MAJOR changes to Genie+!

[Jrb1979]

Yeah, that doesn't sound fun.
I think the worst part is, even with all that, we still are not guaranteed to get what we want. Of course, with FP+, we might not be guaranteed to get FoP, for example, but at least we had a few months to come up with a plan to do RD or late night or hopping or....
Last month, we would be on the bus to the parks making plans because of the LL return times that we got. It was difficult to make a solid plan on short notice.

I think I have figured out where a lot of hate for Genie+ comes from. It's not just not being able to get certain rides but also not being able to plan your day. For me if they made Genie+ more like Express Pass it would be much better. Gives you a more spontaneous day at the park.

 

[HopperFan]

You're not alone. Yesterday, I reached out to every client traveling this year who hasn't added Genie+, and every response I've received so far is to go ahead and add it. People who were planning on adding it for just MK and HS don't want to risk a huge price increase (I mean, if the price increases enough, it's possible that people will end up paying the same price for just one or two days as they would for five days under the current pricing structure). Plus, nobody wants to deal with the uncertainty of potentially having to stay up late and get up early and/or the risk of not being able to get it at all. I think there's going to be a significant bump in the sale of pre-arrival Genie+ between now and June 7. And ironically, this just means that MORE people will have Genie+ for the next few months, as people who weren't planning on purchasing it for every day are now doing so.

I agree, with so little information from Disney and so many rumors being started on social media, it's hard to plan. It's a roll of the dice and if I were doing a big trip like you are planning for folks, I'd likely just buy it to have it. Add Disney IT is horrible, throwing this much on it at same time will likely create issues. For me it did not impact my budget, I just moved table service money to Genie+ and we ate quick service in parks, and moved a few meals offsite at night.

I firmly believe this has NOT been the success they hoped. I found very few LL as full as when there was FP+. They probably banked that all of those who loved FP+ and were used to it would gladly pay for it rather than give up. Problem is it's not as good as FP+. So I think WAY less are using it which not only is generating less income than they hoped but filling SB lines. By throwing out this veiled threat - people are assuming it will go up in price or be dynamic pricing, assuming it will be very limited (that makes the current lines even worse), assume it might go away like Annual Passes. So many on social media are making up all kinds of things as fact adding to the panic.

QTR 1 it was new, during peak seasons, and they could brag about all the people buying it. I mean it was new so no where to go but up. I had it every day during my trip during QTR 1. I found the LL quite empty and no way backed up their stories of it's high usage. We also saw SB lanes slow considerably because unlike FP+, the cost impacts guests decision to use it. We've had enough time for the PR to get out on this system. People read about the limitation of return times and as far as we know QTR 2 has not been as successful. I went during QTR 2 and found the LL continued to be fairly empty. So what do you do when a system is not embraced as is, you deal with lots of complaints, you are seeing folks in SB lines in lieu of paying for it .... you create a false demand by making it harder to buy and let the rumors begin while you figure it out. They will likely make more in the next few weeks from folks panicking than they did all last QTR - and now this QTR will be a success story they can claim, I mean cash is in hand. Genie+ is basically an abstract product and almost 100% profit.


SIDE NOTE: I have read the announcement actually from Disney and NO WHERE can I find most the "facts" that people are putting out there. Of course all those false statements will only help Disney presell as many as possible.

EDIT: The Disney website does bury in their information "subject to availability" which has always been there and is on every single thing Disney offers for sale.

 

[Jrb1979]

I agree, with so little information from Disney and so many rumors being started on social media, it's hard to plan. It's a roll of the dice and if I were doing a big trip like you are planning for folks, I'd likely just buy it to have it. Add Disney IT is horrible, throwing this much on it at same time will likely create issues. For me it did not impact my budget, I just moved table service money to Genie+ and we ate quick service in parks, and moved a few meals offsite at night.

I firmly believe this has NOT been the success they hoped. I found very few LL as full as when there was FP+. I think way less are using it which not only is generating less income than they hoped but filling SB lines. By throwing out this veiled threat - people are assuming it will go up in price or be dynamic pricing, assuming it will be very limited (that makes the current lines even worse), assume it might go away like Annual Passes. So many on social media are making up all kinds of things as fact adding to the panic.

