IPod Touch Instead of Smart Phone

Woodmnky

DIS Veteran
Joined
Jun 7, 2012
I am sure that we have some tech savy people here, so I am hoping for some help. I do not have a smartphone and do not want one. I don't text, I don't generally surf the web when not at home, and I used my phone 7 minutes over the last 2 months. Basically if I am not at home, I pay attention to the people with me and my phone is just a means of communication in case of emergency.

We are heading to WDW in Dec. With the roll out of FP+, the lines apps, ect I can see how having a smartphone might come in handy. Also, the idea of having a few apps for my toddler to play in an emergency is pretty enticing. I have a Kindle Fire, but that is too big for me to want to bring with me. It was suggested that I get an Ipod Touch to as it would do everything that I am looking for when combined with wifi. This suggestion came from a 10 yo, who I am sure knows way more than I do about these things however I want some adult advice.

I do not have any other I-device and don't plan to. Will an Ipod Touch fufill my needs? Is there something else out there that may be better & cheaper?
 
Well, if you want to take the opinion of someone who chooses to ignore the people i'm with I'll say "yes" you'd be fine with an Itouch. Onesaleaday has had them lately for a decent price.
 
The only issue I see for WDW regarding line apps, etc. is that you will need wifi for those. Are there places in the park with wifi that you will be able to access? I'm genuinely asking because I have no idea.

Otherwise--I think the iPod Touch will work great. DD has one and I can't think of anything it won't really do that my iphone won't. There are apps for free texting and you can pay for minutes through those apps to talk if needed. In fact, people can call her "text" number and she can talk for free, she just can't call people. (Btw--only her aunt and gma/gpa are allowed to have this number. ;))
 


The only issue I see for WDW regarding line apps, etc. is that you will need wifi for those. Are there places in the park with wifi that you will be able to access? I'm genuinely asking because I have no idea.

Otherwise--I think the iPod Touch will work great. DD has one and I can't think of anything it won't really do that my iphone won't. There are apps for free texting and you can pay for minutes through those apps to talk if needed. In fact, people can call her "text" number and she can talk for free, she just can't call people. (Btw--only her aunt and gma/gpa are allowed to have this number. ;))
From what I understand there is free wifi in all of the parks.
 
From what I understand there is free wifi in all of the parks.

Yes, there is free Wi-Fi throughout the Parks now! With the rollout of My Disney Experience and FP+, it's a necessity.

However, it can be spotty in some areas of the parks.
 
Yes, there is free Wi-Fi throughout the Parks now! With the rollout of My Disney Experience and FP+, it's a necessity.

However, it can be spotty in some areas of the parks.
Thanks. I am not expecting perfection, but something may be better than nothing.

Does anyone know of any other devices other than an IPod which would serve the same purpose? I am finding that the IPod Touch 4th generation is $120+ even used.
 


We have 4 teenagers who had their iPod touches in the parks this past summer. DH and I have iPhones; the share 2 flip phones. The iPod touches worked beautifully as long as the kids remembered to connect to the wifi when they entered the park. When you leave, you're out of range and disconnected. There is a different wifi network at the resort (assuming you're staying on park property). There is no wifi while on the busses. It was very convenient for us. We also have an app called "Where's My iPhone" and as long as the kids were connected to the wifi, we knew where they were.

ETA We purchased the iTouches for the kids as Christmas presents last year. I wasn't about to pay for a new one and got refurbished ones on the Apple website for $129 for the 8G size.
 
I could be wrong, but I don't think the 4th generation iPod Touch works with the newest version of the operating system. This means you'll very quickly be in a situation where apps won't update and many new ones won't be compatible with your operating system. If you're going to get one, you'll need the newest generation and it's way more than $120.
 
I could be wrong, but I don't think the 4th generation iPod Touch works with the newest version of the operating system. This means you'll very quickly be in a situation where apps won't update and many new ones won't be compatible with your operating system. If you're going to get one, you'll need the newest generation and it's way more than $120.

This is correct. The new iOS 7 is only compatible with fifth-generation iPod touches. I'm sure not all apps will update right away, but IMO the most common ones have already pushed their v7 updates.

