Should You Pay To Skip The Lines at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios?

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is easily the hardest Disney park to visit right now. With tons of heavy hitters like Slinky Dog Dash, Rise of the Resistance, Tower of Terror, and more, how should you navigate the park? Should you pay for Genie+? Will it even help? Molly and Quincy are headed to the park to put the new system to the test. Find out the results, as well as tips and tricks on how to deal with the park now!
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[@erikapoulin2330]

Molly sounding calm, cool and collected. Quincy is basically out of breath speed walking. That is what I’ve gathered from this experiment. 😂

[@JasmineDreams]

I just can't get past how unnecessarily confusing Genie+ is. If I wasn't a big fan of Disney vlogs and hadn't watched all these videos & if I just went to the park like a regular guest with no idea about it, bought it, and tried to use it.... I'd be pissed off. lol.

[@JuniperMB]

Yes. I used it when I went with my two kids about a week after it released so there were no real videos to help. I spent the $16 each (including tax) to get Genie + in Hollywood studios, but was only able to actually book Slinky Dog since I couldn't get it until later in the day and by the time my 2 hour window opened up, the only thing with a lightning lane available was muppets. Had I known you have to use a straategy to figure out when to book and what to book, I'd have planned better. I was expecting the carefree express pass from Universal since Disney is now charging for it. Definitely not the case.

[@christineschmidutz5057]

I've watched. It's still complicated and I'm skipping it

[@heatherframpton3669]

Molly has become such a pro at this that I would love to see some others do some genie+ experiments. Perhaps MK...but maybe Molly vs. Quincy and Breedlove (all using genie+) but the two groups not sharing their plans with each other (it would show the difference between what a seasoned Genie vet like Molly can do vs. others that aren't as experienced with it...like those of us that will be using it for the first time). I love all of Molly's guidance but sometimes it feels like I wouldn't be as successful having not used the app a lot.

[@melaniespees7218]

I love this idea.

[@jasonlindahaddock5851]

I would love to see a video where you are navigating either MK or HS with a larger group of people, maybe even a stroller, to show how an average family can do it most efficiently. Even with these great tips I'm guessing there's a big difference between having one person buzzing around a park vs a group and the challenges that come with it.

[@duvalfamily4605]

This. Absolutely this. I understand that theoretically having multiple people in your "group" works the same in the app, but it's not the same walking from ride to ride or with kids who can't walk as fast or may need a break. Love the videos though.

[@lauragokey9109]

@@duvalfamily4605 I agree!!

[@ktpaladino]

Easy, just multiply a single person’s time by 10 for every small child you have 🤣🤣🤣

[@CritterKeeper01]

I'd love to see the team role-playing a family! Molly and Breed love as the parents, Quincy as the bratty ten-year-old, Morgan as a Bored/embarrassed teenager, and they're pushing a stroller with someone's favorite stuffed animal or doll in it to be the new baby!

[@charmedbychelssea2113]

AGREEED! we are going with 8 adults 1 kid in 3 weeks. Genie is being bought if we don’t have to spend 3 plus hours in lines

[@lpierce8842]

I’d love to see you do a video using Genie+ while also using common sense and going on rides in between that have shorter standby waits. I think that would be more useful to me for my planned trip in May. I’ve already determined that I’ll probably only buy Genie+ at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios so I’d especially like to see this in those parks.

[@britiabradshaw3878]

I agree. I'd like to see a Best Day Ever scenario. Lots of rides, shows, character interactions, dining, and limited walking and waiting. I don't want to walk from RNRC to ROTR and then back to TOT and I'm willing to buy Genie+.

[@melaniespees7218]

This is a great idea.

[@happilyeverafter_71]

I like this idea!

[@Thomas-Chophouse]

This is what we are doing in Feb. Rope drop some “fancy” rides to avoid paying for them and use Genie+ and common sense on shorter lines to pack in as much as possible, versus how they are going super fast with no passes or super relaxed with passes

[@britiabradshaw3878]

@@Thomas-Chophouse Awesome! Thanks!

