Disney Genie announcement

[Einstein509]

So I finally received a response after seven days to the email I sent WDW about my displeasure with this new Genie+ system. The last paragraph of the email read:

"We are always evaluating and refining our offerings. This philosophy is in keeping with Walt Disney’s vision for continuing to grow and evolve, giving Guests a mixture of familiar and new experiences with each visit. It is clear that you are passionate about our Resort, and I am glad that you took the time to share your perspective with us. Our Guests’ feedback is vital throughout our Resort in preserving the magical experience that we so strongly wish to deliver. Please know that your comments are being shared with the appropriate Leadership as we continue to explore new ways for Guests to enjoy their visits in the future."

It may be just me reading into it too much, but I think that with the tremendous negative feedback on this rollout, that Disney will likely refine how this thing goes live come Fall 2021. Perhaps they will throw a bone to APs, DVC, or Deluxe Hotel Guests. I just don't see this rolling out the way they originally announced it since the backlash is pretty strong.

 

[OhDannyBoy]

Just for sake of conversation, when does everyone think this thing is gonna actually roll out?

 

[Jrb1979]

So I finally received a response after seven days to the email I sent WDW about my displeasure with this new Genie+ system. The last paragraph of the email read:

"We are always evaluating and refining our offerings. This philosophy is in keeping with Walt Disney’s vision for continuing to grow and evolve, giving Guests a mixture of familiar and new experiences with each visit. It is clear that you are passionate about our Resort, and I am glad that you took the time to share your perspective with us. Our Guests’ feedback is vital throughout our Resort in preserving the magical experience that we so strongly wish to deliver. Please know that your comments are being shared with the appropriate Leadership as we continue to explore new ways for Guests to enjoy their visits in the future."

It may be just me reading into it too much, but I think that with the tremendous negative feedback on this rollout, that Disney will likely refine how this thing goes live come Fall 2021. Perhaps they will throw a bone to APs, DVC, or Deluxe Hotel Guests. I just don't see this rolling out the way they originally announced it since the backlash is pretty strong.

I do. If you think they are going to give this free to on site guests then I have a bridge to sell you. At best you will get to book your first ride before regular guests.

 

[_19disnA]

So I finally received a response after seven days to the email I sent WDW about my displeasure with this new Genie+ system.

It reads to me like any standard 'boiler plate' reply from a complaint department. Says they appreciate your input, thanks you for writing and makes generic comments about looking for ways to improve in the future. I would imagine Disney has a number of these they send out depending on the nature of someone's complaint. This one reads like the 'Genie complaint reply'. Doesn't mean anything will change.

 

[SusanDK]

And if they give it free to onsite guests, don't you think they will build it into the rate? Be careful what you wish for because room rates might increase by the equivalent of $15 x maximum number of guests permitted per room. Where will that leave guests who are still trying a bit to stay on a budget by waiting for a room discount and not buying Genie+? Or what about those who stay at the resorts and don't go to the parks every day, or sometimes not even at all. They would be paying for Genie+ while not using it.

Edited to add: I could see perhaps special offers with rates inclusive of Genie+ from time to time.

 

[bookgirl2632]

Disney knew there would be backlash. They also know that the majority will complain, still go, and probably purchase Genie+. In the long run, they simply don’t care about any backlash.

 

[katmigordon]

What exactly does this mean though?

Found the answer to my questions, here it is if anyone else is interested:
We are also making some enhancements to our Disability Access Service (DAS) program, including new options to enroll in the program pre-arrival and for DAS participants to select attractions directly in the app. These options will be available in addition to our existing, in-person DAS program. Visit our Services for Guests with Disabilities page DisneyWorld.com and Disneyland.comfor more details.

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/08/introducing-disney-genie/

 

[TioAdis78]

Ok there are two things concerning me:
1) the “fall” date. I really don’t want to be there when the change occurs.
2) I need someone to explain to me the difference because this is confusing. $15 per person per day doesn’t sound horrible imho. But then adding on the other rides and such I’m so confused.

You need to pay Genie+ at $15/person to be able to schedule Lighting Lane return times. However, big ticket attractions, the ones with the longest lines, like 7DMT, or rides that require a boarding group, like Rise, will be made available separately, whether you purchase Genie+ or not, with dynamic pricing that will vary. It’s the sort of thing that’s easier to use than explain

 

[katmigordon]

For those going with a friend, can one set the FP while the other gets boarding passes?

So... how do I get a ROTR boarding group and select my first lightning lane attraction... both at exactly 7:00 am?

 

[Heather07438]

For those going with a friend, can one set the FP while the other gets boarding passes?

Can't see why not. MDE always let people manage their group together.

