Moving a DLR Trip to Walt Disney World- Let’s Talk!

[crystal1313]

I'm sorry if this question has been asked before. I'm curious about quick service dining. So, here's the deal. At the moment we aren't using cell phones (by choice) We've never needed them for almost 18 years of marriage. Anyhoo, we may be getting one soon because DH is a teacher/coach and may need one now. BUT, if we don't is it super impossible to order from quick service without a cell phone. I heard the CM's frown upon the non mobile order guests, but if I don't have one I don't. You know. I guess I am just wanting to know if anyone has had experience just being able to order without a cell phone without too much trouble. Sorry for the long question.

Hmmm. I heavily relied on my Disney experience app for the map alone! (Mainly for restrooms) I never even saw park maps at MK or HS. I know they have them, just don’t know where!

I would for sure make a list of quick service places that don’t have mobile order. Off hand I can think of sleepy hollow (chicken and waffles plus corn dogs) and the friars nook (tots, Mac n cheese, hot dogs). I’m sure there’s a way to order without mobile order, because I’m guessing a lot of people still don’t have smart phones. But I’m not sure how long that would take. Have you checked on the WDW boards? I know certain restaurants were long wait is even for mobile order. For instance we tried to order at Woodys in HS and the wait for a mobile order was 2 hours. That’s why we always tried to order super early for our mobile orders so we could eat around the time we wanted.

I would also look on the WDW website to familiarize yourself with the layouts of the parks. I did that and a bit and it helped.

Edited to add, how are you going to get a ride of the resistance boarding group? If you miss the one at 7am, you have to be scanned into the park and try again at 1pm.

 

[Cal-Pie]

I'm sorry if this question has been asked before. I'm curious about quick service dining. So, here's the deal. At the moment we aren't using cell phones (by choice) We've never needed them for almost 18 years of marriage. Anyhoo, we may be getting one soon because DH is a teacher/coach and may need one now. BUT, if we don't is it super impossible to order from quick service without a cell phone. I heard the CM's frown upon the non mobile order guests, but if I don't have one I don't. You know. I guess I am just wanting to know if anyone has had experience just being able to order without a cell phone without too much trouble. Sorry for the long question.

I've poured over so much information in the last 2 weeks that I can't remember where I saw this, (maybe Disney Food Blog on YouTube?), but they showed cash only lines at mobile order restaurants for those who are unable to use mobile order. I don't know if those windows are truly "cash only", or if you could just order there if you don't have a smart phone. I think I would email guest services and see if it's possible to navigate dining without a phone.

 

[bassgirl]

Hmmm. I heavily relied on my Disney experience app for the map alone! (Mainly for restrooms) I never even saw park maps at MK or HS. I know they have them, just don’t know where!

I would for sure make a list of quick service places that don’t have mobile order. Off hand I can think of sleepy hollow (chicken and waffles plus corn dogs) and the friars nook (tots, Mac n cheese, hot dogs). I’m sure there’s a way to order without mobile order, because I’m guessing a lot of people still don’t have smart phones. But I’m not sure how long that would take. Have you checked on the WDW boards? I know certain restaurants were long wait is even for mobile order. For instance we tried to order at Woodys in HS and the wait for a mobile order was 2 hours. That’s why we always tried to order super early for our mobile orders so we could eat around the time we wanted.

I would also look on the WDW website to familiarize yourself with the layouts of the parks. I did that and a bit and it helped.

Edited to add, how are you going to get a ride of the resistance boarding group? If you miss the one at 7am, you have to be scanned into the park and try again at 1pm.

Thanks so much. Everything you said was so helpful. I'm in hopes of getting a phone before we go. BUT, it sounds like although it may be a pain, I should be able to make it work. The foods you mentioned sound up our alley. ROTR. I know. Yuck. I've been reading about that on here. I suppose we may literally be out of luck if we don't have a phone. I thinks I'll chat with the DH by this weekend to get a confirmation on it. Whatever does happen though, I know we will have a fantastic time. Thanks again.

