Disney Genie App

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Disney Genie App

Postby CH-GenX » Wed Aug 18, 2021 2:14 pm

Here it is the news and info about Disney Genie. Disney's way to get more of your money!

Disney Park Blog https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/ ... ney-genie/

Disney's Youtube Video about Genie: https://youtu.be/u9fP50klEPE


Touring Plans Live Discussion about Disney Genie: https://youtu.be/182iOkT_5UI


Disney priced me out of the Christmas Party...I'm about to be priced out of WDW altogether.
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby AnimalKingdomFan79 » Wed Aug 18, 2021 2:20 pm

Disney Genie+ service (available for purchase): For the price of $15 per ticket per day at Walt Disney World Resort and $20 per ticket per day at Disneyland Resort, choose the next available time to arrive at a variety of attractions and experiences using the Lightning Lane entrance. You can make one selection at a time, throughout the day – from classics like Haunted Mansion to thrill rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and newer favorites like Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (attractions subject to limited availability). This convenient option is the next evolution of the fan-favorite Disney MaxPass service from Disneyland Resort. Disney Genie+ will also include Disney parks-themed audio experiences and photo features to capture your memories – augmented reality lenses for those visiting Walt Disney World Resort and unlimited Disney PhotoPass downloads from your day if you are visiting Disneyland Resort.

Individual attraction selections (available for purchase): Schedule a time to arrive at up to two highly demanded attractions each day using the Lightning Lane entrance – like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom Park and Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure park (subject to limited availability; attractions not included with Disney Genie+). Pricing for this option will vary by date, attraction and park and will be announced closer to launch.
I would love to know what attractions are *not* included in this Genie thing. Not sure how I feel about it overall, and I feel bad for larger families in particular who will have to shell out so much extra to ride attractions. I haven't read up on all of the features yet but ultimately we know people are going to continue to pay and Disney is going to continue to hike up prices and give "us" less.
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby CH-GenX » Wed Aug 18, 2021 2:33 pm

During the touring plans live chat the big question is how much of the attractions line capacity is going to be devoted to this AND will it have flexible pricing like all the other ticket prices?
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby Liquid Ice » Wed Aug 18, 2021 3:11 pm

I don't mind the Genie+ idea - of $15 per day per person - but I hate the idea of that it doesn't include any E-Ticket attractions (the Tier 1 attractions that everyone wants to ride like Flight of Passage, 7 Dwarves Mine Train, Tron, Rise of the Resistance will definitely not be included) - you have to pay individually for those rides and you can only buy 2 per day, meaning if you're visiting - you need to extend your stay or buy a VIP Tour if you want to ride everything without waiting in the standby line.

Also shocked they did not introduce or announce virtual lines like at DLP.

Slap in the face too that ride photos aren't included in the price for Genie+ at WDW but it is for DLR.

We'll see how it ends up - but I'm not particularly happy with what they announced. I honestly hope it blows up in their face and they have to reverse course. Even if they just go back to Genie+ including all rides I'd be much happier.

I am curious if there will be an Annual Pass option to add Genie+ to your AP like there was for MaxPass. Maybe they can sprinkle in a few of the Tier 1 passes with it, like include 10 of them that you can use throughout the year, but still a max of only 2 per day.
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby AlexisW » Wed Aug 18, 2021 4:02 pm

My big question's if they're going to throw any kind of bone to resort guests-- right now, there's very little benefit to actually staying on site (Magical Express is gone, FastPass+ pre-booking is gone, Extra Magic Hours are substantially cut back in the morning and evening EMH is gone). Genie+ included for resort guests (or at least discounted) would be in line with what Universal offers to their on-site guests.

The way things have gone, though, I would't be surprised if any perks like that just end up being used as an upsell to the deluxe resorts. :(
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby CH-GenX » Wed Aug 18, 2021 4:18 pm

It adds an extra $700 to my trip and then you have the per pay e-ticket ride that is on dynamic pricing? Only one lightening pass at a time? I really don't want to pay for a FP for Buzz Light Year's in MK or for Muppet 3d vision. This is a bold move for Disney and using Covid as the way to make the change. I guess my trip in December will be the last for a long time.

