FWIW I have noticed that update 5.8 hates low power mode. Someone else mentioned that, too. I have trouble with crashing and freezing when my phone is in low power mode (and it'll stay in low power mode long after you've recharged up above 50% unless you manually put it back into regular mode). Also, despite app problems, I, too have noticed that if I open the app to the home screen but DON'T hit "Find Out More" until at 8:00 sharp, I'm good. I can see the red button there, and, if I click on "My Status" I get the "Join a Boarding Group" option there, too. Practicing from home, I cycled through to the "Is Everyone in the Park" step 3 times before 8:00:30 this morning using this method....maybe it'll help to avoid trying to launch app at 7:55--8:00...? Do it earlier.