 

[bassgirl]

I've poured over so much information in the last 2 weeks that I can't remember where I saw this, (maybe Disney Food Blog on YouTube?), but they showed cash only lines at mobile order restaurants for those who are unable to use mobile order. I don't know if those windows are truly "cash only", or if you could just order there if you don't have a smart phone. I think I would email guest services and see if it's possible to navigate dining without a phone.

Thank you so very much. That's a great idea about emailing guest services. I'm sure I'm not the only one in this potential situation. What if someone sadly enough loses or breaks their phone during or right before vacation and they don't have time to get another one? They would instantly be in the same boat as me. It probably happens more often than we think. Thank you for the tips. I'll check out the Blog as well. I hope you have a great day!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Thanks so much. Everything you said was so helpful. I'm in hopes of getting a phone before we go. BUT, it sounds like although it may be a pain, I should be able to make it work. The foods you mentioned sound up our alley. ROTR. I know. Yuck. I've been reading about that on here. I suppose we may literally be out of luck if we don't have a phone. I thinks I'll chat with the DH by this weekend to get a confirmation on it. Whatever does happen though, I know we will have a fantastic time. Thanks again.

For ROTR, can a Guest Services kiosk help with that? I know at DL, guests without a phone could go to an Information Kiosk (or a FP machine at BLAB or Splash -- but this wouldn't be an option at HS) to ask a CM to get the Boarding Pass for them. Of course, the guest had to be the first or second person in line, but theoretically it was supposed to work. If you were already in the park for the 1 pm release, maybe a CM at a kiosk could help you?

 

[bassgirl]

For ROTR, can a Guest Services kiosk help with that? I know at DL, guests without a phone could go to an Information Kiosk (or a FP machine at BLAB or Splash -- but this wouldn't be an option at HS) to ask a CM to get the Boarding Pass for them. Of course, the guest had to be the first or second person in line, but theoretically it was supposed to work. If you were already in the park for the 1 pm release, maybe a CM at a kiosk could help you?

Yeah, I know right? We've always used the machines located by the ride at DL and it worked great for us. I'll have to see if it's any different at WDW. It almost seems like you are "punished" for not having a smartphone. I know you aren't, but I hope that WDW has this simple accommodation on hand for those who by no fault of their own or just choose to not have a phone can hopefully at least have a shot to ride ROTR. I'm fine doing a little more footwork if I have to. I've already talked to the kids about it, and in a worst case scenario we will just "pretend" the ride isn't there and enjoy the others instead. Thanks for the reply.

 

[TikiTikiFan]

Yeah, I know right? We've always used the machines located by the ride at DL and it worked great for us. I'll have to see if it's any different at WDW. It almost seems like you are "punished" for not having a smartphone. I know you aren't, but I hope that WDW has this simple accommodation on hand for those who by no fault of their own or just choose to not have a phone can hopefully at least have a shot to ride ROTR. I'm fine doing a little more footwork if I have to. I've already talked to the kids about it, and in a worst case scenario we will just "pretend" the ride isn't there and enjoy the others instead. Thanks for the reply.

Do you know someone with a phone that would be willing to snag a boarding group for you? Anyone can be logged into your account to do it.

 

[SeaDis]

Thanks so much. Everything you said was so helpful. I'm in hopes of getting a phone before we go. BUT, it sounds like although it may be a pain, I should be able to make it work. The foods you mentioned sound up our alley. ROTR. I know. Yuck. I've been reading about that on here. I suppose we may literally be out of luck if we don't have a phone. I thinks I'll chat with the DH by this weekend to get a confirmation on it. Whatever does happen though, I know we will have a fantastic time. Thanks again.

