Genie+ and the 120 minute rule
The 120-minute rule is an important aspect of Disney's Genie+ program that allows guests to "stack" Lightning Lane reservations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. In this blog post, we will explain what the 120-minute rule is, how it works, and why it's important to understand for anyone using Genie+.
What is Genie+?
Before we dive into the 120-minute rule, let's first discuss what Genie+ is. Genie+ is a program offered by Disney that allows guests to skip the regular standby line for select attractions at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Guests can purchase Genie+ for a fee and have the ability to make Lightning Lane reservations throughout the day.
What is stacking?
Stacking refers to the process of booking multiple Lightning Lane reservations for different attractions in quick succession. By doing this, guests can ensure they have a full day of Lightning Lane reservations and minimize their time spent waiting in standby lines.
What is the 120-minute rule?
The 120-minute rule is a restriction put in place by Disney that limits the number of Lightning Lane reservations guests can have at any given time. Essentially, guests are not allowed to book a new Lightning Lane reservation until either the two-hour reservation window for their current Lightning Lane has ended or the start time for the current Lightning Lane has passed.
For example, let's say a guest books a Lightning Lane reservation for Space Mountain from 10:00am-11:00am. That guest would not be able to book another Lightning Lane reservation until either 11:00am (when the current reservation ends) or 12:00pm (two hours after the reservation was made).
Why is the 120-minute rule important?
The 120-minute rule is important because it ensures that all guests have a fair opportunity to use Genie+. Without the rule, it would be possible for guests to stack Lightning Lane reservations throughout the day, potentially preventing other guests from using Genie+ at all.
Additionally, the 120-minute rule helps to keep the lines moving smoothly. By limiting the number of Lightning Lane reservations guests can have at any given time, it ensures that everyone has a chance to ride the attractions they want without causing major backups in the standby lines.
The 120-minute rule is an important aspect of Disney's Genie+ program that ensures all guests have a fair opportunity to use the service while also keeping lines moving smoothly. By understanding and following the rule, guests can make the most of their time at Disneyland and Walt Disney World while minimizing their wait times.
How do I use stacking optimally?
Once you understand the 120 minute rule, there are a couple of steps you can take to ensure you are using it to your full advantage:
At 7:00am Purchase Genie+ and make your first Lightning Lane (LL) Selection
Enter the theme park at opening and set a timer for 120 minutes
As soon as you tap into a ride make a new LL selection and restart your timer
If your timer goes off, make a new LL Selection and restart your timer
If You keep making LLs as soon as possible you should have a "stack" to use in the afternoon/evening
Using this method you can begin to “stack” attractions for later in the day. You can also use this method to stack attractions at another park in the afternoon while you enjoy lower crowds in the morning.
Some things to keep in mind:
Genie+ Pricing varies between $15 and $29 per person. The higher the price, the busier the day.
Genie+ can sell out for a day
The busier the day the more value you can get out of Genie+
If you plan on rope-dropping a park and park hopping in the afternoon you can use Genie+ stacking to stack rides in the 2nd park in the afternoon.
If you make LLs for a park you are not at, it will automatically select a time for after 2:00 PM
The 120 minute rule starts at park opening. It does not include the 30 minute early entry enjoyed by Disney Resort guests.
Keep this handy infographic on your phone to remind you of the steps:
We hope this guide has helped you understand the tricks to utilizing Genie+ in a trip to Disney World. Let us help you Unlock the Magic of Disney with Our Expert Travel Services!
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