Wait until they come for the streamers, vloggers, and b-loggers because they will find a way.

I'm hoping for the best because we don't have all the information yet but time will tell...
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby Liquid Ice » Wed Aug 18, 2021 4:47 pm

CH-GenX wrote: Wed Aug 18, 2021 4:18 pm It adds an extra $700 to my trip and then you have the per pay e-ticket ride that is on dynamic pricing? Only one lightening pass at a time? I really don't want to pay for a FP for Buzz Light Year's in MK or for Muppet 3d vision. This is a bold move for Disney and using Covid as the way to make the change. I guess my trip in December will be the last for a long time.

Wait until they come for the streamers, vloggers, and b-loggers because they will find a way.

I'm hoping for the best because we don't have all the information yet but time will tell...
It is free publicity for Disney to have the streamers, vloggers, etc so I could see them continuing to allow it - after all it probably helps them attract more customers. But I wouldn't be surprised if they made them buy a "press pass" of some sort that costs money - small enough that most will pay it. Although it would be super annoying if I was told I couldn't record a video of my family riding a ride because I don't have this "press pass". How do you differentiate between me bringing a gimbal and phone with me to record a steady video of my family and I and Josh or others? Would be tough to enforce I think?
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby Ashley.in.Wonderland » Wed Aug 18, 2021 4:53 pm

Is it confirmed that some E-ticket attractions aren’t included in the $15 per day genie+? My reading of Disney’s site is that the $15 per day genie+ let’s you into the lightning lane for the next available time whenever you book it (so you can’t preselect your specific time). In contrast, it sounded to me that the extra fee for two super popular E-ticket attractions per day was to specifically pre-book a specific time. I guess I’m saying from my reading the difference for those super popular attractions might be pre-booking a guaranteed, specific time versus trying for the next available time, not necessarily that they wouldn’t be included in the $15 per day genie+ at all. I hope that makes sense?
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby Liquid Ice » Wed Aug 18, 2021 5:07 pm

Ashley.in.Wonderland wrote: Wed Aug 18, 2021 4:53 pm Is it confirmed that some E-ticket attractions aren’t included in the $15 per day genie+? My reading of Disney’s site is that the $15 per day genie+ let’s you into the lightning lane for the next available time whenever you book it (so you can’t preselect your specific time). In contrast, it sounded to me that the extra fee for two super popular E-ticket attractions per day was to specifically pre-book a specific time. I guess I’m saying from my reading the difference for those super popular attractions might be pre-booking a guaranteed, specific time versus trying for the next available time, not necessarily that they wouldn’t be included in the $15 per day genie+ at all. I hope that makes sense?
Carlye Wisel, a theme park reporter posted this on her Instagram feed - https://www.instagram.com/p/CSuq2LYLXvX ... =copy_link

Here is what she wrote:
WHAT IS DISNEY GENIE PLUS?
-Wanna “use Fastpass”? Paying for Disney Genie+ is how.
-Select return times, enter through “Lightning Lanes” and “skip the line” on select attractions.
-Example rides: Big Thunder, Haunted Mansion, Millennium Falcon

AND $$ FOR INDIVIDUAL RIDES?
-Select in-demand rides at WDW & DL will offer individual, a la carte Lightning Lane access
-These are NOT included in Genie+ & sold separately.
-Max of 2 purchases p/ guest, p/day.
-Sample rides: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Radiator Springs Racers & rides w/Virtual Queue.
So it doesn't sound to me like the in-demand rides will be included in Genie+ - I could be wrong.