Suggestion for a phone alternative:

1) Find a friend or family member who has an old iPhone you can buy/rent/borrow. You will want model 7 or up (my opinion-- model 6 may still work, but slower).
2) You can use any old iPhone on Wi-Fi without setting it up as a "phone". It will work the same as an "iPod Touch" or an iPad, really. This will give you access to the My Disney Experience App, among others.
3) You will have full functionality of the App: mobile order, check wait times, and book ROTR boarding groups, everything-- but ONLY when you are connected to Park/Hotel/Other Wifi.

If you have never used iPhone (which I think is great!) then the above may not make sense. If you have friends/family with a few used iPhones laying around, as many people do in this day & age, my guess is they can help you get setup and get you a crash course. I really... .really think this is worth pursuing just for mobile order and ROTR alone. On other days, you are welcome to leave it at the hotel and remain in unplugged bliss.

*I don't want to derail this thread. So this is probably not the place to have the tech discussion. Here is a step-by-step:

https://appletoolbox.com/turn-iphone-into-ipod-touch/

 

[bassgirl]

Do you know someone with a phone that would be willing to snag a boarding group for you? Anyone can be logged into your account to do it.

You guys are all so nice. I'm not sure. I'll have to see. There is still a chance I may get a phone before we go. How funny. I never thought a trip to WDW would be so complicated.

 

[bassgirl]

Suggestion for a phone alternative:

1) Find a friend or family member who has an old iPhone you can buy/rent/borrow. You will want model 7 or up (my opinion-- model 6 may still work, but slower).
2) You can use any old iPhone on Wi-Fi without setting it up as a "phone". It will work the same as an "iPod Touch" or an iPad, really. This will give you access to the My Disney Experience App, among others.
3) You will have full functionality of the App: mobile order, check wait times, and book ROTR boarding groups, everything-- but ONLY when you are connected to Park/Hotel/Other Wifi.

If you have never used iPhone (which I think is great!) then the above may not make sense. If you have friends/family with a few used iPhones laying around, as many people do in this day & age, my guess is they can help you get setup and get you a crash course. I really... .really think this is worth pursuing just for mobile order and ROTR alone. On other days, you are welcome to leave it at the hotel and remain in unplugged bliss.

*I don't want to derail this thread. So this is probably not the place to have the tech discussion. Here is a step-by-step:

https://appletoolbox.com/turn-iphone-into-ipod-touch/

What a great idea. Yeah, I was wondering if there is a way I can do the phone thing just for the trip if we don't get phones beforehand. Like, is there a company that would let you rent for a month just so I can use it for the trip? Boy, I can't wait for my husband to get home now so I can chat about it with him. Thanks again!!

 

[VandVsmama]

FYI - The ROTR boarding groups are going in about 2-3 seconds every day. You absolutely need a phone in order to have a chance at it.

Side note:
WE LEAVE FOR WDW THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW! I'm so excited. We're not even checking luggage! Just carry on bags this trip. Going to have dinner at the food booths in Epcot on Saturday evening! YAHOO!

 

[bassgirl]

FYI - The ROTR boarding groups are going in about 2-3 seconds every day. You absolutely need a phone in order to have a chance at it.

Side note:
WE LEAVE FOR WDW THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW! I'm so excited. We're not even checking luggage! Just carry on bags this trip. Going to have dinner at the food booths in Epcot on Saturday evening! YAHOO!

Oh! I'm so excited for you!!! We won't be there until June. It's finally starting to sink in though. We were doing the reschedule thing at DL for a while before the switch. Yeah. 2-3 seconds every day. I mean I would love to be able to get a boarding group even with a phone, but I also don't want NOT getting a group to ruin our vacation you know? We won't let it spoil our trip. Maybe we can go on Smugglers Run more or something. I hope you have a ton of fun. We will probably do carry-on too. Take Care!!!

 

[crystal1313]

We are debating going back in June! Lol. Have you looked to see if there are any prepaid plans with cell phones? Not sure how that works or if it’s even possible. But worth a look. Also, do you have an iPad or iPod that could go on WiFi for the ROTR BG?

