Put down your phone and be in the moment

[Watchtower]

This is usually how phone usage goes down with us: I have a fairly worthless flip-phone that I leave in the hotel unless I want to take pictures with something smaller than the digital camera...but it mostly stays at the hotel. My partner has an IPhone, so I make him download the wait-time apps and bring it with us into the parks. If he tries to text or talk to someone, he knows I'll kill him, so he only brings it out when I ask him to check on the wait times for a specific ride. And we usually pause on the side of a walkway so we're not in anybody's way when we're checking on times. Other than that, Disneyland is an escape (a very expensive escape) from the "real world" for us, so the "real world" can wait 'till we're back in the hotel for the night.

 

[Carolynleanne]

As Canadians who don't purchase an american phone plan, we don't even bring our phones to the park.

 

[seagodess]

I have a different experience to add to this. While I can understand using a phone in some lines, or when sitting/standing off to the side(I do it)....why are people texting/browsing while walking?!

While at DL I have had people walk right into me while staring at their phones. After my trip in 2010, where I kept moving out of their way, I stopped moving for them. Now, when they run into ME, I get dirty or surprised looks.

Instead of feeling mad at these people, I just pity them. They honestly don't know what they are missing. And it isn't my job to tell them.

I completly agree. This happens to me all the time no matter where I am. People have their faces shoved in their phone and dont notice what is around them. I cant tell you how many people I've seen walk in front of me in a parking lot not paying attention. Um hello, I could have smashed you like a pancake. Pay attention.
I dont care if people are on their phones a little while in line as long as they are paying attention to their kids and whats going on around them. This trip will be the first one that I've had a smart phone. I'm sure I will end up using it for things like wait times, menus, taking pictures and such. I probably wont be going on facebook or anything as I dont like to post when I'm out of town and my house is empty.

 

[mousecrazy]

My dd and I enjoyed playing Charades (it's a free app) while in line. Another option is "Heads Up" ($1). We saw lots of people of all ages having a great time using technology.

A CM at TSMM was giving out a paper with a bingo game and a QR code for a Toy Story trivia game. I appreciated the distraction and enjoyed the interaction with my dd.

 

[sun8]

We were on Pirates and someone face booked the ENTIRE ride! Completely ruined the ride for us! We take our phones...but only use them in case we get separated or to check wait times real quick! Otherwise, it's one of the perks of vacation....we can unplug from e everyday life!

 

[BayGirl22]

My dd and I enjoyed playing Charades (it's a free app) while in line. Another option is "Heads Up" ($1). We saw lots of people of all ages having a great time using technology.

A CM at TSMM was giving out a paper with a bingo game and a QR code for a Toy Story trivia game. I appreciated the distraction and enjoyed the interaction with my dd.

There are so many cool uses of technology now that can enhance the experience, not distract from it. Remember we wouldn't have reported crowd levels and wait times if no one pulled their phone out.

We were on Pirates and someone face booked the ENTIRE ride! Completely ruined the ride for us! We take our phones...but only use them in case we get separated or to check wait times real quick! Otherwise, it's one of the perks of vacation....we can unplug from e everyday life!

What does "Facebooked the entire ride" mean? I assume you mean they recorded it with video. That can be distracting whether with a phone, camera, or video camera, so can talking to the person next to you.

There are lots of things people do that annoy others and many positive uses of technology. Ultimately these "put down you phone" arguments become one more way to judge people. If you want to escape tech in the park that's great, but some people do get a lot of value from it. Those walking in to people, ignoring their kids, and blabbing loudly would likely be inconsiderate regardless of the technology in their hands.

 

[awdsmama]

We were on Pirates and someone face booked the ENTIRE ride! Completely ruined the ride for us! We take our phones...but only use them in case we get separated or to check wait times real quick! Otherwise, it's one of the perks of vacation....we can unplug from e everyday life!

Oooh yes. I'm honestly more bothered by phone usage on dark rides than phone usage in line, It's a distraction in the dark, just like in a movie theater. It doesn't "ruin it" for me but it still bugs me.

