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!
I am from the uk and stay onsite every year, I always stay at luxury hotels, we pay a premium for flights, to find out we can’t book 7 days in advance is a total insult, how can Disney say my money is not as good as any one living in the USA, when I arrive at the end of August all the premium rides will have gone, it will ge back to standing in line or up at 7am trying to get a bag boarding group, this is not why I stay on site, I gave booked again for March in 2025, if this doesn’t change it will be my last visit staying on site.
We too are visiting 2025 and visited for many many years. I feel like Disney are driving UK and other international visitors away and cannot understand why. UK visitors pay thousands to visit and always stay at least 2 – 3 weeks at time meaning they spend a hell of a lot of money whilst at Disney and in Orlando.
I like Universal too and with Epic opening next summer this is piorbablt where more of my money will go. I like there express pass. You can buy beforehand wherever you are and it’s easy to use.
It’s such a shame that international guests can’t make use of the new system. We are staying on site just after it launches but won’t get any benefits from purchasing it unfortunately. Especially since off site guests can still book 3 days prior because all the big rides will be unavailable by then.
I don’t suppose anyone can find out if they only allocate a certain amount of prebookable slots for rides, so that some are still available on the day?
Including Canada isn’t an addition, as today with Genie+ it already works this way!
Maybe most people don’t notice it because they are on the US, but as I am in Brazil if I simulate buying Genie+ it says I have to be in the US or Canada. So they are just keeping the same policy that is already in place.
Happy to take our money but now we won’t be able to get on the rides without standing in line for hours a disgrace
It is discriminatory for all visitors from Latin America and other places in the world. If there is a regulation that prevents the service from being offered outside the USA and Canada is not the USA, why did they find a solution for that country and not for the rest? I am happy for Canada and I hope that Disney reconsiders and offers the service to all its visitors without discriminating
Hello from Spain,
I’ve got my trip already paid and now I’ve got this….
I’m very upset and I hope there is a resolution before my trip starts (plus 7 days minus).
Thank you for your support!
Thank you Tom for spending time and effort to get answers. Particularly during a very busy discounts drop week. Very much appreciated by your Canadian followers.
I am staying on site at Port Orleans and Polynesian for 13 nights in total at great cost. All this money alongside 2 x 14 day Disney tickets, the purchase of food, drinks and merchandise, going into Disney’s pockets (around £8000), and this is how we are treated? I am disgusted, this is my 14th and definitely my last visit if the issue isn’t resolved.
Thanks for providing the email address
In the UK Virgin and TUI and major tour operators to Disney. It would be great if they took this on. I’d be writing to Richard Branson if I’d booked through Virgin
When I started to read Tom’s article about being able to pre-book Lightening Lanes I was delighted. As a UK resident having to get up at 7.00am on our 2023 trip was no joy.
However making pre booking available to only US and Canadian based residents is disgraceful. If Disney think visitors, that do not meet the above selection criteria, will pay the high prices of their hotels and then be left with second tier rides to choose from they are very much mistaken
Universal will think Christmas has come early and with the opening of Epic Universe in 2025 I know where we will be staying
I will email Disney as Tom suggests and keep my fingers crossed
Agreed! Thank you Tom for following up and providing the answers (for whatever Disney is saying today). Fingers crossed for good news for other international Disney fans to come in the future.
Thank you for so diligently looking into this and for updating us so quickly! I was prepared to just go to Disneyland for the rest of my life despite being located in Toronto Doesn’t sound too bad actually….
Wow! Things change so quickly. I got a reply from Hal with Disney Parks at 4:40pm confirming “While we appreciate your concern, Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass features will be available to Guests from other countries, they will be able to begin their pre-arrival planning on the My Disney Experience Mobile App after they reach the United States.”.
Very happy with this news!! Based on my experience being able to make dining reservations and even genie+ selections from Canada on the starting day of our trip, I was surprised this would be different. Part of me feels like it was a miscommunication, and it was actually only applicable to international guests outside of Canada.
“Part of me feels like it was a miscommunication, and it was actually only applicable to international guests outside of Canada.”
I think so, too, especially given current MDX policies in Canada versus other international markets. But Walt Disney World was pretty adamant about it, and we can only go with what they’re giving us.
Hopefully that’s an incorrect read on the situation. A policy change is much better than a miscommunication, as it means the same is more likely for other international guests.
“Take off! To the great white north. Take off!” As it should be. Now make it for all our friends visiting us.
Tom, did your representative explicitly say that UK/EU guests who can’t use the app to book will be able to book lightning lane reservations over the phone? Because I’ve seen multiple reports that Disney customer service staff have flat-out told Brits we won’t be able to do this. We can make bookings for all the other experiences over the phone, but not lightning lanes.
