*This post has been modified when Genie+ was announced to replace FastPass at all Disney parks.

Many times while we are at the parks, we see guests “skip the line” and enter the Genie+(old FastPass) lane. Sometimes they scan in with a Genie+ return time, but there are other reasons guests may be using that line. In this post, we will break down why guests use the Genie+, AKA FastPass, line when they do NOT have a return time.

Photo Courtesy Disney Trippers

DAS Pass

One of the reasons you may see guests using the Genie+ line is for those people who qualify for the Disneys Disability Access Service Card, or DAS. Disney has this service set up to help guests with disabilities at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort to receive a return time for attractions based on the current wait time. Here are some important facts to keep in mind about the program:

• The DAS Card is designed to accommodate guests who can’t wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities).
• DAS will be issued at Guest Relations’ main entrance locations and will offer guests a return time for attractions based on the current wait time.
• As soon as the Guest finishes one attraction, they can receive a return time for another.
• This service accommodates guests who cannot wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities).

What is incredibly important to note is that the DAS Pass is for those guests who have an issue standing in lines due to a disability, and it should not be abused just to create your own FastPass simply.

Rider Swap

Another reason you will see guests in these lines is for a fantastic service that Disney has always had, the Rider Swap/Switch program. This service allows parents the opportunity to both ride an attraction if they have a child that is not quite tall enough to ride. Previously there was a “holding area” for parents to wait, but due to covid, this may not be avalible. Therefore parents have to follow these rules:

• 1. Approach the Cast Member at the ride entrance with your entire party. At least one adult in your party and the guests who are not riding will be issued a Rider Switch Pass via their Magic Bands or park tickets. The Rider Switch Pass will be added to the Genie+ section of their My Disney Experience Account. We’ll call them group #2.
• 2. The other party members, group #1, ride the attraction.
• 3. When they’re done, group #1 supervises the non-riding children or guests.
• 4. Then, group #2 enters the Genie+ queue and boards the attraction without waiting in the regular queue. The Rider Switch Pass will be validated using their Magic Band or park ticket.

Ride Return Pass

Another reason you may see a guest in the Genie+ line is an attraction breaking down earlier in the day. Guests are often given a Genie+ if they are on a ride while it breaks down. A Cast Member gives them the pass to walk on the ride later when it is up and running again. Another option is a “Multi-Experience FastPass” that they may give you for every member of your party that allows you to use it at any attraction that day. This might happen if they don’t expect the ride to be up and running soon or you plan to leave and go to a different park that day. The pass is added to your My Disney Experience account, and you will scan it as you return to ride the attraction that broke down or another ride if you have the “Multi-Experience FastPass.”

VIP Tours

If you’re willing to pay the money, you can skip the lines all day long by booking one of Disney’s VIP Tours. These tours allow you to utilize the Genie+ line at Disney Parks. Private VIP tours are available for up to 10 guests, and you may pick your start time with a minimum duration of 7 hours. Guides then lead your group to your desired experiences giving priority access to attractions, reserved viewing areas for fireworks and parades, and more. You can visit one or multiple parks during your time. Pricing for Private VIP Tours ranges from $425 to $750 per hour, per group, depending on the season, and park tickets & reservations are also required for each guest.

Club 33

If you have a little spare change and want to live the good life while at Disney World or Disneyland, join Club 33. Club 33 boasts many perks, but the top one (in my opinion) is the skip-the-line access at the parks. Here are a couple of reasons you may see Club 33 members in Genie+ lines:

• They get 5 Guided VIP Tours a year
• They also get a limited number of Multi-Experience Genie+ to use throughout the year.

Golden Oak

Speaking of the good life… You can also skip the line if you live at Disney. Let me explain… Golden Oak is a Disney Imagineer-developed residential neighborhood that offers a lot of perks and extras to the residents who live there. Not only do you live in an incredible home(homes start at 2 million dollars), but you’re also moments from Disney World. Owners of homes inside Golden Oak also get priority access to the Genie+ line at Walt Disney World.

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