 

[momrek06]

ITA, OP!!!

DH and I live close by the Parks.

We use the Parks as our exercise. We walk and walk and walk. IF and only IF there are 5 minute waits on rides we will jump on.

But that being said, we DODGE more people who walk and are reading or texting on their phones.

People literally have their heads down and buried in their phones and ARE WALKING and just do not care it they might walk into someone.

In the meantime, everyone NOT on a phone is go around them. Allowing them their very POOR phone etiquette.

One of these day, I will stand still and let them walk right into me.............

 

[jenpace]

Phones on dark rides? Super rude. Walking into someone because you've got your face in your phone? Also super rude. Spending time judging other people around you? This is rude too...I think a healthy dose of MYOB is in order for anyone who gets wound up over what total strangers are doing if it doesn't affect the people around them. Unless your purpose for visiting the DLR is to be judgy...you're also not getting the "full park experience" when you pay so much attention to people you don't even know are doing or not doing.

Take Elsa's advice and just "Let it go", you'll have a better time on vacation.

 

[awdsmama]

Phones on dark rides? Super rude. Walking into someone because you've got your face in your phone? Also super rude. Spending time judging other people around you? This is rude too...I think a healthy dose of MYOB is in order for anyone who gets wound up over what total strangers are doing if it doesn't affect the people around them. Unless your purpose for visiting the DLR is to be judgy...you're also not getting the "full park experience" when you pay so much attention to people you don't even know are doing or not doing.

Take Elsa's advice and just "Let it go", you'll have a better time on vacation.

Dis needs a "like" button

 

[PatMcDuck]

I absolutely agree! The only time I use my phone in the parks is if I'm separated from my family. If I get a call from someone who is not on the trip with us, I hit the ignore button and call them back when I'm in the room. The only exception would be if a family member called over and over again...they'd only do this if there was an emergency.

Life is very short, and I will never sacrifice time with family and friends to bury myself in technology!

So true. It bothers me quite a bit, too. Even at meals, in the parks. No talking to each other, lots of texting. And if the kids are old enough, they are doing the same thing. But the younger kids are worse, they just sit there, it is so sad. I can see glancing at it, or passing a phone around on lines to share photos. Or taking fun "selfies" with a friend, laughing away. THATS different than a Mom glued to stupid Candy Crush while her kids swing on the queue ropes.

 

[Here4mydisneyfix]

This is one of the reasons I am unhappy with FP+/magic bands. You have no choice but to be on your phone getting the fast passes, ADR, etc.

I concur!!! I HATE that FP+ basically forces people to have their faces glued to their phones. yuck.

That being said, Disneyland IS a local's park and the majority of people that you see walking around on any given day are in fact locals, not tourists, so being that they've seen it all already and get to go whenever they choose, it's probably not as big of a deal for them to take it all in, as someone who gets to go once a year or less. I still can't help thinking "why are you here if you'd rather zone out on your phone??" but that's just me.

 

[Eosphotog]

Why does it matter how other people elect to experience life?

 

[Dizzy4DL]

Why does it matter how other people elect to experience life?

It doesn't, for me at least. But please stop walking into me and my kid.

 

[momrek06]

please stop walking into me and my kid.

The DIS soooooo needs that LIKE button!!!

And Dizzy4DL:

 

[HydroGuy]

So true. It bothers me quite a bit, too. Even at meals, in the parks. No talking to each other, lots of texting. And if the kids are old enough, they are doing the same thing. But the younger kids are worse, they just sit there, it is so sad. I can see glancing at it, or passing a phone around on lines to share photos. Or taking fun "selfies" with a friend, laughing away. THATS different than a Mom glued to stupid Candy Crush while her kids swing on the queue ropes.

I agree with this. And disagree.

The world has changed. People need to find a balance. But the mobile phone lets us embrace a wider world at any point in time and expand our community.

