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Walt Disney World Resort Braces for Lower Attendance as Disney Genie+ Gets a Makeover

A child dressed as Donald Duck in safari gear hugs two smiling children at a restaurant table. The table is set with plates, glasses, and waffles shaped like Mickey Mouse. The restaurant has a warm, rustic interior with wooden furniture and animal-themed decor.
Credit: Disney

Walt Disney World Resort, the crown jewel of Disney’s theme park empire, typically sees a bustling crowd of millions each year. However, even the Magic Kingdom isn’t immune to occasional lulls in attendance. With a major change on the horizon for Disney’s line-skipping services, the resort is preparing for a potential dip in guest numbers.

A woman dressed as Snow White is hugging a smiling young girl wearing a pink princess dress and tiara. They are inside a room with patterned orange walls in the background. Both appear content and happy.

Credit: Disney

Disney Genie+ Bows Out: What’s Next for FastPass Fans?

Disney Genie+, the once-celebrated service designed to enhance your park experience, has officially been retired. Launched in late 2021, Disney Genie+ allowed guests to bypass regular standby lines by accessing the Lightning Lane, replacing the old FastPass+ system. The cost of Genie+ varied, ranging from $15 to $39 per person, per day, depending on demand.

For the hottest attractions, such as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and TRON Lightcycle Run, guests had to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane for an additional fee, typically between $10 and $25 per ride.

A group of six people, including three children and three adults, are smiling and sitting together. They wear various Disney-themed headbands and outfits, including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse ears. As proud annual passholders, they enjoy the magic against a backdrop featuring a geometric structure, suggesting a Disney park.

Credit: Disney

Meet the New Kids on the Block: Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass

As of late July 2024, Walt Disney World Resort bid farewell to Genie+ and introduced new options: the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass. These new passes maintain a similar concept but come with some exciting updates.

What Is the Lightning Lane Multi Pass?

The Lightning Lane Multi Pass allows guests to pay for expedited access to several attractions, including Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom Park, Frozen Ever After at EPCOT, Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

A notable upgrade with the Multi Pass is the ability to pre-book attraction time slots. Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel can book up to seven days in advance, while those staying off-property can book up to three days prior to their visit.

slinky dog dash

Credit: Patrick Konior, Unsplash

Pros and Cons of the Lightning Lane Multi Pass

The pre-booking feature is a game-changer, eliminating the stress of early morning selection, which was previously available only at 7 a.m.

However, international visitors, particularly those from the UK—one of Disney World’s largest international markets—are left out of this benefit. The UK school holidays run from mid-to-late July through early September, bringing a surge of visitors during the summer months.

Yet, once American schools are back in session, Disney World can become notably quieter.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World?

Determining the quietest times at Walt Disney World Resort isn’t an exact science, but historical trends provide valuable insights. According to Disney’s planDisney team, late August and September (excluding Labor Day weekend) are among the least crowded periods.

guests entering magic kingdom, magicband

Credit: Disney

In a June 2024 update, planDisney noted, “The lowest attendance periods usually occur right after peak seasons. Mid-August through September is a great time to visit, just steer clear of Labor Day weekend.”

With attendance likely to dip, Disney World is preparing for this quieter period by adjusting its Lightning Lane Multi Pass pricing. Starting September 4, 2024, the cost will be reduced to $15-$20 per person. EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will have the Multi Pass priced at $15, while Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will see a $20 price tag.

spaceship earth, epcot

Credit: Brian McGowan, Unsplash

Disney’s recent financial reports reflect a slight decrease in park attendance. During a Q3 earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston indicated that while guest spending has slightly increased, overall park attendance has moderated. Johnston referred to this as a “slight moderation in demand,” suggesting that this trend might continue into Q4 and possibly into fiscal 2025.

The moderation in attendance could be attributed to various factors, including rising costs and changing consumer preferences. Disney has faced criticism for increasing ticket prices, accommodation costs, and introducing paid add-ons, such as the replacement for FastPass+.

A roller coaster, reminiscent of a Tron ride, speeds through a futuristic, blue-lit tunnel with a sleek, geometric design. The ceiling and walls are covered in a lattice-like pattern, creating an immersive, otherworldly atmosphere.

Credit: Brian McGowan, Unsplash

Will You Visit Disney World During This Quiet Period?

As Disney World navigates this quieter phase, with reduced Lightning Lane Multi Pass prices and a dip in attendance, it might be an ideal time for visitors seeking a more relaxed experience.

Will you be taking advantage of these quieter months at the parks? Share your plans and thoughts in the comments below!

About Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

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