Disney is really pushing phone usage!

[StitchesGr8Fan]

People need to quit fighting using smart phones. They are becoming technology that is as necessary to life in developed countries as indoor plumbing, electricity, land lines, and the internet.

 

[Turksmom]

People need to quit fighting using smart phones.

There is a difference between " I don't want to use a smart phone" and "I don't want to use a smart phone for this purpose/ in this situation"

 

[Heather1101]

Having your face in the phone and not paying attention to your surroundings is a safety issue any where in this world and I try to teach this to my 15 year old daughter at all times. But I think She learned her lesson at Hollywood Studios in 2019 near Hollywood scoops ice cream. I was ahead of her walking towards TOT and she was following along but was texting with someone and didnt pay attention to the curb. she missed her step and fell so hard using her phone and arm to break the fall. people were running from all directions to help her ( probably thinking she cracked her face open) fortunately she only came out with a broken phone and scrapes. But I was very hard on her after I knew she was okay that you have Too pay attention, you cant be walking with your head buried in your phone. Look up and pay attention

My 21 yo son learned this in his first couple weeks at college. He was walking and looking at his phone and fell down a flight of concrete stairs onto the sidewalk. Scratched his watch and phone and put some nasty road rash on his leg and a big gash on his ankle. Thankfully he wasn't hurt worse but that got his attention and he doesn't walk face down in his phone anymore...lol

 

[DISNEY1975]

Disney offers non-mobile options for all features.

Now they do, but they are pushing the phone usage and slowly moving away from Magic Bands/Menus etc..

Also, unless you had a phone and could use the mobile app, you are not getting an apple juice from Contempo

 

[NotUrsula]

Free wifi park wide means no one has to use their data plan.

Don't we all wish. The bandwidth isn't up to that NOW, let alone when the parks are at full capacity. Disney's Wifi is essentially useless for any task that is time-sensitive.

PS: Aside from my disability issues, I do appreciate smartphones, but in both park visits and in my daily life, if what I'm trying to accomplish is more easily done without using the phone, then I'm probably going to prefer the easiest method. Here is an example: I went to buy an item at the Emporium a few weeks ago, using my AP discount. My AP card, issued pre-pandemic, showed it was valid 2019-2020, so the clerk said, "I'll have to verify that it's still valid. It can be done via the MDE app, but you'd better hand me the phone, because it's complicated." I handed over the phone, and she proceeded to page through about 20 links before she arrived at the page that showed her the valid dates for my AP. As she was navigating to that point, she told me, "If you always take advantage of your discount, I'd advise stopping into Guest Relations to get your AP card exchanged; it will be way easier than this." So, when I finished the transaction I bopped across the road to Guest Services and got a new card, because I really don't like holding up checkout lines for no good reason, and navigating through the app to that information had taken her close to 10 minutes. She wasn't hunting, pecking and backtracking to it, either, you could tell she knew exactly what she was doing, but it was still a slow process. (Which, BTW, was not done on wifi.)

 

[mi*vida*loca]

The complaints were probably said when the internet starting taking over. Which is what your phone is right now. A mini laptop/ipad/computer that gives you complete access to the internet.

You either keep up or get left behind when it comes to technology.

I bought a portable charger from Amazon. I think it was around $20 and can fully charge an Iphone 8 and up about 4-5 times off of one full charge.

 

[Coconut8473]

I don't see how making a handful (or fewer) of FP (or whatever they'll be called) reservations, making a couple of mobile dining orders, and occasionally glancing to check your itinerary equates to "having your face in your phone all day"/missing out on anything. The whole idea of "I don't want to stare at a phone on vacation" is weird to me (not being ableist toward those with vision issues - I totally understand those concerns), as I don't see how this forces you to spend that much time on your phone at all. Temporarily disable your email or social media notifications if you think that will distract you, but otherwise I see it as no different than periodically referring to guide books or the spreadsheet itineraries I used to print back in the day, just more convenient and customized.

