Magic Kingdom Castle Evening

Genie+ Stacking – The Hack To Get More Done With Genie+

Whether you’re in Disney World or Disneyland, one of the most frustrating aspects of any visit to the theme parks is all the waiting in line. Fortunately, Disney has the solution: Genie+ and the Lightning Lanes. Unfortunately, it’s going to cost you. 

While we can’t do anything about the price of Genie+ (aside from offer some sweet discount Disney tickets), we can help you make the most it with a popular Disney travel hack: Genie+ stacking with the 120 Minute Rule. Let’s break it down. 

Disney Lightning Lane & Genie+ Basics

Taking the place of MaxPass, FastPass+ and FastPass, Disney Genie+ and the Lightning Lanes allow guests to bypass the standby lines at some of the Disney Parks’ most popular attractions – for a price. While those out on the west coast are already familiar with idea of paid line-skipping, thanks to MaxPass, this is the first time the concept has made its way to Central Florida

For at least $25 a day per person in Disneyland or $15 a day or more in Walt Disney World, Disney Genie+ isn’t a cheap addition to your family vacation. However, when the service is used effectively – like with the stacking strategy below – and reservations are available, it can be a smart way to save time. 

Tea-cups at nighttime

Alternatively, (or “in addition,” depending on how much you want to spend), guests can also purchase access to Individual Lightning Lane Attractions, typically the parks’ most in-demand rides. Priced per attraction based on guest demand that day, they’re a particularly expensive way to skip the lines. 

Can you have more than one Genie+ reservation at a time? 

Yes! While you can’t book more than one Genie+ reservation at once, you can hold multiple Genie+ reservations at a time by utilizing the 120 Minute Rule. This is called Genie+ stacking. You are also able to have both a Genie+ reservation and an Individual Lightning Lane entrance at the same time. 

Stack & Hack Your Disney Vacation with Genie+ & the 120 Minute Rule

So, what exactly is the 120 Minute Rule and how do you use it to your advantage? After making a Genie+ reservation, you need to wait until one of a few things happens (whichever comes first): 

  • You tap in for your return time – both touchpoints, if there are two
  • Your window passes or – you can check in for your reservation up to 15 minutes after your return time ends
  • It is two hours after the park opened – or two hours since you booked your last time slot

This last bullet point is called the 120 Minute Rule. 

The Genie+ 120 Minute Rule, Disney’s Ride Reservation Loophole

White Coaster as Sunset

Guests can book their very first return time starting at 7 AM, even if they’re nowhere near the park. Since you’ll want to reserve the most popular rides first for Genie Plus stacking, this should give you a return time that is later on in the day, as reservations are limited and only available for the next open time slot. 

However, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck in the standby lines until your return time rolls around. You just need to wait for either two hours after the theme park opens or, if you’re making a reservation during park hours, two hours after reserving your last attraction. This cooling-off period helps keep the most in-demand rides from getting snapped up all at once.

For example, if you booked your first time slot at 7 AM and the park opens at 10 AM, you can’t reserve another ride until noon. Then, assuming you make that reservation at 12:02 PM, you’ll be able to secure your next return time starting at 2:02 PM.   

Stacking Genie+ Reservations with the 120 Minute Rule

Disney Genie+ stacking utilizes the 120 Minute Rule accumulate several Lightning Lane reservations during the day and backload them into the afternoon and evening. Let’s look at how this works in practice. Since visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios works well with stacking Genie+ reservations, we’ll use that as our example. 

  • At 7 AM, you reserve a Lightning Lane return time for Slinky Dog Dash for 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. 
  • Hollywood Studios opens at 8 AM, starting the 120-minute countdown. 
  • You can make your next reservation at 10 AM. You secure a 5:45 PM to 6:45 PM window for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, starting the 120-minute countdown again.  
  • At noon, you book a time slot for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run for 7:15 PM to 8:15 PM, starting the 120-minute countdown once more.
  • At 2 PM, you reserve a time for Toy Story Mania for 6 PM to 7 PM, again starting the 120-minute countdown.
  • At 4 PM, you make a reservation for Alien Swirling Saucers for 6:45 PM to 7:45 PM, starting the 120-minute countdown. 
  • But, this time you won’t need it. You arrive for your Slinky Dog Dash window at 4:30 PM, freeing you up to make your next return time only 30 minutes later. 

This is Genie+ stacking at its most basic. Previously, guests could also exploit another Genie+ quirk which allowed visitors to have numerous rolling reservations. However, that loophole has since been closed. 

Genie+ Stacking: Who, What, Where & When 

Large Rocks with Greenery and Water Falling at Avatar's Flight of Passage

Though it takes a bit of planning and attention, the Genie Plus 120 Minute Rule is a simple, highly effective strategy. That being said, it isn’t for everyone, or even every park. 