As far as I know this is the first time Disney have ever had something that MUST be done through the app, and which deliberately excludes a large chunk of guests. I’m actually wondering if that’s vulnerable to some kind of discrimination/accessibility lawsuit.
Truly shocking that Disney feel this was an acceptable way to treat their whale UK/EU guests.
“Tom, did your representative explicitly say that UK/EU guests who can’t use the app to book will be able to book lightning lane reservations over the phone?”
No. That’s not something they would say, though. They’re not going to want to put more strain of those CMs by offering that as an official solution unless absolutely necessary.
Rather, it’s my understanding that this has been floated internally as a workaround. Whether it’ll be possible or not probably depends upon how things play out in the next month.
I’ve read the same Helen, that because it is done through the app, CMs would have to access your MDE account to be able to pre book for you and they legally aren’t allowed to do that, so I don’t think that will be an option unfortunately!
Thank you for the breaking update Tom. You have made Canada Day weekend happier in our household.
If the VPN strategy works, that would appear to be a reasonably non-technical answer to this bizarre limitation. Something tells me that Disney is still going to ‘know’ that you are in Australia or whatever and give you a kiss-off message. Get to it, hackers–the entire non-North American Disney Parks fan base is counting on you.
It’s my understanding that a VPN alone won’t do the trick–it’ll also require GPS spoofing, which can be more complicated (depending upon your device).
These sorts of app based geo restrictions have existed for some time and every single one has been (and is able to be) circumvented. Disney doing this certainly opens the need for such “hacking” to a new/different crowd, but I am certain this will largely become solely an issue of those who take the initiative to do what is required to circumvent these restrictions (which won’t be very difficult). The only question in mind is how much Disney attempts to thwart these efforts. If this is truly a purely regulatory issue, they will likely do the minimum required to placate the regulators.
Huge win for us Canadians, but I am so sorry for other international guests 🙁
I have many many comments on Disney thinking that not giving the EU and British whales if you want to call us that (and I totally get why you do!) early Lightning Lane acccess if staying on site as a feature not a bug is a really bad idea.
The suggestion seems to be that Disney doesnt care about the people who are most likely to spend 10+ nights/days on site with them buy the longest tickets and are also the most likely to buy the lightning lanes becasue well its already been discussed in the cost of lightning lane v cost of trip situation. It seems to imply that the biggest spenders should have the worst experience and disney doesnt care about repeatability of its biggest one of chunk customers.
Now I can get around these problems using a VPN having been told about the situation and have had to do it that way a few times for looking at lightsaber, extra magic hours and so on bookings but it seems strange that Disney is willing to potentially give this audience up to Universal (who heavily discount to the UK market atm) even more potential money. It just seems like strange fumbling off the football/missing an open soccer net to me.
Europeans (etc) should really, really continue to email Disney about this. Yes, you’ll get stock responses, which might be frustrating. But it’ll also send a message to Walt Disney World leadership that this is a big issue with an important demographic.
I would bet anything that the decision was made on a cost-benefit basis–with regulatory compliance on the one side and bookings from international guests on the other. From that, they concluded that it wasn’t worth the effort and expense.
Personally, I think that’s a massive miscalculation that evinces more short-term thinking from Disney. It’s also an incredibly arrogant decision, especially coming less than a year before Universal opens a brand new theme park. Still kinda dumbfounded they thought “book upon arriving on U.S. soil” was an actual “solution” that international guests would just accept.
All the British Disney FB groups I’m in are incandescently outraged by Disney’s handling of this. I’m pleased for our Canadian friends but that just makes the injustice for everyone even more pointed (and what on earth is the excuse for excluding Australians, who aren’t under EU data protection laws anyway?)
Truly horrible misstep from Disney, I think.
I just want to say I don’t think a VPN will work. As a Canadian I can’t buy pre arrival magic bands through the app. Even if I use a VPN and change my address to a U.S. address.
We also have to pay upwards of $35USD in shipping plus duties and taxes to buy stuff from the Disney Store online and pay long distance calling fees every time we call Disney. So I wouldn’t say they like Canadians that much. Unlike the UK we have neither a physical store, a country specific number, nor a specific Disney store website we can use.
What I don’t understand is that they literally have this technology and did this before. You booked fastpasses through a website. How in the world as a MEDIA company are they simultaneously so bad at communications and the use of apps?
The parks segment is their money maker. UK visitors spend more per person than any other guest. Why are you biting the hand that feeds??
A lot of their business decisions lately seem truly bizarre and I’m stunned that financially the projections say that it makes sense (Magical Express, lightning lane changes)
@Tom – thank you Tom I have emailed Disney and will continue to hound them about this.
This is proof that Disney loves Canadians!! (Looking at you Europe…what have you guys done to the Mouse?)
O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all of us command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.