One inconvenient, frustrating thing...

[epcotty]

I don't know if most people have smartphones or not. While most people have cell phones, many cell phones still in use fall outside of the smartphone category. And some don't like to bring the phone into the park. To me the frustrating thing is trying to find the boards, we haven't been able to do so in recent years at all with the exception of the obvious one in Epcot. But good to know the non-MK ones seem to be generally still in use

 

[tup1830]

Along with not having a smart phone, there are many international guests that may not have service or don't want to pay extra data roaming fees.

 

[Dr.Mickey]

When you say "all boards working", do you mean the Epcot three only? I saw those. But this weekend, the MK hub board was gone and the HS board (was actually a chalk board style) was gone. I didn't look for the AK board (on the right just before the fork) because it was missing last June. Maybe it has been returned but I didn't see it.

 

[wilkeliza]

Along with not having a smart phone, there are many international guests that may not have service or don't want to pay extra data roaming fees.

At Disney international guests should not have to pay data roaming fees. That is why the parks have free wifi. It works well enough to check the app and as long as you turn off your cellular service and data and only use WiFi you shouldn't be getting any charges.

 

[DisDadDVC]

Just because most people have smart phones with wait time apps is no reason to discontinue posting times on those in-park message boards.

Actually, that is exactly the reason to stop doing it.

 

[BarbieGal457]

I went the first week of June this year and saw all boards operating at MK, DHS and I want to say AK. As you can see below I had no idea MK had one...well maybe I did because logically it makes sense but I never ever noticed it! I go again 3 weeks from today (my counter below randomly stops updating) and I will definitely make a point to look into this and see if I see any up and running.

I've been there 20 some times and never knew there was one at MK

I am glad I'm not the only one!! I never, ever noticed one at MK and I thought it was just me!

 

[wilkeliza]

When you say "all boards working", do you mean the Epcot three only? I saw those. But this weekend, the MK hub board was gone and the HS board (was actually a chalk board style) was gone. I didn't look for the AK board (on the right just before the fork) because it was missing last June. Maybe it has been returned but I didn't see it.

The MK one is gone and I believe the HS one is gone as well. The HS one has turned into a FP+ kiosk area so it wouldn't function as a times board any more.

For awhile the boards had been replaced with MDE areas where you could go use an ipad that was set up and see the wait times. I believe they still have these at GR but they got rid of the area that had several ipads if I'm not mistaken.

 

[RedAngie]

Actually, that is exactly the reason to stop doing it.

Or maybe they should charge people to look at those wait time boards, since they would be providing a service few people use.

I better not give them any ideas.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

The AK has been gone for some time. (or at least the removal of the board was done some time ago, I can't say 100% that the choice wasn't reversed.)

We used to look at the boards when we arrived in each park- or at least some family did.

There are a few problems with the boards:
First, they cause a traffic jam.
Second, the non electronic ones have to be manned and constantly updated.
Third, there is a solid gap between when guests SEE the board, and when they arrive at the attraction. By then, anything can happen.

I can't tell you how many times we consulted the wait time board of HS, walked to RnRC, and by the time we got there the ride was down! Or the wait was significantly longer than what was posted.

Then again, I have the same issue with the times listed in MDE. If you aren't close to said attraction, by the time you walk across the park, anything can happen.

Then again, the wait times that are posted at the attractions aren't entirely accurate either. A good number of times that has worked in our favor!

 

[pampam]

I don't have a smart phone, but I do have an Ipad. What app should I put on my Ipad?

 

[DisDadDVC]

I don't have a smart phone, but I do have an Ipad. What app should I put on my Ipad?

Don't bring an iPad to the park. But the answer to your question is My Disney Experience

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Was there at the beginning of the month and the boards were in use at Epcot and HS. The HS one has been moved. Epcot has 3 now, all in Future World. Didn't go to AK or MK.

 

[DisneyOma]

Don't bring an iPad to the park. But the answer to your question is My Disney Experience

Why not - they fit into backpacks quite easily, and the cases they have for them make them pretty secure and safe from damage.

 

[wilkeliza]

Why not - they fit into backpacks quite easily, and the cases they have for them make them pretty secure and safe from damage.

It should say don't use the iPad for photos. iPads in the parks are a hot topic here because people like to use them for photos and hold them over their head blocking parades and fireworks for everyone behind them.

 

[DisDadDVC]

It should say don't use the iPad for photos. iPads in the parks are a hot topic here because people like to use them for photos and hold them over their head blocking parades and fireworks for everyone behind them.

This, plus I really just can't see a good reason to have a bulky electronic item like that in the park. I would guess that most people that own an iPad also own a smartphone.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I bring my Ipad to parks when I am checking out and don't want to leave it in storage. But I'm sure not going to take photos with it. It takes lousy photos anyway.

 

[wilkeliza]

This, plus I really just can't see a good reason to have a bulky electronic item like that in the park. I would guess that most people that own an iPad also own a smartphone.

My grandma had an iPad for several years before she got a smart phone. My other grandparents still don't have a smart phone but have an iPad. Seeing as the PP name is DisneyOma I assumed they are a grandma so it may be a similar situation.