Welcome back to planDisney, Tegan! Thanks for sharing your question with us!
It’s never too early to start planning your next Walt Disney World adventure (or your next next one). With 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, multiple golf courses, and tons of shopping and dining options, the combination of magical experinces is almost endless.
Lightning Lane Passes are booked through the My Disney Experience mobile app, and according to the Walt Disney World website, the app is intended for use in the United States only. So that would indeed mean that you’ll have to wait to be in the United States to purchase your Lightning Lane Passes. You can see the exact wording and find more information about Lightning Lane Passes
here.
Remember, if you are staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel, there are other ways to enjoy attractions with shorter queues and maximize your time at the theme parks. You can take advantage of
early entry, which gives Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests access to the theme parks 30 minutes before official opening. There are also
extended evening hours, where guests staying at Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resorts can enjoy the theme parks after official hours on select nights. You can see which parks have early entry or extended evening hours on the Walt Disney World
hours and events calendar.
I hope this information was helpful, Tegan. Don’t hesitate to come back if you have additional vacation planning questions. You're as welcome as can be at planDisney!
Magical travels!
Matt