MK Genie+ and ILL
Here are my honest thoughts on Genie+. I use it at ALL parks because I do not want to wait in line. Do you need it at all parks? Absolutely not, Epcot, AK, you can do without it. Do I still get it? Yep! My best advice is to USE Genie+ at Epcot or AK before going to Magic Kingdom. It is important to have a practice day. I know you want to head to the castle the first day, but wait one more day if you are a first-timer!
Why Genie+ now? The parks are busier than ever, with opening back up, covid cases down, everyone who has been waiting since 2020 is heading to the parks. It is busier than ever. If this will be a once-in-a-lifetime trip for you, I actually think its best to wait until the 50th celebration is over in March of 2023. But just because there are crowds does not mean you can’t have fun! You are the Magic, and mindset is everything! For tips on planning, head here.
Plus, it makes it a little easier to get reservations for dining if you are staying on property and not to go to Magic Kingdom on day one.
You can download the guide OR read the blog post below! Then, let us know in the comments how you strategize!
Decide Priorities
Classic Disney - These are opening day rides at Walt Disney World 1971 or opening day rides from Disneyland. This is what we consider the classics, it's a small world, Peter Pan Flight, Jungle Cruise, etc. These rides are the ones that give us nostalgia surrounding the Disney parks. I rode Teacups as a little girl in the 1990s, so of course, I want to ride them with my daughter.
Thrill Rides - Although WDW focus is mainly family fun, there are a few BIG thrills rides. However, due to the limited number of BIG thrills rides, there are not very many of them, and it is important to book these as early as possible if they are your priority.
Attractions/Dining - Are you heading to MK because you specifically eat at CRT or see the Fireworks. If you base your day around shows or dining, keep that in mind; if you rope drop with littles, they may not make it until 8 pm for fireworks.
Lands (zones) - Pick the neighborhoods and stick to them. Fill your time with other aspects of the area while you wait for your ILL or Genie+ Ride, but decide you are exploring Fantasyland and Tomorrowland and shirk the park down and explore only those areas. Then come back and do the other areas.
Booking Game Plan
List your MUST DO rides first - if it is important enough for you that everything revolves around ONE ride, then book it first. Pin these rides to the top. These are rides you are willing to wait in line for if you have to. (12-4 pm are PEAK park hours AVOID waiting in line during this time)
Decide if you are only doing Genie+ or spend the extra money on ILL rides.
Determine your advantages. Do you have (Disney Resorts and some Good neighbor hotels) early entry or (Deluxe Resorts) extended evening hours?
If you stay on Disney property, you will have the advantage of booking as you can book BOTH your first Genie+ ride and BOTH ILL rides.
Off-property guest, you can only book ONE Genie+ ride at 7 am.
Check the park calendar. Ensure that the park does not close early and know the hours.
Ensure ALL parties are linked and determine TWO people to book for the party. One person to do the Genie+ ride, and if you are staying at a Disney Resort, a second person to book the ILL.
In my opinion, MK is a two-day park, at least if you want to accomplish a lot.
Decide how long you want to be at the park.
Remember you need breaks if you are traveling with little kids.
Best seats for Fireworks require finding a seat around 6:30 pm. (we always find a seat, mobile order dinner, and have a picnic right in front or to the right of the castle. Cast members start taping off areas around 6 - 6:30 pm.
Decide Strategy
First, BREATHE. There is magic just by being at the theme parks. Genie+ is NOT something to get super stressed about, it's a new system, so we are all learning. There is SO MUCH more to do than ride rides. So relax.
UNDERSTAND YOUR GROUP. Don't go after Big thunder Mountain if no one likes roller coasters!
Zones (Lands) - meaning we try to stick to 2 areas of Magic Kingdom at a time. We typically split the park into Fantasyland/Tomorrowland & Frontierland, Adventureland & Liberty Square. That way, we are not trying to book rides all over the park. (Our family works in Zones, having Mixed ages, and we do other things than rides.)
Stacking - You try to book rides in the afternoon to evening. How is this achieved? At 7 am, let's say you grab a Jungle Cruise for 12 pm. Then when you book your next ride at 11 am, you grab Big thunder mountain for 1 pm, then you get Pirates of the Caribbean. They are all close to each other, and you book them for later in the day.
Streaming - This is booking the first ride available at the earliest time. That way, when you get to the park, you can scan in, book the next ride, and then book your next ride right away. This may take you all over the parks, but you are just trying to knock out rides if you have older kiddos or teens; this works great! Sometimes you may hit that 120-minute rule window, and with high-demand rides, you may not be able to book them. But you can always rope drop them!
Decide in the Moment
Here we go, BIG BREATHE. It is not as scary as it feels. Do not get worked up over Genie+ and booking. You will have a FULL day of fun.
When booking, make sure you can communicate with the other person booking. It would be best if you had your attraction "Pinned" to the top of your Tip Board. Get on a 6:50 am, be ready to keep refreshing at 6:59:59, and stay off Disney wifi (it's terrible.)
It's helpful to have a piece of paper with attractions/dining times. Most of the time, you want just to grab what is available, but sometimes you can try to plan around parades and shows you would like your kids to see.
Remember, Genie+ is the next available time, so the longer you wait to purchase, the further it moves in the day. I booked what I thought was 9:15 am, and by the time I checked out, it was 9:45 am. I didn't realize I could hit select all to check off everyone in my party.
Be ready to change your plan if the ride is not available, have a plan B, C, D ride just in case.
Try to avoid dining reservation times, but if they do overlap a little talk to the restaurant first, and let them know you may be late due to a Genie+ attraction, they may be able to work with you.
Make adequate time between reservations for RIDER SWITCH.
Refresh, Refresh, Refresh - Keep refreshing the screen by puling down on the tip board. I do this until about 7:15 am, if I missed a ride that I wanted. Then I will periodically refresh during the day and then put the phone AWAY!
Rides after the Fireworks
We ride the most rides right after the fireworks. The parks are OPEN for another 45 minutes after the park is open. As long as you are in line for a ride before the park closes, they cannot kick you out of line. We usually ride about 6 rides after the park closes, typically Barnstormer about three times.
We run from ride to ride, get the best pictures at night; it is so much fun. I understand most people are EXHAUSTED by the time the fireworks end and want to head back to the resort, but if you can make the best of that 45 minutes!
Advantages to staying on property
Early Park Entry to Magic Kingdom is staying at Disney Resorts.
Extended Evening Hours if staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts (CHECK CALENDARS)
Disney Resort Guest can Book Genie+ & ILLs at 7 am.
Transport to and from parks, making taking a break on the longer days easier.
Game Plan for Off-Property Guests
Rope Drop
Stay until the park closes AFTER Fireworks. You can ride a lot of rides.
Take breaks at the park (Places to nap: Hall of Presidents, Mickeys Philharmagic, sit down for fireworks at 6 pm and mobile order dinner, character dining, pay for after-hours parties or take a break at the resort from 12 - 3 pm.)
Stream low demand rides
Remember there is so much to do at Magic Kingdom, do not stress over this, Genie+ Is a little confusing but once you have done it you will be totally fine!
If you need tips on using Genie+ download guide by clicking the button below!