Also of particular interest - no Genie+ annual plan for AP holders like they had with MaxPass.
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby Liquid Ice » Wed Aug 18, 2021 5:10 pm

Ashley.in.Wonderland wrote: Wed Aug 18, 2021 4:53 pm Is it confirmed that some E-ticket attractions aren’t included in the $15 per day genie+? My reading of Disney’s site is that the $15 per day genie+ let’s you into the lightning lane for the next available time whenever you book it (so you can’t preselect your specific time). In contrast, it sounded to me that the extra fee for two super popular E-ticket attractions per day was to specifically pre-book a specific time. I guess I’m saying from my reading the difference for those super popular attractions might be pre-booking a guaranteed, specific time versus trying for the next available time, not necessarily that they wouldn’t be included in the $15 per day genie+ at all. I hope that makes sense?
There is also a good article explaining how it will work on Touring Plans - https://touringplans.com/blog/genie-and ... isneyland/

Specifically they say:
For high demand attractions in each park, they will not have the option to book a Genie+ reservation under the flat fee.
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby Ashley.in.Wonderland » Wed Aug 18, 2021 5:14 pm

Liquid Ice wrote: Wed Aug 18, 2021 5:10 pm
Ashley.in.Wonderland wrote: Wed Aug 18, 2021 4:53 pm Is it confirmed that some E-ticket attractions aren’t included in the $15 per day genie+? My reading of Disney’s site is that the $15 per day genie+ let’s you into the lightning lane for the next available time whenever you book it (so you can’t preselect your specific time). In contrast, it sounded to me that the extra fee for two super popular E-ticket attractions per day was to specifically pre-book a specific time. I guess I’m saying from my reading the difference for those super popular attractions might be pre-booking a guaranteed, specific time versus trying for the next available time, not necessarily that they wouldn’t be included in the $15 per day genie+ at all. I hope that makes sense?
There is also a good article explaining how it will work on Touring Plans - https://touringplans.com/blog/genie-and ... isneyland/

Specifically they say:
For high demand attractions in each park, they will not have the option to book a Genie+ reservation under the flat fee.
Noooooooooo!! Then what even is the point?!?
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby Liquid Ice » Wed Aug 18, 2021 5:17 pm

Ashley.in.Wonderland wrote: Wed Aug 18, 2021 5:14 pm Noooooooooo!! Then what even is the point?!?
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby Ashley.in.Wonderland » Wed Aug 18, 2021 5:22 pm

Liquid Ice wrote: Wed Aug 18, 2021 5:17 pm
Ashley.in.Wonderland wrote: Wed Aug 18, 2021 5:14 pm Noooooooooo!! Then what even is the point?!?
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Unfortunately, you’re right. It’s really frustrating because I genuinely don’t hate the concept. If it included everything I would probably pay for it. But the fact that they have to get their little extra greediness in just kills me and sours me on what I’d otherwise be interested in. So instead of getting an additional $15 per day out of me, I guess they’ve just annoyed me into giving them nothing extra.
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby taylormmade » Wed Aug 18, 2021 6:04 pm

AlexisW wrote: Wed Aug 18, 2021 4:02 pm My big question's if they're going to throw any kind of bone to resort guests-- right now, there's very little benefit to actually staying on site (Magical Express is gone, FastPass+ pre-booking is gone, Extra Magic Hours are substantially cut back in the morning and evening EMH is gone). Genie+ included for resort guests (or at least discounted) would be in line with what Universal offers to their on-site guests.

The way things have gone, though, I would't be surprised if any perks like that just end up being used as an upsell to the deluxe resorts. :(
This is exactly what I've been saying! I really don't see the perk of staying on property anymore? Which is so sad and disappointing. I'm afraid after this year, I might not stay on property for a while until resort guests get some perks back. :(
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby Liquid Ice » Wed Aug 18, 2021 6:15 pm

taylormmade wrote: Wed Aug 18, 2021 6:04 pm
AlexisW wrote: Wed Aug 18, 2021 4:02 pm My big question's if they're going to throw any kind of bone to resort guests-- right now, there's very little benefit to actually staying on site (Magical Express is gone, FastPass+ pre-booking is gone, Extra Magic Hours are substantially cut back in the morning and evening EMH is gone). Genie+ included for resort guests (or at least discounted) would be in line with what Universal offers to their on-site guests.

