Foreigners Can’t Book Lightning Lane, Marvel Theme Park Expansion Announced

[@Oddernod]

I remember decades ago buying one of those first E-Ticket night events for like $20 a person and we rode Splash Mountain until the place closed to the point they just kept running the boats with you on it without having you get off the ride. Hitting midnight seeing how many times you could splash in a row was a great memory.

[@renderman_7]

I am an international guest, in the past I have been able to book fastpass in advance, fastpass+ in advance and book genie+ in advance, so I doubt this is less a legal reason and more a someone didn't think about it when they were building it reason. Honestly though, this doesn't surprise me, as international guests have been getting screwed for years, the last big one was when Disney stopped offering the free magic band and instead said guests would get a $10 band... except you had to pre-buy your bands before the trip and they would send them to you, but they never send stuff overseas. I had hoped that it meant guests outside of North America would get a coupon to use in the hotel gift shop to make a band cost the same as pre-buy one, but nope. If you are coming form overseas, you don't get any magic band discount. So Disney not offering something else to non-USA residents honestly doesn't surprise me, they constantly ignore more other parts of the world, this is just the latest addition to that practice

[@MaximilianZ96]

You can also book the new system in advanced. You just can’t reserve rides in advance from what I know. Giving them money isn’t the problem. Getting what you payed for is the problem.

[@kevinallenberg6408]

Don't forget that Genie+ was changed so that you had to purchase it on the day your using it. So it could be legal reasons that they encountered with (and as a result, changed) Genie+.

[@kevinallenberg6408]

​@@MaximilianZ96Tom said they "can't purchase" it in the video. Is that inaccurate?

[@suziequinton8270]

Agreed what possible 'legal' reason could there be that's just a daft arguement

[@randisney]

As a Canadian Annual Passholder who always stays on-property, I was initially quite excited to see the seven day advance window for Lightning Lane selection, then disappointed and more than a little angry that I was excluded. I don't understand what legalities would prevent this. I purchase my annual pass from Canada, I purchase special event tickets from Canada (After Hours, MNSSHP, tours etc). I don't see how those are any different legally than a Lightning Lane purchase would be. It's still a financial transaction that's taking place in Canada, with a benefit I won't enjoy until arriving in the US. If there is a valid reason, I think WDW really needs to explain it. Especially considering how many international guests they have.

[@charlenebevilacqua3819]

Agree

[@MrMac1138]

Canada is the exception to this policy. If you are in Canada, you can buy Lightning Lane in advance.

[@Robot_repeater]

I’ve read several sources that have stated that Canadians can also do so from canada, but, I have yet to see anything official from Disney myself

[@jamvng]

I am a Canadian AP as well. Hopefully, Canada is an exception. Or that a VPN will work.

[@alexisbk9576]

Disney already clarified it’s both the US and Canada.

[@ZakZak-mz2ux]

If Non Americans pay the same per night rate at Disney Hotels but don’t receive the same benefits then WTF???

[@charlenebevilacqua3819]

Agree

[@JeanMBotero]

such a good point

[@kam22413]

I agree, however I think it is a currency transfer issue. What they should do is bring back the old Fast Pass model where you can book attractions 30 days in advance.

[@LMC_CD]

Yep

[@MrThomasfouraker]

Florida residents routinely pay less than other US residents for rooms and tickets.

[@michaelschroeck2254]

Universal’s express pass is so easy. I stayed at the hard rock, got “ free” unlimited express pass. ( cheaper than staying at a cheap hotel and buying that same product) and I could just walk up to any ride offering express pass whenever I wanted to. I don’t like universal but that process certainly made my trip so much more enjoyable.

[@kpl-CA]