[@marialyngpoulsen]

Thank you for all the good data you provide. I'd like to see a role playing video with 4 people from the team, one mom (e.g. Molly) one dad (e.g.Quincy) one child 5yo under 40" (e.g. Alan) one child 11yo (e.g. Breedlove) Everyone has a "handycap" e.g. doesn't like scary things at all. Breaks down crying at secret predetermined time. Is a very picky eater. Refusing to ride water rides. Day must include a sit-down meal, Genie +, bathroom breaks, snacks that melt and get messy. 😋

[@urozzom]

hahahaha this would be so fun and entertaining oh my god

[@happilyeverafter_71]

Omg this would be SO funny!

[@camh1145]

omg they need to do this

[@lindseysharon259]

Molly, Quincy, AND the Editor were on their A game today! The contrast between the two days was a lot of fun to watch!

[@chalronbjork4766]

TWO UPLOAD IDEAS: Can Quincy and Molly please do an upload for no Genie +, one person staying on property, one staying off property so we can get strategies. Then also an upload of one person on property, one off but both use Genie + so we can see strategies for this also.

[@coriehernandez1004]

My favorite thing about this video was having watched the other two videos first and getting a feel for how these videos are put together.

[@PrincessOverDoesIt]

Same. I had just watched the snacks one.

[@whereistheaimee4487]

I would like to see a comparison of stacking LLs starting later in the day (mid-afternoon), versus starting at park opening to compare how much time you would spend in the park each way.

[@jordanungiechajer1891]

Very interesting science... I would love to see how you utilize Genie+ combining Epcot and Hollywood Studios. I feel like that's a common park combo for park hopping! It's also interesting once you factor in which park stays open later, where do you start/finish, and what happens when fantasmic comes back if you want to prioritize that? So many different plans in my head! Great video!!!

[@katieh1008]

Thank you for these videos! It helped SOOOO much when we went to HS today. We rope dropped and basically walked on RoR as soon as park opened for resort guests, one minute wait for smugglers run, and less than 5 min wait for Star Tours. I don't recomed those last two back to back though LOL because of these videos we got done sooo much early and knew what needed to look for/prioritze. It was perfect for us first timers!!

[@MissSunshine2525]

Thank you guys for doing these videos and repeated testing of genie plus. My family is visiting Disney and other parks the first week of the New Year kinda last minute. I’m taking on the brunt of the planning and I would be lost on a lot of stuff without yall! Even for a girl in my early twenties, they don’t make this stuff easy, so thank you!

[@SeedMoney8432]

I have a recommendation for a video or maybe a series if y’all can make one. How to do Disney World “ADULT STYLE”, meaning without kids and how to do the parks or even enjoy Disney World if you have a significant other who wants a fun but relaxing Disney Trip. Want to prove and show the wife that you can have a relaxing and also fun Disney Trip all at the same time.

[@CritterKeeper01]

What I'd really like to see is more videos on things *other* than rides and food! Games, scavenger hunts, shows, play areas, boats, walk-throughs, exhibits -- I'm betting you could do at least two full videos per park!

[@cjceej_2885]

I would love a video on the PRE day before disney to do list. I go next month and have been learning so much.. but like I dont know how to set up my app and tickets and all that and I am so stressed that when 7AM rolls around I will have messed something up!

[@docmccarty]

Me too! We're going Jan 17-23 & I feel like I'm about to do my dissertation for a Ph.D. :D

[@82ndmi]

I'd still rope drop with genie+ if you aren't local and want to get done asap. things like tower,millenium,rocking are basically walk ons. If you're at a hotel, we were let in this week an hour before opening to que for rise or mickey.

[@jessicashort1318]

Would love to see them both have genie+ but doing things in different orders to see about which order is better

[@LeeNobody]

Thanks for your video. We love your content. For context, we used your amazing tips for our trip to Hollywood studios on October 6th before Genie+ debuted and we were able to do: Tower of terror Rock n roller coaster Star Tours Muppet Vision Mickey and Minnie's runaway railway Toy story mania Beauty and the beast show alien swirling saucers Smugglers run Mickey and Minnie's vacation fun Lunch Hollywood brown derby Walt Disney presents museum Frozen sing along rise of the resistance (

[@sassycassie6062]

Did anyone else see at 44:36 that Molly’s ringtone for her cool down time was guns and ships from Hamilton?!? love her so much!! 😍😍😍

[@chloewildner167]

Genie+ broke during Thanksgiving week when it was busy. Basically all LL selections gone by 11am, so you could only ride one or two rides. Genie+ isn’t necessary on slower days and breaks on busy days.

