommend the second option IF you don't care what you're riding as long as you're riding something.
Annual pass and single day ticket holders must wait until the day of to purchase genie+, but you can purchase anytime after midnight. Don't wait until 7am to purchase! You may need every second once 7am hits to pick your first selection.
The same goes for the paid lightning lanes. You can only use them once per day. The selections can be made at 7am for resort guests, but all other guests must wait until the park opens. You are also limited to using only 2 paid lightning lanes per day. The paid lightning lane option can be used with or without the Genie+ service.
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