The way things have gone, though, I would't be surprised if any perks like that just end up being used as an upsell to the deluxe resorts. :(
This is exactly what I've been saying! I really don't see the perk of staying on property anymore? Which is so sad and disappointing. I'm afraid after this year, I might not stay on property for a while until resort guests get some perks back. :(
T̶h̶e̶r̶e̶ ̶i̶s̶ ̶1̶ ̶s̶m̶a̶l̶l̶ ̶a̶d̶v̶a̶n̶t̶a̶g̶e̶ ̶i̶f̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶ ̶b̶u̶y̶ ̶G̶e̶n̶i̶e̶+̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶t̶h̶a̶t̶ ̶i̶s̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶ ̶c̶a̶n̶ ̶m̶a̶k̶e̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶r̶ ̶f̶i̶r̶s̶t̶ ̶L̶i̶g̶h̶t̶n̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶L̶a̶n̶e̶ ̶r̶e̶s̶e̶r̶v̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶ ̶a̶t̶ ̶7̶a̶m̶ ̶i̶f̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶'̶r̶e̶ ̶s̶t̶a̶y̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶o̶n̶ ̶s̶i̶t̶e̶.̶ ̶ ̶E̶v̶e̶r̶y̶o̶n̶e̶ ̶e̶l̶s̶e̶ ̶h̶a̶s̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶w̶a̶i̶t̶ ̶u̶n̶t̶i̶l̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶y̶ ̶a̶r̶e̶ ̶a̶c̶t̶u̶a̶l̶l̶y̶ ̶i̶n̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶p̶a̶r̶k̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶m̶a̶k̶e̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶i̶r̶ ̶f̶i̶r̶s̶t̶ ̶r̶e̶s̶e̶r̶v̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶.̶

EDIT- I found out this is wrong, there is no advantage for onsite guests to obtain Genie+ Lightning Passes.

There is an advantage for onsite guests to buy the Individual Attraction Lightning Passes - at 7am vs. when the parks open for all other guests.
Last edited by Liquid Ice on Mon Aug 23, 2021 8:17 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby CH-GenX » Thu Aug 19, 2021 12:42 pm

Liquid Ice wrote: Wed Aug 18, 2021 5:17 pm
Ashley.in.Wonderland wrote: Wed Aug 18, 2021 5:14 pm Noooooooooo!! Then what even is the point?!?
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This is the best!

Now you pay for a FP for a ride like Dumbo or Muppets 3D vision-but did you ever really need a FP for those?
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby Happy2012 » Thu Aug 19, 2021 1:45 pm

taylormmade wrote: Wed Aug 18, 2021 6:04 pm
AlexisW wrote: Wed Aug 18, 2021 4:02 pm My big question's if they're going to throw any kind of bone to resort guests-- right now, there's very little benefit to actually staying on site (Magical Express is gone, FastPass+ pre-booking is gone, Extra Magic Hours are substantially cut back in the morning and evening EMH is gone). Genie+ included for resort guests (or at least discounted) would be in line with what Universal offers to their on-site guests.

The way things have gone, though, I would't be surprised if any perks like that just end up being used as an upsell to the deluxe resorts. :(
This is exactly what I've been saying! I really don't see the perk of staying on property anymore? Which is so sad and disappointing. I'm afraid after this year, I might not stay on property for a while until resort guests get some perks back. :(
Exactly what I have been saying unfortunately I will have to do a lot of research to stay off property. We need wheelchair accessible transportation to the parks and renting a vehicle is $$$$$. If anyone has any information on off property accommodations that offers shuttles that are Wheelchair accessible please let me know.
:D Happy
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby Liquid Ice » Thu Aug 19, 2021 6:41 pm

Stealing this from a FB post I made on another group - after thinking about it for awhile - here is my opinion on Genie+ ...

Saw lots of posts in support of Genie+ and Lightning Lane - I've taken some time to think about it since the announcement, I couldn't quite put my finger on why I hated the announcement so much - but I think I've started to put together why...