A Disney Hack Best for Park Hoppers & Lazy Days with a Late Start

So, who should try stacking Genie Plus reservations? This Disney travel hack works well with a few different scenarios. Since you start by booking the most popular ride first and work your way down the list, you tend to end up with a clump of reservations in the afternoon and evening. 

This basically backloads your fun and, if you like, your time in the parks, ultimately freeing up your morning to do other things. Rather than those who plan to spend all day in the same park, Genie Plus stacking is great for folks with Park Hopper tickets or reservations for brunch or a character breakfast. It’s also works well with a morning at Disney Springs or Downtown Disney or lazing by the hotel pool.  

Now, go on. Reserve that ride from the shores of Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts. Book that return time during your tee time for a round of golf or mini-golf. Make that reservation while dining with Mickey or the princesses. Plan out that afternoon visit to Magic Kingdom while spending the morning sampling the Epcot festival du jour – or, if you’re on the west coast, Disneyland and California Adventure

As for which rides you should choose for Genie Plus stacking, you have several options depending on which park you visit. Keep in mind that reservations are based on availability and attractions are subject to change. 

Walt Disney World Genie+ Rides List

Mickey and Minnie Runaway Railway Entrance

There are over 40 different attractions available with the Disney Genie+ service at Walt Disney World, with most of them found at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. In fact, these are really the only two parks that we’d recommend you splurge on Genie+ for. 

As for Epcot and Animal Kingdom, there are definitely some rides you can’t miss. However, you should be able to see most of them by taking advantage of Early Theme Park Entry or Extended Evening Hours, paying for an Individual Attraction Selection or simply using the standby line. 

*Please note that a few rides which are typically offered as Individual Attraction Selections – Space Mountain, Frozen Ever After and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – will instead be available as part of the Disney Genie+ service from February 25, 2022 and August 7, 2022. 

**Expedition Everest will be closed for refurbishment from January 4 through mid-April 2022.

Lightning Lane & Genie+ Magic Kingdom Attractions

Individual Lightning Lane Selections

  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – 38” (97 centimeters) or taller

Disney Genie+ Lightning Lanes

  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – 40” (102 centimeters) or taller
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
  • Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • Haunted Mansion
  • “it’s a small world”
  • Jungle Cruise
  • Mad Tea Party
  • Meet Ariel at Her Grotto
  • Meet Cinderella and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
  • Meet Mickey at Town Square Theater
  • Meet Princess Tiana and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
  • Mickey’s PhilharMagic
  • Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Space Mountain – 44” (112 centimeters) or taller
  • The Barnstormer – 35” (89 centimeters) or taller
  • The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  • Tomorrowland Speedway – 32” (82 centimeters) or taller
  • Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid

Lightning Lane & Genie+ Epcot Attractions

Fountain and signage for Remy's Adventure Ride

Individual Lightning Lane Selections

  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – 42” (107 centimeters) or taller

Disney Genie+ Lightning Lanes 

  • Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
  • Frozen Ever After
  • Journey into Imagination with Figment
  • Living with the Land
  • Mission: SPACE – 40” (102 centimeters) or taller
  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
  • Soarin’ Around the World – 40” (102 centimeters) or taller
  • Spaceship Earth
  • Test Track – 40” (102 centimeters) or taller
  • The Seas with Nemo & Friends
  • Turtle Talk with Crush

Lightning Lane & Genie+ Hollywood Studios Attractions

Individual Lightning Lane Selections

  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – 40” (102 centimeters) or taller

Disney Genie+ Lightning Lanes 

  • Alien Swirling Saucers – 32” (82 centimeters) or taller
  • Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
  • Disney Junior Play & Dance!
  • For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
  • Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
  • Meet Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight
  • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
  • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – 38” (97 centimeters) or taller
  • Muppet*Vision 3D
  • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – 48” (122 centimeters) or taller
  • Slinky Dog Dash – 38” (97 centimeters) or taller
  • Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – 40” (102 centimeters) or taller
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – 40” (102 centimeters) or taller
  • Toy Story Mania!

Lightning Lane & Genie+ Animal Kingdom Attractions

Off-road vehicle surrounded by forest

Individual Lightning Lane Selection

  • Avatar Flight of Passage – 44” (113 centimeters) or taller

Disney Genie+ Lightning Lanes 

  • DINOSAUR – 40” (102 centimeters) or taller
  • Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain** – 44” (112cm) or taller
  • Feathered Friends in Flight!
  • Festival of the Lion King
  • Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
  • It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
  • Kali River Rapids – 38” (97 centimeters) or taller
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris
  • Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost
  • Naʻvi River Journey
  • The Animation Experience at Conservation Station

Disneyland Genie+ Rides List

Disney Lightning Lane access is available with Genie+ at nearly 20 rides throughout Disneyland. Since folks on the west coast are already familiar with the 120 Minute Rule due to the former FastPass and MaxPass, stacking Genie+ reservations  for the following rides should be relatively simple:

