The Walt Disney World experience was turned on its head when Disney announced the Disney Genie. The new service will include an upcharge option that essentially replaces the old FastPass+ system. Disney Genie+ will include access to lower tier rides while the most popular rides, such as Rise of the Resistance, will have an individual cost to skip the line.
Currently, Rise of the Resistance is only accessible with a virtual boarding pass. Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios can attempt to secure a boarding pass through the My Disney Experience app at either 7am or 1pm each day. On busy days, this experience is one of the most frustrating in Walt Disney World. Boarding groups vanish in seconds.
Now, the Individual Attraction portion of Disney Genie+ will allow guests to automatically secure their way into Rise of the Resistance.
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products chairman Josh D’Amaro spoke about the Rise of the Resistance change with D23.
“Think about Rise of the Resistance as an example. It’s a highly demanded attraction. Guests show up in the morning and they try to get into the virtual queue. We get as many people on there as we can, but inevitably someone is disappointed. Now there’s another option on top of the virtual queue so if Rise of the Resistance is the reason you’re at Disneyland or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there may be an option for you to purchase Rise of the Resistance. So again: flexibility, optionality, better guest experience overall.”
Summarized, guests can still try for a virtual boarding pass for Rise of the Resistance. But, if they missed out or don’t want the hassle, they can pay their way into the ride.
It remains to be seen how this change will impact the regular boarding pass process. Capacity for non-paying guests will be lowered, but by how much remains to be seen. It’s likely it’ll be even more difficult to secure a boarding pass on a busy day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – unless you’re willing to open your wallet.
