Problem with MDE on Android phone

[DieHardJoe]

I have read where people have had issues with the MDE app on their phones. I was as well (it wouldn't retrieve my reservations, etc) so I uninstalled. When I went to re-install, the message I got was "your device isn't compatible with this version". So I Chatted with a CM through my DVC account and was told that I need at least Version 5 of the Android software. I checked and have 4.4.4 but there are no software updates available. I even stopped by a Verizon store and they said the same thing that my phone is as up to date as possible (it's less than 2 years old). Has anyone else had this issue? Was it resolved? And an even better question - Assuming the CM is correct, why would Disney create an app that you pretty much need to have on your phone to more easily navigate your day at Disney, and then not make it backwards- compatible, at least for phones that are less than 2 years old?

 

[Polydweller]

This really isn't Disney's issue. It's a combination of how Android updates are rolled out and the type of network Verizon uses.in the Android world it is the service provider, Verizon in your case, that has to push out the release. With so many variations of hardware, screen sizes, screen resolutions etc in android devices not all devices get the upgrades and/or the provider chooses to not support that device.

The other factor can be the fact that Verizon uses CDMA cellular while most companies worldwide use GSM. Those do communicate differently and without going into the tech details (they are complicated) it may be that the chipset in your phone doesn't support some of the things in a later version of android.

Really, all any app producer can do is create software to an android operating standard that will do what they want the app will do and trust the provider to keep things current.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I agree with Polydweller....what phone do you have?

I just checked my phone and I have Android version 6.0.1 with Sprint...my husband has the same phone that I do (Galaxy S6 edge) and he's with Verizon and he has the version 6.0.1....he actually got the S6 edge months before I did.

As far as the updates that is something that is pushed out depending on the carrier and certain updates function differently with each carrier. I've had it where my phone was ready for the update several months before my husband was.

BTW I do feel you pain some as my last job I worked at we were forced to use Internet Explorer but I also had to use Google Maps all the time. Well eventually what happen is Internet Explorer updated several times but my company refused to get the update. This caused Google Maps to stop working correctly and IT explained it was because we were using 2 versions below the latest Internet Explorer update....let me tell you that was a huge pain and severely impacted my job.

 

[DieHardJoe]

Thank you for your responses. The tech world is just getting so complicated. And I agree that the push to the various devices by the various providers is very disjointed, and at times seemingly random. So clearly not a Disney issue as Polydweller noted. But isn't the actual MDE app a Disney product? If so, then wouldn't/shouldn't the provider develop the app to be more accommodating for devices? I would certainly understand not covering devices that have become obsolete, but it just seems like a phone that is only 1-2 years old and was updated with a fairly recent Android version should be able to still run MDE and not need the latest and greatest software version. Oh well, I guess we'll have to make sure my wife keeps her Iphone charged and handy!

 

[Lavitz]

One option for you is to install an older version of MDE that will still work with your phone. You have 2 main options.

1. If you have another android device with the older version, you can backup the APK file (aka the install file) and use that to install it on your phone
2. You can either google the MDE apk or get the apk from someone you trust

Use ES File explorer to backup your APK if you have MDE on another device.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

But isn't the actual MDE app a Disney product? If so, then wouldn't/shouldn't the provider develop the app to be more accommodating for devices? I would certainly understand not covering devices that have become obsolete, but it just seems like a phone that is only 1-2 years old and was updated with a fairly recent Android version should be able to still run MDE and not need the latest and greatest software version.

I totally understand where you are coming from. The big downside is the technology in phones nowadays become old quickly. Heck I got my S6 edge last November (in 2015) which is under a year ago but they were already talking about S7/S7 edge then. The S6 edge was actually released in April (in 2015) so by the time I got it the technology in the phone was 7 months old.

The 4.4.4 Android version you have (called Kitkat) was officially released October 31st 2013 with the next version being released November 12, 2014 (called Lollipop and is the 5.0 version the CM you were speaking with was talking about) and the most recent update was released October 5th 2015 (called Marshmallow). There is actually a new version (called Nougat/7.0) that is supposed to be released either next month or in September. Each carrier would then release the update independently.

Unfortunately the version you are running is nearly 3 years old (by official release date not necessarily when Verizon released the update) which in the cell phone tech world is behind.

You might try what Lavitz said...I actually hadn't thought about doing that.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Upgrade or get an iPhone. Your choice.

 

[flatlandcycle]

Have you tried MDE in a browser? Try a few until one works? It doesn't have maps but you should be able to see Fastpasses etc. Hum, a new $600-700 phone...there went my Disney budget.

 

[EddieValiant]

What phone is it? Depending on the phone and if you are comfortable with technology, there could be custom ROMs of higher Android versions available.

Also, make your next phone one of the Nexus phones. They get the Android updates from Google directly & have no carrier bloatware. The Nexus 6, 5X and 6P will work on any US carrier.

