My mom and I ventured over to Disney World the week Genie Plus and Lightening Lanes were introduced and here is what we learned. Disney World’s NEW Genie Plus and Lightening Lanes Explained!
Genie Plus and Lightening Lanes Explained
Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise
We not only tried out the NEW Genie Plus and Lightening Lanes, but we were able to do a few new things that we had never done before too, such as the Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise. It was packed full of desserts, drinks, fireworks and a relaxing time. Don’t worry, we are going to dive deeper in! Genie Plus and Lightening Lanes Explained
The Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise boarded at Magic Kingdom’s Ticket and Transportation Center close to where the Ferry Boats load that take you to the Magic Kingdom. Our cruise started at 7pm on this particular night. We were able to check-in at 6:15pm, boarded at 6:45pm, set sail at 7:10pm, 8pm fireworks and we disembarked at 8:15pm.
The cruise boat was a ferry boat that had regular ferry boat seating, as well as, a few tables that you could set your food and drinks on while sailing on Bay Lake. The desserts were buffet style and the drinks were bottomless. Of course, they had specialty drinks and desserts for the occasion. When the fireworks started we had a front row seat to all of the fun, of course.
More information on this fun cruise in our YouTube video.
Swan and Dolphin Resort and Spa
The Swan and Dolphin Resort was great! Although Swan and Dolphin is owned by Marriott, it still has the same Disney magic. It is in walking distance or a boat ride to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, as well as a bus ride to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Their bus system works close to the same way as the Disney bus system and honesty we did not see much of a difference at all. It was very familiar and easy.
We loved the fact that the hotel was in walking distance to parks and that we could ride a boat to some of the parks. This resort gave us more variety than just riding the buses, so it made for new adventures and fun.
The Swan and Dolphin also has an app that can help you with anything you need from room service to transportation and anything else you may need. It was super easy to use and we used it often on our stay.
We ate at a few restaurants in the hotel such as the famous Garden Grove for breakfast and it did not disappoint. Unfortunately the characters were not out at the time we went, but it was still a great dining experience and the food was delicious. It definitely filled us up so we could go on with our jam packed day in the parks.
Let my friends at Smile Destinations help you decide if this resort is right for you and your family!
Le Cellier at the Canada Pavilion
Le Cellier is located at the Canada Pavilion in Epcot. Since our hotel was so close we walked to Epcot to see what our dining options were for that night through the new Genie system (free to everyone) on the My Disney Experience App. Once we got into the Epcot we noticed there was a 10 minute stand-by time for Le Cellier, so we put our name on the list and started walking towards our soon-to-be dinner. We had never eaten here and we wanted to see what all of the fuss was about.
The Genie system helped us so much with scoring this restaurant. The Tip Board recommended this restaurant to us and I was glad it did. I would not have ever tried to get a reservation here on the fly, because most of the time it is booked way out. So honestly, I would have forgotten and would have gone somewhere else to eat dinner. But since it was not booked for that night, it was recommended on my Tip Board within Genie and we were able to eat here for the first time! Simple and easy!
Upon arriving we were taken directly to our seat, where we noticed the ambience is similar to Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom.
We each ordered their famous steak and a salad. The pictures do not do it any justice, though. And of course, after the main course, we had to check out the Maple Creme Brulee. Yum!
Nomad Lounge in Animal Kingdom
The Nomad Lounge is located in Animal Kingdom right outside of Pandora. Although we had already been several times, we had to go again. Since it was just my Mom and I we decided to go and enjoy drinks and their famous gluten free churros by ourselves. No sharing with the kiddos! Ha!
Although one of my twins absolutely loves these churros. I was in trouble when I got home and he realized I ate them without him. Oops!
We each had a margarita that was delicious, gluten-free churros and sliders with potato wedges. It was delicious and so nice to be able to rest our feet and relax for a moment after a day of hustle-and-bustle. 
If you decide to go to Nomad Lounge next time you are in Disney World keep in mind that there is seating outside, as well. The kids would love being outside while you enjoy the porch view, seen below.
Disney World’s Genie Plus
The Disney Genie+ option is similar to the previous FastPass option at Disney World and MaxPass option at Disneyland. It is the official replacement. You pay a one time fee and then are able to make reservations for your favorite attractions directly from your smart phones.
You can add Genie+ to your vacation before you leave or wait and add it when you get there day-to-day as you go.
Keep in mind, Genie+ is a paid service that will get you on rides more quickly. Genie is free and is included as an update to the Disney World (and soon to be Disneyland) apps. Disney Genie is a complimentary trip-planning service, Disney Genie+ is a paid service that lets you use a “Lightning Lane” entrance to bypass the standby line on select attractions.
If you have a hubs or someone in the family that does not like standing in line then Genie+ is right for you!
Tip: Remember to check the Tip Board all throughout the day on Genie. You can get recommendations for your day!
Disney World’s Lightening Lanes
Disney also has a new service for the top tier attractions across the resorts for guests to purchase one time immediate access to those attractions.