Universal has treated "Wish Families" (visiting through "Make-A-Wish" or similar, often through "Give Kids The World") ***MUCH*** better than Disney treats Wish Families. And they have since 2014. Which tells you a LOT. Disney are not what they pretend to be. That's based on direct experience and reports from hundreds of Wish families that we now know, personally. When Wish Families feel CHEATED and CHEAPED OUT ON... something is WRONG. Disney is all BRAGGING and LIES, CONS, excuses and "misunderstandings" that RUIN VACATIONS... but zero substance. Zero care. Zero remorse. Disney brags about a "culture" that DOES NOT EXIST. But that caring culture DOES exist... at Universal, Dollywood, and a bunch of other places. The ONLY thing Disney "cares" about is unsustainable shareholder GREED. Shareholders are draining the company dry. They are parasites. Look what Disney actually DO - not say, but actually DO. Their actions betray them. They chose to discriminate against, and punish, ALL GENUINELY DISABLED PEOPLE, in order to eliminate "fraud" that didn't exist... And to favour loudmouth, entitled, martyr "Autism Moms". Gee, which Disney Exec or shareholder was the whiney, self-pity addicted "Autism Mom" who pretended Autism is ALWAYS worse than ANY disability... and DEMANDED that ONLY anyone claiming to be "Autistic" be allowed accommodations. Accommodations that are LAW for ALL disabled persons, not only those claiming "Autism". Screw everyone else - *including "Make-A-Wish" kids. There is ZERO "proof" of "Autism" that Disney demands. So where's the "solution" to fraud? We all KNOW there's no "business reason" to discriminate. Disney just REFUSES to accept that 10-15% of people ARE legitimately disabled, because Disney CHOSE to cheaply underbuild. Disney PRETENDED disabilities are "rare" when they are not. Now they are embarrassed. Incompetent. Humiliated. Disney CHOSE to indulge in a deeply bigoted campaign of discrimination that was justified with a FAKE claim - "too many disabled people". Based on WHAT, exactly? Not on demographics, not on evidence... just based on THEIR assumptions and staff bigotry. Now Disney has ERASED, SILENCED and THREATENED the thousands of disabled people they CHOSE TO HARM. That's all DISNEY is now - bigots and liars. The international solution for disabled guests was always simple, having a parking attendant or an application online handing out a pre-entrance "DAS verified" slip - or an electronic note - while in the lot, for every vehicle with an Accessible Parking Pass. Include names and the date and verify PARTS ONE *AND* TWO (the documentation) - and matching ID. Easy. The matching ID verifies the pass request is genuine, the guest is present, and doctor certified. No using Gramma's pass when she's not in the car. No using someone else's pass. No trading passes, no "renting" disabled folks . Passes ARE ALREADY LEGAL PROOF of a disability. Honestly how much more do Disney continue to PILE ON to demand disabled folks do/pay/endure because Disney assumes EVERYONE is lying. If a guest has no pass, then set up a third party ELECTRONIC system prior that accepts letters from Physicians to certify a need. Disney provides a secure electronic form (pdf) for Physicians, and that's it. Then Disney provides a 10% off coupon - like AP holders get - to use in the park to partially compensate for documentation fees that Physicians charge. Because disabled folks are OFTEN poor or family are "helping" them with the cost of a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Also while you're at it, Disney, teach your BONEHEADED IT department how to create and use tech for people OUTSIDE Florida (they use lag as an excuse to drop & block international disabled applicants), and build tech that isn't SO POORLY DONE that readers and text to speech cannot read it. Such UTTERLY BASIC competency failures. Children in Jr. High can build better tech. But no. Disney chooses to be bigoted, incompetent, obstructionist, discriminatory, cruel and bigoted instead. Disney has been RUINING THE LIVES of employees with horrendous demands, Zero remorse. Disney are lazy and cheap about creativity and innovation, spending next to nothing on improvement, just low quality IP ads. Zero remorse. But Universal.. Different story. Universal quietly, competently outperforms DISNEY, daily. Universal refuses to d-ck around with THEIR customers, making them jump through hoops... They don't punish disabled folks, they continue innovating, they treat employees with respect... Disney's IT employees, "Imagineers" (zero actual Imagineers remain, now they call construction crew "Imagineers" when they ARE NOT CREATIVES), and Disney "leaders" (mouthpieces) are some of the worst incompetent dregs in the industry. Disney are notorious cheapskates, now, they demand and rely on tech, innovation, creativity and inclusion... but REFUSE TO PAY FOR IT. They do such horrendous jobs of designing rides, ships, merch, shows... that they are BLEEDING customers and they cannot hire competent staff. Nobody reputable will touch Disney IT, creative or leadership any more... having them on your resume is a career killer. Disney could fix it all, but they won't. And that reveals them most of all.

[@theknittingchick]

This has since changed in the last few hours. Canadians can now book LL 7 days in advance if booked on property and 3 days in advance for non property guests just like the US can.

[@hilaryelworthy1464]

This is outrageous. We could book fast pass before. I can buy tickets for shows in Disney from the U K…….why is there a legal thing !Disney need to fix this. When there last year the genie plus and mobile order system were also unavailable to us as the system didn’t accept U.K. debit or credit cards…even guest services at Disney Springs couldn’t make the system work…it was very frustrating

[@chrisnovs7727]

I can’t believe that Disney are cutting out International Guests from the new Disney multi pass system. I spend 000s dollars on my Disney vacation from the UK to Orlando, finding out now that all the fast passes will have already been booked in advance by US citizens only. If Disney does not want us to visit from the UK just please put this on their website. I am livid

[@jonny5777]

Same we are DVC members from the UK and have been getting shafted for years. This is the end for me. The USA has had enough of our money, time to spend it in the rest of the world.

