Lightning Lane at Walt Disney World

[GhostHost1000]

My understanding is that the issues with Genie/Genie+/ILL are due to the fact that the system is still trying to “learn” and figure out how to act based on actual and predictive data. This is completely separate from Disney’s website or the MDE app itself, it’s how the data is processed and how its use affects user recommendations and itineraries.

In theory, the system will continue to get smarter and smarter, and work better and better to maximize profits, control crowds, and increase guest satisfaction.

But I’m not sure how long public sentiment will hold out. I still expect to see Iger throw parks guests a bone with discounts, coupons, freebies, information—something to incentivize continued use of this really frustrating system.

I may get smarter in recommendations, but most don’t even look at or use that part so working better to control crowds and especially improve guest satisfaction is very unlikely

 

[GhostHost1000]

I can see that for Genie. Genie+ is a different thing completely and there isn't much they can do to make it better. There is only so much availability each day. There is only 2 options to make Genie+ better. Either price people out of buying it or limiting how many are sold each day.

and build more attractions for each park long term

 

[Jrb1979]

and build more attractions for each park long term

Agreed but that doesn't look like it will be happening any time soon.

 

[_caleb]

I may get smarter in recommendations, but most don’t even look at or use that part so working better to control crowds and especially improve guest satisfaction is very unlikely

Do you think recommendations are completely separate from availability?

 

[Jrb1979]

Do you think recommendations are completely separate from availability?

Genie and Genie+ are two separate things.

 

[_caleb]

Genie and Genie+ are two separate things.

They are offered as two separate services, but they are part of one system.

 

[GhostHost1000]

They are offered as two separate services, but they are part of one system.

Correct but genie with the recommendations that no one really uses and meant to spread crowds is free. Genie+ mainly for LL

 

[HauntedPirate]

Look I have seen posted here MANY times about how people purchased genie and only got 2-3 rides.

My whole point is if that’s the case you are doing something very wrong.

This is one of the busiest time of year and genie is working really well IF

1. You don’t mind the cost

2. You don’t mind spending a substantial amount of time on your phone.

I would estimate 10-20 minutes of refreshing per ride.

This has to be one of the dumbest things I’ve seen posted in a while.

“The system is great!! You pay $29 and then you get to stare at your phone for 20 minutes at a time for every ride for a chance to try and game the system to get a chance to ride now!!! Plus you burn up your phone battery and need extra time to recharge it during the day. Oh and I used DAS, too.”

 

[Tomi-Rocket]

I’ve finally used it twice now. Hate it.

 

[Trauma]

This has to be one of the dumbest things I’ve seen posted in a while.

“The system is great!! You pay $29 and then you get to stare at your phone for 20 minutes at a time for every ride for a chance to try and game the system to get a chance to ride now!!! Plus you burn up your phone battery and need extra time to recharge it during the day. Oh and I used DAS, too.”

When did I say the system was great?

It’s terrible and stupid.

That doesn’t change the fact that you should get much more than just 2-3 rides.

DAS has nothing to do with how many G+ rides you get.

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

DAS has nothing to do with how many G+ rides you get.

You indicated you were re-riding rides by "abusing the system." You cannot re-ride with Genie+. There is no way to "abuse" it in this manner unless you are also "abusing" DAS along with it. Were you referring to reriding with DAS, or something else that you have not yet posted? IIRC you were the one who used "abuse" so please forgive me for quoting it back to you if you meant something else, but you have to see how that post is going to upset a lot of people.

 

[Trauma]

You indicated you were re-riding rides by "abusing the system." You cannot re-ride with Genie+. There is no way to "abuse" it in this manner unless you are also "abusing" DAS along with it. Were you referring to reriding with DAS, or something else that you have not yet posted? IIRC you were the one who used "abuse" so please forgive me for quoting it back to you if you meant something else, but you have to see how that post is going to upset a lot of people.

What I meant was abusing the refresh system on g+ to get on rides immediately. It worked every single time for me on what are suppose to be some of the busiest days of the year.

