Genie+ has changed in an important way and you need to know about it!
©Disney
We’ve seen Genie+ change quite a bit since it was first introduced. Back in December, Genie+ changed so you can modify selections, which has impacted the 120-minute rule in a key way. But now another change has hit the system.
Guests purchasing Disney Genie+ service will now receive some added pixie dust. As of March 20th, 2023, guests who purchase Disney Genie+ will also get FREE digital PhotoPass downloads for attraction photos taken on the day of their purchase!
On-ride Photo for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Keep in mind this change is only for ATTRACTION photos — meaning you won’t get all of your PhotoPass photos for free, only the ones taken on/during Disney World rides. There are quite a few attractions that feature on/during ride photos like Space Mountain, Test Track, and more.
Click here to see a FULL list of the rides with on-ride photos
This could be a great added perk that’ll make the cost feel a little more “worth it” to you, particularly if you love those on-ride photos.
Attraction photo at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
While the perk officially began today, Scott Gustin (via Twitter) shared that some individuals who bought Genie+ in the past few weeks have been able to go back and download their attraction photos from those previous days on which they purchased Genie+.
One of our team members also checked and was able to download images from 2 previous days that they purchased Genie+. Photos taken on previous days when they had NOT purchased Genie+, however, remained only viewable with the PhotoPass watermark (a.k.a. not downloadable for free). Another one of our team members’ family members was able to do the same but was unable to access on-ride videos for free with this perk. Be sure to check and see what the situation is like for you.
Space Mountain
So if you’ll be buying Genie+ soon, be sure to check out those on-ride photos from the days that you do. And stay tuned for more Genie+ news!
Is it worth it to buy Genie+ JUST for the ride photos? Click here to find out!
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I thought this was going to say something good. Nope, isn’t worth it to me. Still contemplating whether or not WDW is worth the time money and effort any more. It’s lost the magic for me.
Disney gives us Crumbs when they add to the Genie Plus pictures taken on certain rides. It’s putting lip stick on a pig. Disney, give us back something concrete that you have taken away from us since 2019. Disney, eliminate the Genie Plus and the Individual Attraction. Disney, bring back the Free Fast Pass.
Agree with Ron. FP+ was so much better than Genie(+) that I am still not sure I want to go back…
Lipstick on a pig!!!! Love it Ron, Love it! U are so right, nothing but crumbs!
Nope, not a great perk. I always get the Photopass so it is not interesting. This is too expensive and leaves a sour taste in the mouth when I think back on free fp+. I remember that ALL the perks was what convinced me to pay the high price of going there 10 days back in 2019. Now not so much, and it is the same for Disneyland Paris, kids under 12 used to stay free AND have free park tickets if you booked a package, BUT not anymore. I used to go every year but only have been once since 2018 now.
I feel like Disney’s ultimate goal is to get the price of Genie+ up to the cost that Universal charges for theirs.
And with the cost steadily creating up to New record levels every week, it seems they may get there faster than expected.
This is just like the Minnie Van’s.
At first it was cheap. Then they quickly changed their rates when people were hooked.
Brandon, it’s been years since my family went to Universal. We stayed at one of their hotel’s on site and received a free fast pass as a Perk. When we entered the park, people were SELLING a fast pass to skip the line. Can you explain what Universal is doing now with fast pass for guests staying at their hotels and fast pass for guests not staying at their hotels? Thanks
I think that people get desperate, what 2 to 3 possible rides for the cost of Genie+. Therefore, willing to pay for it no matter what it cost. R people still standing in EXTREMELY long lines while the Paid Genie+ 10 to 12 persons to 1 family of 2 or 4 let into ride???? That’s what happened to us in 2022, we were in the lines waiting, but not only that there was the 1 person standing in line and then the whole rest of the family jumps in, UGH!!! So we weren’t just 100 behind, but 110. Just isn’t fair.
Hi Ron! I can actually help here. Universal offers Unlimited Express Pass to resort guests who are staying at their premium, most expensive resorts (like how Disney World has Extended Evening Hours for resort guests staying at Deluxe resorts.) If you are staying at a moderate or value resort at Universal, you have to pay for Express Passes if you want them and you can choose from the regular Express Pass, which lets you skip the standby line one time per ride or you can buy the Unlimited Express Pass, which lets you skip the line for any of the rides included in the Express system as many times as you want.
Ron the “FREE” Universal Fast pass or “Express Pass” as they call it is o.ly for Premiere Resort guests (equivalent to Disney’s Deluxe resorts).
Otherwise the Express Pass has a variable rate based on the park selected. Ranging anywhere from $79.99 up to $114.99 per ticket per day. Depending on the park.
Thank you, Gigi.
Brandon, is the $79.99 or $114.99 in addition to the cost for ENTRY INTO THE PARK? What is the cost to enter the park. Thanks Brandon
Ron
Yes. It is in addition to the price of the daily ticket.
Universal has been doing this for years.
Before that theory had the Free Express Pass which was identical to Disney’s Fast Pass.