Get ready for a new way to experience Disney! The House of Mouse is shaking things up with a major change to its “skip-the-line” system, impacting both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. While the exact details are still being ironed out, here’s what we know so far and what it means for your summer trip:

What’s Changing:

Goodbye, Genie+:  The current “skip-the-line” system, Genie+ (which replaced FastPass), is being retired.

Hello, Lightning Lane: A new system, called “Lightning Lane,” will be implemented, offering the ability to purchase access to shorter wait times for select rides.

What We Know About Lightning Lane:

Individual Ride Purchase: Unlike Genie+, which allowed unlimited Lightning Lane access within a park on the same day, Lightning Lane will be sold individually for each attraction, allowing guests greater flexibility.

Limited Availability: The number of Lightning Lane passes for each ride will be limited, and they will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pricing Varies: The cost of each Lightning Lane pass will vary depending on the ride and the time of day.

New Website and App: A new website and mobile app are expected to be released to simplify the purchasing process.

What This Means For You:

Plan Ahead: As the Lightning Lane passes are limited, you’ll need to be prepared to purchase them early in the day. Consider utilizing the new website or app to purchase passes in advance.

Budget for Additional Costs: While Genie+ was a flat rate, the individual Lightning Lane system could increase your overall cost, depending on how many rides you want to experience.

Prioritize Your Rides: Think strategically about which rides you want to prioritize and purchase Lightning Lane access for.

Don’t Forget the Basics: Even with Lightning Lane, traditional standby lines will still exist. Utilizing park strategies like early arrival and utilizing single-rider lines can still save you time.

Important Notes:

Exact Details Still Evolving: Disney has not yet released specific details regarding pricing, ride availability, or the new website and app. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

Traditional Standby Lines Remain: Free standby lines will still be available for all attractions, though wait times may be longer.

Limited Availability: It’s highly likely that Lightning Lane passes will sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons.

The new Lightning Lane system presents both challenges and opportunities for guests. By understanding the changes and strategizing your approach, you can still enjoy a magical Disney vacation, even with the new skip-the-line system in place.