[@jenniferthompson389]

Bring back fast pass, it worked, and it was fair to everyone. Sorry, but I think about booking a holiday somewhere else. I love Disney, but I'm tired of all this

[@charlenebevilacqua3819]

Completely Agree!

[@funkydino]

Why would they do that? Especially when you see how many people purchase it. unfortunately they are a business and first and foremost they are there to make money.

[@PattiiMayonnaise]

I’m a FL local AP and I bought Genie+ once to try out around the time the system was new and I can safely say I’ll never buy it again because it seems like a big waste of money for me and yet I still pretty much ride everything in a day without Genie+. Fast pass worked for the consumer only and currently with Disney displaying some anti-consumer policies it will never coming back. Once Disney figured they could monetize it because people would fork over money for a paid service, they ran with it without a second thought.

[@shamudogsmith1751]

​@@funkydinoThey don't want just money. They want blood and your firstborn. X

[@michellekelly5522]

They should make it more expensive so few people use it. Would make the lines move quicker for everyone.

[@irltdgraphics]

The thing is, you can buy the park passes from Disney a year or more in advance, but their is some 'legal thing' that stops me purchase and book lightning lanes. Why is my money good enough for park passes, but not good enough for lightning lanes.I would love to know what the 'Legal thing' is.

[@spoonlessvalkyrie7514]

I think there’s a way to incorporate the Native American scene without being offensive. Call up a local tribe representation to get their input and blessings. FSU Seminoles did it and even have a special day of representation. This is my favorite ride of ALL time!

[@oltorf520]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 or like, disney can just leave it how its been for generations

[@TheBigMarshall83]

We're coming from Scotland. The queues will be maxed out before we get there and we'll be stuck with stand-by.

[@johngowen8252]

Shocking decision 😮😮 Us UK fans aren’t gonna accept paying out for fast pass passes -- just to be left to pick from the rides the locals don’t want !!! Disney are getting so OTT with pricing for absolutely everything- but still keep reducing what they are offering We Seriously have to start thinking we are better off just going to Universal and Seaworld ….. can’t wait for Epic Universe … and the decision to ditch Disney will be easy Sad times 😢

[@Mr17051963]

As an international visitor, who have being 50 years visiting WDW (since 1974, still with my parents) once a year, I feel deeply neglected by a company that used to have a Walt Disney's philosophy where every guest was a VIP one. Starting to consider Universal Resort as my main destination for next year.

[@Ikcerog2001]

Regarding international purchase into the LL system, in absolute sincerity I suspect this is because it is essentially represents a 'gamble'; the purchase representing a chance to obtain something of value, vis-à-vis a shorter wait time. It can't be guaranteed in any material way, so purchasing it outside the US becomes more expensive to license, moderate, monitor, etc.. Feels like a similar situation to microtransactions in video games; loot-crates and such.

[@AndrewHowell-Kernow]

Wow… I’m visiting in Nov/Dec for three weeks. I’m bringing my kids and grandkids. It’s costing me a small fortune - and now, because I’m not American, I get penalised on LL??? Wow. In saying that, much like dining reservations, ‘day of’ hasn’t let me down in 20 years… I have to be honest with Disney though, as a visiting Brit with a big spend on WDW - I feel genuinely penalised. This is not good form in terms of guest relations. Really poor optics! If only Universal were developing a park in the UK… 🤔🤔

[@valerie8401]

Disney really sucks. I used to be a fan, but not now.

[@zarajenkins6948]

From a fellow Brit I'm with you on this! And yes mmmmm I wonder? Lol 😊

[@boogiebear3027]

Thank you for posting this... you've echoed my thoughts exactly.

[@nathanarmstrong9083]

Totally agree with you on yhis

[@julieboo1715]

If Universal built a park in the UK, I would move there! 😂

[@rachb373]

It's absolutely ridiculous! Booking fast passes as international guests wasn't an issue, yet the genuiuses at Disney can't make this work for us despite us having to pay the most to get there! Great job, Disney, brilliant!

[@jasonchampagne6825]

^ From the bayou where Larrys often end up as a speed bump. Nice to see him alive and well on Tiana's Bayou Adventure which I highly enjoyed when we rode during previews.

[@MatecaCorp]

Okay, now make it so that nobody can book in advance at all. Pre-booking Fastpass is what kicked off the explosion in wait times. Going forward with another Marvel ride in Hong Kong is such a shortsighted idea. The franchise is already declining in popularity (and box office) and the last time Disney tried to announce an Avengers ride it went so poorly that even the superfans who paid to see the announcement in person thought it was lame.

