How to Use the Walt Disney World App for Ride Times, Genie+, and Shows at Magic Kingdom

The My Disney Experience app is an essential tool for making the most of your time at Magic Kingdom. Whether you’re looking to check ride wait times, secure a Genie+ reservation, or find out when the next show starts, the app has everything you need at your fingertips. Here’s how to use the app effectively to manage your day, avoid long waits, and enjoy all the magic Magic Kingdom has to offer.

Setting Up the App

Before heading to Magic Kingdom, make sure you download the My Disney Experience app on your smartphone. It’s available for both iOS and Android devices and can be found in the App Store or Google Play Store.

Steps to set up:

Download and install the app.
Log in with your Disney account or create one if you’re a first-time user.
Link your park tickets, hotel reservation, and payment method to take full advantage of features like mobile food ordering and Genie+.

Checking Wait Times for Rides and Attractions

One of the most valuable features of the My Disney Experience app is the ability to check real-time wait times for rides and attractions. This allows you to plan your day more efficiently and avoid wasting time in long lines.

How to check ride times:

Open the app and select “Wait Times” from the menu.
A map of Magic Kingdom will appear, displaying all the rides and their current wait times.
Use the map to plan which attractions you want to visit next, prioritising those with shorter waits.

Pro Tip: Wait times tend to be lower early in the morning, late in the evening, or during parades and shows, so keep an eye on the app and adjust your plans accordingly.

Using Genie+ and Lightning Lane for Attractions

Genie+ is a paid service that allows you to reserve access to the Lightning Lane, which lets you skip the regular standby line for many popular attractions at Magic Kingdom. Here’s how you can use Genie+ through the app:

Purchase Genie+ via the My Disney Experience app starting at midnight on the day of your visit. You can start making reservations at 7 AM.
Browse the available attractions and choose your first Lightning Lane reservation for the day.
Once you’ve used your first Lightning Lane reservation, you can book another, or every two hours after park opening.

Top Genie+ Attractions to Reserve Early:

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (individual Lightning Lane purchase required)
Peter Pan’s Flight
Space Mountain
Jungle Cruise

These rides tend to have the longest wait times, making them top priorities for using Genie+.

Mobile Ordering for Food and Snacks

Why wait in line for food when you can order ahead? The My Disney Experience app allows you to mobile order food from various quick-service restaurants throughout Magic Kingdom, saving you time during busy meal periods.

How to Mobile Order:

Open the app and select “Order Food” from the main menu.
Choose your desired quick-service restaurant.
Customize your meal, place your order, and choose a pickup time that works for you.
When you’re near the restaurant, tap “I’m Here, Prepare My Order” in the app, and you’ll receive a notification when your food is ready for pickup.

Popular Quick-Service Locations for Mobile Ordering:

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café (Frontierland)
Casey’s Corner (Main Street, U.S.A.)
Columbia Harbour House (Liberty Square)

Viewing Show and Parade Times

Magic Kingdom is known for its enchanting shows and parades, including the Festival of Fantasy Parade and the nighttime spectacular Happily Ever After fireworks. The My Disney Experience app makes it easy to check showtimes and locations.

How to check showtimes:

Open the app and select “Entertainment” or “Showtimes” from the menu.
Browse through the list of shows, parades, and character meet-and-greets happening throughout the day.
Tap on any show to view its schedule and location within the park.

Pro Tip: Be sure to secure a good spot early for fireworks or parades. The app can help you identify less crowded areas to view these popular events.

Navigating Magic Kingdom with the App

The app also functions as a digital map, helping you navigate the park and find your next attraction or dining location easily.

How to use the map:

Tap “Map” on the app’s main screen.
Select different categories like “Attractions,” “Dining,” “Restrooms,” or “Guest Services” to filter what you need.
The map will show you the closest options based on your location within the park.

This feature is especially useful if you’re visiting for the first time or want to find your way to less obvious locations, like hidden dining spots or quiet rest areas.

Character Meet-and-Greets

Magic Kingdom is full of opportunities to meet your favourite Disney characters. The app lets you know where characters like Mickey, Minnie, and the Disney Princesses will be, as well as the times they’ll be available for meet-and-greets.

How to find characters:

Open the app and select “Characters” from the map.
Browse the list of available meet-and-greets and see the times for each character.
Head to the designated location for a magical photo op!

Pro Tips for Using the App at Magic Kingdom

Refresh Often: Wait times and showtimes can change throughout the day. Refresh the app regularly to stay updated and adjust your plans as needed.
Turn on Notifications: Enable push notifications so you’ll get alerts when your Lightning Lane is ready, or your mobile order is available.
Download the App Before You Arrive: Be sure to download and set up the app ahead of your visit to avoid delays when you get to the park.
Use Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected to Magic Kingdom’s free Wi-Fi to avoid data roaming charges, especially if you’re visiting from outside the U.S.

Conclusion

The My Disney Experience app is your ultimate tool for making the most of your day at Magic Kingdom. From checking ride wait times to securing Genie+ reservations, ordering food, and finding your favourite shows, the app helps you plan and navigate your day efficiently. By staying on top of the app’s features, you can ensure a smoother, more magical experience during your visit!