Canadian Guests WILL Have Pre-Arrival Lightning Lane Access at Disney World
Earlier this week, Walt Disney World dropped the bombshell that Lightning Lane Multi Pass is replacing Genie+ at Walt Disney World. This news was announced via press release and official website updates, along with additional supplementary information given to websites like this one. Consequently and unsurprisingly, there have been a lot of questions–even from seasoned Walt Disney World veterans.
That announcement post has over 200 comments, many of which are diehard Walt Disney World fans venting and/or grieving. Understandably. One of the most controversial and outrage-inducing aspects of the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass system was Walt Disney World indicating that international guests, categorically, would not be able to make pre-arrival selections until arriving into the United States.
That policy wrinkle wasn’t mentioned in the official announcement or website, but it was in supplementary information–and Cast Members confirmed it to international guests via chat and elsewhere. This meant that, even if international guests would be staying on-site, they would not have an on-site advantage. Well, at least not until arrival in the United States. I’d hazard a guess that around 100 of the 200+ comments on our post pertained to this rule. Well, we have an update to this that’ll please many of our friends in the Great White North.
We spoke with a Walt Disney World representative on the afternoon of June 28, 2024, who confirmed to us that Canadian guests may continue to use the My Disney Experience app after the launch of pre-arrival purchasing and planning for Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, just as they do today for Genie, Advance Dining Reservations, and everything else.
This means that Canadian guests who are staying on-site at Walt Disney World will be able to reserve Lightning Lane passes up to 7 days in advance for their entire stay (up to 14 days). Off-site guests from Canada will be able to plan up to 3 days in advance. All of this while in Canada–no need to drive into a border town in the United States as some readers indicated that they were debating doing!
Please note that this update applies only to guests in Canada and no other countries. We inquired about visitors from the European Union and United Kingdom–two other big demos for Walt Disney World (and readers of this blog)–and the company indicated that there are no updates for other markets at this time.
Also please note that this is not speculation or the result of interacting with a chatbot, frontline Cast Member, etc. We spoke with a Walt Disney World spokesperson, who officially confirmed all of the above. (With that said, the previous categorical ‘rule’ excluding international guests was official, too.)
The bottom line is that, for all intents and purposes, guests from Canada will be treated the same as guests from the United States when it comes to Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass policies and booking windows. The domestic rules apply to the United States and Canada, whereas the international ones apply to everyone else.
At least, for now. We don’t want to give readers in Europe, Asia, Australia, etc. false hope–as this policy change for guests in Canada might very well have been a miscommunication all along. However, it’s also possible that this is occurring due to guest feedback and the tremendous amount of backlash Walt Disney World has been receiving.
Accordingly, it could be a calculated decision, with the company making changes so as to not lose business from its largest international market. To that point, we have suggestions for other international guests towards the bottom of this post for providing your feedback and (hopefully) spurring further policy changes to Lightning Lane Single and Multi Pass.
As previously mentioned, we’re continuing to update and expand our Lightning Lane Multi-Pass at Walt Disney World FAQ based on questions you ask and answers we’re able to obtain from the company. (That’s a mix of official policies and our speculative answers based on past precedent and expectations–it should be obvious which is which based on wording.)
With all of the news out of the way, here’s the updated answer to the FAQ question pertaining to international guests purchasing Lightning Lane passes…
When can non-Canadian international guests purchase Lightning Lanes?
They can purchase Lightning Lane passes and make selections upon arrival into the United States.
As for the why of this, it’s probably not because Walt Disney World hates international guests. Although it might seem that way on this one particular issue, Walt Disney World actually loves guests from outside the United States. They’re more of a captive audience, have higher per guest spending metrics, and typically do longer stays. This is why we routinely refer to British guests as Walt Disney World’s “whales” (non-derogatory).
It’s our understanding that this relates to regulatory issues and laws outside of the United States (particularly in Europe), and it’s easier for Walt Disney World to ‘opt out’ of those by not offering the app than it is complying with a variety of local laws. In doing more digging, it’s also my understanding that this was a known issue and there was a solution–building a web-based version of the Lightning Lane Multi Pass booking engine–but Disney opted against doing that for whatever reason.
That’s probably an unsatisfying explanation, but it’s likely the reason why. Make no mistake, we are not justifying this decision by Walt Disney World. If I were an international guest–a so-called whale that Disney purports to value–I would be livid. Absolutely irate.
I still think international guests will be able to work around this. Using U.S. based Authorized Disney Vacation Planners is one option. Another possibility is calling Walt Disney World and attempting to have a Cast Member make your selections. (Honestly, this might be the best route, as higher labor costs might force Disney’s hand to create a web-based version.)
Another conceivable option is using a combination and VPNs, GPS spoofers, and other technology to side-step the rule. It’s not like Walt Disney World will care if you do this, since they’re only restricting access to avoid regulatory compliance, themselves. Or if you vote with your wallet and take your business to Universal because you don’t feel valued by Disney, I don’t think anyone would blame you.