[@Lilyndrsn]

Playing catch up on all your videos for my January 2023 trip and this has been by far the most helpful video with Genie +. Thank you!!

[@WhoaWhatDidYouSay]

Props to Molly for singing a song from Treasure Planet, what a throwback!

[@Justinm12]

I would definitely say do a video with the genie plus but also incorporating a day that you jump in lines as well for other attractions. Try to ride as many rides as you can by using both genie plus and stand by

[@skatergirl8019]

I’m going to HS next week. I will have genie+ but not a resort guest so this was SOSOOSOSOSOOOO HELPFUL!!! I feel like we will have a good plan now. Thank you!!!

[@mmeccafork]

You just answered so many questions I had! Will make my trip this week a lot better 👌

[@kelseywhite5956]

These videos are insanely helpful and enjoyable to watch! I felt so bad for poor Quincy! Thank you for the consistently wonderful content!!

[@spudtrooper1135]

We visited WDW over thanksgiving and the week after. We didn't stay in a disney property and ROR was gone by a few seconds after 7 am every day we looked at it, so no chance of getting it if you weren't staying on property. We also bought genie plus one day for Hollywood studios and it was completely worthless. We tried at 9 am and you could only get slinky dog for 6 pm or later. Molly keeps saying 7 am but if we were not on property it would not let us start selecting until 9 am. We are pretty savy travelers and tried fiddle faddling and other Molly tricks but most rides had very limited availability all day. Fiddle faddling did work since we noticed stuff pop up. But we only ended up being able to use genie plus on 3 rides (Slinky, smuggler, and rocking roller coaster). We could have done alot of the less popular attractions but they weren't rides we cared about. We didn't buy genie plus after than but checked to see availability other days and it was just as bad. ALOT of people in Hollywood were complaining about the same thing. We then tried genie plus in Magic one day. It was slightly better since there were more ride availability to choose from but we could still only get 5 rides on genie plus . We also checked other days and the availability was just as limited. So we found it was just easier to get there earlier/stay late and then just stand in line. Even the busiest days, using this strategy we still were able to do all of the rides at least once. So our conclusion was if the park is busy at all, genie plus is pointless unless you just want to make sure you get on 2 or 3 rides and are willing to pay for it. It might be slightly better if you stay on property. We wont do genie plus again.

[@chloewildner167]

I’m going for New Years, so I was stalking the app Thanksgiving week to see what I had to look forward to and it was crazy. Looked like all LL gone by about 11 except for shows and some Epcot rides (like Figment), so you might not get more than 1 or 2 rides on busy days.

[@ktpaladino]

This is super helpful. I feel like another point to mention is that when you have certain return times all over the park, you waste a lot of time going back and forth. You aren’t able to easily plan an efficient route because Genie’s got you running all over the place.

[@alandancer79]

We got the Miracle Molly was talking about. Rise sold out before we could buy it. But fiddle faddle we did and one popped up. There had been a closure on the ride so someone may have gotten a refund so their spot opened and we jumped at it. AllEars tips videos made out DHS day so much easier. Thanks Molly and team

[@dianahall8304]

I don’t think Genie+ is worth it at DHS when most of the lightning lanes(well most of the rides) are gone by 11am. So you maybe can get 2-3rides for $15? No thanks. I tend to not have Molly’s refresh luck either and I’m not sticking around the park for 6-8hours to use a lightning lane I booked at 11am

[@sarahjanosz1816]

I’m just realizing I was at Hollywood studios the day after they were there. I would of loved seeing molly and Quincy!

[@melaniespees7218]

I really enjoy all of your videos. I love all of your challenge type videos especially. I would love to see more Great Race scavenger hunts. They are so much fun. Keep up the good work!