 

[HashberryOTG]

Step 1 for that would be stripping down the excess content & visuals so that power & bandwidth consumption is reduced, and beyond that, creating a settings menu that allows disabled guests to decide for themselves how they can best interact with it

Oh I LOVE this idea. I'm generally on my phone in the parks anyways. I love taking pics and may get bored waiting in a line. If Disney would force me to see the pretty app the 1st time, or during some sort of demo or tutorial, then give me a setting to blow it up and make it less pretty and more to the point, it would (theoretically) not only work faster, but save me battery and be so much easier to use.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I don't see how making a handful (or fewer) of FP (or whatever they'll be called) reservations, making a couple of mobile dining orders, and occasionally glancing to check your itinerary equates to "having your face in your phone all day"/missing out on anything. The whole idea of "I don't want to stare at a phone on vacation" is weird to me (not being ableist toward those with vision issues - I totally understand those concerns), as I don't see how this forces you to spend that much time on your phone at all. Temporarily disable your email or social media notifications if you think that will distract you, but otherwise I see it as no different than periodically referring to guide books or the spreadsheet itineraries I used to print back in the day, just more convenient and customized.

I agree. It takes a few minutes to do a mobile order versus waiting in line and having someone take our order which leaves more time for us to chat and spend together.

I have my ADRs memorized so no need to check the app for those.

FP took a second to refresh. We weren’t the constant refreshers and didn’t do many additional FP+. I figure LL will be the same amount of time. It shouldn’t take 20 minutes to pick a LL.

I don’t check social media or emails until I’m in bed.

Taking pictures is what drains my battery and why I might carry a portable charger. We’re midday break people so we rarely need it. I only bring it if we’re going to be in the parks longer than usual. My 15 is never on her phone when we’re in the parks.

 

[2minny]

I lost my phone charger somewhere at Disney and had found out the long hard way that they dont sell them anywhere on property for Android, only IPhone ( I checked several resorts and many stores in the MK) Luckily my DD was with me and could use hers. Disney is really pushing phone usage. Most restaurants want you to scan the QR code for the menus. Most QS requires mobile ordering, New Genie will require phone/app, Magic bands still work, but they are pushing phone use for park entry/room entry etc...

I barely use my phone at home. Its mostly a camera for me and I am not tech savvy. This will be a problem for me in the future and Im sure there are many like me out there who will struggle too with the technology! The MDE app alone drains the battery quickly and without a charger youre doomed.

I agree, and in the past my kids (adults lol) didn't even bring their phone, or had it in the backpack other than snapping some pics. I feel like "needing a phone" will encourage more people to be on their phone, rather than enjoying their family and the vacation fun. Hoping I"m wrong, I do like the QS mobile ordering, just wish there was another way, without a phone and without another increase cost lol

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Imagine the uproar of Disney went back to paper fast passes. No more phone needed.

 

[snappy]

I agree, and in the past my kids (adults lol) didn't even bring their phone, or had it in the backpack other than snapping some pics. I feel like "needing a phone" will encourage more people to be on their phone, rather than enjoying their family and the vacation fun. Hoping I"m wrong, I do like the QS mobile ordering, just wish there was another way, without a phone and without another increase cost lol

Yea, we had good times once years ago when our youngest‘s daughter’s phone went flying on an attraction. after that, we were much less likely to have our phones at the ready.

 

[cjsmom5]

But there are alternative ways of doing this for people who do not have smart phones.

Yes. We are one of those people that dislike the QR Code Menus. We asked for paper menus at every location we ate at this trip that we returned from on Monday. Every restaurant gave us one without hesitation. So on menus, you are correct.

 

[cjsmom5]

Um, a lot of folks are annoyed with using the phone because of the eyesight adjustment and the need to switch glasses to see the small print on the screen. Do you really think that using an Apple watch with a maximum 1.65" inch (diagonal!) screen is a better option?

My DH had lasik surgery, his eyes are generally really great now, but small print still defeats him; you'll have to wrench his 6.5inch 11ProMax (which he can see without reading glasses) out of his cold, dead hand before he'll switch to something smaller.

I agree -- the apple watch while wonderful causes me to put on my reading glasses to use it. At least with my phone I have a better chance of being able to read it without my glasses.

