Disney is really pushing phone usage!

[DISNEY1975]

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.

 

[stancon]

I couldn't agree more.

 

[snappy]

I also agree. I used to try to go the parks with the minimum stuff. It was freeing to have less to carry. Kiss those days goodbye. Now along with the phone you need that charger and a cord.

 

[kanerf]

Disney is just looking at cultural trends. Do you know anyone under thirty that is not permanently attached to their smart phones? I for one remember the pre cell days when if you wanted to make a call you needed a pay phone.

 

[scrappinginontario]

While I agree I find many of these changes have been made at home too. Due to current safety protocols my phone is getting a lot more use than it did in the past.

Pop Century opened their food court last week so Mobile Ordering is offered but no longer required. Possibly more locations will make this change too?

 

[OKW Lover]

Most restaurants want you to scan the QR code for the menus. Most QS requires mobile ordering,

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

 

[DISNEY1975]

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

Yes, now there are, but they are definitely pushing mobile and trying to get people using it. Seemed like an inconvenience to get me a paper menu at Beaches & Cream, but I showed her scanning with my phone wasnt working. Also the MDE app drains my battery quickly, but you'll need it on all day with Genie. They also dont give the free MBs anymore in hopes people will go mobile (or buy one)

 

[Turksmom]

My problem with the phone usage is that I'm mildly farsighted. I can't easily see small text on my phone without putting my glasses on. However, with them on, I can't see six feet in front of me. It's ok for mobile ordering, viewing a menu, or a quick glance at plans because I can just stop and move over. More frequent use is going to be really irritating because I can't search for the next G+ pass or suggested ride while I'm walking.

 

[RoseGold]

These posts are weird to me. If you can afford thousands of dollars for a Disney vacation, you should have a battery and a cable. Standard for everyone by now.

international is trickier, this is tough with Disney wifi.

 

[DISNEY1975]

These posts are weird to me. If you can afford thousands of dollars for a Disney vacation, you should have a battery and a cable. Standard for everyone by now.

international is trickier, this is tough with Disney wifi.

I had a cable until I checked in to the Contemporary. Somewhere between bell services/storage and my room it got lost. Im 99.9999% sure it was in my carryon and Im home now and its not here, so I didnt forget it. The 4 stores at the Contemporary and the 2 stores which sold odds and ends at the GF did not sell them for Android. I also checked stores on Main St in the MK without luck. It was suggested to me, by the front desk, that maybe I could try to get door dash to deliver one for me from a Target or Best Buy. They wanted me to try that from my uncharged phone. They do not have a business center to use a computer at a business convention hotel

Cell phones are not important to me. I grew up with a reliable home phone and continue to have one. My kids have cell phones and use them all day. Sad. I was outside playing, talking, yes talking! and laughing on my home phone with my friends, hanging out at the mall, movies, friends houses, night clubs etc.. and to this day I am a very social person who likes to personally interact with my friends and family. That should be standard for everyone. Networking is even important for my work. Im fairly certain not one of my business partners use Snap Chat or Instagram. I am handed a business card with a PHONE NUMBER. Not a username! Thousands of dollars on a Disney vacation is worth it to me to spend quality time with my family doing plenty of things that they dont even think about their electronics, but now Disney wants them on their phones even during vacation

 

[DISNEY1975]

Disney is just looking at cultural trends. Do you know anyone under thirty that is not permanently attached to their smart phones? I for one remember the pre cell days when if you wanted to make a call you needed a pay phone.

Somewhat my point. Not all guests are under 30. Give options for 50+ people!

 

[gharter]

I have an older Samsung and over the last few years have noticed the battery lasting less and less. I always bring a charger as I won't get through the day without it.
I have the same concern, as Disney gets more phone heavy use, how much battery will they be using.

 

[NotUrsula]

I bought one of these before my last trip; it's a bit heavy, but really convenient when I have to have my phone out often in the parks: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088FRQPHS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also carry a couple of 12-inch cables, because it does charge faster when plugged in, but the suction cups make handling the two hooked together SO much easier.

I make it a point to close down the WDW app as soon as I've checked it for whatever I need to do, because it is a nasty battery hog. I have a Pixel, and it has a battery save mode, which I do keep on anytime I'm traveling, but I still usually can't get through more than 6-7 hours in a park without recharging.

The good news is that both Apple and Android phones are migrating to USB-C ports, so it shouldn't be too many years before it won't matter which you have in order to find a charger cord.

Power usage is definitely a problem, but the bigger one is memory and operating system. If the phone's operating memory is smallish, or the OS is limited, the app won't run at all. As of now, you need iOS 13.0 or Android Oreo (v8.0) to run MDE. Phones are expensive (even refurbed), and folks who tend not to use the data functions all that often usually can go several years before getting a new one. That works fine for most of what we do in our everyday lives, but it won't get you a good day in a Disney park these days.

 

[kc51570]

My problem with the phone usage is that I'm mildly farsighted. I can't easily see small text on my phone without putting my glasses on. However, with them on, I can't see six feet in front of me. It's ok for mobile ordering, viewing a menu, or a quick glance at plans because I can just stop and move over. More frequent use is going to be really irritating because I can't search for the next G+ pass or suggested ride while I'm walking.

Yes, I need reading glasses to see my phone, but can’t walk around with them on. People complained that FP+ required you to be on your phone too much, but Genie sounds a whole lot worse.
And scrolling though my phone for the menu at a table service restaurant is a pain. I was appreciative that California Grill gave out paper menus, but that is the only TS restaurant that automatically provided them.

 

[RoseGold]

I don’t think I’ve ever said this, but the solution was the Fuel Rod kiosks. They come with a small charger and the cables. The idea is you swap out the charger for a new one once you use it up at another machine.

They are in weird places in WDW, like there’s one near the kidani lobby. They have a prominent location in my home airport. I always wondered who would actually need this.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

I agree! I use my phone to make calls and check email. I am not tech savvy at all. I also worry because Disney IT doesn't have the much reputation or support so when things aren't working or you're having problems, it makes it that more difficult.

 

[kdonnel]

The good news is that both Apple and Android phones are migrating to USB-C ports, so it shouldn't be too many years before it won't matter which you have in order to find a charger cord.

Apple is actually rumored to be going portless. They may be forced to go usb-c in Europe for a short period before going strictly wireless charging.

But even then it sounds like many keep their phones for many generations and there would still be a long period of people using micro usb, lightning, and usb c.

 

[cjhinch]

I don’t think I’ve ever said this, but the solution was the Fuel Rod kiosks. They come with a small charger and the cables. The idea is you swap out the charger for a new one once you use it up at another machine.

They are in weird places in WDW, like there’s one near the kidani lobby. They have a prominent location in my home airport. I always wondered who would actually need this.

Exactly this, the initial purchase comes with chargers that will fit just about any device!!

 

[kdonnel]

Covid definitely accelerated some technology moves by companies. This will leave some people behind.

I always thought older people had problems with technology because they were not exposed at a young enough age. But now I think it is mostly vision related.

I have not lost my up close vision, yet, but I have watched my wife and neighbors start to struggle with certain tasks on their phones because they cannot make the text large enough and they do not have a pair of reading glasses with them at the moment.

There will also always be that group that resists change. They will simply be left behind while they mumble about back in my day….

 

[FRANKTSJR]

I'm on my phone constantly due to my work. Last thing I want to do on vacation is look at a phone.