New MultiPass LL (aka Paid FastPass+)

[mamaofsix]

I wrote to our DVC guide and heard back. Her response wasn't that helpful. It also confirms that guides and CMs are interpreting "International" as literally any country outside of the U.S. I am still suspicious that this is a misinterpretation based on Disney's vaguely worded "on US soil" language in their TA press release:

Aloha!

Thank you so much for allowing me an opportunity to pass this along to our DVC member satisfaction team. I have shared it with my leadership team and appreciate you sharing your feedback. I wish that there was a way I could help you, however it is out of my control.

I wonder if you drive to the New York Border 7 days prior to your trip and stay long enough to reserve your Lightening Lane reservations, and then drive home? I know it’s a 2-3 hours driving each way, but it’s just a thought. With your cell phone location turned on, the Genie + App will recognize that you are in the US and allow for reservations.

My DVC families from the UK, Japan, Australia, and Tahiti don’t have that option. In fact all International guests/ DVC members are not able to purchase Lightening Lane until they are in the US.

The other idea would be to just to come visit me in Hawaii and then you won’t need Lightening Lane Reservations. Hee hee I’m just kidding, but I hope that you continue to take magical vacations and create those wonderful family memories for years to come.

Thank you for being a valued member of DVC.
Take care and have a magical summer!
Warmest Mahalo from Aulani

 

[CJK]

Disney’s response to my email. Zero acknowledgement about my concern of headliner rides being sold out by the time we are eligible to book.

“Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World® Resort and for being one of our valued Annual Passholders!

We have received your response to our email and appreciate your feedback.

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.

Please be assured that we have shared your comments with our Leadership team, along with the appropriate management, as feedback such as yours is taken very seriously.

For future information about Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass services please keep an eye on our website and our official Disney Parks Blog.

If you have any other questions or challenges, please do not hesitate to contact us by calling us at 407-WDW-PASS (407-939-7277) or by chatting with us in the Help Center of the Walt Disney World® website. When calling, at the voice prompt, please state "Passholder Help Desk" to be routed to our department. Cast Members are available from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., Eastern Time, seven days a week. We will be happy to assist you further.

We hope you have a magical day!”

 

[Silvermist999]

Disney’s response to my email. Zero acknowledgement about my concern of headliner rides being sold out by the time we are eligible to book.

“Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World® Resort and for being one of our valued Annual Passholders!

We have received your response to our email and appreciate your feedback.

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.

Please be assured that we have shared your comments with our Leadership team, along with the appropriate management, as feedback such as yours is taken very seriously.

For future information about Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass services please keep an eye on our website and our official Disney Parks Blog.

If you have any other questions or challenges, please do not hesitate to contact us by calling us at 407-WDW-PASS (407-939-7277) or by chatting with us in the Help Center of the Walt Disney World® website. When calling, at the voice prompt, please state "Passholder Help Desk" to be routed to our department. Cast Members are available from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., Eastern Time, seven days a week. We will be happy to assist you further.

We hope you have a magical day!”

They obviously don’t understand what “pre-arrival planning” means…

 

[TammyLynn33]

I just saw a US travel agent who appears to be planning to do the booking for people at a cost ..
and this is what it’s coming down to .. so unfair . I pay the same as US guests and pay DVC fees . I may be tapping out here

 

[carlyannek]

T

I just saw a US travel agent who appears to be planning to do the booking for people at a cost ..
and this is what it’s coming down to .. so unfair . I pay the same as US guests and pay DVC fees . I may be tapping out here

Talk about cutting the legs out from international travel agents as well. I’ve seen many Canadian-based ones online who are not very happy. Hugely impacts their business.

 

[PetePanMan]

I just got off the phone with DVC Member Services. They confirmed (after checking with supervisor) that the info is accurate I.e. must be in US to access MDE and advanced booking window for new Lighting lane system. Further, they are unaware of any planned changes or work arounds to help international visitors.

The CM was actually quite blown away that this is happening (her words, “this makes absolutely no sense that DVC members or international Disney resort guests would have lower priority than offsite guests). She suggested that concerns be raised (email / phone) by as many as possible via regular Walt Disney World Website (guest services or MDE topics).

I am thankful we have just recently returned from WDW and won’t have to deal with this until early next year. At this early stage, we are trying not to overreact with hopes that this can be resolved. We’ll see.

 

[TammyLynn33]

T

Talk about cutting the legs out from international travel agents as well. I’ve seen many Canadian-based ones online who are not very happy. Hugely impacts their business.

I think this was more for people who are already booked they will charge you to do your selections ( an even bigger money grab) but yeah moving forward it would be a perk to use a us agent .

