Disney California Adventure

Question

Hi does anyone know what way fast pass works for the park please - we are visiting with teens for one day and want to get in as many of the bigger rides as possible without queuing too long

Answer

Disney California Adventure offers a system called Genie+ to help guests reduce wait times for popular attractions. Traditional FastPasses have been retired, and Genie+ is now the main way to access shorter lines for many rides.

Here’s how it works for one-day visitors:

You can purchase Genie+ for your ticket, either in advance or on the day of your visit. It allows you to reserve access to most attractions with shorter waits.
Once you enter the park, you can use the Disneyland app to select your first Lightning Lane reservation. After you tap into that ride, you can book the next one.
Reservations are limited and subject to availability, so plan your selections strategically, especially for the most popular rides.

Tips for maximizing rides with teens:

Prioritize the biggest thrill rides first, such as Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!, Incredicoaster, and Radiator Springs Racers.
Use the Disneyland app to check current wait times and modify your plans on the fly.
Arrive at park opening (“rope drop”) if possible, which allows you to experience some high-demand rides with minimal waits before crowds build up.
Consider single rider lines for rides that offer them; this can be a huge time saver if your group doesn’t mind splitting up for that ride.

Remember, some of the newest and most popular rides may offer Individual Lightning Lane access instead of Genie+, which requires a separate purchase per ride. Check the app for those options and plan accordingly.

With careful planning, Genie+ plus strategic ride selection will allow your teens to enjoy most of the major attractions without spending too much time in lines.

Disney California Adventure

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