QTR 1 it was new, during peak seasons, and they could brag about all the people buying it. I mean it was new so no where to go but up. I had it every day during my trip during QTR 1. I found the LL quite empty and no way backed up their stories of it's high usage. We also saw SB lanes slow considerably because unlike FP+, the cost impacts guests decision to use it. We've had enough time for the PR to get out on this system. People read about the limitation of return times and as far as we know QTR 2 has not been as successful. I went during QTR 2 and found the LL continued to be fairly empty. So what do you do when a system is not embraced as is, you deal with lots of complaints, you are seeing folks in SB lines in lieu of paying for it .... you create a false demand by making it harder to buy and let the rumors begin. They will likely make more in the next few weeks from folks panicking than they did all last QTR - and now this QTR will be a success story they can claim, I mean cash is in hand. Genie+ is basically an abstract product and almost 100% profit.


SIDE NOTE: I have read the announcement actually from Disney and NO WHERE can I find most the "facts" that people are putting out there. Of course all those false statements will only help Disney presell as many as possible.

First it has been a big success and more people bought then they thought. It looks like many aren't buying it with how short the LL waits are but that is how they do that on purpose. They don't want people waiting too long in the LL.

As far as the "facts", it says right in the Genie+ page starting June 8 it will have limited availability. In my mind means it will sell out. As far as pricing changing and anything else nobody knows.

 

[NickC]

I think I have figured out where a lot of hate for Genie+ comes from. It's not just not being able to get certain rides but also not being able to plan your day. For me if they made Genie+ more like Express Pass it would be much better. Gives you a more spontaneous day at the park.

Last night my wife made an eye opening comment. She said that under the FP+ system, yes, it was super stressful to try to get everything when our booking day arrived. But several months later, when we were in the parks, we didn't have to worry about it. Under the new system, that stressful feeling is there EVERY DAY, and it's not a great way to set the mood first thing in the morning. Then, after we got what we wanted, we had to come up with a quick plan based around that schedule. It's just not a great way to start the day.

 

[Duck143]

First it has been a big success and more people bought then they thought. It looks like many aren't buying it with how short the LL waits are but that is how they do that on purpose. They don't want people waiting too long in the LL.

As far as the "facts", it says right in the Genie+ page starting June 8 it will have limited availability. In my mind means it will sell out. As far as pricing changing and anything else nobody knows.

I spoke with 4 CM's trying to add G+ to my tickets last night (long story). The last CM I spoke with basically laughed at me for saying that I am a bit afraid that I will have to buy at midnight on my vacation or risk it selling out. She said that G+ will NEVER sell out because it has other benefits and offerings other than just LL. She said that people might get it for the photopass filters and the audio features.

 

[NY Pirate Princess]

Fence sitter here who bought genie plus for an 8 day ticket for a family of 3 this morning.

If everything stays the same, no price increase, no cap, no issues, I will be mad that I bought it today, but less mad than if I can't buy it on site. Less upset than I would be waking in a panic in the middle of the night or staring at a spinning wheel over a cup of coffee unable to get value out of my theme park admission.

I have now paid over $2700 for park hopper genie plus 8 day tickets for 3 people. FOR THEME PARK TICKETS. Where I might not get anything I want.

I have a lot of thinking to do.

 

[Jrb1979]

I spoke with 4 CM's trying to add G+ to my tickets last night (long story). The last CM I spoke with basically laughed at me for saying that I am a bit afraid that I will have to buy at midnight on my vacation or risk it selling out. She said that G+ will NEVER sell out because it has other benefits and offerings other than just LL. She said that people might get it for the photopass filters and the audio features.

It's hard to say but usually CMs are the last to know big changes. I doubt Disney would just put the limited availability on the Genie+ page just cause.

 

[meremac]

She said that people might get it for the photopass filters and the audio features.

 

[Duck143]

After being on hold for 2+ hours and speaking to 3 different departments, I should have found that line hilarious.

 

[nicksinger8]

This was inevitable - been saying this for months. This product only works if it is really valuable and expensive and I assume Disney will creep to that position. As a mass product you inevitably end up leaving everyone disappointed. This is especially since it was free for a long time. Best to have a very small group having a great experience and everyone else saying 'fair enough, we just can't afford that'. Quite where the level is, will just depend and I suspect they will tinker around with that.