Have you asked in this thread?

https://www.disboards.com/threads/r...-and-information-no-spoilers.3782822/page-894
yulilin is super helpful. So is everyone else.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

From the DIS:

"Festival of The Lion King" is returning!
https://www.wdwinfo.com/news-stories/beloved-show-to-return-to-disneys-animal-kingdom/

 

[bassgirl]

We are debating going back in June! Lol. Have you looked to see if there are any prepaid plans with cell phones? Not sure how that works or if it’s even possible. But worth a look. Also, do you have an iPad or iPod that could go on WiFi for the ROTR BG?

Have you asked in this thread?

https://www.disboards.com/threads/r...-and-information-no-spoilers.3782822/page-894
yulilin is super helpful. So is everyone else. ☺

Thank you. Yeah, I'm starting to look. There is so much out there!! I still need to chat with DH about it. We would more than likely want to get something economical, but will still get the job done. And thankfully if we do that will more than likely be smartphones because of what he would need for coaching at the school. JUNE HUH? COOL! We've waited soooooooooooooo long to go to Disneyland that when we finally decided to go to WDW we picked something as close to the end of school as possible. It will have been close to a 2 year wait from the time we decided to go. We are more than ready.

 

[Cal-Pie]

Are any of you frequent Disney gift card users? I'm excited to FINALLY be able to use them for mobile order, but I'm wondering if they are accepted at all restaurants in the parks, even those run by other companies (Patina, Landry's)? My searches have resulted in conflicting answers.

 

[KPeterso]

So looks like my March trip is really going to happen! I had been going back and forth and waiting to see how things were looking. And now, I have thrown all that caution out! Airfare is heading in the right direction and I am close to purchasing ($176 RT Delta LAX to MCO is unheard of and other airlines are even lower but I prefer Delta for a couple reasons). My friend confirmed that she and her husband will be heading to FL so we are on to meet up (that was not really a consideration as I would have gone solo). And my Premier AP was finally extended to 3/31. So I made park reservations and dining reservations for myself and my friends. Starting to finally feel more real like this will happen.

 

[crystal1313]

Thank you. Yeah, I'm starting to look. There is so much out there!! I still need to chat with DH about it. We would more than likely want to get something economical, but will still get the job done. And thankfully if we do that will more than likely be smartphones because of what he would need for coaching at the school. JUNE HUH? COOL! We've waited soooooooooooooo long to go to Disneyland that when we finally decided to go to WDW we picked something as close to the end of school as possible. It will have been close to a 2 year wait from the time we decided to go. We are more than ready.

That’s why we picked the beginning of June too. Kids are out of school and trying to avoid hurricane season!

Are any of you frequent Disney gift card users? I'm excited to FINALLY be able to use them for mobile order, but I'm wondering if they are accepted at all restaurants in the parks, even those run by other companies (Patina, Landry's)? My searches have resulted in conflicting answers.

I wish I could answer this!

So looks like my March trip is really going to happen! I had been going back and forth and waiting to see how things were looking. And now, I have thrown all that caution out! Airfare is heading in the right direction and I am close to purchasing ($176 RT Delta LAX to MCO is unheard of and other airlines are even lower but I prefer Delta for a couple reasons). My friend confirmed that she and her husband will be heading to FL so we are on to meet up (that was not really a consideration as I would have gone solo). And my Premier AP was finally extended to 3/31. So I made park reservations and dining reservations for myself and my friends. Starting to finally feel more real like this will happen.

So exciting!!! Can’t wait to hear all about it!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Reminder to everyone participating in this thread: Please respect the rules of the Boards by not posting links to or articles from banned websites. Thank you!
Now, back to the show!

 

[crystal1313]

We just booked flights for June! Still debating about hotel. Leaning towards Coronado Springs again. We loved it there.