[@jazzydebs]

Thanks Molly & Quincy for another great video :) So informative , loads of tips & tricks :) x

[@misskaydiy8747]

I would love an updated “perfect day” at this park and MK where you use what you think is needed, whether it be genie +, fancy rides or standby depending on the situations throughout the day.

[@josylvester8039]

Can you do a video where you have a party of two or more using Genie+? Often the vloggers are on their own so it would be very helpful to see how it works being in groups trying to navigate the systems. Thank you

[@sdc223]

The answer is yes. We used G+ and were able to ride everything with our 4 kids. Saved our big waits for ROR and Slinky Dog. We bought a ride on Mickeys Railway. It was as smooth a day at Hollywood as you could ask for. I think its definitely worth the extra money at HS as wait times are soooo long for everything.

[@marypmarble]

Thank you for these experiments! They have helped our planning SO much!!!

[@notdavea5778]

Please keep making the videos. I love your content, but I think I now realise that my days at wdw are over. I can’t be doing with tethering myself to an app and I am not prepared to travel from the uk to spend all that time in line. I have had some amazing vacations at wdw, with multiple rides and re-rides, but the crowds seem crazy busy now. I will enjoy Japan again with a Disney fix scheduled at the end of the vacation. It will cost less and even negotiating their rail system is easier than a wdw resort stay, less stressful. Having said that your description how to get the most from either option is easy to understand

[@allisonh.6654]

Soo many ppl request Genie+ and Standby-what I think would be helpful is ILL and Genie + since you can book ILL and Genie + both at 7AM for resort guests. Thanks for all Of the helpful content!!

[@andrecinelli]

with those back and forth from molly to quincy edits on the video, it would be nice to have a little icon with their avatar near the allears logo everytime the perspective changes.

[@Robbyn-eq8gd]

I would love to see more videos where molly and Quincy go round the park together I always feel bad when you guys have to go on the rides on your own 🤣

[@KatNFla]

Genie Plus, as if the cost of things their are not enough with admission, food, gifts, treats hotels. It really is sad that it had to be made even more unreachable for the average family because obviously the ones with money to blow can afford to pay to skip lines, the rest of us just get to explain to our children how this WONDERFUL genie works.

[@darryncampbell9821]

Just got back from WDW and I have to disagree with Molly that large parties get the same Genie+ availability as small parties. I had six total, and I would constantly see a certain time on the tip board, but as soon as I clicked through and confirmed my party size, the next available time it wanted me to lock in was much later. But if I went back to the tip board, the earlier slot was still available, even after refreshing several times. So SOMETHING was available at that time, but wasn't enough to accommodate a party of 6. It has to take into account how many "slots" are left for a given time. This would be especially true when "fiddle faddling", because when doing so, the earlier slots that pop up as a result of people canceling would naturally be more scarce, because it depends on people canceling which doesn't happen as frequently. I noticed in this video Molly didn't click into any rides with a party size of 4. Had she done so, I bet the time she thought she was able to book would not have been the one available to lock in on the confirmation screen. Not to mention, a better test would be a party of 6 or more, which is more likely to show any disparities between large and small parties. However, when you do have a larger party, there is another form of fiddle faddling that can help score a better time for some of these attractions. If you are on the confirmation page (after confirming your party), click the back button to go back to confirming your party, then click the button to advance again. The time available to confirm will be different if something earlier opened up that can accommodate your party size. It's a risk though, because for larger parties the available times could keep marching forward as you go back and forth between the two screens. Takes a lot of patience, and you might lose out completely, but eventually you could get what you want (I was able to score a 4pm ToT when the tipboard had been showing only > 8pm). Of course, the only way to get in and do this fiddle faddling is if there are still some available times on the tip board screen, so once a ride is sold out, you have 2 levels of fiddle faddling to do! 😩

[@lauragokey9109]

Thanks so much ladies!! I keep telling people in my Facebook group to come watch your videos when they have questions about Genie +

[@Sabrina.C.217]

I'm not sure if this is in any of the other genie+ videos or on the site so I plan to search around but having the advice of "if you're a resort guest and want to pay for this go here first and get this pass first" etc was super super helpful. I'm going over the holidays so am trying to optimize as much as possible and hints like that really help!