There’s still a lot of time between now and July 24, and this has already proven to be the most controversial policy of the Lightning Lane passes (and for good reason!). I wouldn’t be surprised if there are more updates or makeshift solutions from Walt Disney World in the coming weeks.
For those non-Canadian international guests who are still excluded from the pre-arrival Lightning Lane advantage by this policy, you can respectfully express your opinions as to how will impact your vacations or business with Walt Disney World by email [email protected].
This is far superior to complaining in comments, social media, forums, etc. (Although Disney sees all of that, too.) Rather than starting petitions, which are largely ineffectual, share feedback in guest satisfaction surveys, bring it up if you speak with managers or others in park leadership, or even contact Guest Relations.
You will absolutely get a standard form response to your email, so don’t expect otherwise. However, Walt Disney World leadership will also see the volume of the complaints and how it could negatively impact the bottom line or guest satisfaction among a lucrative audience. That could be outcome-determinative in getting this policy changed for more than just Canadian guests.
Just as Genie+ evolved over its first year-plus based on guest use and demand dynamics, so too can you expect Lightning Lane MultiPass and Single Pass to change throughout the rest of this year and into 2025–meaning that everything above is subject to change. In other words, the “rules” and how Lightning Lanes work will continue to evolve and we will update our recommendations accordingly.
We’ll continue to keep you posted, as more changes are likely on the horizon. We’ll also continue updating this FAQ as we learn more and we receive more reader questions. For now, this should answer most of the questions that readers have been asking about Lightning Lanes at Walt Disney World. There have been a lot of questions, so if we didn’t address yours, we apologize. Please post in the comments below and we’ll answer more as they’re asked!
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Please to see Walt Disney World walking back its policy on Lightning Lane purchases for guests in Canada? Disappointed that it hasn’t yet happened for Europe, Asia, Australia, etc? Hopeful that if enough international guests speak up, more changes will come? Have any questions we didn’t answer with the above FAQ? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Other thoughts or concerns? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
It’s just one kick in the teeth after another supposed guests.
Having decided we must leave one disabled member of our party in UK because of rule changes for assistance being withdrawn for them Disney now drop this bombshell on UK Visitors! Words (at least printable words) cannot express our utter disgust at this treatment of paying guests from outside Continental USA it borders on discrimination which is a crime in most of this so called civilised World. This will have a big backlash mark my words.
UK reader here. I have emailed my disappointment with Disney. I urge all other non USA residents to do the same. They have made a huge mistake (Again).
That is fantastic news!!
Tom – thanks so much for dogged determination on this. U.K. citizen here looking to take daughters for first time in May 26, five years after honeymooning at WDW. Your updates and persistent digging have been immensely valuable.
I have emailed and got the auto response. I’ve gone back stating, rightly, we will consider universal instead.
My question is – what do Disney U-turns look like? In my head I imagine they deny deny deny, then when in July and August (when most brits travel) and their “whales” are furious in real time and making it known, phone booking may open and a website a few weeks later. Would this be consistent with other screeching u-turns the company has made?
Insane business decision to me. One of those things that a management bubble thinks they can get away with but in practice and reality will be a rolling PR and operations disaster til they fix it. Even a cursory glance at Facebook or forums shows cut-through with the Disney U.K. user base. So I’m optimistic but just feels cheap and lazy, and so self inflicted!
Tom – you’re a giant as ever, thanks for fighting the good fight.
I wonder if I was wrong in the sense that WDW intentionally had IT release the app functionality now that it’s complete, rather than wait until they also had a web based solution as well? Given that people at the top wanted this done as soon as possible, I really shouldn’t be surprised that they don’t want to wait another 2 or 3 more months if that’s what it’s going to take.
On the other hand, not knowing whether or not Canadian guests could use the master WDW app that guests are able to use for so, so much makes it just seem like unintentional incompence.
When I first heard rides could be booked in advance I thought it was great news… but then I heard about this rule and couldn’t believe it… we are staying ONSITE but coming from the uk, so will not be able to book in advance… US/Canada residents staying OFFSITE will be able to book three days ahead! Really hope they change this for all international guests as doesn’t seem right that offsite guests are at more of an advantage than us, just because we are from the uk! Thanks as always for so many great updates. I will email as suggested thank you!
Also a big fail on Disney given they know UK residents are 2nd in their % of international visitors (with Canada first).
What is going on ??
Disney is a large corporation with probably an army of PR representatives and they still manage to get out a « major » announcement just to change it 2 days later ?
As for the outcry, I cannot imagine Disney could not have seen this coming – maybe they assume that not being based on the US international guests are unable to understand English (sorry – American).
Maybe I am more of a pessimist than you Tom, but I feel bad feedback won’t make much of a difference unless they can see international bookings drop, which would take many months to see – if it only happens.
The international market is less flexible ; you don’t change your plans so simply and changes might take too long.
I may be wrong, that would not be the first time though.