[@danilyons2367]

From a business standpoint, this is very stupid. Us brits tend to books for two week trips! Now there is no incentive for us to book a Disney hotel.

[@santiago7129]

I miss the Epcot canopy I don’t get why people didn’t like it it fit into Epcot so nicely and was so unique and to me a timeless structure like the pavilions better than what we have now RIP Pin station

[@florianthesnow]

Well, then this international guest won’t be going to WDW anymore. This doesn’t make sense. I mean I can book and pay my stay in advance, so why not something like that? I was hoping this was an oversight and they would fix it. There were downsides for international guests in the past, but this is just too much. Disney is a huge international corporation, so I can’t imagine they can’t fix such a legal issue if it is one.

[@cristianchavarria5359]

Disney has no trouble charging for hotels, parks, cruiseships, anything but suddenly they can’t charge for LL? MAKES NO SENSE

[@themovieguy3642]

Tom, we don’t hate you, we love you. In fact, we can’t have enough of you. Every time I would watch a video from WDW news today, I always enjoyed your perspectives on theme park additions and updates. It’s always fun to hear your knowledge and reactions to these news reports. why haven’t you appeared in these universal park news today videos, it makes me sad not to see you not talk about these topics. You are definitely the important part of this channel and we would love to see you report on these videos more.

[@brclyn]

LL and Genie were rip offs anyway. Either pay a minimum fee for entry, then pay for rides, or pay these stupidly expensive entry prices and have it include everything.

[@sireuchre]

It's my understanding people outside the US do get an advantage those in the US do not - they can book much further in advance. Normal booking for WDW from within the US is basically only possible 1 year out, and I've seen Europeans talking about having booked a trip 1.5 years or more out. I don't know why there's a difference there. I do know that Europeans can also often get cheaper prices for a room per night, and I'm sure it is in part to offset the cost of traveling to Florida.

[@drkjoneill]

We used to be able to buy FPP 60 days in advance in Canada. I wonder what legal issue has arrived since then. Also, it seems extremely unfair that a guest in an oofsite hotel has access to LL before a deluxe-staying international guest.

[@mattdaaamon]

I would bet it's some sort of tax thing now that this is a paid upcharge that Disney won't pay.

[@drkjoneill]

@@mattdaaamon Figures

[@MoogieMouseTV]

They take one step forward in the right direction and then a billion steps back lol 😅

[@sssspider]

…what’s the one step in the right direction that they’ve taken, exactly?

[@eclipsehorse8693]

Disney Hokey Pokey :)

[@MrMaxRebos]

Rides will be sold out days before peoples 7 day window

[@steveurquhart5895]

Disney has poor excuse saying it is for legal reasons. However if I am not mistaken in the UK you are entitled to a refund if a problem arises, that maybe the answer. Buying tickets for Universal is not a problem. Disney is expecting guests outside of the US to weight seven days in one of their hotel rooms doing nothing to catchup with the fast pass system, I think that this is DISCRIMINATION. Disney is all for inclusivity, well does that work when they want it to or if the buck is big enough. DISNEY IS DISCRIMINATING.

[@jonathan9995_]

The Walt Disney Travel Company needs to offer a facility when booking directly with them as they handle the itinerary for many overseas guests.

[@ttintagel]

The EPCOT entrance mural feels kind of weird to me. It reminds me of those licensed character Halloween costumes that have a picture of the character on the front of the costume.

[@writerpatrick]

They're giving non-residents another reason not to visit Disney. They shouldn't have implemented the new system until they worked out the issue.

[@rcsolo26]

This is outrageous! As someone coming from The Netherlands its always a hassle to book a WDW trip. First they don't have a page for advance purchase of a memory maker on the EU website, and now this?! How come the prices for the hotels are the same for US residents, but it doesn't come with the same benefits? Disney must hate money!

[@SkipperPye]

So I’m going to pay £20,000 for my family of five to stay in a Disney resort hotel for two weeks, and Disney is going to put me to the back of the queue when it comes to purchasing lightning lane ☹️. Shame… I think for my family this is the last straw. I go to universal studios instead

[@robertbrown7051]

The quality of this video is through the roof. Impressive!

[@rebeccakravitz7711]

For those saying use a VPN, you literally cannot, they do not work when making purchases on the Disney app or website.

