DisneyFanatic.com The Latest News, Advice, and Perspective from Disney Fans for Disney Fans!
On June 23, Disney announced that some major changes were coming to the Disney Genie+ system at Walt Disney World Resort. Instead of Genie+ costing one price per day for all four theme parks, prices for Genie+ will vary depending on the Park. Those who Park Hop will still be able to purchase Genie+, but the price will be along the lines of the most expensive Park for the day. Disney will keep an eye on attendance — which they are able to see because of the reservation system — and, the busier the Park is scheduled to be, the more Genie+ will cost.
Credit: Disney
Genie+ has been controversial since it was first introduced in October 2021. Guests did not like having to pay for a system that was once free. Then they were even more upset when Genie+ went from a fixed price to one that fluctuates based on the day of the week and the time of year. However, the cost of Genie+ hasn’t deterred Guests from purchasing it, so they can ride the attractions they want.
This latest change in the pricing system has been more divisive than Genie+ changes in the past. Some Guests are still angry that Disney isn’t returning to the free FastPass system. Others think that the pricing is a good thing, since they don’t want to pay as much for a Disney Park that doesn’t offer as much as other Parks.
Credit: Disney
Twitter user Jack From Dsny said that if the Parks aren’t going to be as busy, then it’s normal to see more bang for your buck, not price increases.
When theme park attendance softens (which it is) the answer is to ADD EXTRA VALUE for money with more benefits to get people to come. Rather than INCREASE PRICES!
So stupid and short-sighted. They are burning through the good-will of the consumer.
When theme park attendance softens (which it is) the answer is to ADD EXTRA VALUE for money with more benefits to get people to come. Rather than INCREASE PRICES!
So stupid and short-sighted. They are burning through the good-will of the consumer. https://t.co/Sk3W0XC59B
— Jack Kendall (@ivebeenjack) June 23, 2023
Others were upset that Guests with Park Hopper tickets had to pay more for Genie+. Twitter user Brian (@DontTouchIgor) pointed out that Guests who purchase Park Hopper tickets are paying more for their tickets. Because they are paying more for their tickets, he doesn’t think that they should also have to pay a premium price to Park Hop with the Disney Genie service.
So if you shelled out the extra money for hopper passes, you get to also shell out extra money for Genie plus to utilize your hopper?
That seems…wrong.
So if you shelled out the extra money for hopper passes, you get to also shell out extra money for Genie plus to utilize your hopper?
That seems…wrong.
— x – Brian (@DontTouchIgor) June 23, 2023
However, some Guests were excited to see the changes come. Brandon Farris (@BDFPhotography) said that people will end up saving money because they won’t have to spend less on a Disney Park that offers less.
How is this worse? This actually seems better for the consumer instead of paying $27/day you have reduced prices for the parks that offer less. It’s actually gonna save people money
How is this worse? This actually seems better for the consumer instead of paying $27/day you have reduced prices for the parks that offer less. It’s actually gonna save people money
— Brandon Farris Photography (@BDFphotography) June 23, 2023
Twitter user Amanda (@HappilyAmanda_) agreed, saying that she shouldn’t have to pay a Magic Kingdom price when she is at EPCOT, where she can’t use Genie+ as much.
Why are people mad about the new genie+ system?
Why should I pay $25-30 (an MK price) while I’m at Epcot that has less rides?
This makes WAY more sense to price is based on the park.
I swear y’all love to complain about ANYTHING Disney does.
Why are people mad about the new genie+ system?
Why should I pay $25-30 (an MK price) while I’m at Epcot that has less rides?This makes WAY more sense to price is based on the park.
I swear y’all love to complain about ANYTHING Disney does.— Amanda 🏰 (@PotatosMom1) June 23, 2023
Social media user Donald (@DisMahhhlon) said that fewer people will use it if Genie+ gets more expensive. That means that those who do use it will get a better value. However, it should be noted that Genie+ reached all-time highs of more than $30 per day, and it still sold out. So, pricing doesn’t seem to be the thing keeping people away.
While I agree with the overall sentiment that the constant nickel and diming from Disney erodes the long term clientele, this is a good thing
Genie+ and LL are terrible from a guest perspective, but raising the price means less will use it. Meaning less impact on those who don’t
While I agree with the overall sentiment that the constant nickel and diming from Disney erodes the long term clientele, this is a good thing
Genie+ and LL are terrible from a guest perspective, but raising the price means less will use it. Meaning less impact on those who don’t https://t.co/hfAkB9a5ER
— Donãld (@DisMahhhlon) June 23, 2023
The Park specific pricing for the Disney Genie service will begin on June 27. Guests will need to check the My Disney Experience daily to see what the price is for each theme park. Disney has not said how the pricing will be affected when reservations for date-based tickets end on January 9, 2024.
At this time, the individual Park pricing will only apply to the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios. No changes are coming (yet) to Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure over at Disneyland Resort.
