You may be wondering what you can do with Magic Kingdom Genie Plus with a family. If you have started planning a Disney vacation, you have probably noticed that there is a lot of buzz over the new Disney Genie+ system. Disney Genie+ is a great way to get in more rides by paying to skip a few if you can book a time. (To read more, click here.) Here is how our day went at Magic Kingdom with Genie Plus and also some tips to help.
How we used Magic Kingdom Genie Plus
We decided to stay off site the day we flew in to avoid paying for an extra day in a Disney Resort. This worked well as we were still able to purchase Disney Genie + before we left for Magic Kingdom. We got up at 6:45 and were able to purchase right before 7 am.
We prioritized based on lines (inside vs outside) and popularity. Peter Pan is a ride that always has a long wait and it outside. That was our first reservation with a window from 9:30-10:30.
Next, we went and checked in at the Polynesian Resort and took a Monorail to the Magic Kingdom. Because it’s Disney, this process was impressive and very smooth!
There is a show at the castle before the park opens. We got there early enough to have early resort entry, but we got a few pictures and watched the show instead. This gave us and the kids a chance to take things in and enjoy our first day at the park.
Air Conditioned Lines
After the show, we headed behind the castle to meet some Princesses! These lines are fantastic because they are in the air conditioning. Also, the theming is great. We used touring plans to help us know when to visit each attraction based on reported wait times and projected wait times.
Once we met our princesses, we jumped on the carousel to ride some royal horses. There is something about riding a carousel with a castle right next to you.
Magic Kingdom Genie Plus helps with avoiding bad lines
Next, we went to Peter Pan and redeemed our Genie+ reservation. This line is brutal as it is all outside and long. We were grateful for the reservation and made our next one around 9 am.
Waiting in lines that moved continuously
After Peter Pan, we went down the path to the Haunted Mansion. We did not mind waiting in this line because it is interactive and moves very quickly. Disney usually does a great job with lines and this one is no exception. Don’t forget to touch the organ!
Following the mansion, we decided to go back and see the other two princesses. There was a longer wait than we thought, but we were in the air conditioning in no time and were with royalty sooner than we thought.
Parades with Mickey Bars
Once we met our princesses, we were escorted out through Sir Mickey’s gift shop. I remembered from a previous trip this store had pixie dust. Both the girls were thoroughly “dusted” and we headed in front of the castle to get ready for the parade.
Festival of Fantasy is a can’t miss parade and we wanted to make sure we had a great spot. My husband found a spot on the curb right at a curve in the sidewalk and proceeded to get Mickey bars for the girls. By now, it was getting pretty hot as it was already noon.
We settled in and enjoyed the parade but watched some dark clouds move in. Once the parade ended, a little rain storm popped up. This was a perfect time to go to Tomorrowland and hit up the Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor.
Tomorrowland Fun
Magic Kingdom Genie Plus really helped here
This attraction was perfect for everyone. There is so much humor and crowd participation it will please anyone. And if it doesn’t, they have air conditioning!
Following the Laugh Floor, we jumped on the People Mover and enjoyed a calm ride through the Tomorrowland buildings.
By now, we were starting to get hungry, and we decided to grab our first Mickey Pretzel with the plastic cheese. The girls cooled off in a nearby water mister that we referred to as “Mister Mister.”
It was now time for our next Genie+ window at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. This was another great choice as the line gets very long and is outside. Just walking on was great but you do miss out on enjoying some fun theming.
Next, we went over to the Tomorrowland Speedway. This line looked very long and slow. We asked the kids if we should use Genie+ and come back later. They loved that idea and we used a window that would allow us to be back in a couple of hours. We headed over to Storybook Circus to ride Dumbo!
Storybook Circus
There are several reasons to enjoy the Dumbo attraction. First of all, I remember riding this classic when I was a child. Second, there is a play area inside while you wait for the ride that has seating and AC. The kids can have a chance to burn off some energy in the cooler temperatures, and, lastly, parents get a chance to sit down and take a break. Our kids love this area and requested to go in here.
After we spent ample time in the play area, we grabbed a snack (the Cheshire Cat tail) and headed back to the Tomorrowland Speedway. It was very nice avoiding this hot, long line. Genie+ for the win! This is a hit with our kids because they love being able to drive something as most kids do.
Castle Show
Next, we headed in front of the castle for the show with all our Disney pals. This was, unfortunately, at 4 in the afternoon. Read: it was very hot by now. We enjoyed the show and took the Monorail to the Polynesian Resort where we were able to settle in our room and enjoy a relaxed dinner by the pool.
Adventure Land
Again, Magic Kingdom Genie Plus was a must have
After some time winding down, we headed back on the monorail to Adventure Land to hit up our next reservation: Jungle Cruise. This ride has gotten very popular due to the movie and the fact that it’s a classic. We didn’t want to wait in line so we snagged this one earlier in the day and we were grateful as it was another long line in the heat.
After Jungle Cruise, we got some Dole Whip. Next, we found a spot for the fireworks an hour early. Make sure to get there early to find a good spot.
The lines clear out during the show, so now is the time to ride without lines.
End of Day
After enjoying the fireworks, we still had a couple more extra hours we were allowed to stay. Sadly, with two small kids and a whole week ahead, we decided to wrap it up. However, my oldest knew we wouldn’t have any lines and wanted to ride the Journey of the Little Mermaid.
We split up and ran to the back of the park to ride. At the same time, my husband and youngest went to the front to shop and grab a quick treat.
We met back up, took the monorail and, finally, crashed for the night.
Magic Kingdom Genie Plus Conclusion
I highly recommend the Genie+ at the Magic Kingdom. There are many attractions we still were unable to get to and I know we wouldn’t have been able to have all the experiences we had without Genie+.
We really enjoyed deciding to get out of a couple of lines to do a Lightning Lane later. It helped the day be more relaxed.
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