Lightning Lane & Genie+ Disneyland Park Attractions

Indiana Jones Adventure Ride Sign

Individual Lightning Lane Selection

  • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – 40″ (102 cm) or taller

Disney Genie+ Lightning Lanes 

  • Autopia – 32″ (81 cm) or taller and accompanied by another rider 54″ or taller, 54″ (137 cm) or taller to ride alone
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – 40″ (102 cm) or taller
  • Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
  • Haunted Mansion
  • Indiana Jones Adventure – 46″ (117 cm) or taller
  • “it’s a small world”
  • Matterhorn Bobsleds – 42″ (107 cm) or taller
  • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – 38″ (97 cm) or taller
  • Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
  • Space Mountain – 40″ (102 cm) or taller
  • Splash Mountain – 40″ (102 cm) or taller
  • Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – 40″ (102 cm) or taller

Lightning Lane & Genie+ California Adventure Park Attractions

Lightning McQueen and Sally Carrera Riding In Front of Red and Rocks at Sunset

Individual Lightning Lane Selections

  • Radiator Springs Racers – 40″ (102 cm) or taller

Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane 

  • Goofy’s Sky School – 42″ (107 cm) or taller
  • Grizzly River Run – 42″ (107 cm) or taller
  • Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! – 40″ (102 cm) or taller
  • Incredicoaster – 48″ (122 cm) or taller
  • Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
  • Soarin’ Around the World – 40″ (102 cm) or taller
  • Toy Story Midway Mania!
  • WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure

Tips & Tricks for Using the 120 Minute Rule to Stack Genie+ Reservations

Rise of the Resistance Disneyland entrance

Ready to leverage this Disney Genie+ loophole? Keep reading for our top suggestions on how to make the most of the 120 Minute Rule and stack your way to a great vacation.    

Don’t Miss the 7 AM Start Time for Making Genie+ Reservations

For the best shot at the most in-demand rides and a chance to cram a ton of Disney Lightning Lane reservations into your day, you need to be on the app and ready to reserve your first attraction right at 7 AM. Some Genie+ rides, particularly those at Hollywood Studios in Disney World, are incredibly popular and reservations can fill up quickly. So, if you know you want to experience attractions like Slinky Dog Dash, you’ll need to be up early.  

Set Alarms for Each 120-Minute Cooling-Off Period

We’ll admit that this next suggestion may seem a bit over the top, it’s the easiest way to stay on top of those 120 minutes and make sure you get the earliest return time possible. So, if you want to book as many Genie+ reservations as you can, it’s time to fire up your alarm app. 

Set an alarm for a bit before 7 AM, allowing enough time to get on the app and buy Genie+ before the reservation rumble begins. Then, set additional apps for a few minutes before each 120-minute window ends. 

For example, if the park you’re going to opens at 8:30 AM, you will be able to make your next Lightning Lane reservation at 10:30 AM, and so on. If you’re extra organized, you can even label each alarm with the ride you would ideally want to reserve next.   

Prioritize the Most Popular Rides, Along with Your Favorites

Avengers logo on concrete wall

As we mentioned, some ride reservations can be extremely popular, sometimes selling out in seconds. Accordingly, you’ll want to book a return time for those attractions first, then work your way through the other rides on your to-do list. 

Keep in mind that even if you make your first Genie+ reservation right away at 7 AM, given some attractions’ popularity, your return times likely won’t be until later that afternoon. Don’t worry – you can still make another ride reservation for earlier in the day. 

Remember You Can Overlap Ride Return Times

While FastPass+ was fussy about ride reservations with overlapping return times, Genie+ isn’t picky. In other words, there’s nothing to stop you from making booking Space Mountain for 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM and Splash Mountain for 6:35 PM to 7:35 PM. 

Of course, this is used to our benefit with stacking because it allows us to pile several reservations close together in a short period of time. Having said that, you do still need to be mindful of your return windows and the time it will take you to get from ride to ride. 

If you’re worried a timeframe won’t fit your schedule, simply pick a different attraction or check back in a few minutes to snap up the next available opening. 

Utilize Early & Late Admission Offerings and Individual Lightning Lane Selections 

Genie+ isn’t the only tool available to you when it comes to accomplishing all the attractions on your list. Individual Lightning Lane Selections are an easy, albeit expensive, way to tackle Disney’s most popular rides. 

Additionally, if you are staying at one of the Disney hotels (or, for Disneyland guests, have a valid 3+ day ticket), you can also take advantage of perks like Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours for guests of the Disney World hotels and Extra Magic Hour and Magic Morning for those staying at the Disneyland hotels. Since the parks tend to be less busy during these exclusive periods, it can be possible to do rides without much of a wait. 

Have you tried stacking Genie+ reservations with the 120 Minute Rule? Let us know in the comments! Wish Genie+ wasn’t so expensive? We can help! Save some dough and make the most of your day with our Disney discount tickets