[@deniseduffin3064]

Loved getting a peek at Molly’s alarm songs. We’ve known she loves Hamilton… but she’s also a Swiftie!!! 🧣 My cup overflows.

[@linneman1100]

Fun day ladies! Thanks for the tips!!!

[@kimt8162]

LOL... your intro. Back in the days when Security pulled people out for random searches; I was at the MK entrance with my daughter and swear we didn't know a security guy was there. He must have stood there for like 5 mins before we knew what was going on. He would NOT budge until we went to do the separate Security section. (no babies, no strollers, just one little backpack). Now I'm kind of glad everybody has to go through security. It makes it easier.

[@ashtonborden2998]

These videos are so helpful! I thought I had to wait 120 minutes even if I used my LL pass. Thank you so much for doing this! I am def a visual learner, not one to comprehend by just reading.. you all rock! Thanks!!

[@kn8354]

Molly I wish I could hang out with you in Disney. You crack me up 😂. I relate to your commitment to snacking and fully enjoying every minute of it.

[@Tbay007]

Quincy, you always get the short end of the stick, but it was helpful to see how well you did. Thank you!!!

[@MarcNunn]

Loving these Genie+ comparisons. I would love to see more of your 'what is the quickest way to the get to the parks' videos. For example, at DHS is it quicker taking the Skyliner or car from Pop Century for rope drop. Similarly, what is the quickest way to get to MK from POP - bus, or car (and is the ferry or monorail quicker from the TTC).

[@aidasark3771]

My heart hurts for Quincy waiting in those lines...there is no way I would make a trip over without buying genie...honestly take my money at that point 😂

[@lauraf9860]

I didn’t realize you could purchase Genie+ and not be able to book a time on all the included rides. I naively thought you could go on each of them once.

[@Jaxparoh]

We'd like to see one of these challenges done on a Saturday or Sunday when the park is at max. We love Moll and Quince!!

[@tl3335]

I simply look forward to your videos every day. Thank you so much!

[@kelseymilligan712]

I would love to see a video on the das pass system. Maybe das pass vs genie +? This would be sooooo helpful!!

[@benjamindraves3048]

The booing at 47:00 had me DEAD

[@RoniRone6530]

😂😂😂

[@nataliepugh6447]

Molly, could you do a video taking us around Magic Kingdom like you would in your tour guide days?? That would be awesome!

[@LUCY.PARK.06]

Well done quincy 👏 I am not sure that i would have the patience for waiting for 6 hours in line I don't even work that many hours a day 😅 I always go during I'm late January when it's less busy and lower wait times I couldn't do disney during peak season

[@peterhawken4593]

Love these videos can you do follow the Genie suggestion(just genie not Genie +) vs follow your brain,

[@asherpep3]

Can you do a video on which rides you don’t want to genie + because you miss so much in the lines? A video where you think, “waiting is worth it,” so you can see some of the cool things built into the queues.

[@jocelynschifano6757]

I would love to see an experiment where you only buy a fancy ride pass that either have a virtual queue or super popular/long lines then using your brain for the rest of the rides. Doing an experiment with four or more people in all parks would be amazing as well. Trying to see home many people get around the park would be helpful!

[@alatusvt]

I have a chronic pain disorder that makes spending long days in lines walking nonstop hard so I used genie+ when I went and it was a lifesaver. I managed to go on a total of 20ish rides and 2 shows (Philharmonic both times, I rly liked it) at Magic Kingdom before I had to call it from a bad flare up! Instead of having to stand on line for an hour for a ride that lasts like, a minute I was able to relax then just spend 1-10 minutes on line to ride!

[@staciewalker5341]

With the crowds being so crazy in July I would definitely get Genie + and fancy Rides. We were there this past July and it was ridiculous how long the lines were.

[@rachellegoldson8151]

This was so helpful. I will be headed to HS this Saturday and needed to see this. Thanks ladies.