 

[Hopfather28]

For me I didn't buy G+ in advance because although I only have 6 full days on property I still buy an 8 day ticket so we can go to a park in the afternoon on arrival and in the morning on departure. Those 2 days don't make sense for me to buy G+ for an extra $120 for our family of 4. Now though, I'm considering changing my ticket so I don't need to rush at midnight to try and get it so I can wake up again at 6:50 to find out that I didn't get Slinky or 7DMT. As a DVC member these changes are making it more and more likely that I will rent points out in the future and use the money to pay for a Deluxe over at Universal. The 1 optimistic bone in my body says, maybe they realize what a train wreck this is and they are trying to clear the books of G+ and go back to the drawing board for Jan 23.

 

[SeasonneRose]

This was inevitable - been saying this for months. This product only works if it is really valuable and expensive and I assume Disney will creep to that position. As a mass product you inevitably end up leaving everyone disappointed. This is especially since it was free for a long time. Best to have a very small group having a great experience and everyone else saying 'fair enough, we just can't afford that'. Quite where the level is, will just depend and I suspect they will tinker around with that.

Exactly! The price is going to raise pretty substantially by the end.

 

[Jrb1979]

For me I didn't buy G+ in advance because although I only have 6 full days on property I still buy an 8 day ticket so we can go to a park in the afternoon on arrival and in the morning on departure. Those 2 days don't make sense for me to buy G+ for an extra $120 for our family of 4. Now though, I'm considering changing my ticket so I don't need to rush at midnight to try and get it so I can wake up again at 6:50 to find out that I didn't get Slinky or 7DMT. As a DVC member these changes are making it more and more likely that I will rent points out in the future and use the money to pay for a Deluxe over at Universal. The 1 optimistic bone in my body says, maybe they realize what a train wreck this is and they are trying to clear the books of G+ and go back to the drawing board for Jan 23.

I do think there will be changes come next year. I don't think it's going back to being free or back to pre planning. I personally think they are on the right track with limiting sales.

 

[HopperFan]

Last night my wife made an eye opening comment. She said that under the FP+ system, yes, it was super stressful to try to get everything when our booking day arrived. But several months later, when we were in the parks, we didn't have to worry about it. Under the new system, that stressful feeling is there EVERY DAY, and it's not a great way to set the mood first thing in the morning. Then, after we got what we wanted, we had to come up with a quick plan based around that schedule. It's just not a great way to start the day.

They have taken it to a whole new level of stress. Two trips since Genie+ and couldn't help but notice the difference in guests with their noses in their phones. The take it or leave it system stinks, at least with FP+ we could randomly spin the wheel. We didn't even make ADRs because the return times become the dictator of the day and we couldn't afford to miss out on a good ride time because we were supposed to go eat and couldn't cancel it without a fee. Their own system works against itself.

And I think most of us are experienced, imagine that family on a once in a lifetime trip spending huge amount of money, missing many rides because of the new system, park reservations, ADRs ... no flexibility.

I spoke with 4 CM's trying to add G+ to my tickets last night (long story). The last CM I spoke with basically laughed at me for saying that I am a bit afraid that I will have to buy at midnight on my vacation or risk it selling out. She said that G+ will NEVER sell out because it has other benefits and offerings other than just LL. She said that people might get it for the photopass filters and the audio features.

YUP! No where did Disney say it was limited supply, no where have they ever said it was limited supply in announcement*. They have announced you can hope for 2-3 returns but no guarantee they are good ones. They have covered themselves with "subject to availability" and that refers to the return lines. Just like park reservations and party tickets etc - Disney can decide and undecide that cap any time they want.

Disney would never turn away easy money. They can keep doing small add ons like the photo filters that folks would enjoy that help sell it. Honestly the photo filters were a huge plus for us. We had so much fun playing with it. So many other options they can add to make it attractive.

*EDIT - I have found in the website where it says subject to availability - same as always and same thing Disney says for virtually everything from free dining, to ticket deals, room discounts, merchandise etc.

Fence sitter here who bought genie plus for an 8 day ticket for a family of 3 this morning.

If everything stays the same, no price increase, no cap, no issues, I will be mad that I bought it today, but less mad than if I can't buy it on site. Less upset than I would be waking in a panic in the middle of the night or staring at a spinning wheel over a cup of coffee unable to get value out of my theme park admission.

I have now paid over $2700 for park hopper genie plus 8 day tickets for 3 people. FOR THEME PARK TICKETS. Where I might not get anything I want.

I have a lot of thinking to do.