[@BrickSomething]

The family and I've been here in Japan since the 20th. Did TDR for 3 days and are now exploring Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Nara. Then ending with a few days back in Tokyo. Having a blast. TDR was epic...the Disneyland Hotel with Vacation Package was *mwah*, allowing us to ride Frozen 4 times and Tangled 3 times. (The Tinkerbell and Peter Pan ones were good enough after the first time. Ha.) This was our first time at TDR, and DisneySea lived up to expectations. Fantastic. And Beauty and the Beast in Tokyo Disneyland...WOW. Between that and Winnie the Pooh, we basically had our fill of that park being Disneyland Anaheim regulars for almost 50 years. Anyway, we had a great experience at TDR, and the newly announced Vacation Package is amazing. Back stateside, I CAN'T WAIT to ride Tiana's on the West Coast.

[@MarkEdwards1963]

Way to go Disney, proven world leaders in finding ways to alienate sections of Your customer base.

[@Katesaprincess]

i wish they would sell duffy and friends merch from shanghai in the china area of epcot i would love that lol

[@JoyfulJapan-DS]

Oof. I can see that restriction on international guests will put many off booking disney hotels because that 7-day LL benefit sounded like a good bonus for people who may only be able to afford to visit WDW once. And we definitely need a Lari plush!! ^_^ can we get a mini plush keychain like OLC make for Tokyo Disney?

[@gustavokrelling]

Hello! I booked a hotel and parks package. I’m very sad about Disney! I saw they changed the Lighting Lane system. I arrive on August 19th in US and my first day at the park will be on August 20th. I read that people who are not in the United States cannot book Lighting Lane 7 days in advance. I’m disappointed. Since I’m paying a lot to have the benefits of staying at a Disney hotel. I live in Brazil and I think this is unfair for foreigners and for those who have been planning a trip for a long time. We miss the democratic, uncomplicated and fair Fastpass.

[@LMC_CD]

So does this mean overseas guests should pay less for hotels / tickets? As we’re getting a lesser service?

[@laceylaine]

I just read an article that says “We spoke with a WDW rep on the afternoon of June 28, who confirmed that Canadian guests may continue to use My Disney Experience app for LL Multi Pass and Single Pass….Canadian guests staying onsite will be able to reserve LL passes up to 7 days in advance…” Looks like there was a little miscommunication or they changed their mind.

[@04forerunner]

Do happen to have link to article? Thanks🇨🇦

[@laceylaine]

⁠@@04forerunnermy replies are getting deleted. Just try copying and pasting a portion of my quotations into a search engine. Hopefully it pops up.

[@laceylaine]

Sorry they obviously don’t want me to li nk. I’ve tried 😢

[@pepsiwepsi1952]

Where was the article from?

[@laceylaine]

@@pepsiwepsi1952 Disney Tourist Blog

[@belindaniswonger6179]

I think you do a fantastic job at reporting the news

[@VixenLovelove]

That sucks for foreigners. Though I think Tom might be right that it’s a legality thing so maybe they’ll work it out. If it makes Disney money they’ll do it. That’s why they stopped giving Das to physically disabled guests and even denying children with developmental disorders cause they have two parents. Sure I won’t lie there were abusers who faked being disabled, but that’s why you ask for a doctors note like universal. Now the lines are down at Disneyland but mostly cause it’s hot in summer and many physically disabled guests refuse to risk their lives waiting in stuffy ques where they might collapse or have other issues. We’ve learned that Disney does not care about disabled people unless we give them tons of money so we’re taking our business elsewhere.

[@johngowen8252]

It’s no legal issue !! Thats just bs. We were always allowed to book FP+ ahead of our trips in the old system - so how/why is it illegal now ?

[@VixenLovelove]

@@johngowen8252damn that’s awful.

[@TimothyKnight-n1u]

Good show. I love how you are embracing the Chewbacca look.

[@weatheredseeker]

Theoretically, multipass is a virtual purchase that gives you access to a chance to get what you want, it isn't directly purchasing a precise product, which may make it fall under lootbox legislation that has targetted video games in many countries in recent years. Who knows? Depends how those laws were worded. No way they're doing it for no reason, though.

[@MeikoSuzuki14eighteight]

So much for the inclusion key!

[@gdy2shus]

😂😂😂

[@loudwatersrunshallow]

The Tokyo parks *also* restrict access to foreign guests. It is what it is.

[@spoonlessvalkyrie7514]

They threw that out with the DAS change. Nothing new.

[@michellehawkins1027]

@@spoonlessvalkyrie7514 No they threw it out when they let people who have big $$$ and can stay at their hotels, pick dining and fast pass ride options before those of us who can only do like a day or so at the park and can't afford the hotels.

[@UmmYeahOk]

@@loudwatersrunshallowI just came back from there and didn’t experience this. Can you share some examples?