 

[wdwmom3]

I have gotten word (not saying how so I don’t get in trouble), that it looks like the needing to be in the US is correct. However MANY people in the travel industry are super pissed off and the Disney reps are getting a lot of heat from people. So I hope this will be short lived.

 

[CJK]

I'm not sure if it's okay to post here, but someone on FB posted that they just received the following message from a US travel agency. I have zero firsthand experience, so take it with a grain of salt.

ETA: The image may be too blurry to read. It reads as follows:

Great news for Canadian visitors who want to pre-book with LLMP and LLSP! Just like Genie+ service, guests will need to be located within the United States or Canada in order to purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Lightning Lane Single Pass through the My Disney Experience App.

 

[carlyannek]

I'm not sure if it's okay to post here, but someone on FB posted that they just received the following message from a US travel agency. I have zero firsthand experience, so take it with a grain of salt.

Can you tell us what it says? wont let me zoom in to read it

 

[CJK]

Can you tell us what it says? wont let me zoom in to read it

Edited my last post

 

[carlyannek]

Edited my last post

It really seems that every source (whether it’s us calling Disney, TA’s, media, etc) is getting conflicting information because it’s being interpreted and communicated by front-line cast members and not higher ups.

Now that some larger outlets like DFB and Allears are posting about it (and saying that people are canceling because of it) I’m hopeful Disney will put out something official to clarify or change the current policy. It still blows my mind that a company this big and powerful let something like this go on for days already without trying to do damage control.

 

[Cocolazzone]

I'm not sure if it's okay to post here, but someone on FB posted that they just received the following message from a US travel agency. I have zero firsthand experience, so take it with a grain of salt.

ETA: The image may be too blurry to read. It reads as follows:

Great news for Canadian visitors who want to pre-book with LLMP and LLSP! Just like Genie+ service, guests will need to be located within the United States or Canada in order to purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Lightning Lane Single Pass through the My Disney Experience App.

I received the same information and this is the first piece of information that actually makes sense since we CAN purchase Genie and book LL from Canada.

 

[Silvermist999]

Here is the response I just received after emailing guest services early yesterday.

 

[CJK]

Here is the response I just received after emailing guest services early yesterday.

View attachment 871524

Same canned response.

 

[AussiewholovesDisney]

I’m an Australian who is a DVC owner, and an annual pass holder this year. I’m so disappointed with this change. I really hope Disney listens to the feedback and changes this for international visitors!

 

[CanucksRock]

Here is a fun one…I’ll be on a Disney Cruise in the Caribbean when my booking window opens for off-site and on-site stay This is why I do not like this. I’m the one who takes care of all the booking .. I’ll have to try and talk my friend thru it ..assuming we even bother. Going during dead weeks in early September.

 

[samsteele]

Here is a fun one…I’ll be on a Disney Cruise in the Caribbean when my booking window opens for off-site and on-site stay This is why I do not like this. I’m the one who takes care of all the booking .. I’ll have to try and talk my friend thru it ..assuming we even bother. Going during dead weeks in early September.

Consider not being bothered with it. Dead weeks in early Sept may not require any for purchase lightning lanes. That extra half hour in the morning usually allows you to knock out the headliner attraction and be in a good pole position in line for the 2nd and 3rd attraction before 10am. Lots of good info on the Boards about how early you need to leave your room to get at the gate before opening to maximize that early entry window. Maybe just enjoy your cruise?

 

[Griffin11]

I remember when they first brought in the current version of Genie+, Canadians couldn't see the Tip Board (from Canada). It took them a few weeks (or months) to fix it - does anyone remember the timeline?

I wonder if this will be a similar issue - they may not have it working for guests outside of the US on day one, but it's something they are planning to implement.

 

[I Run Long]

Here is a fun one…I’ll be on a Disney Cruise in the Caribbean when my booking window opens for off-site and on-site stay This is why I do not like this. I’m the one who takes care of all the booking .. I’ll have to try and talk my friend thru it ..assuming we even bother. Going during dead weeks in early September.

Me too! We'll be on a Fantasy eastern cruise when our booking window opens. Oh well - I'll wing it when we arrive. We'll be there in early September so I think we can safely forego it and still get some great rides.

I remember when they first brought in the current version of Genie+, Canadians couldn't see the Tip Board (from Canada). It took them a few weeks (or months) to fix it - does anyone remember the timeline?

I wonder if this will be a similar issue - they may not have it working for guests outside of the US on day one, but it's something they are planning to implement.

I remember this as well. It think we will be fine - it will just take Disney IT to work the kinks out. We will be there about a month and a half after the new LL system begins. Hopefully it will work smoothly by then. Although as we will be there in September, we may not even need it.