How Necessary is the MDE App?

[MmmSuite]

If you have the new Kindle with the bigger screen the app hasn't been made to "fit" that yet. That may be why it says not compatible.

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

It's not ESSENTIAL...but sure does make life easier. Bottom line, you can got to kiosks and such to make modifications to FP+ selections. The MDE app essentially eliminates the need for manually tracking your various reservations and getting the FP from the machines.

 

[P00H1010]

Personally I love it and found it very useful. However if you were not planning on upgrading phones before your trip I wouldn't do it just because you are going.

I used the app before FP+ began and used it for wait times and to check what restaurants had tables available....all of which you can do in the parks. I will say though it was very nice to know before you even get into a park what the wait times are so you know what you are heading into. As for FP+ if you were planning on pre-booking your FPs and don't mind stopping at a kiosk if you want to change anything I don't see the problem. And if I am correct to get your "extra" FPs you have to use a kiosk anyways. It would of course be nice to have it in hand to change things on the fly and double check your booked times and such.

So to sum it up....it is really handy and I would suggest it in general but touring without it is still possible....it is up to you if you want to throw down the money for phones hehe.

 

[Gilrond]

It's useful but I use a 3x4 card (suitably decorated) for each day with all of the important times FP, ADR and keep it in my pin lanyard pouch. It saves phone battery life and makes nice momento. When I go with extended family next year this will be vital because DSIL texts a lot.

 

[ttintagel]

I don't have any kind of smart phone at all - sounds like this has become something you have to buy in order to use the park. A hidden cost in addition to the ticket price.

 

[disney212]

I don't have any kind of smart phone at all - sounds like this has become something you have to buy in order to use the park. A hidden cost in addition to the ticket price.

Not at all. We have smart phones but have never taken them to the park. We do our FP reservations before out trip and i make a credit card size card with all confirmed for the day. I laminate it in case it gets wet and DH sticks it in his pocket. All we ever take to the parks is the card, bottle of water, credit card, DVC card and TIW card. Plenty of kiosks that thin out after the initial morning rush.

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

We rely on ours heavily for wait times (so you don't wear your feet out going to an attraction only to find its got a 45 min wait and other rides don't...) and we could never remember what our FP times were. We also took all our photos and texted and met up. I can't imagine not having my App. I do wish it could tell us where the bathrooms are tho...