No Cell Phones in the Parks!

[JeremyGNJ]

Are we the only family who agrees not to bring cell phones with use to theme parks? or vacation activities in general?

We generally go by the idea that our vacation is the one time a year that we have "nothing to worry about" except for spending time together. So while I may plan a lot online, when we're actually on vacation we're pretty disconnected. Not to mention that it's one more thing to carry....one more thing to keep dry....worry about losing...or breaking.

It's not that our whole vacation is "off the grid". But there's plenty of time to make Facebook comments when we're back at the hotel taking turns in the shower. This also gives everyone something to do instead of getting grouchy waiting for their turn!

Last year we went to Universal Studios with my in-laws, and since they are older they couldn't walk in the parks for hours. So we had to keep ONE phone between us so we could keep in touch with them.

I'm a little that I think with FP+, I might just have to bring a cell phone to the park. I love the feeling of being free to just "be" in Disney World. Kind sucks, but if I have to bring one, it will be Wifi on and Verizon off!

 

[mesaboy2]

Disney has made it clear it wants you to bring them.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

because we are a large group 11 or more, we split up a lot so we keep ours on to stay in touch as needed.

 

[chapie1968]

Are we the only family who agrees not to bring cell phones with use to theme parks? or vacation activities in general?

We generally go by the idea that our vacation is the one time a year that we have "nothing to worry about" except for spending time together. So while I may plan a lot online, when we're actually on vacation we're pretty disconnected. Not to mention that it's one more thing to carry....one more thing to keep dry....worry about losing...or breaking.

It's not that our whole vacation is "off the grid". But there's plenty of time to make Facebook comments when we're back at the hotel taking turns in the shower. This also gives everyone something to do instead of getting grouchy waiting for their turn!

Last year we went to Universal Studios with my in-laws, and since they are older they couldn't walk in the parks for hours. So we had to keep ONE phone between us so we could keep in touch with them.

I'm a little that I think with FP+, I might just have to bring a cell phone to the park. I love the feeling of being free to just "be" in Disney World. Kind sucks, but if I have to bring one, it will be Wifi on and Verizon off!

Disney WANTS you to use your smart phone as part of the experience
The cameras on the phones these days are so good that many people use them and it is one less thing you have to lug around with you

 

[taylor3297]

We use our cell phones to keep in touch when we split up to do different rides. We say we are going to meet at a particular spot but it for some reason one of us is delayed we text where we are.

We also us it to check wait times for attractions and change fast pass times if needed.

As to Facebook and that sort of thing, we wait until we are back in the hotel room.

 

[AshleeH]

It would cause added stress for us. We separate with the kids numerous times per day. Having a set meeting place and time is all well and good, but not being able to factor in crowds, lines, bathroom breaks, etc. we would spend more time waiting around than we would enjoying the parks. If my oldest is at BTMRR with me and my younger son is in Fantasyland with his dad, the simple act of sending a text to let them know we're running late gives them time to hop on another ride or two.

As for my husband, he is the manager at a business where he is quite literally the only one who can do a certain job there. If the equipment goes down, it's essential that he be reachable.

And just as a bonus, we like the apps. And I use the camera on my iPhone as my primary camera, so I don't have to lug my heavy (and expensive and large) personal camera to each park and each ride. I tried that one year and that year was enough for me.

 

[Disney Khi]

I take my phone to the parks and I use it as needed, which can be often. I use it a lot as a clock, especially to try to keep track of FP+ times. I use it to rearrange FP+ times if necessary. I've also used it to make same day dining reservations. I use it to check wait times. Sometimes our party needs to split up (for instance, DD isn't tall enough to ride all the rides so we take turns or if we don't all get to the park at the same time), and it is a lot easier to find each other with phones. I also use my phone as my daily camera. If we have a special event I might use our dslr, but just for snapping quick pics, I use my phone. I keep my phone in an outside pocket of my purse, and it's no big deal to carry.

With MDE and FP+ , I really feel like not using a phone in the parks would be really inconvenient. The lines at the kiosks are often long. It's a lot easier to adjust FP times from a phone. And, like I said, my phone is my camera.

I will add that I am old enough to know what life without cell phones was like and do understand there can be a certain feeling of freedom without them. I just feel like they are very handy for touring WDW today. But if you don't want to carry one, you certainly don't have to! Enjoy your vacation however you like it!

 

[dawnhaze]

Do whatever works for your family, but I'd never dream of going on any day trip without my phone, much less to a Disney park.