1. Recently we haven't had much good news out of Disney, in fact in terms of perks we've mostly lost perks:
a. Magicbands not included with on-site stay
b. Airport shuttle (Magical Express) not included with on-site stay
c. Extra Magic Hours no longer an on-site benefit (30 min mornings for all guests and Evenings for Deluxe only)
d. Fastpass no longer included with entry ticket
e. Restricted Park Hopping (2pm begins park hopping) - with no discount to the park hopping option
f. Restricted Park Passes for AP holders not staying on site (only 3 at a time, versus show up whenever you want).

2. A lot of the announcements have come down to controlling park overcrowding. But there is actually a few solutions to this problem that don't involve charging more or taking away perks
a. Build a 5th gate - when park overcrowding is an issue - you can invest some of those profits you've been making to construct something new that will help relieve park overcrowding. Maybe Galaxy's Edge should have been its own park? A 5th gate would help spread out crowds. Yes it costs Disney money, I think most of us would gladly pay more money, stay longer or make more trips to visit a 5th gate. At least we would see the money we pay to Disney at work to add some more value.
b. Reduce park crowds using Park Pass, you've already proven you can do this.

Ultimately what it comes down to for me is value - it isn't about the money, but Disney is in my opinion giving us less value and charging us more money - and it puts a sour taste in my mouth. While previously I feel like Disney would invest money into new an exciting things to earn more of our money - now it feels like Disney is taking away perks or charging for the right to use them and calling that guest satisfaction and value.

You cannot continually offer less and charge more and expect to continue to increase profits. Yes, Disney is a business and yes Disney needs to make money - I'm not saying they should be losing money. But what they should be doing is making us as customers feel like they're getting more value when they charge us more money instead of the current situation where I feel like they're taking away things and charging us more - and that is what gives me pause with this most recent announcement for Genie+. Yeah $15 per person per day doesn't sound that expensive, but if you visit Disney for 2 weeks a year, and have a family of four, does spending an extra $840 per year sound like a lot more? It isn't that I can't afford it - it is just that I don't think I'm getting the same value I got from Disney as before.

I know some people will say - just don't pay for Genie+ - you have that option. But this was an included perk we used to have and was taken away. Don't act like this is something new that we've never had before. I work for a company that is extremely customer focused as well - and one thing we try not to ever do is offer something for free and then take it away or try to charge customers for something that was previously free - because we've found you lose a lot of customers that way.

Ultimately Disney is making us pay for their problems with overcrowding, rides breaking down and not being reliable or being able to handle enough riders per day (looking at you RoTR). It is an experiment to see just how much we're willing to continue to pay for things - and if it works, expect more up charges in the future.

What is the next upcharge that we'll see? Free parking at the parks for On-site guests? Being charged to ride the transportation? Being charged just to ride the rides at the parks? Expect the microtransactions to continue if this is successful.

Anyway that is my very long diatribe - thanks for reading if you made it this far :)
Last edited by Liquid Ice on Thu Aug 19, 2021 7:13 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby Happy2012 » Thu Aug 19, 2021 6:49 pm

Liquid Ice wrote: Thu Aug 19, 2021 6:41 pm Stealing this from a FB post I made on another group - after thinking about it for awhile - here is my opinion on Genie+ ...

Been trying to gather my thoughts and posted this on DVC Fan on Facebook - but thought I'd share it here too...

Saw lots of posts in support of Genie+ and Lightning Lane - I've taken some time to think about it since the announcement, I couldn't quite put my finger on why I hated the announcement so much - but I think I've started to put together why...

1. Recently we haven't had much good news out of Disney, in fact in terms of perks we've mostly lost perks:
a. Magicbands not included with on-site stay
b. Airport shuttle (Magical Express) not included with on-site stay
c. Extra Magic Hours no longer an on-site benefit (30 min mornings for all guests and Evenings for Deluxe only)
d. Fastpass no longer included with entry ticket
e. Restricted Park Hopping (2pm begins park hopping) - with no discount to the park hopping option
f. Restricted Park Passes for AP holders not staying on site (only 3 at a time, versus show up whenever you want).