Just trying to help people out who might think they can only get 2-3 rides a day, that is complete nonsense.

Does that mean genie is good or worth it? Nope.

I’m now at Universal and the express system that I got for free with my hotel is working just fine.

Yes I did have to wake up early to rope drop Hagrids/Velocicoaster.

This express pass by the way came with a room here that is cheaper then a room at any of the Disney Deluxe resorts.

Finally to your comment about my post upsetting a lot of people, that is the default setting for a segment of posters here so I could care less. I was trying to post what was working for me in the middle of a crowded theme park without running someone over.

If I ever have success with anything in the future I will keep it to myself unless I have 3 hours to write a freaking thesis, with pictures and detailed instructions, reviewed first by my attorney.

 

[LittleBuford]

Finally to your comment about my post upsetting a lot of people, that is the default setting for a segment of posters here so I could care less. I was trying to post what was working for me in the middle of a crowded theme park without running someone over.

I think it was the DAS stuff that upset people, not the Genie+ trick you described (for which I'm grateful).

 

[Hawg G]

I think it was the DAS stuff that upset people, not the Genie+ trick you described (for which I'm grateful).

Yup, just another poster saying how great everything is. They have DAS, which doesn’t really make a difference, but they had a great time during a super busy time. But it wasn’t because of DAS.

 

[_caleb]

Yup, just another poster saying how great everything is. They have DAS, which doesn’t really make a difference, but they had a great time during a super busy time. But it wasn’t because of DAS.

And he might have gotten away with it, too— if it weren’t for your fine police work.

 

[Trauma]

I think it was the DAS stuff that upset people, not the Genie+ trick you described (for which I'm grateful).

What is wrong with the DAS stuff? I have a family member that LEGITIMATELY qualifies for DAS that is a blood relative. This is also an individual that could never afford to go to Disney without significant financial help. If me bringing them with on a trip is in bad taste I wasn’t aware of that , and I guess I won’t do it in the future, however that would also exclude them from being able to visit Disney again.

 

[Purduevian]

I think people are just a little upset because you are the second person on this thread to talk about how great G+ is and how many rides they got on in a day while also utilizing DAS. I think two things can be true.
1)Your day was better than average because you utilized G+ and DAS
2)Your day still would have been great if you only utilized G+

To give another perspective I was able to ride the following on G+ in 1 day (although not a crazy busy day like NYE) Frozen, Soarin, SSE, Safari, Navi, FotLK, MMRR, TOT, and RNRC. Also this was before the modify feature... I'm sure I would have ridden more LLs if that tool was available. I do not have DAS.

 

[pdude81]

I'm so frustrated by this today. Can't purchase I'll or G+ from the app. I assume there is an issue with the updated version and my phone. It just spins on "Adding a few more magical touches".

Had same problem last year in marathon weekend but glad been fine since. I had to make the front desk but these for me in the past and then I could make my selections with the app. I'm hoping there is just some dumb issue with my plane wifi but I think it's more likely an app or account issue. Perhaps I'll save myself some money today

 

[pdude81]

I'm so frustrated by this today. Can't purchase I'll or G+ from the app. I assume there is an issue with the updated version and my phone. It just spins on "Adding a few more magical touches".

Had same problem last year in marathon weekend but glad been fine since. I had to make the front desk but these for me in the past and then I could make my selections with the app. I'm hoping there is just some dumb issue with my plane wifi but I think it's more likely an app or account issue. Perhaps I'll save myself some money today

Actually I was wrong. As soon as we landed and got to cell data it worked. Not sure if it's a firewall issue from one side or the other, but I could do mobile check in or select ride options... Just not pay

 

[Trauma]

Actually I was wrong. As soon as we landed and got to cell data it worked. Not sure if it's a firewall issue from one side or the other, but I could do mobile check in or select ride options... Just not pay

Hope you landed before 7am. Got to get that first selection in!