[@TerryBenner]

Best thing to do is go back to the original fast pass. It was the only fair system. Virtual queues are evil. Every ride should have a standby line that moves at a pace commencerate with other lines

[@MonsterKidCory]

I remember when they changed the Jungle Cruise so that it wouldn't offend anybody. They even made sure not to offend chimpanzees. But then they ADDED a joke at the expense of Canadians. Or how they talk about representation but instead of actually doing stories from other cultures they just make everything American. So no, I'm not shocked at Disney slighting non-Americans. It's on brand for them.

[@wayneswarbrick7717]

I think Tom is correct. There are complicated legal reasons. As a UK resident, I could make Fastpass + pre-selections in advance ni problem, but that was free. I can't seem to be able to purchase a lot of things from Disney, overseas. I an a DVC member but I cannot buy a Sorcerer's Pass (annual pass) from the UK. I have to buy one after I arrive in the US. We cannot access the DAS interview from overseas either. This is a free service, so that confuses me too.

[@Keith-wd5ey]

So Tom could argue that other things could be given as a benefit or gesture? It's lazy

[@lovejohandmade]

If this doesn’t change, it would completely put me off booking a Disney trip as I don’t want to waste the whole day standing in lines for rides. If everyone else has already booked anything worth riding, then it massively reduces the appeal of going for international guest..who are staying for potentially 2 weeks at a time, having 2 week tickets and spending 2 weeks’ worth of money in the parks! It’s really shortsighted of Disney to not try to fix this issue.

[@frankcarney4882]

I believe that visitors will treat Tiana's like a brand new must see attraction and will be highly desirable. I could be wrong, but they should be prepared that this ride will be in high demand.

[@paboy2727]

Tiana is alwas down so getting to ride it would be a miracle

[@chuckdillingham]

I’ve gotten so used to hearing Eric’s voice that when you do the show it’s a bit jarring😂😂😂

[@mattbutterfield1754]

Thanks for your thoughts Tom. If this is a legal issue they should show respect and tell us why (Matt Uk)

[@tinaoreilly5973]

As a DVC member from the UK for over 20 years I would be really upset about this if I ever intended to buy this rip off but I refuse to pay to ride anything when I have already paid over a thousand dollars for a park ticket.

[@greensam7074]

It’s easy…………….. Disney have well and truly made travelling to, using and enjoying Disney theme parks, from overseas (Scotland for us) well and truly, a hardship, stressful, miserable and overly complicated, never mind far more expensive than ever before, we we just won’t come anymore. Universal Studios is a far more customer friendly option than Disney now and with Epic Universe opening next year, a far, far more exciting experience in my eyes and that of my family. We’ve been to both Disney & Universal in Orlando a few times before (at great expense)as a large family of 8, but from now on, Universal is our destination of choice.

[@gothamsangel]

26:15 Oaxaca is a state in Mexico that produces a cheese of the same name. It is pronounced (Wah-ha-ka).

[@DisneyFrenzy2584]

❤❤❤ your shirt Tom! So glad to see you back in the chair!

[@MarkEdwards1963]

Further to my other post on here, if there are "legal" reasons why international guests can't pre pay for LL Multi Pass, why is it okay for us to pre pay for say NSSHP or am I missing something more obvious here?

[@kaygostelow71]

Exactly, we can book hotels, park tickets, special events, dining plan but can’t buy this?

[@ltlight3563]

International guests should just stop booking Disney property hotels. If there’s no incentive then save some money and let Disney management deal with the fallout.

[@amp1276]

My suspicion on the non-American reservation restrictions is that the reservation system's servers are located in the U.S. only and to store the users information there would violate GDPR. But only a guess.

[@jamesE81]

I was thinking the same thing!! This definitely sounds like GDPR issues at play.

[@clarkh5390]

Since I started listening to Tom. I’ve learned people outside of the US should just travel to Seas. I want to go to Seas

[@Tuffunikorn]

I actually use to hate Tom when I was getting ready for my first Disney trip. Lol. But now I love him for keeping it real!! Even if I don’t agree

[@Ratchetfan321]

I mean we know disney doesnt really care about sensitivity with cultures. Just look at behind the scenes with the Mulan live actuon movie or the black panther poster. All disney really cares for is money and if morals can make money.

[@FunAtDisney]

I asked this before on the web site - It seems there will not longer be a multi-park LL (Genie+) plus option at WDW? Looking at the graphic it shows “Purchase for 1 park per day”. So if you have park-hopper tickets you will only be able to use LL at one park for that day. Is that correct? I am not sure I like that!

[@aviadstark6215]

Many international guests pay significantly less purchasing packages that are NOT even available to American guests for length of stay at insanely cheaper prices. Personally I think that similar to Universal, guests who stay at Grand Floridian, The Poly or any other top tier Disney resort should get LL for free as part of their stay as a perk. Would be nice if they actually brought back Magical Express as well.