2. A lot of the announcements have come down to controlling park overcrowding. But there is actually a few solutions to this problem that don't involve charging more or taking away perks
a. Build a 5th gate - when park overcrowding is an issue - you can invest some of those profits you've been making to construct something new that will help relieve park overcrowding. Maybe Galaxy's Edge should have been its own park? A 5th gate would help spread out crowds. Yes it costs Disney money, I think most of us would gladly pay more money, stay longer or make more trips to visit a 5th gate. At least we would see the money we pay to Disney at work to add some more value.
b. Reduce park crowds using Park Pass, you've already proven you can do this.

Ultimately what it comes down to for me is value - it isn't about the money, but Disney is in my opinion giving us less value and charging us more money - and it puts a sour taste in my mouth. While previously I feel like Disney would invest money into new an exciting things to earn more of our money - now it feels like Disney is taking away perks or charging for the right to use them and calling that guest satisfaction and value.

You cannot continually offer less and charge more and expect to continue to increase profits. Yes, Disney is a business and yes Disney needs to make money - I'm not saying they should be losing money. But what they should be doing is making us as customers feel like they're getting more value when they charge us more money instead of the current situation where I feel like they're taking away things and charging us more - and that is what gives me pause with this most recent announcement for Genie+. Yeah $15 per person per day doesn't sound that expensive, but if you visit Disney for 2 weeks a year, and have a family of four, does spending an extra $840 per year sound like a lot more? It isn't that I can't afford it - it is just that I don't think I'm getting the same value I got from Disney as before.

I know some people will say - just don't pay for Genie+ - you have that option. But this was an included perk we used to have and was taken away. Don't act like this is something new that we've never had before. I work for a company that is extremely customer focused as well - and one thing we try not to ever do is offer something for free and then take it away or try to charge customers for something that was previously free - because we've found you lose a lot of customers that way.

Ultimately Disney is making us pay for their problems with overcrowding, rides breaking down and not being reliable or being able to handle enough riders per day (looking at you RoTR). It is an experiment to see just how much we're willing to continue to pay for things - and if it works, expect more up charges in the future.

What is the next upcharge that we'll see? Free parking at the parks for On-site guests? Being charged to ride the transportation? Being charged just to ride the rides at the parks? Expect the microtransactions to continue if this is successful.

Anyway that is my very long diatribe - thanks for reading if you made it this far :)

Thank you that was really well said!
This is how I have been feeling and couldn't put into words!
Much appreciated!
:D Happy
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby taylormmade » Fri Aug 20, 2021 1:33 pm

Happy2012 wrote: Thu Aug 19, 2021 1:45 pm
taylormmade wrote: Wed Aug 18, 2021 6:04 pm
AlexisW wrote: Wed Aug 18, 2021 4:02 pm My big question's if they're going to throw any kind of bone to resort guests-- right now, there's very little benefit to actually staying on site (Magical Express is gone, FastPass+ pre-booking is gone, Extra Magic Hours are substantially cut back in the morning and evening EMH is gone). Genie+ included for resort guests (or at least discounted) would be in line with what Universal offers to their on-site guests.

The way things have gone, though, I would't be surprised if any perks like that just end up being used as an upsell to the deluxe resorts. :(
This is exactly what I've been saying! I really don't see the perk of staying on property anymore? Which is so sad and disappointing. I'm afraid after this year, I might not stay on property for a while until resort guests get some perks back. :(
Exactly what I have been saying unfortunately I will have to do a lot of research to stay off property. We need wheelchair accessible transportation to the parks and renting a vehicle is $$$$$. If anyone has any information on off property accommodations that offers shuttles that are Wheelchair accessible please let me know.
Have you tried using a Disney travel agent? We're using one for the first time for our Dec trip and she's amazing! I'm pretty sure they have knowledge on the "good neighbor" hotels off property, most of which have park transportation. And the travel agent is a free service! Could be worth a shot.
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby taylormmade » Fri Aug 20, 2021 1:37 pm

Liquid Ice wrote: Thu Aug 19, 2021 6:41 pm Stealing this from a FB post I made on another group - after thinking about it for awhile - here is my opinion on Genie+ ...

