Genie+ strategy at Epcot
By Jenna Caron
Before you read this post - please go back to my previous MEGA guide that explains all things Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes. It's important to understand the basics before learning a Genie+ strategy for each individual park.
If you're thinking about purchasing Genie+ at Epcot, it's normally the second lowest price when comparing it to other parks. Magic Kingdom is the most expensive (Magic Kingdom + the multiple parks Genie+ that is), then Hollywood Studios, then Epcot, and lastly Animal Kingdom. The pricing for Genie+ is dynamic and is based on how busy the parks will be, therefore how in demand Genie+ will be. Since Epcot Genie+ pricing is normally second lowest, you can see that the demand for it is normally lower when compared to Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. Nonetheless - there are certainly advantages to using Genie+ at Epcot!
One thing I will say - is that if you're planning to rope drop OR you are a deluxe resort guest and have extended evening hours - you could skip Genie+ for Epcot. Take this advice with a grain of salt, though; if you're visiting at peak travel times (Spring Break, Christmas, runDisney events etc.) then Genie+ is almost ALWAYS worth your money.
Keep in mind that Epcot is a great park to hop to since it's connected to the monorail, skyliner AND the friendship boats. Therefore, purchasing the multiple parks Genie+ is a great way to utilize Genie+ at Epcot later in the day.
Attractions eligible for Genie+ at Epcot
- Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
- Frozen Ever After
- Journey Into Imagination With Figment
- Living With The Land
- Mission: SPACE (Orange and Green)
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
- The Seas With Nemo & Friends
- Soarin’
- Spaceship Earth
- Test Track
- Turtle Talk With Crush
It is expected that around June 10th, Mickey and Friends meet and greet at Communicore Hall will be added to the Genie+ list for Epcot!
7:00am to do list!
If you're purchasing Genie+, be sure to have it purchased by 6:45am at the latest. Remember that Epcot has the virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. A general rule of thumb at 7:00am: always get into the virtual queue FIRST since it's FREE. This means that normally, more guests will be trying for the FREE option vs the PAID options (Genie+ first selection, Individual Lightning Lanes).
So, step one is to get the virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy if you're planning on riding that attraction. Step two, will be to make your first Lightning Lane selection. Step three is to purchase your Individual Lightning Lane for Guardians of the Galaxy if you a) want to ride it twice or b) want to select a specific time to ride the attraction (vs the virtual queue where you don't know what time you will be called back). REMEMBER: if you are staying on site at Walt Disney World, you can purchase an Individual Lighting Lane at 7:00am. If you are staying off site, you can purchase an Individual Lightning Lane when the park OPENS.
What should be your first Genie+ selection?
If you're rope dropping (and have early entry) I would suggest choosing either Remy's Ratatouille Adventure or Frozen Ever After for your first Lightning Lane selection (while keeping a close eye on Test Track). Which one you choose is based on which attraction you're planning on rope dropping.
If you're coming in on the Skyliner, I would highly suggest rope dropping Remy's Ratatouille Adventure and selecting Frozen or Test Track for your first LL selection.
If you're coming in on the monorail or the bus, I suggest rope dropping Frozen Ever After and making Remy's Ratatouille Adventure your first LL selection.
Test Track is another popular attraction where Lightning Lanes go quickly. If Test Track is a higher priority for you than Frozen Ever After or Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, I would suggest either rope dropping it and getting your first LL for FEA or RRA OR I would rope drop FEA or RRA and make Test Track your first LL selection. It all comes down to what is most important to you.
Keep in mind that some days are busier than others, and some LL's will sell out quicker than others. Remy's is notorious for selling out, with Frozen being a close second. Be sure to keep your eyes on the app and book whatever is selling out the quickest as soon as possible.
Higher priority attractions to use Genie+ on throughout the day
- Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
- Frozen Ever After
- Test Track
Medium priority attractions to use Genie+ on throughout the day
- Soarin'
- Mission Space
- Spaceship Earth
Lower priority attractions to use Genie+ on throughout the day
- Film Festival
- The Seas
- Journey into Imagination
- Living with the Land
- Turtle Talk with Crush
Epcot is a unique park, and once you hit the top three high priority Genie+ attractions and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, you're in a good position for the rest of your day. Many of the shows and lower priority rides can be a walk on at various points throughout the day! This is why some folks think it might not be worth it to purchase Genie+ at Epcot if they plan on rope dropping or have extended evening hours.
Ranking Genie+ Priorities at Epcot
- Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
- Frozen Ever After
- Test Track
- Soarin
- Mission Space
- Spaceship Earth
- The Seas
- Living with the Land
- Journey into Imagination
- Turtle Talk with Crush
- Film Festival
This is a GENERALIZED priority list based on an average day at Epcot. It's important to be flexible and prioritize what attractions are important to you and your family. Everyones days will look a little different.
Genie+ can certainly make your visit to Epcot more convenient and enjoyable. I know a lot of families (including myself) who will purchase Genie+ for multiple parks on an Epcot day, so that they can use it in the morning in combination with an effective rope drop strategy and then start stacking Lightning Lanes for their next park. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your family and your priorities.
If you're looking for personalized Disney travel advice, be sure to book your next trip through me! My services are 100% free, and I will help you every step of the way when it comes to your Magical Disney vacation.
