Does anyone carry PDA's in the Parks?

[letsgoagainsoon]

Does anyone carry their Palm into the park, or is it more of a hassle? Just wondering if I should carry mine.

 

[Grumpy_Disney_Dad]

I carry mine into the parks because i keep all of our PS's on it and also have downloaded my touring plan onto it. I do recommend that if you carry it , you should put it in ziploc freezer bag for safety on wet rides

 

[HaleyB]

Did you know you can download the menus from allersnet.com, and I think the entertainment times from somewhere (Steve soars???) and the park maps are somewhere too... I tried to get DH to bring his, but he likes to travel light...

 

[rayelias]

I used to carry around, what I called my "Bible." It wa a small zippered book with a notepad, places for credit cards, PDA, and such. It was great for lugging around maps, tickets, take notes, etc, etc.

Then, I found the Passporter. This is the best thing since sliced bread for my fellow organized (somewhat anal-retentive) Disney vacationers. I happened across it at a Barnes & Noble, but I think they mainly sell them online. I HIGHLY recommend it.

It's about $20-25, and it has EVERYTHING you need to stay organized at the parks. EVERYTHING. Maps, suggestions, itineraries, PS reservations, notes, autographs, budgets, pouches to hold things... you name it. Plus, it has reviews and suggestions for every WDW resort and restaurant. I bought mine about 2 years ago (the 2004 edition). They post free "updates" on their website for download into the book from time to time. We've used it about 7 times since then. It's getting a little war-beaten, but it's still a valuable resource.

It's the same size as a small book, easy to carry (or throw in a backpack). And, another nice benefit, a large amount of the CM's that noticed it, started up a conversation with me. Apparently, they're very aware of it and it's pretty well known. Those conversations, at the least made a new friend. In many cases, the conversations led to some CM "tips" on how to do the parks that day (when to hit what rides, etc.).

I can definately see that there was a LOT of time and effort into putting this book together. It is very organized, very well thought out, very detail oriented - from the flaps which were designed so you don't lose your place, to the strap that holds everything together, to the stickers to help personalize/customize your book.
It's a small investment with a great return.

 

[emilymad]

We carry our PDA all of the time in the parks. We do have maps, etc downloaded on it but we mainly use it for games. It is great for when you are standing in line or waiting for a parade. Ours has a plastic hard case that is the exact same size as the PDA so it takes up very little room. Most of the time DH just carries it in his pocket

 

[tampafan]

I carry mine with my ps and other appointments. I also like to check scores on games during football and basketball season

 

[Cellthing]

I carried a SmartPhone during the last trip, I didn't want to carry my usual PPC, it fit the bill for internet access, and scheduling. One thing that is cool, if you haven't tried it yet is a WAP/Mobile Internet site called pocketdisney.com. I helped the author do some testing of submitting wait times for attractions while I was there. The more people that use the site the better, just think, you could find out when the line to Peter Pan is less than 90 minutes without a fastpass.

 

[SeattleMark]

Also check out http://www.eguidestogo.com/ for all of them in one place.

 

[pjpoohbear]

I carried my ipod mini, put all kinds of info in the notes file. PS's, entertainment info, menus, shopping lists for gifts & souviners, tips and tricks for the parks and special events etc. Just copy and pasted them in to notepad files and then transfered them to the mini ipod. Just make sure that you keep the files fairly small or they will get cut off in the ipod if they are too long. I would say go smaller than 50 lines of info per file.

 

[jerbroni]

I don't go anywhere without my PDA - it has all sorts of important info in it, including my park maps, restaurant menus, and PS info. As some one else mentioned, it's also great to have a couple of little games on there. DW and I take turns playing Bejeweled waiting in long lines.

 

[QuickGold]

I carry mine but I hardly use it at the parks

 

[BethC1952]

I take turns playing Bejeweled waiting in long lines.[/QUOTE]

I love Bejeweled! It's my favorite game! I don't go anywhere without my Palm either. I leave it beside my bed at night because I use it to write down things I may think of at night. I also keep my PS's, my confirmation numbers, etc., and the schedules from Steve Soares' site.

Beth

 

[MLAinVA]

Both my husband and I carry Blackberries to the parks, not because we want to, but because we both need to keep in touch with our offices. But they are nice to have as they are also cell phones, so we don't have calls waiting for us to return later in the day. We can just respond to calls or e-mails while we wait in lines or rest with a cold drink.