And in the end will this bite them? I think even diehard Disney guests are getting tired of this bill. If anything COVID has opened our eyes to all the travel locations in our own country, the national & state parks, the other theme parks, staycations, camping, RV travel and so many interesting cities. I don't think Disney's core customer is the top 1% but they are pricing it as if they were.

PS My bet is you will be mad. I think this was a clever ploy to sell a bunch that wouldn't have sold, bank the cash while you figure out how to make it more attractive on it's own.

 

[nicksinger8]

I do think there will be changes come next year. I don't think it's going back to being free or back to pre planning. I personally think they are on the right track with limiting sales.

They seem desperate to get perks for Disney hotel guests and even more desperate to create tiers between different people. But I do wonder if it is possible - there are so many Disney on site guests now. There are so many guests full stop. It is just creating resentment and they can see that. 30 minute early entry for on site guests and an elite level expensive Genie +. Everyone else take your chances. I think this will create enough benefit for staying on site, gives off site a chance of being on a level playing field, and minimises anger.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

It's hard to say but usually CMs are the last to know big changes. I doubt Disney would just put the limited availability on the Genie+ page just cause.

I think their point was to set it up like MP in that context. Their original program did not have a "sell out" component to it, LL availability yes but the ability to purchase period? No.

As far as selling out that will be difficult to know. Disney may in the background have that on a less expected crowded day more individuals who they allow to purchase it, on a more expected crowded day less. So we could say a certain day sells out but we won't really know how many of those individuals that comprises of.

 

[Jrb1979]

I think their point was to set it up like MP in that context. Their original program did not have a "sell out" component to it, LL availability yes but the ability to purchase period? No.

As far as selling out that will be difficult to know. Disney may in the background have that on a less expected crowded day more individuals who they allow to purchase it, on a more expected crowded day less. So we could say a certain day sells out but we won't really know how many of those individuals that comprises of.

They want a MP system for WDW and it's not working. There is a reason every other park limits the amount of skip the line passes available. If they do cap sales like I think they will it will make things better for those who do buy it.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I firmly believe this has NOT been the success they hoped. I found very few LL as full as when there was FP+. They probably banked that all of those who loved FP+ and were used to it would gladly pay for it rather than give up. Problem is it's not as good as FP+. So I think WAY less are using it which not only is generating less income than they hoped but filling SB lines.

It's kinda hard I think to compare FP+ in this context because of the park reservation system.

1) You have where Disney has seperate buckets of availability with some fluidity, days show as sold out and later on there can be availability open up

2) There can be a flood of people at/around the same time to park hop

3) From many accounts and arguably what I'm seeing IRL the ratio of LL to SB increased such that while they always were wonky in the prioritization they are worse now..perhaps the "paid" aspect interacting with that and what they got guests used to in terms of wait times

What I will say is having just been to the parks there was a disconnect to me in terms of crowds and wait times. I felt like while there may be people in the parks with some areas intermitted crowded the wait times posted at least were just sky high in terms of that. There was some brief moments of insanity at DHS two days when it came to park opening with just a bunch of people waiting for the park to open and then there was a LOT LOT LOT of people waiting for MK fireworks when we watched it but other than that the wait times we waited in and ones that were posted you'd think the park was NYE in comparison to actually seeing the amount of people there.

 

[Jrb1979]

I copied this from another poster on a different board but it says everything that's wrong with Genie+.

"How is it bad to say only those who pay a lot can skip lines? That's how every theme park that isn't Disney works.

When I'm in line in those parks and see someone skip the line I understand they paid a lot of money for that purpose.

Disney park goers need to stop the idea that everyone needs to skip lines. The more people that skip lines, the worse it is for both the standby guests and line skippers.

It's best when something like this is priced at a level where most do not get it. Everyone wins vs this pseudo "line skipping" glued to your phone planning Genie + 15 dollar thing."

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

They want a MP system for WDW and it's not working. There is a reason every other park limits the amount of skip the line passes available. If they do cap sales like I think they will it will make things better for those who do buy it.

I actually don't think they want a MP for WDW it doesn't function like MP or at least the features that worked. I think that was what a lot of people assumed they would do pre-pandemic when it was seen it worked so well, lot of guests came back from DLR hoping MP would make its way to WDW. I think WDW realizes though that they were over ambitious in creating some new thing when really they had no reasonable need to do that. So now they want to incorporate components that MP and other systems have like EP with a vague subject to availability aspect.

What system they have now doesn't mirror MP, at least IMO.