BG1 Setup

What is BG1?

BG1 is an unofficial, experimental client for obtaining Genie+ Lightning Lane reservations and virtual queue boarding groups at Disney theme parks in the United States.

The code is open source and available on GitHub.

Why did you make this?

I originally created BG1 to demonstrate how the virtual queue interface in the Walt Disney World app could be tweaked to provide guests with a less frustrating user experience. Many of these improvements were eventually incorporated into the WDW and Disneyland apps. Since then, I've updated BG1 to bring a similarly streamlined experience to the Genie+ service.

How does it work?

BG1 works by loading JavaScript code into your Web browser in a way that allows it to make the same network requests that the official apps use for accessing the these services.

How can I try it?

There are now two different ways to install and use BG1: the original bookmarklet method and a new userscript method. The benefit of the userscript method is that it will automatically load the BG1 interface for you, as opposed to the manual activation required when you install BG1 as a bookmarklet. However, it requires installing a Web browser extension (and, in the case of Android, the Firefox browser) to enable support for userscripts. Choose whichever method you're more comfortable with.

iPhone Installation

Bookmarklet Setup

This installation method involves creating a bookmarklet, which is a bookmark that contains JavaScript code instead of a Web address. For a visual tutorial of the setup process, watch the BG1 Setup Guide on YouTube.

Creating the bookmarklet

  1. Copy the bookmarklet code:
  2. If the bottom toolbar of Safari isn't already visible, tap at the bottom edge of the screen to bring it up.
  3. Tap the share button (box with upward arrow) in the bottom toolbar, select Add to Favorites, and then save the bookmark.
  4. Tap in the address bar to bring up your Favorites and find the BG1 Bookmarklet favorite.
  5. Tap and hold on BG1 Bookmarklet and select Edit from the menu.
  6. Replace the existing text in the address/URL field with the bookmarklet code you copied in Step 1 and save the bookmark.

Using the bookmarklet

  1. Open a new tab and tap on BG1 Bookmarklet in your Favorites. This will load the BG1 Start page.
  2. Select the service you wish to use.
  3. The page that loads will just have some code on it. To load the BG1 interface, tap on the address bar to bring up your Favorites and tap on BG1 Bookmarklet again.
Userscript Setup

Installing the Userscripts app

  1. Install Userscripts from the App Store.
  2. Open the Userscripts app, tap the Set Userscripts Directory button, and select a folder to store the script(s) you install. You can just create a new folder and select that.
  3. In the Settings app, go to Safari, then Extensions, and finally Userscripts. Enable the Userscripts extension and set the permissions for All Websites to Allow.

Installing the BG1 autoloader userscript

  1. Follow this link to open the BG1 autoloader userscript.
  2. Tap the AA icon on the left side of the Safari address bar, and then tap Userscripts in the menu that opens.
  3. The Userscripts extension should say "Userscript detected. Tap to install." Do that. (Note: If you just see a nonstop spinning circle, you may need to force close Safari and reopen it.)
  4. The Userscripts extension will show you details about the script you're about to install. Scroll to the bottom and tap the Install button.

Bookmarking the BG1 Start page

  1. Go to the BG1 Start page.
  2. Tap the share button (box with arrow pointing up) in the Safari toolbar and select Add to Favorites.

Now you're all set! To use BG1, just go to the BG1 Start page and select the service you want to use.

Android Installation

Bookmarklet Setup (Chrome)

This installation method involves creating a bookmarklet, which is a bookmark that contains JavaScript code instead of a Web address. For a visual tutorial of the setup process, watch the BG1 Setup Guide on YouTube.

Please note that these instructions are only for the Chrome browser on Android. BG1 cannot be installed in the Samsung Internet Browser, as it no longer allows bookmarklets. If you wish to avoid using Chrome, you can set up BG1 in Firefox via the userscript method.

Creating the bookmarklet

  1. Copy the bookmarklet code:
  2. Bookmark this page by tapping the three dots in the toolbar and then tapping the star icon in the menu.
  3. Open the three dots menu again and tap the star icon again to edit the bookmark you just created.
  4. Replace the existing text in the address/URL field with the bookmarklet code you copied in Step 1 and save the bookmark.
  5. Also bookmark the BG1 Start page. You'll need to go there first each time before you use the bookmarklet.

Using the bookmarklet

  1. Search for BG1 Start in the Chrome address bar to go to the BG1 Start page.
  2. Select the service you wish to use.
  3. The page that loads will just have some code on it. To load the BG1 interface, search for BG1 Bookmarklet in the Chrome address bar.
Userscript Setup (Firefox)

Firefox on Android offers the easiest method for installing and running BG1. Even if you don't currently have Firefox installed on your phone, it may be worth doing so just for the added convenience when using BG1.

Adding the BG1 Start shortcut to the Firefox homepage

  1. Go to the BG1 Start page in Firefox.
  2. Tap the three dots menu in the toolbar and then tap Add to shortcuts.

Installing the BG1 autoloader userscript

  1. In Firefox, tap the three dots menu in the toolbar, then tap Add-ons, and then Add-ons Manager. In the recommended add-ons list, tap the + (plus) next to Tampermonkey to install it.
  2. Tap the button below to install the BG1 autoloader userscript in Tampermonkey. Tampermonkey will display information about the script and ask for confirmation that you wish to install it.
Install BG1 Autoloader

That's it! To use BG1, just go to the BG1 Start page and select the service you want to use.

Questions of Varying Frequency

Why is it not working? All I see is a page of "code".

As I mentioned in the instructions above, tapping a button on the BG1 Start page doesn't load BG1 on its own. It just takes you to the page you need to be on for the bookmarklet to work. The BG1 interface will only appear after you've run the bookmarklet on the "code" page.

If it still isn't working, here are some other troubleshooting tips:

  • Make sure you're carefully following the instructions for the specific phone/browser combination you're using. Watch (or rewatch) the YouTube video linked at the top of the instructions page for your browser.
  • Try a different connection. Switch to mobile data if you're currently using Wi-Fi, or vice versa.
  • If using a VPN, try disabling it.
  • Go into your Web browser's settings and delete the browsing data/cookies. This option is usually listed under the Privacy/Security category.
How do I get a Lightning Lane for rides like Rise of the Resistance or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train?

Some Lightning Lane attractions are not included in the Genie+ service. To skip the standby line with these attractions, you'll need to purchase an "Individual Lightning Lane" through the official Disney app.

Why does BG1 make me sign into my Disney account?

To be able to make the authenticated requests required to communicate with Disney's servers, BG1 needs an access token obtained by signing into your Disney account. This access token, which is only valid for a 24 hour period, is stored locally on your device along with its expiration date and an ID used by the Genie+ API. No other Disney account-related data is stored, and none of it is ever transmitted to any non-Disney server.

Although BG1 cannot see your password, you may choose to log in using a confirmation code that is texted/emailed to you by tapping the "Need help signing in?" link on the login page.

You'll receive an automated email from Disney every time you sign in, just like when you log into the Disney app or website on a new device.