[@wee-senchoo7025]

I've decided to stay on site at Universal for Epic Universe and I'm a foreigner. This news just reaffirms my good decision.

[@DS-pe8tt]

❤ love the backstory! Go Disney! 11:55

[@monorail4252]

If they use a VPN, would they be able to make those passes early or is it based on the person's home address?

[@bushmasterflash]

VPN. You could just log in using a VPN and buy and book the lightning lane from anywhere in the world.

[@cynthiabroom6312]

Tom, thanks for your informative vlog. My question is regarding the virtual queues for rides like Guardian & Tron. Have you heard anything about those type of situations? Thanks

[@sailorearth2007]

Again they need to nix limiting people to one ride on an attraction…if I’m paying and there are LL available I should be allowed to book the attraction I want to ride rather than being forced to use standby for a second ride later in the day

[@tech34756]

I wouldn't be surprised if the International LL issue is caused by a combination of implementation and not wanting to deal with international sales tax/vat. Disney used to offer Genie+ on the Disney UK site when buying a ticket.

[@nioxianlerma9201]

One way is to book through travel agencies/vacation planners to go around this

[@jordanmiller4102]

Rest assured that the Walt Disney Company would be happy to take international people’s money. It is undoubtedly a question of international tax laws or something similar.

[@xrmike68]

How is it, I can pay for a dining reservation, tour, or could pay for genie+ while in the UK before I arrived, but not this. Its nothing to do with legal or tax unless Ronny suddenly put some new law into force?

[@theplaz]

Working in the tech industry, my guess this is a legal issue but fixable - and Disney will work to fix this post launch.

[@KoyaKoala413]

WDWNT, when this new system launches in July, please could you make a video/article on what it is like for international resort guests? I am very worried that by the time international guests can book our Single Passes all the rides will be gone. And for the Multi Passes all those rides will be gone or just evening time slots available. This new system is incredibly unfair. If we are staying in a Disney Resort, then we should get access to this system 7 days prior just like national guests. Even off site guests get quicker access then us

[@erniemorris3978]

So when should we expect the Lari the Armadillo plush from carousel of progress? 😂

[@eclipsehorse8693]

watch, everyhone who visits this attraction will go home with Lari plushes... eff Tiana

[@KhurtKhave669]

@@eclipsehorse8693100% 😂☂️☂️☂️☂️☂️☂️☂️☂️☂️☂️☂️☂️☂️

[@eclipsehorse8693]

@@KhurtKhave669 not too late to retheme it to 'Lari's Log Flume adventure' yanno :)

[@paulevans9036]

As an international guest I find this decision absolutely shocking. Paying a small fortune to stay at Wilderness Lodge,and not receiving one of the main benefits. If there is a legal requirement as to why Disney cannot give this major perk to international guests,then they come clean and issue a statement about it.

[@jodsterjamster8678]

Genie+ was a bad idea plus a rip off and now this is even worse when you don’t allow international visitors to book and allow 3 selections in advance - you will find very few attractions available after the fact. Our experience was this was the case when they used this 3 FP booking system when it was free - it was fine to book months ahead (think it was 60 days) but the closer you got and the day of there was not much available to use another FP for since they already got used up in advance. To me this will make this new paid system worth less when it will be very hard to book another worthwhile FP after the 3 initial bookings get used. I remember trying to book something in the free old 3 FP system and after the 3 initial FP were used around lunch and only thing left was for attractions such as Tiki Room, Dumbo or Hall Of Presidents - many for attractions nobody usually needs a FP for. Just see this being more of a rip off and mess but guess guest experience is a thing of the past as we were not impressed on a recent trip.

[@GeekRemix]

Can people abroad just use a VPN to make reservations?

[@johngowen8252]

Can’t believe that anyone in Disney thinks it’s ok to treat International visitors so disrespectfully. We are not 2nd class citizens. We are not paying 2nd class prices to visit their parks - so how on gods earth can you believe that it’s right to give us 2nd class services or 2nd class treatment Disgusted by this !!!

[@stephaneauplain5254]

Another reason NOT to go back to Walt Disney World! Lightning Lane should be only available on the day or your visit!

