By the time Disney Genie launched in 2021, visiting a Disney park had become something of a logistical puzzle. Gone were the days of spontaneous fun—replaced by mobile apps, ride reservation systems, and crowd management tools designed to help guests navigate it all. Genie was supposed to be the solution: a free, in-app feature that offered tailored plans based on real-time data and personal preferences.
But behind the magic was a brewing legal war.
The service, which lives inside both the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps, quickly became the target of a patent infringement lawsuit from Agile Journeys—a company founded by two former Disney employees. They claimed the technology behind Disney Genie wasn’t new at all but rather resembled a system they developed over two decades ago.
Patent Board Sides With Disney
This week, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) handed Disney a major win.
The board determined that Disney had proven several of the patent claims brought by Agile Journeys were unpatentable. While three claims remain unresolved, the ruling represents a significant step forward for Disney’s legal defense.
Agile’s 2022 lawsuit alleged that Disney Genie violated a patent for a planning tool that generates customized itineraries for theme park guests—something the plaintiffs say they invented 25 years ago. The tech considered ride closures, meal windows, and other variables to adapt guest experiences in real time.
In response, Disney disputed the legitimacy of the patent itself, leading to the PTAB’s formal review. Though the board did not throw out the case entirely, its decision supports Disney’s position in the broader civil litigation.
“This is good news for Disney, but the last page hasn’t been written yet,” said Derek Bambauer, a University of Florida law professor. “We have to see what both sides decide to do in terms of appealing.”
Bambauer, who reviewed the case documents at the request of Florida Politics, likened the January PTAB hearing to a test run for Disney’s eventual defense in federal court. He noted that Agile Journeys can still appeal the PTAB’s ruling, which could drag the dispute out further.
Genie+ Fallout and the Rise of Lightning Lane
The legal dispute isn’t the only challenge Genie has faced.
From the beginning, fans expressed frustration with Genie’s paid upgrade: Disney Genie+. The service offered Lightning Lane access to select rides, but required guests to purchase it daily—and then wake up early each morning to compete for reservation slots. Its structure favored seasoned visitors familiar with the app’s quirks, leaving many overwhelmed or priced out.
That backlash eventually led to the system’s retirement in July 2024. Disney introduced two new options in its place: Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass. The updated system allows guests to schedule attractions ahead of time, similar to the now-defunct FastPass service.
With Multi Pass, users can book up to three experiences per day in advance. The Single Pass option grants individual access to select high-demand rides. Resort hotel guests enjoy the added benefit of reserving these passes up to seven days before their visit.
While the new system hasn’t eliminated all criticism, it has been received as a step toward clarity—and has helped Disney refocus attention on park experience rather than app strategy.
As the legal battle over Genie continues, the PTAB ruling could help shape Disney’s arguments in federal court. For now, the company has bought itself some time—and a potential advantage—as it seeks to protect its theme park tech from further legal challenges.