Otherwise, OP, I think the touch would work just fine -- with the exception of the spotty WDW WiFi. ;)
 
This is correct. The new iOS 7 is only compatible with fifth-generation iPod touches. I'm sure not all apps will update right away, but IMO the most common ones have already pushed their v7 updates.

Otherwise, OP, I think the touch would work just fine -- with the exception of the spotty WDW WiFi. ;)
Thanks for the info. I would be very sad to find out that I spent a bunch of money and it didn't work. Guess I will have to decide exactly how much I want to have wifi access in the parks.
 
I don't have a smartphone but all 4 of us have iPod touches. 3 are 4th generation and 1 is 5th generation.
We just returned from AKL & had no problems in WDW parks & resorts using the app for FP+. We could search for dining reservations, change FP times, parks etc. easy peasy. The parks & resorts all have free WIFI.

If I were going to buy one for a wdw trip coming up soon and no other purpose I'd get a refurbed one. Then again you might really like having all your favorite music in one place, weighing less than a cell phone.

Once you ride the bus and lose your connection, you may have to reconnect by going into "Settings" to reconnect.
 
Thanks. I am not expecting perfection, but something may be better than nothing.

Does anyone know of any other devices other than an IPod which would serve the same purpose? I am finding that the IPod Touch 4th generation is $120+ even used.
I have a 4th generation iPod Touch and the MDE app works fine on it from here at home. I haven't tried it in the parks yet.

However, is it really worth it to spend $120+ just to have access to MDE while you're in Disney? There will be FP+ kiosks around the parks for the less technically-minded individuals to set up their FP+s. You really do not need to buy a smart phone or wi-fi enabled android device in order to be able take advantage of it.
 
I have a 4th generation iPod Touch and the MDE app works fine on it from here at home. I haven't tried it in the parks yet.

However, is it really worth it to spend $120+ just to have access to MDE while you're in Disney? There will be FP+ kiosks around the parks for the less technically-minded individuals to set up their FP+s. You really do not need to buy a smart phone or wi-fi enabled android device in order to be able take advantage of it.
I am starting to think the same thing. It would be nice to have, but not that nice.
 
I own a ipod touch. My son got it for me one year for christmas. I just recently went on a trip to yellowstone and used it at the hotels. It works terrific (as long as you have wifi). Each time you have to log onto the wifi that is available. I don't have a smart phone and will prolong on getting one for as long as I can. The only thing I would suggest is make sure you know how to use it before you go. The first year I had it we went to disney (offsite) and the thing went haywire on me so I just put it aside until I got home again. Just had to reset it. I basically use my touch to viggle (you check into shows and earn points to redeem for gift cards). I love my ipod touch.
 
Yes there is something cheaper than ipod touch and works the same way.

I would go android. Its same thing as ipod touch and ten times cheaper. Also buy android cell phones without service and use as cheap ipod touch. You just use google play. Also can make and recieve calls with a app call Groove lite. Now groove lite includes texting for free.

http://www.amazon.com/Kyocera-Event...map?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1379709118&sr=1-29

http://www.amazon.com/Huawei-Inspir...22?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1379709296&sr=1-122
 
We didn't have smartphones in June, all four ipod touches we took worked just fine. Internet was a little spotty at Epcot when DH tried t post a pic on facebook, but that was our only problem.
 
True, you can spend about $30 on a deactivated Android phone from eBay and use it like an iPod touch. Might have to invest another $5 for a memory card, but it will do most (if not all) of what the iPods will do. It isn't as fancy as an iPod Touch, but a heck of a lot cheaper.

Also, if you work it just right, you can make calls over WIFI (for free).
 
However, is it really worth it to spend $120+ just to have access to MDE while you're in Disney? There will be FP+ kiosks around the parks for the less technically-minded individuals to set up their FP+s. You really do not need to buy a smart phone or wi-fi enabled android device in order to be able take advantage of it.

I'm of this opinion as well :goodvibes
 

GET A DISNEY VACATION QUOTE

Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.

Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!





Top