Saw lots of posts in support of Genie+ and Lightning Lane - I've taken some time to think about it since the announcement, I couldn't quite put my finger on why I hated the announcement so much - but I think I've started to put together why...

1. Recently we haven't had much good news out of Disney, in fact in terms of perks we've mostly lost perks:
a. Magicbands not included with on-site stay
b. Airport shuttle (Magical Express) not included with on-site stay
c. Extra Magic Hours no longer an on-site benefit (30 min mornings for all guests and Evenings for Deluxe only)
d. Fastpass no longer included with entry ticket
e. Restricted Park Hopping (2pm begins park hopping) - with no discount to the park hopping option
f. Restricted Park Passes for AP holders not staying on site (only 3 at a time, versus show up whenever you want).

2. A lot of the announcements have come down to controlling park overcrowding. But there is actually a few solutions to this problem that don't involve charging more or taking away perks
a. Build a 5th gate - when park overcrowding is an issue - you can invest some of those profits you've been making to construct something new that will help relieve park overcrowding. Maybe Galaxy's Edge should have been its own park? A 5th gate would help spread out crowds. Yes it costs Disney money, I think most of us would gladly pay more money, stay longer or make more trips to visit a 5th gate. At least we would see the money we pay to Disney at work to add some more value.
b. Reduce park crowds using Park Pass, you've already proven you can do this.

Ultimately what it comes down to for me is value - it isn't about the money, but Disney is in my opinion giving us less value and charging us more money - and it puts a sour taste in my mouth. While previously I feel like Disney would invest money into new an exciting things to earn more of our money - now it feels like Disney is taking away perks or charging for the right to use them and calling that guest satisfaction and value.

You cannot continually offer less and charge more and expect to continue to increase profits. Yes, Disney is a business and yes Disney needs to make money - I'm not saying they should be losing money. But what they should be doing is making us as customers feel like they're getting more value when they charge us more money instead of the current situation where I feel like they're taking away things and charging us more - and that is what gives me pause with this most recent announcement for Genie+. Yeah $15 per person per day doesn't sound that expensive, but if you visit Disney for 2 weeks a year, and have a family of four, does spending an extra $840 per year sound like a lot more? It isn't that I can't afford it - it is just that I don't think I'm getting the same value I got from Disney as before.

I know some people will say - just don't pay for Genie+ - you have that option. But this was an included perk we used to have and was taken away. Don't act like this is something new that we've never had before. I work for a company that is extremely customer focused as well - and one thing we try not to ever do is offer something for free and then take it away or try to charge customers for something that was previously free - because we've found you lose a lot of customers that way.

Ultimately Disney is making us pay for their problems with overcrowding, rides breaking down and not being reliable or being able to handle enough riders per day (looking at you RoTR). It is an experiment to see just how much we're willing to continue to pay for things - and if it works, expect more up charges in the future.

What is the next upcharge that we'll see? Free parking at the parks for On-site guests? Being charged to ride the transportation? Being charged just to ride the rides at the parks? Expect the microtransactions to continue if this is successful.

Anyway that is my very long diatribe - thanks for reading if you made it this far :)

Very well said! I've been trying to think of scenarios where I would be inclined to purchase the FastPass service and I just cannot. MAYBE, maybe they would have me if rides like Mine Train, Rise or Flight of Passage were included, but they're not?! Which is so bananas to me (crazy bananas). The fact that not all rides are included really does it in for me.
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby Happy2012 » Fri Aug 20, 2021 5:28 pm

taylormmade wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 1:33 pm
Happy2012 wrote: Thu Aug 19, 2021 1:45 pm
taylormmade wrote: Wed Aug 18, 2021 6:04 pm

