Disney World Sees Genie+ First

For just over one year, Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort have been missing Disney’s free front-of-line FastPass system. In December 2021, FastPass officially ended, and Disney Genie+ was introduced. From the moment Disney Genie+ was announced, it has been one of Disney’s most controversial decisions, as Guests now have to pay if they wish to get to the front of the line via what is now called Lightning Lane. In the beginning, Disney Genie+ cost a set rate. Now, that price can fluctuate based on the time of year and day of the week. Prices have been as low as $15 per day and as high as $29 per day.

Guests repeatedly vent their frustration about having to now pay for a Disney experience that was free for years. It has also been confirmed that Genie+ has made attraction wait times worse. However, as much as they complain about paying, are many of them really that upset? It doesn’t seem like it.

According to theme park reporter Scott Gustin, for the first time since its introduction, Disney Genie+ sold out at Walt Disney World Resort on Sunday, February 19. This comes after Disney Genie+ reached a record-high of $29 per person.

NEW: Genie+ at Walt Disney World is sold out for today. This is the first time Genie+ has sold out at WDW. Sales will not resume again until tomorrow.

NEW: Genie+ at Walt Disney World is sold out for today. This is the first time Genie+ has sold out at WDW. Sales will not resume again until tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/kp7mE95M4w

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) February 19, 2023

Now, to be fair, it is President’s Day Weekend, and holidays crowds are typically higher than other times of the year, but Christmas and the holiday season are usually even more crowded, and Disney Genie+ didn’t even sell out then. Some Guests have said that they purchase Disney Genie+ for everyone in their party, not because they love the idea of getting to the front of the line at popular attractions, but because they feel that using Disney Genie+ is the only way they will get to experience everything they want to during their Walt Disney World Resort vacation.

Many have called on Bob Iger to end Disney Genie+ now that he is CEO again, but he has not indicated that he has any plans of doing so. However, Iger has said that he is speaking with Disney Parks Chairman, Josh D’Amaro, about improving Guests’ Disney Park experience. So far, Iger has announced the return of full housekeeping at all Disney World hotels and has ended parking fees at Disney World Resort hotels.