When in the happiest place on Earth, it’s likely you’ll want to keep your phone in your backpack so you can stay in the moment. Soaking up every bit of Disney magic and the wonder on your kid’s faces is priceless. I am a big believer in focusing on the present to stay grounded but there are definitely times when using your smartphone in the parks is going to save you lots of time. Disney is leaning more towards making things more digital and some things (Rise of Resistance) are only accessible through your phone. Here are 8 reasons you’ll need your phone in Disney World.
My Disney Experience App
The My Disney Experience App has replaced the giant binder we used to use for planning 10 years ago. You can now use MDE (My Disney Experience) for your FastPass+ reservations, restaurant reservations, park merchandise locations, ride wait times, bus schedules and even unlocking the door to your resort room!
This is the main reason I always bring a portable charger to the park (or even a brick so both my husband and I can charge throughout the day). The app sucks up a ton of battery and in the Florida sun, you’ll need your brightness all the way up.
Mobile Ordering At Quick Service Restaurants
Mobile Ordering is becoming more prevalent throughout the parks and I’m here for it. There’s something to be said about a character meal or fine dining experience at Disney but when you just need to get food in the kids so everyone stops crying, mobile ordering is your savior. You can order food at a nearby quick-service restaurant, while you’re in the queue for a ride, and go straight to the pick-up counter after the ride, avoiding all frustration of waiting in a long line. It’s lovely. If for no other reason, you’ll need your phone in Disney for this one.
Checking In At Your Resort
After an early 2:30am wake up time to catch the first flight out of Indy, my vacation doesn’t start once I get to the parks but once I get on the Magical Express! I’m officially giddy once I am checking into our hotel. With a background in hospitality, I love talking to the receptionist about the property and gaining all those special tips about the resort. At the same time, I love that Disney makes it possible for those who hate waiting in line to be able to quickly and easily check into their room via the MDE app.
If you’re getting there before check-in time your room may not be ready but the app will alert you with a text on where your room is with a digital map of the property and your luggage will be in the room when you get there. You can even use the MDE app to get into your room if you don’t have your magic band. PRO TIP: Use the MDE App to unlock the closest door to your room during after hours when they’re typically locked. You can go directly from the airport to the parks or Disney Springs without dealing with the hassle of checking in at the resort!
Accessing Your Photos
I’ve been getting more into taking videos on our trips but I don’t feel comfortable taking my professional camera around the parks. Our phones have great quality photo and video options that will help us remember our trip for years to come. You’ll also need your phone if you’re utilizing Disney’s PhotoPass or Memory Maker to look at your photos.
This year will be our first trip as a family of four and instead of being stressed by trying to get great photos we’re utilizing the Memory Maker. I will still have my phone for quick shots and video but I’m excited to have all access to all of the wonderful photos from the PhotoPass locations and ride photos.
Restaurant Waitlist
The days of holding onto the buzzer while you wait for your table is long gone in Disney World. If you have a reservation to a sit-down restaurant you’ll likely only need to wait a few minutes before your name is called. If you’re getting your name on the waitlist because you didn’t make a reservation ahead of time or they don’t take reservations (ahem, Skipper Canteen) you’ll be notified via your phone. You’ll have 10-15 minutes to get to the restaurant so don’t wander far.
Transportation Around Walt Disney World Resort
Disney gives us several different options for getting around their resort. From buses (supposedly every 20 minutes) to monorails to gondolas to ferries. You can use your phone to check the bus schedules in MDE or use it to order a Minnie Van. It’s a Lyft service with guaranteed car seats (we’ve had lots of trouble with Ubers not having car seats). Sometimes it’s just worth getting an Uber back to your resort when the parks are closing during peak season.
Fun In The Queues
I’m a big believer in utilizing FastPass+ to its full potential but if you’re more of a go-with-the-flow type person there is a lot of fun to be had while waiting in line. There is a newish app called Disney Play that lets you enhance your experience of the parks while in the ride lines. They’ve incorporated special features within Galaxy’s Edge like translating languages and being able to help the resistance. You can also test your knowledge of Disney trivia and achieve a special pin by visiting certain rides.
Another fun app to play while waiting is Heads Up. There is a new Disney themed deck you can play while in the parks!
Updates From Disney
The MDE app has been designed to notify you when there is some interruption in your plans. The most common notification that I have received is when there is a ride disruption that interferes with your FastPass+ due to weather or a 101 (ride not operating). Generally, you will be allowed to use your FastPass+ for that ride whenever the ride opens again, or, if it is down for the rest of the day, you can use a FastPass+ on any ride in that park.
The app is also able to notify you of park closures because of capacity or when certain areas of the park are busy so you can head to an emptier area. Disney really is trying to make things easier for our special trips to the parks.
So, next time you think about unplugging for your Disney vacation, think twice because having your phone handy could really enhance your trip!
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