Disney app for the techno-challenged

[leebee]

I'm thinking about getting a cell phone! I know, hard to believe in this day and age that I don't have one, but I don't. However, it's getting harder and harder to do anything without access to apps, so... ANYHOW. Where do I find the Disney app and how hard is it to download it so I can make LLSP and LLMP reservations? I know using the small screen phone will frustrate the daylights out of me, but it is what it is. (At least I'm not yelling at kids to get off my lawn, LOL!)

 

[eticketplease]

It will depend on what kind of phone you get but it should be easy to download.

If you have an android you will need to open the Google Play Store and if you have an iPhone you will need to open the App Store. Search for Disney and you should see the “My Disney Experience” (MDE) app to download for free.

Now deciding what kind of phone and plan to get takes more research than planning a Disney trip so good luck!!

 

[Miffy]

@leebee: Actually, what you need is a smartphone, which is different from a mere cell phone, which, I believe is still sold. So be careful. A plain old cell phone is just for making calls and sending texts. You need a smartphone, so you can download and use apps.

If you want to save some bucks, consider getting an Android phone and using a service like PureTalk, which is what I have. PureTalk doesn't have any contract and bills by the month. I'm paying about $24/month for unlimited calls and texts and far more than the data I ever use in a month, and that includes months where I spend 7 or 8 days at WDW.

PureTalk runs on the AT&T network, so I always have a good signal. But, depending on where you live, you might want to make sure that the service you get does in fact work well in your area.

There's absolutely no need to get an expensive iPhone and a superexpensive service plan. where you're locked into an entire year and the phone they're going to sell you for a supposed discount.

As far as apps go, it's extremely easy to download them and use them. Once you get past the first what-the-heck-am-I-supposed-to-do part of smartphone use, you'll be fine.

 

[_19disnA]

All you need to know is if your phone is Apple or Android based when downloading the app from the Google Play Store. Apple products tend to be more expensive due to brand recognition. My Android based phone lets me do all of the same things for a much lower price. There are a wide range of phone prices, so it is good to shop around. Personally, I don't see the reason for lots of apps as most are simply a duplicate of what you can see in their online website. If your phone has internet access, you can accomplish the same thing in many cases. MDE app has additional features you won't find on the Disney website. Honestly, unless you are planning a trip to Disney, I don't really see the need for the MDE app. I deleted mine after our prior trip. Until we are planning another Disney trip, I don't intend to use it.

To me the main benefit of cell phones is they are portable and handy to use when not at home making/receiving calls, emails or perhaps texts. Allows friends/relatives to contact you. I agree, phone screens are too tiny making typing somewhat like using a toothpick to tap out the letters. By the time I am done typing/re-typing a text message, I want to throw the phone across the room..............LOL. My life doesn't revolve around using a cell phone and unlike the clever marketing that makes it seems I am somehow missing out, I am not !!! I don't generally use my phone for anything else and when at home use my PC with a real keyboard & monitor instead.

 

[disneyseniors]

I'm thinking about getting a cell phone! I know, hard to believe in this day and age that I don't have one, but I don't. However, it's getting harder and harder to do anything without access to apps, so... ANYHOW. Where do I find the Disney app and how hard is it to download it so I can make LLSP and LLMP reservations? I know using the small screen phone will frustrate the daylights out of me, but it is what it is. (At least I'm not yelling at kids to get off my lawn, LOL!)

First of all, you need to get grandkids - they know everything about technology. If that doesn't work, try their parents, LOL. Seriously, I couldn't do a thing on my laptop without my kids/grandkids help. Of course you have to put up with their knowing looks and head shaking with a grin, LOL.
I would find someone to help you with it. It's really not that difficult when you practice and get used to it. I don't know what I'd do without my Iphone now. As far as downloading for disney, I don't have any experience with that. Good luck, leebee, you can do it if I can

 

[Stitch'sCousin]

If screen size is something that is going to bother you, you might consider getting an iPad or Android tablet instead of a smartphone. That way you would have something that would be easier to use at WDW, as well as something you could use to go on DISboards at home - I personally use my iPad most of the times I am on DISboards. We used the MDE app on our iPad before our trip to make our LLMP purchases this past summer. Once we were in the parks, we switched to an iPhone on most days and used the free wifi provided by Disney since our phone plan doesn’t have data. Since there is free wifi in the parks and at the resorts, so you don’t need to get a tablet that has the option of using cellular data (which tend to be more expensive). The obvious downside is the size of a tablet compared to a phone, but you can get some smaller tablets, like the iPad mini. On our last day I carried and used my iPad in the Magic Kingdom (in my small backpack) and it didn’t bother me at all. Just be sure to get a case to provide some extra protection.

 

[SteveAZee]

If screen size is something that is going to bother you, you might consider getting an iPad or Android tablet instead of a smartphone. That way you would have something that would be easier to use at WDW, as well as something you could use to go on DISboards at home - I personally use my iPad most of the times I am on DISboards. We used the MDE app on our iPad before our trip to make our LLMP purchases this past summer. Once we were in the parks, we switched to an iPhone on most days and used the free wifi provided by Disney since our phone plan doesn’t have data. Since there is free wifi in the parks and at the resorts, so you don’t need to get a tablet that has the option of using cellular data (which tend to be more expensive). The obvious downside is the size of a tablet compared to a phone, but you can get some smaller tablets, like the iPad mini. On our last day I carried and used my iPad in the Magic Kingdom (in my small backpack) and it didn’t bother me at all. Just be sure to get a case to provide some extra protection.

Or get a folding phone like Samsung and Google (and others) have... I'm really enjoying my Pixel 10 Pro Fold since it unfolds into a really nice-sized screen.

 

[Best Aunt]

First of all, you need to get grandkids - they know everything about technology.

Yup, get young family members to help. My nieces and nephews helped me set up my first smart phone. If you don't have a helpful family member, public libraries sometimes have technology classes and private tutors.

Personally, I find an iphone smart phone much easier to use than an android smart phone.

My father has a Lively smart phone (formerly Jitterbug). Those are geared toward older people. Customer service help is included in the cost. If you don't know how to do something, you can call and ask. With an iPhone, you can't call Apple to get help unless you paid for Applecare (although I think they will help for a short period of time after you buy your phone even if you don't have Applecare).

I think (and people will correct me if I'm wrong) that if you get a phone which runs on the Android operating system (including a Lively phone), you need to have a gmail account for setting it up. So if I'm correct and if you are going to go that route, create a gmail account if you don't already have one.

 

[Nayan]

My husband and I both have iPhones. You will need a smart phone, not a regular phone for using apps.

I always recommend iPhones, just because they work and Apple has a reputation for not making them obsolete as quickly as Android phones. You don't need a brand-new one, nor do you need an expensive plan. We use AT&T prepaid. As far as plans go, I would ask friends and especially neighbors who they have and if they are happy with them. Just because a provider works where folks here live doesn't mean it'll work at your exact location. Verizon has a store 2 miles from my house and service works great there, at the store. At my house, forget it not even a bar.