[@maitlinware2539]

Such a helpful and great video! Thanks a bunch!

[@spartanb0452]

If you have two people with synced tickets can one person use genie + to get the lightning lane ride for both and at the same time the 2nd person can reserve a "Fancy Ride tm"

[@jaimeperryman892]

I have the same question! Would this cause an error?

[@donahall6618]

Love y'all, so fun and thanks for another great video!:)

[@stephaniec6178]

Great video! Is it better to use Disney wifi or your own mobile data while using Genie+?

[@PrincessOverDoesIt]

Your own mobile data for sure.

[@dmorring3360]

Headed to Disney 1/30-2/4! Would love to see a combination of using Genie+ and standby to make the best day. Especially MK & HS! Thanks!

[@DashOfMavens]

We love the Genie+, and thank it's worth every dollar. Helps you plan out your day and make it less stressfull. Plus walking onto every BIG main attraction is a huge plus.

[@ronnovak1612]

I agree, Genie + seems to be so confusing. Molly and Quincy are doing a great job trying to break it down. Then there’s the Lighting Lane, wow.

[@Arista177]

Molly eating her popcorn like a boss.

[@carolinechristiansentravel]

Love this!! Would love for you guys to do a how to get to Disney World Resorts from the airport now that the Magical Express is going away!! 💋💋💋

[@lisaschulze7980]

This was so so helpful for my trip to HS on the 27th. Thank you so much!!

[@eileenmonahan2484]

Would love to see some challenges which include park hopping !

[@keepitsimple820]

The editing and production was AMAZING!!! 🥰🤗❤

[@kg4269]

this was a great video. thanks ladies!

[@CB-uo1et]

Another awesome video. Thank you for all the tips and tricks!! Also the scientist in me loved the chart for riding rise of the resistance 😂 On point!

[@lesliesmith5586]

can you do a Christmas scavenger hunt?

[@sheriauttonberry2296]

I would really like to see how to pull off a dream day with a combination of Jeannie plus and standby on a day when the park is really busy. It seems like all of these videos are on days where its normal or not quite busy. But we’re coming for spring break!

[@kuhnology8803]

Well done mix of how Genie / LL and the regular wait times add up, or don't if you pay up. Thank you for the information will put to use on my next trip to Florida.

[@damarcelo3252]

Excellent video thank you! Talking to my husband about all this and he’s like I’m glad you’re researching all this! 😆

[@lacybrenenborg3614]

thank you for the info! it will really help me.

[@pattymderoche3683]

Would love to see how you connect people on other tickets to your Genie Plus. We've got 2 separate parties going to WDW in May and we will have separate reservations. Thanks! Love all the AE videos!

[@thepadgetts4017]

Please do one of these for Magic Kingdom to understand what attractions to use for genie+ at that park. Great video!

[@barbehrhart]

Editor doing a great job today thanks for the giggles!!

[@navilantesos860]

I would like to see this experiment with park hopper: Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, to see how much you can do.

[@LeandroPais]

Excellent video! Really helpful! I'm curious, what cams are you using in this video?

[@happilyeverafter_71]

Is there an abbreviated version of these approaches somewhere? Like in writing? I would find that very helpful!

[@shahjehan]

This stressful, anxiety filled and phone obsessed experience is not my idea of a vacation.

[@wakeywarrior]

Great guide to an appalling system. Very sad.

[@laurie812]

Quincy taking one for the team! 😅

[@Mike-c36]

Would love to see chapters used for the videos because they are so long... would make them much easier to navigate 😊

[@jeanniefaul3902]

Can you show a video of how to schedule when you park hop or show me where the video is? Thanks ! Great help!

[@michellestapleton7265]

one day I would like a friend waiting in the park with a coffee for me

[@youngchang-miller5691]

Super helpful video! Thank you!

[@bethanyroberts9285]

These are the most helpful videos during this horrible Genie+ era! Thank you!

[@lou-annewilliams6074]

Y’all should see who’s fastest with one doing genie plus and the other getting fancy rides. And another where one gets both fancy rides and genie plus while the other gets just fancy rides