[@alisongreen7447]

I work in travel in the UK and many from here do 3 weeks in the US. Prior to covid in the UK you could get a 21 day pass but that never came back. But the current UK magic pass is 14 days of visits over 18 days and given most travellers do Universal etc it works. Seen alot of complaints about this on UK travel boards, and I can't see Disney wanted to annoy people deliverately it has to be some sort of legal issue. This will definately move people to more split stays or stay offsite as if you have the 14 day pass and are there for 2 weeks onsite OR offsite you can book your selections on your arrival in the US for thre whole of your 14/18 days (length of ticket) I assume like with the reservations you will be able to book 14 days over the 18 day period the ticket runs which gives us a long period to search for those hard to get LL. Already seen people booking their stay at Universal but with Disney tickets and more and more villa/resort hotel bookings her in the UK. It's only the free dining offer boosting UK onsite bookings to be honest. We personally are already doing a split stay next year wo will be in the US around the 7 day mark before doing Disney at the end of our stay so won't make too much of an issue for us. The one thing I would say is the LL is not always needed especially when we are coming for so much longer stays than those in the US we have alot more time to hit the parks. All that said it is unfair to pay the same price as those in the US and not getting the same benefits. I do wonder if they are working on something to offer us in the UK, perhaps a flat rate add on to your ticket or something?

[@Tolendrassa]

Disney is saving my money ... because i have to pay for the full service and cant use in in "full" mode... so i will not pay for it and just stay in line.

[@kevinrigby4148]

Hi I and family are going to wdw in July we have booked 2 fireworks shows and bibbybobbydboo from the uk and paid upfront what’s the difference between this and lighting lane ?..

[@MoiveGuy24]

I think they should bring back free fast pass plus like they use to

[@michellehawkins1027]

I wish they would make it so that you have to get the pass when you are there by the ride. That made it fair for everyone. Not just the fancy rich ones who had hotel packages.

[@ttintagel]

It would be nice, but now that they've learned people are willing to pay they have no incentive to give up that money.

[@cameronashton7150]

Sounds to me like it's an appeasement to Ron DeSantis and America First. This may be the first of such discrimination but it won't be the last. We've got our first visit in seven years this Autumn but I'm increasingly fearful it will be our last. The magic has faded and they can't help but make things worse (and charge more for the privilege).

[@GiaBlinks]

Maybe they created this fast pass system to then turn it into a sometimes free perk for booking, but the terms won't be applicable to foreign guests?

[@dulciecattrell3498]

It’s unfair to local guests or anyone not booking a Disney hotel room. I’m an annual pass holder and with this new twist I’ll likely never buy a fast pass again.

[@bebopblue]

I was watching a Japanese vlog on Tokyo Disneyland and one of the most unique things I found out is that almost all the face characters that I’ve seen speak English and appear to be caucasian. I find it pretty odd that they would make it hard for non Japanese to get around in TDL, unless if you’re interacting with a face character.

[@ToriTreble]

I think the reason new Splash isn't included is because it's a water ride. That's my theory

[@kaygostelow71]

Well hopefully the crowds will be so low next year when epic opens that pre booking won’t be required anyway 😂

[@michaelwilkinson5700]

@@kaygostelow71 they’re low this year. I only got back last week and you could put your arms out and spin and not touch anyone during HEA.

[@kaygostelow71]

That’s good to know. I feel that could be growing trend 😀

[@toddw8396]

Interesting 🤔 like you said, there has to be a law preventing international guests from access to Lightning Lanes? I can’t imagine WDW would want to diminish intentional guest appeal in any way. Makes me wonder, though: what if it was just included with your Disney Resort reservation? Would the international problem be solved? Oh wait, that would be OG Fast-pass. 😂

[@michaelwilkinson5700]

@@toddw8396 we could use the fastpass system, and Genie+. Maybe they should have replaced it with something that won’t impact our vacation.

[@shamudogsmith1751]

I'm in the UK and can buy tickets for Universal, Sea World and many others services. Today I bought tickets for experiences at Busch Gardens. I can also reserve Disney Dining 60 days in advance and I have to supply a credit card that they take a transaction from. I frequently purchase goods and services in the US from the UK and so far, its only Disney that is blocking me. If it was European legislation it would apply to all transactions not just Lightning Lanes. I'm not happy that despite spending 14 days in a deluxe hotel at Disney I have less availability to "extras" than someone from North America spending a couple of nights in an All Stars resort. I already spend part of my holiday at a Universal hotel, next year it will be all of my holiday and Disney aren't getting another penny from me. Its not just this issue it's a complete decline in the standards of the hotels, parks and company.

[@amandaparker6796]

Had enough of my phone on my last trip to Florida, traveled from UK, thought issue was solved, well I suppose it is, I’ll choose Paris or Tokyo next time😁

[@WDWNT]

I like both of those options ❤️

[@MaxRebo731]

People are so negative about the shaving thing. Looking rugged, Tom! 👍

[@g27ist]

Would using a vpn work to get around the international restriction?