4 Big Perks of Disney Genie+

If you haven't taken a vacation to Disney recently, you may not be aware of all of the new lingo. Specifically, Disney has done away with its free FastPass program that enabled you to sign up and skip the lines for certain rides. Now, it's been replaced by a paid alternative called Genie+.

Genie+ costs $15 or more per person, depending on the date and crowd levels. This can add a lot to the cost of your vacation, which has probably already done a number on your checking account given the price of Disney tickets.

But, there are some benefits to Genie+ that might make it worth it to break out your credit card to pay for it. Here are four of them.

1. Access to Lightning Lane entrances

Lightning Lanes are the new version of fast-pass lanes. There's a separate, shorter entrance you go in so you can get on the rides faster than you would if you stood in the standard line.

The ability to reserve Lightning Lane access is the single best reason to sign up for Genie+. You are able to make a reservation for a Lightning Lane entry two hours prior to the time the park opens for the day you're visiting. The specific reservation time will vary by ride. For example, if you make a reservation for a Lightning Lane pass for a popular ride like Ratatouille, you might get a 2 p.m. time if you sign up at 7 a.m.

As you use each reservation, you can make another one. You also get to make a new reservation two hours after park opening and every two hours after that. So, if you made your Ratatouille reservation for 2 p.m., you could make another reservation for a different ride starting at 11 a.m. And, for a less popular ride, you might be able to make a reservation to get on at, say 11:10 a.m.

Lightning Lane access is the single best reason to buy Genie+ since you can avoid waiting for rides. You can't get on everything, as there are some rides that only give you Lightning Lane access if you buy individual passes. But, for most rides, it is possible to save a ton of time with the Lightning Lane versus waiting in the standard line.

2. Digital downloads of PhotoPass attractions

You normally must pay for a photo package to get access to the pictures taken on rides around the Disney park. But, if you sign up for Genie+, you can also get free digital downloads of PhotoPass attraction photos. This includes pictures taken on popular rides like Test Track or Space Mountain.

3. Disney-themed lenses for your phone camera

If you'd prefer to take your own photos with some special lenses that add a little Disney magic, you can also get access to that with Genie+ service. You'll find the lenses in the My Disney Experience app and can choose from a wide variety of themed effects that transform your pictures from ordinary to extraordinary.

4. Access to Audio Tales

Finally, you can enjoy audio clips that provide behind-the-scenes information about Disney parks and attractions as part of your Genie+ services. These are inspired by Imagineering Field Guides and are great for frequent park visitors who want to see the park in a new way.

These four features are a great addition to your Disney day, and may just make paying the $15 (or more) for Genie+ services worthwhile.