Looks like version 3.6 is not compatible with KitKat.

https://apkpure.com/my-disney-experience/com.disney.mdx.wdw.google

Here is a place that has the old versions.

 

[mizzougrad91]

What phone is it? Depending on the phone and if you are comfortable with technology, there could be custom ROMs of higher Android versions available.

Also, make your next phone one of the Nexus phones. They get the Android updates from Google directly & have no carrier bloatware. The Nexus 6, 5X and 6P will work on any US carrier.

Looks like version 3.6 is not compatible with KitKat.

https://apkpure.com/my-disney-experience/com.disney.mdx.wdw.google

Here is a place that has the old versions.

THANK YOU! I had been having issues with the MDE for months and recently called Disney only to find out what everyone in this thread already knows. I uninstalled the app and installed an older version and like Disney Magic..all my reservations now show up in the my MDE without any error messages. Thanks again for the link!

 

[mizzougrad91]

What phone is it? Depending on the phone and if you are comfortable with technology, there could be custom ROMs of higher Android versions available.

Also, make your next phone one of the Nexus phones. They get the Android updates from Google directly & have no carrier bloatware. The Nexus 6, 5X and 6P will work on any US carrier.

Looks like version 3.6 is not compatible with KitKat.

https://apkpure.com/my-disney-experience/com.disney.mdx.wdw.google

 

[DieHardJoe]

Great advice on the link! I tried it but got a message about a Parse error. Googled that and looks like I got stopped because I have the security setting on my phone unchecked for allowing installs from "Sources Unknown". While it looks safe to download this app, I think I may ride it out for a while and see if maybe I get an updated Android version. If not, then I may chance the download when our vacation approaches. Thanks to all for chiming in!

 

[PrincessNelly]

I have the downloaded version on my Android tablet. I had to unchecked the option to allow downloads from unknown sources. It runs perfectly fine. You can just recheck the box after you have the Disney app installed.

 

[linzbear]

Have you tried MDE in a browser? Try a few until one works? It doesn't have maps but you should be able to see Fastpasses etc. Hum, a new $600-700 phone...there went my Disney budget.

You don't need a $600 phone. My galaxy s5 is running Marshmallow (android 6.0), and I got it on eBay for $175 6 months ago. The s4 runs Lollipop (5.0), and it's even cheaper.

It's only expensive if you want a new new phone. I never spend more than $200 on a phone because I pick up last year's model cheap from people who want to buy the newest thing.

 

[verleniahall]

My phone is doing this as well - positivie thing (kinda?) is that ou rtrip isnt' until next Noveber/December and I upgrade in less than two months - DH upgrades next May so we will be A-Ok!

 

[PrincessNelly]

You don't need a $600 phone. My galaxy s5 is running Marshmallow (android 6.0), and I got it on eBay for $175 6 months ago. The s4 runs Lollipop (5.0), and it's even cheaper.

It's only expensive if you want a new new phone. I never spend more than $200 on a phone because I pick up last year's model cheap from people who want to buy the newest thing.

True. I loved my Moto X and now they retail for $200 or less. I got mine for $99. Always got software updates immediately.

 

[flatlandcycle]

What phone is it? Depending on the phone and if you are comfortable with technology, there could be custom ROMs of higher Android versions available.

Also, make your next phone one of the Nexus phones. They get the Android updates from Google directly & have no carrier bloatware. The Nexus 6, 5X and 6P will work on any US carrier.

Looks like version 3.6 is not compatible with KitKat.

https://apkpure.com/my-disney-experience/com.disney.mdx.wdw.google

Here is a place that has the old versions.

What is your method for verifying that these apks are virus free? Is it because it says 'pure' in the name? Just clicking on that link I probably had my identity stolen.

 

[EddieValiant]

Scan with antivirus to be certain.

 

[Vicki Rickerd]

I have read where people have had issues with the MDE app on their phones. I was as well (it wouldn't retrieve my reservations, etc) so I uninstalled. When I went to re-install, the message I got was "your device isn't compatible with this version". So I Chatted with a CM through my DVC account and was told that I need at least Version 5 of the Android software. I checked and have 4.4.4 but there are no software updates available. I even stopped by a Verizon store and they said the same thing that my phone is as up to date as possible (it's less than 2 years old). Has anyone else had this issue? Was it resolved? And an even better question - Assuming the CM is correct, why would Disney create an app that you pretty much need to have on your phone to more easily navigate your day at Disney, and then not make it backwards- compatible, at least for phones that are less than 2 years old?

Found just opening chrome and using the MDE from the disney site much easier than the app. Also with the intermittent Disney wi-fi I had a lot not loading. Using data was smoother.

 

[flatlandcycle]

Scan with antivirus to be certain.

Yikes, after I have explicitly allowed a program to install is that even helpful in the android ecosystem?



Wouldn't it be much better if Disney released apk's and provided a check-sum/authenticity for the download.

Is Disney the only app that is giving problems on these older android OS's?