MickeyBlog News for July 29th, 2024
Walt Disney World finally fixed the mess that was Disney Genie+, and the new thing is night and day better.
We’ll discuss Disney’s latest victory lap in MickeyBlog News.
Welcome to the Lightning Lane Era!
Photo: Disney
Okay, let’s get right to it. On Wednesday, July 24th, Disney officially killed the old, deeply flawed Disney Genie+ system.
The FastPass replacement suffered from a bad reputation, a confusing name, and, well, the stink of Bob Chapek.
The former CEO’s fingerprints were all over the replacement product, which charged guests for something formerly free.
While that part hasn’t changed under the new system, there’s unmistakable progress with the Disney Genie+ successor.
Photo: Disney
Called Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass, the modified program shares surface similarities with the past one.
Honestly, Lightning Lane Single Pass works pretty much the same as before, which makes sense. That part wasn’t broken.
Instead, everyone knew the problem was Disney Genie+, which sounded too much like Disney Genie+ and wasn’t reliable.
Even worse, you couldn’t even touch Disney Genie+ until 7 a.m. on the morning of your visit.
Screenshot
Now, we have Lightning Lane Multi Pass (LLMP), and I am thrilled to inform you that you can book in advance!
MickeyBlog’s Jess Landers thoughtfully posted the price range for the next few weeks.
Yes, you can plan ahead now! As long as this system remains in place, you can tell the price of LLMP well before you visit.
Then, when you’re a week away from arrival, you can go ahead and book your LLMPs, presuming you’re staying at an official Disney hotel.
Photo: Disney
If not, you can book 72 hours prior to your visit. So, Disney hotel guests gain a massive benefit and competitive advantage.
Still, even the 72-hour window is MUCH better than what we had up until last week!
About the New Lightning Lane System
Disney officials recognized that the change would confuse some guests. So, they were handing out pamphlets the day before it started.
Realistically, the new system isn’t that difficult to understand, though.
In fact, since you’re no longer feeling the pressure of booking right then at 7 a.m. on the day of your visit, it’s a calmer experience.
Now, you can employ a bit of strategy rather than feeling like you must take the first open booking you see.
Of course, some aspects of the reservation system are quite different. For instance, character greetings aren’t available.
I honestly have no idea whether that structure will remain indefinitely.
Photo: Disney
We’ve previously tracked the disappearance and return of character greetings on Disney Genie+, so anything is possible.
However, for right now, you cannot schedule character interactions in advance.
Photo: Disney
Everything else you’d want is on the menu for the new Lightning Lane system.
Here’s a recap of our day one experience with LLMP. We also added a guide for modifying reservations.
You can finally change your reservations again without the risk of losing them, as has happened to me on several heartbreaking occasions.
Also, you should know that the new system remains a work-in-progress. In fact, Disney has already tweaked some stuff.
So, please keep reading MickeyBlog, and we’ll keep you in the loop on everything about Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
Thus far, we are extraordinarily optimistic that Disney has listened to customer complaints and gotten the fixes right.
Storytime with Deadpool
Avengers Campus
Sometimes, when something seems dangerous, that makes it more exciting.
However, you rarely hear the word “dangerous” associated with Disneyland Resort. But we can say it sincerely now.
Credit: Disney
Disney officials have thrown caution to the window and introduced a new character interaction at Disney California Adventure.
As usual, you’ll find this one at Avengers Campus, where Disney often creates limited-time character interactions for current Marvel releases.
Photo: Disney
Yeah, you see where I’m going with this. Deadpool & Wolverine just debuted in theaters this weekend, and it was an instant blockbuster.
MickeyBlog has spent the past two months talking up Inside Out 2 as a fabulous box office performer…because it is.
Storytelling with Deadpool
Somehow, Deadpool & Wolverine, an R-rated movie, just eviscerated Inside Out 2’s opening weekend box office total.
As little sense as the statement may make to longtime Disney fans, Deadpool is the character the company desperately needs right now.
So, yeah, Deadpool is now appearing at Avengers Campus. Since it’s not Ryan Reynolds, I presume the swears will be kept to a minimum.
Still, the arrival of Deadpool has had an immediate, profound impact on Avengers Campus crowds.
Storytelling with Deadpool
Here, take a gander at the first showing of Story Time with Deadpool & Wolverine at DCA:
Yes, he said “Beautypool and the Wolverbeast.” I admit it; I laughed.
Storytelling with Deadpool
Also, I give Disney credit for throwing in some euphemisms and other dicey jokes to keep alive the spirit of Deadpool.
Obviously, this show is a huge hit. If you were on the fence about visiting Disneyland over the next few weeks, now you have your reason.
Photo: Marvel
Deadpool won’t be there forever, as he’ll almost certainly do something inappropriate and get canceled.
Disney Miscellany
Merry Christmas sign in Haunted Mansion Holiday
This week, we received a pleasant surprise regarding Haunted Mansion Holiday.
Disneyland fans had feared that the current construction for the attraction’s line queue would prevent the ride overlay from opening on time.
Photo: Disney
Ha! You were worried about nothing. Haunted Mansion arrives this week!
No, you’re not dreaming. Disneyland has confirmed that the ride will reopen on July 29th…and with the attraction overlay in place!
Photo: D23
You should know that it’ll employ a virtual queue, which makes sense.
I’ve covered the opening date of Haunted Mansion Holiday several times, and I’m always taken aback by the frenzied rush on opening day.
Photo: Disney
The virtual queue solves that problem. Even better, since Haunted Mansion’s throughput is strong, you shouldn’t have any problems booking it.
In other Disneyland news, the DVC welcome center has opened at Disney California Adventure.
Mirabel
Apparently, a Mirabel experience is coming soon to DCA as well.
At Walt Disney World, we’ve got an update on the Magic Kingdom’s parade schedule.
If you’re visiting in August, you’ll want to monitor Disney’s official site to make sure you don’t miss the parade!
At Be Our Guest Restaurant, Beast is once again walking through the dining halls and meeting guests. So, I’m happy.
Swan and Dolphin
Also, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin was voted the Mariott Hotels U.S. and Canada 2023 Hotel of the Year.
I…guess it’s a retroactive honor? Whatever the explanation, it’s a big deal since there are more than 6,000 Mariotts in North America.
Finally, tickets are now on sale for the popular Breakfast with Santa Claus event at Maria & Enzo’s.
You’ll want to do that if you’re at Walt Disney World during the holiday season.
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Feature Photo: Disney
