The Pro-Genie App discussion thread - speculate how the app could make your trip next trip great!

[crazymomof4]

Maybe for some. For me, I will wait until we actually have real info on what all it will offer.

After learning this:
https://wdwnt.com/2021/08/disney-pr...ss-service-soft-launches-at-disneyland-paris/I have very little doubt that what's described in Len's article will happen in WDW, at least to *some* extent.
People are looking at the horizon and seeing the storm approaching. They don't know how much damage will be done to their favorite vacation home (in the path of the storm) but they know at least some damage will occur and they're feeling angst over it and want to share their feelings with their "neighbors" who feel the same.
Can't fault people for that!

 

[snowwhite84]

They will have to include some of these features free with staying on property. My first thought is that I'll stay off property for 75% less than staying on property, then use some of the savings to purchase these passes. That can't be what Disney wants.

I really don’t think they do.

 

[cakebaker]

After learning this:
https://*****.com/2021/08/disney-pr...ss-service-soft-launches-at-disneyland-paris/I have very little doubt that what's described in Len's article will happen in WDW, at least to *some* extent.
People are looking at the horizon and seeing the storm approaching. They don't know how much damage will be done to their favorite vacation home (in the path of the storm) but they know at least some damage will occur and they're feeling angst over it and want to share their feelings with their "neighbors" who feel the same.
Can't fault people for that!

Exactly this. If you love WDW and it's been a part of your life for decades, massive changes that could possibly end all that for you is concerning and discussing the possibilites with like minded people is helpful. It would be nice if people could do that and not be labeled as complainers and being negative all the time just as it would for those who never find anything Disney does to be concerning (that's ok with me too) weren't labeled as pixie dusters- a name I used to get labeled with a lot around here.

 

[crazymomof4]

They will have to include some of these features free with staying on property. My first thought is that I'll stay off property for 75% less than staying on property, then use some of the savings to purchase these passes. That can't be what Disney wants.

One of my potential plans too. The fact remains that most WDW guests do not have an unlimited vacation fund. For many/most I feel the extra costs for any paid FP will have to come by reallocating $ previously spend elsewhere in the vaca. This could see WDW not making the profit they think they will see with this system.

 

[snowwhite84]

Exactly this. If you love WDW and it's been a part of your life for decades, massive changes that could possibly end all that for you is concerning and discussing the possibilites with like minded people is helpful. It would be nice if people could do that and not be labeled as complainers and being negative all the time just as it would for those who never find anything Disney does to be concerning (that's ok with me too) weren't labeled as pixie dusters- a name I used to have around here.

Yeah, but you’ve come on a thread specifically created to talk about some positives, to talk about what you don’t like. And of course you’re welcome to do so, everyone is welcome, but a side effect is some people are likely going to point out that you’re complaining.

ETA: I do not mean to be argumentative, I understand you’ve recently had a less than stellar experience at the parks, and this is icing on the cake. My main point is there are elements of these rumors that have been useful in other parks, and we don’t know details, and it all very well could be okay.

 

[cakebaker]

Yeah, but you’ve come on a thread specifically created to talk about some positives, to talk about what you don’t like. And of course you’re welcome to do so, everyone is welcome, but a side effect is some people are likely going to point out that you’re complaining.

But when they do that, aren't they being negative and complaining too? Complaining about complaining is kind of funny when you think about it.
When those people who have issues with people being negative stop going on threads that aren't titled as this one is, still complaining about others being negative- my favorite being- why do you stay around here if you "hate" Disney so much- then the argument you present is more valid.

It just seems more productive to me if we just didn't label people either as negative because they have concerns or as pixie dusters because they don't. It just derails threads and serves no purpose really.

 

[Suzabella]

The thing Disney seems to be ignoring is that with inflation, the prices of everything is going up. That includes utilities, gas, food...the necessities. As much as I hate to say it, Disney is not an necessities and will be the first to go for families who's discretionary spending reduces as the prices for necessities rises. They may see a temporary gain but is it sustainable at these rising costs?

 

[snowwhite84]

But when they do that, aren't they being negative and complaining too? Complaining about complaining is kind of funny when you think about it.
When those people who have issues with people being negative stop going on threads that aren't titled as this one is, still complaining about others being negative- my favorite being- why do you stay around here if you "hate" Disney so much- then the argument you present is more valid.

It just seems more productive to me if we just didn't label people either as negative because they have concerns or as pixie dusters because they don't. It just derails threads and serves no purpose really.

Fair enough. I don’t believe I myself have done any name calling, I’ve definitely had my perspective but I do try to be respectful. I am very much looking forward to my October trip, after canceling and rescheduling four times during covid. We are mom friends leaving kids at home after being virtually locked indoors, and I very much appreciate an opportunity to discuss things I’m excited about.

And I genuinely believe there are elements of Genie app that could make our visit even better, anxiously awaiting the announcement so I can understand it better.

