Guests Frustrated With Disney App Not Working- Again

This holiday weekend seems too much for the Walt Disney World app. After purchasing Genie+ earlier in the morning, Disney guests haven’t been able to do anything else via the My Disney Experience app. Guests today cannot make Genie+ selections, purchase Individual Lightning Lanes, or join virtual queues—a not-so-magical morning at Walt Disney World for many.

The Walt Disney World app is having major issues this morning. In an in-app message, Disney says: “At this time, new selections, purchases or modifications to Disney Genie+ service features are temporarily unavailable.” pic.twitter.com/Xgtm3oK2wi

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) October 8, 2023

Disney says: “At this time, new selections, purchases, or modifications to Disney Genie+ service features are temporarily unavailable.”

With these features not being available, many guests started what was supposed to be a magical day frustrated. After almost three hours, the issue was fixed by Disney. Guests were finally able to make Genie+ selections and purchase Individual Lightning Lanes a few minutes before 10:00 a.m.

Credit: My Disney Experience App

My Disney Experience

My Disney Experience is the official app of Walt Disney World. It is through this app that guests can stay connected with the magic throughout their trip. The app lets guests see essential and valuable information such as wait times, restroom locations, and show times.

The app is also where guests make Genie+ selections, purchase Individual Lightning Lanes, join virtual queues, and place mobile orders—all essential parts of a successful and magical day in the parks at Walt Disney World.

These features are an excellent way for guests to save time at Walt Disney World. They can avoid long lines at rides, shows, and attractions by using Genie+ during the day. At mealtime, guests can skip the long lines for ordering by placing them via mobile ordering.

Credit: Scott Gustin via X

When Technology Fails

On days like today when the app isn’t working correctly, like this morning, guests are highly frustrated. When guests use these features provided by Disney during their day in the park, it irritates them when they don’t work correctly.

At Walt Disney World this morning, guests could purchase Genie+ without issues. This probably occurred at 7:00 a.m. when Disney Resort guests could start making their Genie+ selections, join virtual queues, or purchase Individual Lightning Lanes, and they were given an error. 

It took almost three hours for this issue to be fixed by Walt Disney World IT. Most Disney parks were opened, and no guests could use these three key features. The frustration and irritation with Disney technology were extreme this morning.

Credit: Disney

What to Do?

If you happen to be at Walt Disney World when this happens, have a few backup ideas in place. First and foremost, make sure to take a moment and breathe. We 100% agree that this is frustrating and should not happen, but take a second so you can turn the issue around.

If you were planning on heading into a Disney park to start your morning, continue to do so. Instead of focusing on using Genie+ to ride some of the bigger attractions, consider using the morning to enjoy the smaller magical experiences.

Catch the shows, live entertainment, or less popular attractions. Head to Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom or visit Country Bear Jamboree before it changes.

Walk around the World Showcase at EPCOT to enjoy all the hidden details of the pavilions. Take time to visit the aquarium or see Awesome Planet. The trails at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are unique, as are the shows at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Credit: Disney

When the app goes down, don’t let it ruin your day. Consider it a time to enjoy something you might not have considered initially. You might be surprised at the magic it brings you.

Moving forward, we hope Disney continues to spend time and money to ensure that their technology can work appropriately for Disney resort guests. Have you had issues with the Disney app during your trip?