Universal Throws Major Shade At Disney Over New Genie+

in Universal Orlando

Disney Universal

Credit: (Left) Universal/(Right) Disney

On August 18, Disney unveiled a ton of details about its new in-app service, Disney Genie. According to Disney, Disney Genie will help Guests maximize their time in the theme parks by seamlessly updating itineraries, giving personalized tips, and helping Guests join virtual queues, make dining reservations, and more! Also, a part of the new Disney Genie is Disney Genie+ — which is the catalyst for a lot of debate and chatter.

disney genie
Credit: Disney

Disney Genie+ is replacing all previous FastPass systems at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Disney Genie+ is a paid system that will allow Guests to book the next available spots for certain attractions and wait in a special line, like a FastPass. Disney Genie+ will cost Walt Disney World Guests $15 per day and Disneyland Guests $20 per day.

disney genie plus
Credit: Screenshot via Disney Parks Blog

One major aspect of Disney Genie+ has many Guests up in arms. While not all rides and attractions will be available on Genie+, there will actually be some rides that Guests will have to pay extra for — on top of the Disney Genie+ cost — to get to the front of the line. Extremely popular rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom and Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure Park will be part of the Lightning Lane and you can only access the Lightning Lane by paying more.

disney world mine train
Credit: Disney

Disney fans are a vocal group, and they have no problem letting their voices — and discontent — be heard. Social media has been alight with people discussing the concept of paid-for FastPasses at a place where they used to be free — Disneyland Guests are not quite as upset, as they were using the Disney MaxPass system (which was a paid system) before the theme parks shut down.

MaxPass
Credit: Disney

Universal Orlando took to Twitter to jump into the conversation, and boy is the Florida theme park a shady one. Universal Orlando sent the following tweet on August 23.

Universal+

More coasters
More UOAP perks
More churros

That is not even the first tweet that Universal has sent when it comes to Disney Genie. As everyone knows, the Genie granted Aladdin 3 wishes, so Universal asked Guests what three wishes they would like.

You get 3 Universal wishes.
What are they?
GO.

Even though the tweets are hilarious, it is important to remember that Universal Studios has been charging Guests for front-of-the-line access for years with its Universal Express Pass. The price for Universal Express can vary based on the day of the week you would like it and the time of year you will be visiting the park. Universal Express costs start at $69.99 per day and go up from there. However, Universal does NOT charge extra fees on top of the Express Pass for front-of-the-line access to more popular rides.

Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Credit: Universal Orlando

Disney has not announced at this time if they will be offering Annual Passholders and Magic Key Holders any type of discount on Disney Genie+. Prior to the pandemic shutdowns, Disneyland Annual Passholders were able to pay one flat rate to be able to use the MaxPass system each time they went to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.

Do you agree with Universal’s tweet? How do you feel about Disney Genie+? Let us know in the comments!

CLICK HERE to book your Disney and Universal vacations with our friends at Academy Travel – an EarMarked Diamond travel agency that can provide you with a free quote today!

in Universal Orlando

View Comments (36)