 

[cakebaker]

And I genuinely believe there are elements of Genie app that could make our visit even better, anxiously awaiting the announcement so I can understand it better.

From what I've read, there's just not much so far I see that is of interest to me. The area that concerns me is the pay per ride to get FP access- I'm finding it hard to believe that WDW would actually charge $10-$50 pp just for FP access. That one I'm going to have to see to believe. What my concern is that I'm not seeing any kind of option that is going to offer a Universal style access- one that is included with a resort stay or could be purchased separately to give you access all day. I'd be willing to sell my firstborn for that one but it just isn't in the rumor mill that I see. Even TP doesn't include it as a possibility and that's hugely disappointing to me.

I do wish they'd just drop the hammer so we could all find out exactly what's happening. I don't like not having a trip on the books!

 

[snowwhite84]

From what I've read, there's just not much so far I see that is of interest to me. The area that concerns me is the pay per ride to get FP access- I'm finding it hard to believe that WDW would actually charge $10-$50 pp just for FP access. That one I'm going to have to see to believe. What my concern is that I'm not seeing any kind of option that is going to offer a Universal style access- one that is included with a resort stay or could be purchased separately to give you access all day. I'd be willing to sell my firstborn for that one but it just isn't in the rumor mill that I see. Even TP doesn't include it as a possibility and that's hugely disappointing to me.

I do wish they'd just drop the hammer so we could all find out exactly what's happening. I don't like not having a trip on the books!

Wasn’t there a rumor somewhere that you would add on something like a package? You would pay for the “adventure” package and get, say, three roller coaster fastpasses. If they added the cost on kind of like park hopping, I could see that making sense.

I think we will learn more soon.

 

[Farro]

Ahhhh, yet another positive-based thread that people like to fill with negativity...

I'm about as positive as you can get, but this is very concerning.

The idea you can only have one virtual queue at a time and in a park with basically only headliners (DHS), all stand-by lines are a a virtual queue...what? I eat for 3 hours? Or do what they want and pay to ride other rides?

I'm struggling to see how this can be a "positive".

 

[crazymomof4]

It just seems more productive to me if we just didn't label people either as negative because they have concerns or as pixie dusters because they don't. It just derails threads and serves no purpose really.

One could make the argument that the more "hurt" you feel at these WDW changes (past and yet to come), the greater your love and attachment to WDW is. And that's a positive.
Loving Disney Parks and having decades of memories wrapped up in it, both with little kids now grown and loved ones now deceased..... that's a positive trait! And it's at the core of the feelings expressed here.
To illustrate, I know people who have pets but see them just as pets. Not true family members. When the pet dies I'm shocked at their matter-of-fact way of handling it. Then others, like our family, truly grieve the loss of each pet.
So what I'm trying to say is losing the WDW we've loved is causing grief... but it's grief out of the love that was.... for some of us decades long love!

 

[snowwhite84]

So what I'm trying to say is losing the WDW we've loved is causing grief... but it's grief out of the love that was.... for some of us decades long love!

I see your point! My confusion comes from the bolded. I mean this genuinely: what is it that you loved about Disney that is going away? Surely your love of Disney wasn’t free Fastpass, or that Disney is a good place to take a budget minded vacation.

What I love about Disney is the immersion, it sparks my imagination, it’s a place the people in my life like to gather together, I like that it feels inclusive ie my entertainment, dining, leisure are all right there.

Disney is going to change decade upon decade. And for sure, it is a corporation, they are trying to make a ton of money. I’m okay with that so long as I’m trading my dollars for a product I enjoy. (I can appreciate that maybe this product doesn’t sound appealing to you personally, though.)

I loved legacy Fastpass, loved FP+, I think there’s a fair chance I’m going like at least some elements of the next iteration.

 

[ThistleMae]

Before the latest news was dropped about Genie, I was hoping they would bring FP+ back for the 50th. Now I'm in the process of anticipation, with the rest of you, what is it actually going to be like. I know there are folks who don't like FP+ because they felt the system before was better. I love FP+! I loved the fact that I could get on the headliners I wanted with little to no wait. The rest of the time I could do other things and not worry about it. It made my trip very relaxing. And yes, I had to get on the site right away and look for availability and plan around ADR's but it was all part of getting excited about my trip. I don't know what Genie will be like, but I'm hoping I don't have to look at my phone all day to plan for that day. It sounds like this might be the case and not sure how this will affect a more relaxing type of Disney experience. I want to like it, and maybe not even mind it. Not sure going to love it will materialize, but still hoping there are things about it I will enjoy.

 

[Marionnette]

Well, of course you could ride a ride that’s not standby. Or see a show, watch a parade, meet characters, get autographs, fill an Epcot passport, take photos, get a snack/drink/meal, play an interactive game, go to a lounge, trade pins, explore the castles, etc. Or yes, use a bathroom. I’d rather do any of that than wait in a two hour line.