 

[Alice Royal]

My college uses a program for assignments that has an iPhone app. If I'm stuck in a long line or waiting for something else, I'll do some reading for a class.

I also use Facebook and Instagram because it's fun to share your experiences.

We also use apps like Ellen's 'Charades' and 'OLO' (a really fun pseudo-hockey game) for when we're in line with a group.

I went on a cruise for spring break this year and that was my week without internet or cell phone service. Disney is never really a relaxing vacation, anyway.

 

[PoohsFan1]

We use our cell phones to keep in touch when we split up to do different rides. We say we are going to meet at a particular spot but it for some reason one of us is delayed we text where we are.

We also us it to check wait times for attractions and change fast pass times if needed.

As to Facebook and that sort of thing, we wait until we are back in the hotel room.

We are the same way. Because my kids are a bit older there are times that they want to do a ride (together) and DH and I don't so they will go off, as long as we are in the same area as them, and ride that ride while DH and I go and do something that we know they don't want/like to do and when either one of us are done, we will either call or text each other letting the other know that we are at such and such area waiting. We too like to use our phone to see the wait times and now with the whole FP+ thing, we will use it for that too.

 

[ars0525]

Because of FP+ I have seen a increase in cell phone use at the parks. I even see people whipping out tablets as they get off 1 ride to figure out where they need to be next.

 

[flutterby3744]

I'll be keeping my phone for emergencies, and to use the Dis app for wait times, FP, etc.

HOWEVER, no social media or games. Everyone's phones will be put away INCLUDING when we are waiting in lines. Some of the best things happen when you are just standing there! Other than the MDX, we will be unplugged.

 

[3Gsandme]

I use my phone for everything. It's a way for me to keep up with the MDE app. It keeps my FP+ and ADR times. I use it to communicate with dd and dh if we split up. I don't carry a camera, my phone takes great pictures. So, the phone comes along.

Eta: if I'm standing in line, I may Facebook or something. I'm fine with that.

 

[Lisann]

I so agree with the original poster, but I'm certain we are in the minority.

I'm just tired, in general, of others* constantly looking at a phone, and missing out on what's right in front and around them...their family/friends..the sights and sounds...and being free to be completely engaged in the moment.

(*meaning, people with me; I'm not interested in what others want to do on their vacation..that wasn't clear originally)

 

[JeremyGNJ]

Some of the best things happen when you are just standing there!

Thanks for this! This is kinda what I was getting at. I first went to Disney with my Dad and Step-Mother when I was, I think 8 years old, maybe 9. I have couple of my most vivid memories of all my youth from standing in lines at Disney World talking and laughing.

 

[FLSarah]

I always have my cell phone with me in the parks. I use it for Disney things - taking pictures, changing FP, making reservations. I don't usually text or take phone calls while in the parks.

 

[JeremyGNJ]

I so agree with the original poster, but I'm certain we are in the minority.

I'm just tired, in general, of others constantly looking at a phone, and missing out on what's right in front and around them...their family/friends..the sights and sounds...and being free to be completely engaged in the moment.

In my house we call them "iPhone Zombies"

 

[kymom99]

After a 3 day cruise with no cell phones, I for one am happy to have mine with me everywhere. Keeping up with a young teen on a cruise can be quite a challenge. Also, I would be lost if I couldn't keep up with family at home while on vacation. It is a luxury I have become accustomed to.

 

[ZoZo]

OP, I totally get where you're coming from. It always surprises me to see people who are so disconnected from each other, you see four adults having dinner together, and no one is talking to their travel companions because all four are texting, web surfing, or texting the whole time.

I have a regular cell phone, not a smart phone, and use it much less than most of my friends in my everyday life. But I have to say, it was so helpful to travel with a friend who had a smart phone last month! We were able to make changes to FP+ on the fly, without waiting in line at the kiosks. We ended up changing our FPs a lot -- and it would have been a pain without a smart phone.

Plus, having cell phones allowed us to split up but stay in contact easily. We simply texted each other (much more convenient than trying to call when you might have spotty cell phone reception).

So I guess I'm pretty middle of the road on the cell phone issue. I don't let mine rule my life (no tweeting, Facebook, or Instagram) but it's definitely handy and convenient!

 

[CAGirl]

Since my Dad is paying for this next trip with 11 of us he said he got to make one rule....no cell phones during meals. With older adult/teen grandkids who may want to split up we know meal time will be spent together. Great time to chat and catch up since we live all over the country.