Is there any way to find out...

[mom2mickeyfan]

We are a non smart phone family but are thinking of getting a prepay smart phone for our trip so that we could change our FP+s on the fly if needed. We don't want to sign up for a contract so our phone choices are limited. Is there anyway to find out if a certain phone will run the MDE app? We purchased a Samsung Tab 2 tablet last year with hopes of being able to use the app and it isn't compatible with it. I know we can carry the tablet in and use the wi-fi but really don't want to. We want something smaller but are hesitant about purchasing a phone to find it won't work.

We also have wondered what phone service works best in the parks? So if you have gotten pretty good service, what is your phone company?

Thanks so much for any help anyone can give!!

 

[ratlenhum]

Know anyone who will loan you an iPod touch?

 

[MPB82]

Try searching out the pre-paid companies and go to their sites they should let you know what works and what doesn't. They might also have a customer service number and call them

 

[Alesia]

I have an LG Optimus Dynamic. The MDE app isn't compatible, but I can still do everything via the MDE website.

 

[babydoll65]

Know anyone who will loan you an iPod touch?

This is a better way to go. We didnt have a smartphone on our last trip but my son had a ipod touch which worked great. You could probably get a refurbished one alot cheaper than buying a smartphone.

 

[Mikie]

I use Virgin Mobile's no contract service and their phones use the Sprint network - never had a problem with service in the parks. My first, very basic smart phone from them was a Kyocera Rise, which is notorious for battery problems, but they don't usually manifest until the phone is 1+ years old. It ran the MDE app fine and they are now selling it for somewhere around $40. Their monthly unlimited text and data plan is $35. I dragged out that phones life for 20 months and just got a new LG from them that is far superior but runs about $180.

 

[Jennasis]

We run the app on my LG Optimus F3. We have T-Mobile pay-as-you-go.

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

Know anyone who will loan you an iPod touch?

This is a better way to go. We didnt have a smartphone on our last trip but my son had a ipod touch which worked great. You could probably get a refurbished one alot cheaper than buying a smartphone.

Does it matter what generation?

 

[babydoll65]

Does it matter what generation?

I think the generation three is the cheaper (8 gb)

Ps, I sent you a private message

 

[jsbowl16]

The app will run on the tab 2. I have the original tab and it runs on there. It isn't supported but you can side load it and get it to work.

 

[MOpGrad2013]

The MDE app works on my Samsung Centura. It's a TracFone/StraightTalk. Funny thing, most other Disney apps won't work because they were designed for the IoS.

How about sending us a list of who you are looking at and we can tell if we have it.

I do agree with PP about being able to just use the website page (it's much faster for me than the app) or the borrowing of the I-Pod. We have a HP tablet that I will be carrying in my purse.

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

The app will run on the tab 2. I have the original tab and it runs on there. It isn't supported but you can side load it and get it to work.

Ok, I've just never figured out how to side load it and my DH will not do anything to it that will isn't "suppose" to be done to it.

 

[leebee]

We are in the same position as mom2mickeyfan; no smart phones but I'm thinking of a pay-as-you-go for our trip so am interested in these replies. I, personally, am techno-stupid so don't know how an iPod would work in this situation. Will the iPod we bought for DD's birthday last fall work for checking FP+? I thought these were just for music (see what I mean about techno-stupid???).

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

I have a MotoX (Best Buy matched an amazon rate of $349) and its as good as any iphone I've ever had or better. I use StraightTalk and buy 3 months of unlimited talk, text and data for about $150 every 3 months. Less than $45 a month, and I never have to worry about any usage at all. I have good coverage, didn't even take a camera on the trip with me (except for underwater cameras), had perfect use of the MDE app and all my photos and videos in one place and super easy to carry around.

 

[andyman8]

I'd go with the suggestion of trying to get a refurbished iPod Touch. You could probably get a used fourth generation (you'll ned a fourth generation iPod touch to download iOS 6, which is the earliest iOS compatible with the current version of MDE in the App Store) iPod Touch on eBay for $60 to $75, but remember, you can use it for multiple trips where if you were to buy the prepaid smartphone, it'd only be good data-wise for this trip. Here's a list of current listings on eBay for a fourth generation (used obviously). Obviously, whenever dealing with a site like eBay, proceed with caution and read all of the fine print and descriptions carefully. Read up on the seller and make sure he or she is reliable. I'd be wary of any seller asking for less than $50 for an iPod Touch. Good luck!

 

[babydoll65]

We are in the same position as mom2mickeyfan; no smart phones but I'm thinking of a pay-as-you-go for our trip so am interested in these replies. I, personally, am techno-stupid so don't know how an iPod would work in this situation. Will the iPod we bought for DD's birthday last fall work for checking FP+? I thought these were just for music (see what I mean about techno-stupid???).

Is it a regular iPod or the iPod touch? The iPod touch can go on the internet and load apps. The regular iPod is just for music.

 

[pinkvol7]

I, too, would invest in an iPod touch. We just sold my son's (4th gen) for $50. He has an iPhone and didn't use it anymore. My DD uses my old iPhone 4S as her iPod. We don't have phone service on it, but she can use wifi to iMessage or get apps.

 

[staceyeileen]

Moto G ($179) or the new Moto E ($129) no contract phones. Both run the latest version of Android (4.4 KitKat) so should run the MDE app just fine. As far as service, my DH uses Straight Talk for $45/mo and I use Simple Mobile for $40/mo. But, if you really just want this phone to use in the parks you wouldn't even have to activate service.... just use the Wifi for free.

 

[robinb]

I'd go with the suggestion of trying to get a refurbished iPod Touch. You could probably get a used fourth generation (you'll ned a fourth generation iPod touch to download iOS 6, which is the earliest iOS compatible with the current version of MDE in the App Store) iPod Touch on eBay for $60 to $75, but remember, you can use it for multiple trips where if you were to buy the prepaid smartphone, it'd only be good data-wise for this trip. Here's a list of current listings on eBay for a fourth generation (used obviously). Obviously, whenever dealing with a site like eBay, proceed with caution and read all of the fine print and descriptions carefully. Read up on the seller and make sure he or she is reliable. I'd be wary of any seller asking for less than $50 for an iPod Touch. Good luck!

You can also check your local Craigslist.

 

[Altoqueenkelly]

Just make sure the ipod touch you get can run the current ios. I have an ipod touch that is about four years old and it can no longer be upgraded to the new ios (which means you cant get the new or current apps). I gave it to DD7 to play on since I have an iPhone now.