ETA: of course in this scenario I’m assuming some return to normalcy.

Yes. Some kind of "return to normal" is essential to make this plan workable. And it assumes that guests that just spent $125+ for admission will be satisfied looking for ways to entertain their kids half of their day while awaiting a return call to standby queues.

TBH, I don't think HS or Epcot has the ability to handle it. Too many E-ticket attractions, too few alternative distractions even when all stage shows are running. MK has enough A-ticket attractions and the cavalcades to maybe pull it off but a real 3 o'clock parade, pop-up dance parties and regularly timed stage shows would help tremendously. And outside of Pandora, AK has a lot of areas to explore that don't require waiting in line. I've always considered AK to be the least stressful park to visit because there is so much to do that doesn't involve queuing up.

But until Disney steps up their in-park entertainment, I'm not sure that guests are going to appreciate being told they can't join a physical queue but can enter a VQ in order to join a physical queue later..."now go find something to entertain yourself while you wait". Not for $125+ per head.

 

[crazymomof4]

I see your point! My confusion comes from the bolded. I mean this genuinely: what is it that you loved about Disney that is going away? Surely your love of Disney wasn’t free Fastpass, or that Disney is a good place to take a budget minded vacation.

There have been changes over the decades for sure. But recently (and not just since Covid) it seems like there have been more changes that effect the overall experience. The feeling (+/-) that you have during and after a park day. With regard to FP change- if it comes to the on-the-spot decision to fork over a significant amount of $$ OR wait in a long line just to experience a beloved ride- that won't be without upset each time. Repeat that x several attractions each day x several park days and .... that's a significant change to park experience. Esp for return guests who, in recent past, have had a FP+ the same ride 60 days prior and practically walked on (or short wait) for the same ride. With regards to other changes that have diminished the over all experience recently.... well, it's too long for me to list here right now since I'm having MIL and FIL over for dinner at 2! Maybe others here could elaborate with their own feelings and I'll catch up once the "folks" leave tonight.

 

[lovethesun12]

Passholder preview access is not an everyday thing though, it only happens occasionally when the ride first opens. It isn't like you can request exclusive AP access at any time.

We'll see what Disney does - but I'd be surprised if Disney gives out free FP's for Resort guests and gives nothing to their AP's.

If you look at Len's post on Touring Plans it sounds like there won't be any "free" FP's given - and there will be 2 paid tiers, one lower priced option just to be allowed to use the standby line when it is full and one expensive option to use the Fastpass line so you can ride right away. I hope that isn't what happens because that doesn't sound like a great experience.

As we wait for Disney to figure out what it wants to do with its life, Touring Plans is the only thing that gives me hope it might all be okay. Lol.

I'm looking forward to their suggestions much more than Disney's.

 

[Marionnette]

Expanding on my PP, if the Genie app were to immediately offer ideas of how to spend your wait time after entering a VQ, that would be a huge plus for new visitors. As in "Hey! You're in line to join the line for POTC. Jack will be making an appearance on stage in just 5 minutes. Grab a cool drink and catch his show while you wait!"

 

[ajiuo]

From what I've read, there's just not much so far I see that is of interest to me. The area that concerns me is the pay per ride to get FP access- I'm finding it hard to believe that WDW would actually charge $10-$50 pp just for FP access. That one I'm going to have to see to believe. What my concern is that I'm not seeing any kind of option that is going to offer a Universal style access- one that is included with a resort stay or could be purchased separately to give you access all day. I'd be willing to sell my firstborn for that one but it just isn't in the rumor mill that I see. Even TP doesn't include it as a possibility and that's hugely disappointing to me.

I do wish they'd just drop the hammer so we could all find out exactly what's happening. I don't like not having a trip on the books!

What I understand based on the rumors is that the pass will come in 2 flavors. First will be something similar to what fast pass+ was but you will pay one price, per person, per day… kind of like what universal studios does… so you will wait in shorter lines. But then there will be a + version of the pass where you pay a high fee per ride to basically skip to the front of the fast pass line….

Now if they include something for delux guests the way that universal does. Or still include 3 rides a day like they did before the pandemic, it might not be as bad… although a lot more confusing.

 

[cakebaker]

One could make the argument that the more "hurt" you feel at these WDW changes (past and yet to come), the greater your love and attachment to WDW is. And that's a positive.
Loving Disney Parks and having decades of memories wrapped up in it, both with little kids now grown and loved ones now deceased..... that's a positive trait! And it's at the core of the feelings expressed here.
To illustrate, I know people who have pets but see them just as pets. Not true family members. When the pet dies I'm shocked at their matter-of-fact way of handling it. Then others, like our family, truly grieve the loss of each pet.
So what I'm trying to say is losing the WDW we've loved is causing grief... but it's grief out of the love that was.... for some of us decades long love!

I've always said those who love it most are the ones who often express the most frustration with it. I couldn't agree more with your entire post.