Why is Disney doing this? (with international guest)

[UKdisneydad]

Have you tried it on Android or iOS?
I don’t understand why that wouldn’t work as there would be no way for an app to find out the real location when using the fake GPS signal and a VPN simultaneously.

IOS. I found it odd it didn’t work as my maps and weather apps believed I was in the US but the My Disney Experience still said I wasn’t there. All very peculiar.

 

[Dave006]

IOS. I found it odd it didn’t work as my maps and weather apps believed I was in the US

Where does the Apple Maps app show for your location vs a third-party Maps app? Apple Maps and MDE use Apple Precise Location services in iOS. And are you using Wi-Fi to test or Cellular network to test?

Dave

 

[JackosinDIS]

IOS. I found it odd it didn’t work as my maps and weather apps believed I was in the US but the My Disney Experience still said I wasn’t there. All very peculiar.

You cannot spoof your location on IOS.

 

[UKdisneydad]

Where does the Apple Maps app show for your location vs a third-party Maps app? Apple Maps and MDE use Apple Precise Location services in iOS. And are you using Wi-Fi to test or Cellular network to test?

Dave

I used Google maps and a WiFi network. I felt if I used my UK based cellular network that would defeat the object. I’m giving up, I’m going to try and rearrange my trip now. Absolutely fuming at Disney.

 

[Lesverts]

I think this is more an extension of Disney treating Canada as just the USA for almost everything now. Ever since they closed their office in Vancouver pretty much.

But, if it had been true. I would have seriously considered not returning. Pay those prices, get that result. No thanks.

 

[AnnaKristoff2013]

One workaround here would be for international guests to use a US-based travelagent who is willing to make your preselects for you.

 

[walt34]

One workaround here would be for international guests to use a US-based travelagent who is willing to make your preselects for you.

Are travel agents officially allowed to buy Genie+ or do they have to log in with the client's credentials on the app (which they are not supposed to do)?

If you are already booking through a travel agent, this could help (if they do it as a free add on to the commission they are already getting). If you are a DVC member with an annual pass it seems somewhat questionable. The travel agent would need to charge a separate fee for this service - otherwise s/he isn't getting paid.

Disney should fix this properly and allow international guests to book.

 

[AnnaKristoff2013]

Are travel agents officially allowed to buy Genie+ or do they have to log in with the client's credentials on the app (which they are not supposed to do)?

If you are already booking through a travel agent, this could help (if they do it as a free add on to the commission they are already getting). If you are a DVC member with an annual pass it seems somewhat questionable. The travel agent would need to charge a separate fee for this service - otherwise s/he isn't getting paid.

Disney should fix this properly and allow international guests to book.

Years ago in 2018 when I booked my first Disney trip (through a travel agent) I had trouble making my fastpass preselects. It turned out the website was just glitching that day and it wasn’t my fault, but my travel agent offered to log in and do it for me (with my credentials). Maybe it wasn’t technically allowed, but I bet most travel agents would be willing to do this if they want to keep you as a client.

Yes, I don’t see it working for DVC owners.

 

[ellbell]

One workaround here would be for international guests to use a US-based travelagent who is willing to make your preselects for you.

That would require giving someone complete access including passwords to your MDE. That means they even have access to any gift cards you may have purchased.

 

[vinotinto]

That would require giving someone complete access including passwords to your MDE. That means they even have access to any gift cards you may have purchased.

Exactly. And access to the entire WDW company sites, including Disney+, Hulu, etc.

I know most people are honest, but I don't think there has to be malicious intent. I don't know the settings and safety of someone else's app, if they are in a public network, etc. Too much trust in giving someone access to your MDE account.