This is exactly what I've been saying! I really don't see the perk of staying on property anymore? Which is so sad and disappointing. I'm afraid after this year, I might not stay on property for a while until resort guests get some perks back. :(
Exactly what I have been saying unfortunately I will have to do a lot of research to stay off property. We need wheelchair accessible transportation to the parks and renting a vehicle is $$$$$. If anyone has any information on off property accommodations that offers shuttles that are Wheelchair accessible please let me know.
Have you tried using a Disney travel agent? We're using one for the first time for our Dec trip and she's amazing! I'm pretty sure they have knowledge on the "good neighbor" hotels off property, most of which have park transportation. And the travel agent is a free service! Could be worth a shot.
Actually yes we are planning to talk with Mickey Travels (suggested by Josh and Jenna) before we book our next trip for 2022. Thanks.
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby jm1670 » Fri Aug 20, 2021 11:53 pm

The first thing to point out is that they say this is not a mandatory charge but to be honest it really is. Any introduction of a fastpass system means you will buy it or you won't be getting your money's worth. The introduction of line skipping of any kind means the stand by queues will be absolutely destroyed. Don't want to pay to avoid lines, fine the wait for the less popular attractions is just 2 and half hours per ride. And let's not talk about the popular rides. Bottom line is you will be shelling out the money or not go to Disney world at all.

The other thing is the perks for staying on property are quickly disappearing. The only benefit is that you can book your genie plus rides at 7am. Really Disney that's all I get for paying $300/night to stay in a room that's about the same quality as staying in a Holiday Inn for $120 per night. There are basically no perks to staying on property now except the Disney buses which are increasingly unreliable. I guess that will probably be the next to go away. Watch them replace that with the Disney Bus plus system where you pay $30 per person per day. Seems to be the new business model. At any rate I can no longer justify staying at a Disney resort for the price. The benefits are all but gone and the costs are still rising.


As others have pointed out, Disney has always been expensive. It's more of a luxury destination than an affordable one. However they have recently offered enough of an experience that it still felt like it's worth the extra cost. I am willing to pay more for more. I am not willing to pay more for less and that's what they are offering right now. It would be different if there were extras and benefits that I can see justify the increased costs but there aren't. I'm paying more for 1/3 of the experience. It's not the affordability that is the issue. The issue is that it's starting to feel like a rip off.
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby Disney Donna » Sat Aug 21, 2021 3:35 am

I'm not happy about the introduction of the genie + but at least it isn't $100+ a day each, I was hoping they would just bring back the old fast pass plus.
Given that I would be bringing my family over from the UK I would maybe pay for genie + but I wouldn't be happy about it. I'm pushing my trip back a few years now so I can see how the wait times pan out with the new app and may postpone it even longer as me and my husband can handle a 3 hour plus queue for flight of passage but I doubt my children could even if it was just the older one.
There is no way I would pay per ride though, that is just money grabbing and not a good move on Disney's part, I get covid has had an impact on the company but it has on every company and some may not be able to come out covid fully and will have close, I doubt that would happen to Disney even without all the extra up charges they are bringing in. I hate all this charge em more and give em less attitude that seems to be going on.
Hoping to make our first trip to the World of Mouse one day
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Re: Disney Genie App

Postby Happy2012 » Sat Aug 21, 2021 6:03 am

Disney Donna wrote: Sat Aug 21, 2021 3:35 am I'm not happy about the introduction of the genie + but at least it isn't $100+ a day each, I was hoping they would just bring back the old fast pass plus.
Given that I would be bringing my family over from the UK I would maybe pay for genie + but I wouldn't be happy about it. I'm pushing my trip back a few years now so I can see how the wait times pan out with the new app and may postpone it even longer as me and my husband can handle a 3 hour plus queue for flight of passage but I doubt my children could even if it was just the older one.
There is no way I would pay per ride though, that is just money grabbing and not a good move on Disney's part, I get covid has had an impact on the company but it has on every company and some may not be able to come out covid fully and will have close, I doubt that would happen to Disney even without all the extra up charges they are bringing in. I hate all this charge em more and give em less attitude that seems to be going on.
May I suggest you look into how much it would cost for you to go to Universal Orlando. I just crunched the numbers and we may look into that instead. Staying at a Premier hotel which includes their version of a fast lane and all access to all 3 parks is about the same price (within $200) for our family to stay at a value resort (Pop Century) @ Disney without the park hopper or upcharge for Genie+. That is if you would like the rides @ Universal :D !
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