Do I really need Genie + and ILL?

[Rich M]

IMO don't waste your $ on the Magic bands+ - very few perks in DL (and I loved them at WDW) and phones are easier to use honestly. Just bring a jump charger. Buy a fun pair of ears instead or a beautiful ornament that you can customize as a memento! But that's just me.

I completely disagree with phones being easier. If you go with the Genie Plus then the magic bands are great. Also remember that Genie plus also includes photos. I pass many people in line scanning my LL from my magic band while they try to scan multiple tickets from their phones. If you do not get Genie Plus then I would say they aren't worth it yet at this time.

 

[Tom_E_D]

Thank you! So does that mean the only way to get on those three rides is to pay extra…no chance on genie plus, ILL only?

The lists of which rides are Genie+ and which are ILL can be found here (DL) and here (DCA).

 

[Foxhound3857]

I completely disagree with phones being easier. If you go with the Genie Plus then the magic bands are great. Also remember that Genie plus also includes photos. I pass many people in line scanning my LL from my magic band while they try to scan multiple tickets from their phones. If you do not get Genie Plus then I would say they aren't worth it yet at this time.

The one thing Magic Band+ still needs to incorporate is the use of Key discounts. Should just be able to scan your Band at the cashier instead of needing your phone.

 

[chezcurrie]

Thank you! So does that mean the only way to get on those three rides is to pay extra…no chance on genie plus, ILL only?

You can standby radiator springs, rise of the resistance and mickey and Minnie’s railroad. racers also has a single rider line that is very useful if you are ok not riding with your party. I actually prefer doing this with my boys because we often are racing “each other” in separate cars. Not always, but it’s a treat.

Of the three additional rides, Rise is the one I will always pay for. Got stuck right before boarding after waiting 90 minutes and had to wait an additional 45 to get a return pass. Not doing that again. Mickey and Minnie’s return times have not been as escalated lately (we waited 30 min last Saturday around 10:00 am) and the queue is entertaining. So there are options other than shelling out for each ride. Like I said, we usually do RoTR, but will single rider or standby the other two.

Genie+ LL is a one time cost that allows you to book a LL once every 2 hours or when you have used one, whichever is earliest, for the majority of other rides. Exceptions being: fantasyland rides, jungle cruise, pirates. These are standby only.

 

[Diana ZP]

Wow thank you all for the great answers and advice! Since this has been a long time coming, (3 other trips cancelled) and it is the youngest first visit, I think I will do both Genie plus and magic bands. Now if my dining reservations all come together it will be done! You all are my heroes!!!

 

[Diana ZP]

Oh great, I have another question! If I get the Genie + when I get my park tickets do I have to say which day I want to use Genie +? In case I don't get it for everyday we are in the parks?

 

[RunnerMom71]

When you add Genie+ at time of purchase (where you lock in the price of Genie+ vs dynamic pricing if you do it every day separately) it's all the days or none.

 

[Diana ZP]

Thank you!

 

[twodogs]

Be happy you got the G+ when you bought your tickets (we did the same). We were there for the insanity this weekend, and G+ sold out both Saturday and Sunday by the morning (so if you wait to add it day by day, you may very well be unable to buy it).