 

[cjsmom5]

I don't see how making a handful (or fewer) of FP (or whatever they'll be called) reservations, making a couple of mobile dining orders, and occasionally glancing to check your itinerary equates to "having your face in your phone all day"/missing out on anything. The whole idea of "I don't want to stare at a phone on vacation" is weird to me (not being ableist toward those with vision issues - I totally understand those concerns), as I don't see how this forces you to spend that much time on your phone at all. Temporarily disable your email or social media notifications if you think that will distract you, but otherwise I see it as no different than periodically referring to guide books or the spreadsheet itineraries I used to print back in the day, just more convenient and customized.

We just returned from WDW after a 5 day/4 night trip. I can tell you that this trip was the worst for having people run into me. Most were looking down at their phones. It became a joke as each time I would put my hand out in front of me (and yes I would stop) to have someone run into my hand and say -- oh so sorry. I would joke, that Disney app getting the best of you ... and they would laugh and little and say sorry. So I know they were trying to do this or that. Way too many people looking down instead of stepping aside to look at their phone. As far as draining the battery - my photos drain my battery - and my video that I take. Add on top of that checking for wait times at rides, etc. and yes it drains the battery. With the new Genie app people will be looking at phones, in my opinion, much more than they have in the past.

 

[cjsmom5]

Having your face in the phone and not paying attention to your surroundings is a safety issue any where in this world and I try to teach this to my 15 year old daughter at all times. But I think She learned her lesson at Hollywood Studios in 2019 near Hollywood scoops ice cream. I was ahead of her walking towards TOT and she was following along but was texting with someone and didnt pay attention to the curb. she missed her step and fell so hard using her phone and arm to break the fall. people were running from all directions to help her ( probably thinking she cracked her face open) fortunately she only came out with a broken phone and scrapes. But I was very hard on her after I knew she was okay that you have Too pay attention, you cant be walking with your head buried in your phone. Look up and pay attention

We saw so many mishaps this past trip due to people not watching where they were going. Most were simply running into people, or tripping (but not falling) over a crack in the cement or a curb. People watching at Disney is quite interesting these days - based on a trip we just returned from on Monday.

 

[DISNEY1975]

Yes. We are one of those people that dislike the QR Code Menus. We asked for paper menus at every location we ate at this trip that we returned from on Monday. Every restaurant gave us one without hesitation. So on menus, you are correct.

We returned Sat. I was given paper menus, but every time asking, waitstaff mentioned I could scan the QR code. I told them my phone wouldnt work with that and a couple asked to see. I had to show them it didnt work (Kona/B&C)! Worst was Beaches and Cream. Not only did I have to show the waitress, she then said "Let me see if we have any more paper menus". After 5 or so minutes, she came back to the table saying "Still looking". Probably 5 minutes after than she brought me one.

 

[Turksmom]

Yea, we had good times once years ago when our youngest‘s daughter’s phone went flying on an attraction. after that, we were much less likely to have our phones at the ready.

November 2019. Adult kid's phone fell out of her backpack into POTC as she was getting out of the boat. We spent an afternoon at the Sprint store getting a new one set up. Months later, the old one arrived in the mail- still works! Youngest has it now

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

People need to quit fighting using smart phones. They are becoming technology that is as necessary to life in developed countries as indoor plumbing, electricity, land lines, and the internet.

Just for arguments sake please tell me how we are much better off with cell phones, in the parks, other than emergency use. Asking from someone that had a cell phone back in the 90’s that resembled a walkie talkie . Progressed to a flip phone and going to many versions of a smartphone. And better yet, first computer was an Apple GS. My life is no better off ( other than emergencies) than it was in the 90’s. Now when I go to WDW I have to lug it around just to order food, get in my hotel room ( does not work all the time ), etc. Since this is a Disney board not talking about developed countries.

 

[DISNEY1975]

Just for arguments sake please tell me how we are much better off with cell phones, in the parks, other than emergency use. Asking from someone that had a cell phone back in the 90’s that resembled a walkie talkie . Progressed to a flip phone and going to many versions of a smartphone. And better yet, first computer was an Apple GS. My life is no better off ( other than emergencies) than it was in the 90’s.

Mine too. 1st cell phone was 1992


1st computer in the early 80's......Commador 64!

I rarely use my cell phone and I dont feel like Im missing out on anything. And for a fact, I have much better social skills than any of my children and I dont have text neck, which I see often these days, especially teens.