That’s certainly good news and I’m sure Disney will eventually have a way to make it available for all.
From a business sense alone it would be terrible to not make it available for all who can afford it.
It’s funny, but when I wrote the first time Tom brought this up, I started it with DEAR INTERNATIONAL DISNEY FRIENDS and it was meant to be positive, that yes it stinks but it may not be as bad as you think.
The interesting thing there was I wrote it without thinking Canadians would be affected. That’s why I started with INTERNATIONAL thinking overseas and long distance fans.
That’s why I also wrote this,
“The vast majority of foreign travelers arrive for nothing short of a week, often 10 days to two weeks.”
I would not include Canadians in that. I can easily see folks from up North doing a quick trip.
I know I never went to Europe for less than 2 weeks.
I’ve been to Canada for weekends many times.
Maybe it’s just me but I don’t think of Canadians as foreigners. You’re like out of state relatives. Ohio, Washington, Canada, New Hampshire, you fit right in.
I see this news about Canadians like foreshadowing. The rest of the world being included is coming to a U.S. Park near you.
Should they have figured it out before now? Absolutely.
This is Disney we’re talking about right? NOT Walt Disney’s Disney but Corporate Disney. You should not be surprised.
ALL that said, I confess I’m dismayed that so many people feel they have to be able to skip the line. Like the line is some
obstacle course made up of hazards.
We’re talking about a line of your fellow human beings.
I dislike lines not human beings (well there might be a couple).
I get it.
What it comes down to is value for your dollar,
Disney vacations are not cheap. And you don’t like paying the same money without being afforded the same opportunities. That is undoubtedly unfair.
Yet I’m saddened by the thought that people feel they can’t have a good time unless they do everything, see everything, try it all and squeeze out every dollar.
For what it’s worth, the vast majority of our fellow travelers that day at Disney will either not be able financially or ethically willing to take advantage of the paid line hack.
Should they just NOT show up? Will they be able to find happiness at the Happiest Place On Earth? Are they throwing away hard earned dollars?
I want to share with you a secret life hack.
The happiest place on Earth should be wherever you are.
It’s not a question of how anyone sees each other foreigners or not it is a question of favouritism on behalf of Disney how else do you explain the differing prices for Florida Residents who do not have the added expense of travel and accommodation to contend with and who can budget longer gaps between their visits? This company needs to be challenged by its Government as it could end up costing USAbig in travel dollars
assuming there is no tech solution for international (ex Canada) guests ahead of launch, I think it’s inconceivable that Disney would permit a scenario where those guests are completely blocked out from the advantages of lightning lanes (ie by the time they arrive in the US, all lightning lanes are booked)…..
….suspect this means that Disney will have to upsize same day drops
International travelers are whales because they typically travel for a longer period – that also makes them more susceptible to the perception of a decline in quality of the product on offer to them
ie they just wont travel
Disney will have to find a solution to mitigate this – and think the upsized same day drops is the only option until tech /regulatory solution found
I am so sad about this. It’s weirdly made me feel betrayed and not wanted, much more than can be justified by the actual “facts”. We are frequent multi-week visitors from the UK and now I honestly feel like never going back. It’s funny, none of the other “Disney sins” that lots of people got v angry about ever had that effect on me. Have written to the address you suggest!
Yay! Great news! Thanks for sharing and for your informative blog about the new process.
As a Canadian…thank you for this. Now, if we can just work on getting the Nutella waffles back at Sleepy Hollow
The exception to the rule for Canadian guests makes sense to me since many internet providers now provide for seamless service between Canada and the U.S. I am a little surprised that Mexico was also not added to this exception, but I don’t know how many travelers from Mexico visit the U.S.
why his this rule of people in the UK being unable to book rides until they land in the USA?
it’s hard enough now to get the rides you want to go on, waking up before 7.00am to book rides which then become impossible
to ride.
Does Walt Disney World have something against people from the UK?
I will go to Universal studios instead. they like people from the UK
It is not only the UK – though it is a huge chunk of it. It is every country resident outside of the US and Canada.
Hi Tom
I was wondering if I stayed only one night at a Disney resort hotel but have a 8 day pass, would I be able to take advantage of the 7 day advanced booking for the Pre-Arrival Lightning Lane Access for the entire 8 days? This worked before with fast passes back in the day. Thanks
phoned up yesterday and was told by 2 different CM on the International UK based WDW team that you had to be in USA to purchase and use the multi lane new system
Thank you Tom! Out of interest, do you have a view on why Disney is SO BAD at this? From our very first trip in 2016 (and got worse since then), it’s felt like Disney corporate is completely befuddled at just how much people love Disney in general and WDW in particular. It really seems like they don’t understand their own product. Why do they not have focus groups and test cases? Why are mistakes with completely predictable consequences made constantly? Why do I get the sense that you understand Disney parks strategy better than Disney leadership do? (That’s only sort of a compliment to you… it’s mostly an insult to them.) I’d be very interested in your thoughts.