With Lightening Lane individual paid attractions opening at 7am I think people are imagining a problem that won't exist in reality. First, not a high percent of guests will purchase and second, most will wait till later to see how their days goes and if it's even needed. Won't be a fraction of what FP+ distribution was. I'd bet everything I own there won't be a crucial need to make those selections at 7am; there won't be some crazy 7am LL+ frenzy buying up all the 'good' slots.

7am competition for genie+ might be a little tougher but still absolutely no need to do right at the 7am mark. The difference between choosing at 7am or 7:15am won't be life changing. Even waiting until 9am by no means will shut somebody out. Again, not everybody will be buying these upgrades everyday. Both paid options will be totally different than FP+ distribution.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

So I’m going with my teenage daughter. Do I have her login into my MDE account or should she create her own? I’ve always done the MDE thing.

 

[Heather07438]

So I’m going with my teenage daughter. Do I have her login into my MDE account or should she create her own? I’ve always done the MDE thing.

I've done it both ways and it didnt seem to make a difference. Sometimes the 3 of us all just used DH's account and simultaneously logged in. Sometimes I'd used my separate account while we were linked as a party.

We did notice that sometimes later in the day it helped to reboot the app. Usually that happened when we were all looking for 4th FP+ together. Sometimes it would start lagging and a reboot helped. Might be the same with Genie+.

 

[katmigordon]

This is capitalism at work, not socialism.
Free fast pass was more socialism at work.

This is all pay to play, to he who can afford the most toys, the most joy will be given - driven by supply and demand.

It will be interesting to see if they offer it as a perk for deluxe guest. Needless to say this is a plan money grab. Socialism in the park on full display now.

 

[Heather07438]

Edited to add: I could see perhaps special offers with rates inclusive of Genie+ from time to time.

Very possible. They'd love to offer this instead of free food. Free food dates are generally slower times anyway.

 

[katmigordon]

Because this deal is a lemon?

Why do I feel like the guy in this Genie Disney Park video is trying to sell me a used car?

 

[DebbieB]

So I finally received a response after seven days to the email I sent WDW about my displeasure with this new Genie+ system. The last paragraph of the email read:

"We are always evaluating and refining our offerings. This philosophy is in keeping with Walt Disney’s vision for continuing to grow and evolve, giving Guests a mixture of familiar and new experiences with each visit. It is clear that you are passionate about our Resort, and I am glad that you took the time to share your perspective with us. Our Guests’ feedback is vital throughout our Resort in preserving the magical experience that we so strongly wish to deliver. Please know that your comments are being shared with the appropriate Leadership as we continue to explore new ways for Guests to enjoy their visits in the future."

It may be just me reading into it too much, but I think that with the tremendous negative feedback on this rollout, that Disney will likely refine how this thing goes live come Fall 2021. Perhaps they will throw a bone to APs, DVC, or Deluxe Hotel Guests. I just don't see this rolling out the way they originally announced it since the backlash is pretty strong.

I think they expected the negative feedback. I don’t think they will change it before trying it out and see how many people go for it.

As far as Deluxe, I think the evening EMH was “the bone”.

 

[dvc lover 1970]

Can't see why not. MDE always let people manage their group together.

With Lightening Lane individual paid attractions opening at 7am I think people are imagining a problem that won't exist in reality. First, not a high percent of guests will purchase and second, most will wait till later to see how their days goes and if it's even needed. Won't be a fraction of what FP+ distribution was. I'd bet everything I own there won't be a crucial need to make those selections at 7am; there won't be some crazy 7am LL+ frenzy buying up all the 'good' slots.

7am competition for genie+ might be a little tougher but still absolutely no need to do right at the 7am mark. The difference between choosing at 7am or 7:15am won't be life changing. Even waiting until 9am by no means will shut somebody out. Again, not everybody will be buying these upgrades everyday. Both paid options will be totally different than FP+ distribution.

Not sure how it's different than FP+. With Paper FPs some rides were out of FPs by noon time. We dont get to the park until 1. So if I pay for genie plus and dont go to the park until 1 and cannot make another sele tion until I use my FP, I might only get 1 or 2 FPs for the day where is the value?? Are they limiting genie plus at each hour mark?

 

[Heather07438]

Not sure how it's different than FP+. With Paper FPs some rides were out of FPs by noon time.

Everybody was entitled to pull FP and FP+.

Genie+ is a paid option that not everyone will buy. And the people who do buy won't necessarily be buying everyday of their trip.

eta- plus the system can regulate time return windows to spread distribution across the whole day and adjust on the fly.

 

[NuJoy]

()

 

[ThistleMae]

I'm very worried that Genie + with park hopping won't be worth it because the more popular rides will be gone by late afternoon and evening. I can remember trying to get additional 4th FP's at night and nothing was available to get.