I got a text with photo last from a co-worker at DLR for the Tink half marathon. She is staying with three GFs at the PPH before the race this morning. I was at a concert here in Colorado. She saw WOC from her PPH hotel room and took a photo and sent it to me. She knew I would appreciate the photo probably more than the hree GFs she was with. I am part of her Disney community. When I am at DLR I often text her photos when I am waiting in place for WOC - NEVER while I am watching it - in which case I am 100% in the moment.

The mobile phone allows us to embrace a larger community than those we are immediately with. I agree 100% we need to not ignore those physically present for those far away by mobile phone. On the other hand we all have our own community and it is fun to be able to experience something with people who can identify with your particular experience sometimes better than those you are with physically.

I say technology in the right balance enhances the experience at DLR. Too much detracts. Too little limits how you much you can share your experience.

 

[Caseheidi]

I agree with this. And disagree.

The world has changed. People need to find a balance. But the mobile phone lets us embrace a wider world at any point in time and expand our community.

I got a text with photo last from a co-worker at DLR for the Tink half marathon. She is staying with three GFs at the PPH before the race this morning. I was at a concert here in Colorado. She saw WOC from her PPH hotel room and took a photo and sent it to me. She knew I would appreciate the photo probably more than the hree GFs she was with. I am part of her Disney community. When I am at DLR I often text her photos when I am waiting in place for WOC - NEVER while I am watching it - in which case I am 100% in the moment.

The mobile phone allows us to embrace a larger community than those we are immediately with. I agree 100% we need to not ignore those physically present for those far away by mobile phone. On the other hand we all have our own community and it is fun to be able to experience something with people who can identify with your particular experience sometimes better than those you are with physically.

I say technology in the right balance enhances the experience at DLR. Too much detracts. Too little limits how you much you can share your experience.

ITA with you. We have had some awesome experiences in the parks using our phones and sharing. We traditionally all our Moms from the parks to share Disney with them. We also once received a phone call when standing right in front of Cindy's Castle at MK that we were approved to adopt a baby, and it is now my favorite memory of Disney pre-kids. And we have also used them to entertain ourselves in an out of the way spot while DD took a nap in her stroller.

Having said that, we do not use our phones on rides, during shows or while walking around (unless to check the time!) and do limit it's use. I love the conscience of it and would never leave it in the room. I have way too much info on it that I might need, like ADR information and photos of the PP card back and out parking lot/row to help us find our way back at the end of the day!

 

[Darvans]

I partially agree. I do hate to see people wasting time texting or playing games on their phones. But, some of us are using our phones to enhance our Disneyland experience. We bought the Hidden Mickey and Lots To Do In Line apps and can't wait to try out all the extra activities in the parks thanks to these wonderful apps!

 

[Fantaluminishes]

Yeah... I'm one of those people who use their phones. And honestly, I don't care that you judge me. I'm an AP, I go alone on day trips most of the time, and I have to check email and social media regularly for my job (part of being in the social media field). There's only so much you can look at while waiting for the Nemo subs for 30 minutes, so I might as well get some work done. Doesn't mean I'm not soaking in the magic or taking in the theming. Just because people appreciate Disneyland differently doesn't mean that they appreciate it less - even if it appears to you that they're disrespecting the park by instagramming and snap chatting all the cool things they see.

Thank you for this. Gotta love how people judge. It's as if the only quality time they enjoy with their families is when they are at a Disney park. This is sad. You go to the parks to "escape reality", and to be "immersed in the magic". So then what? I guess when these people return home they don't enjoy spending time with their families? They don't hold hands, or play games together? Whatever!

I will use my phone at Disney parks when I'm in line for a ride, or waiting for a show, meal, etc. I'm not rude about it either. At least not as rude as people who write posts against this behavior (probably written from at the parks) LOL!!

 

[Here4mydisneyfix]

Why does it matter how other people elect to experience life?

Why it matters to me personally, is not nearly constrained to phone usage in the parks. It's best described as a heavy sadness, I guess. I see how things are changing in our world, and I don't personally believe it to be for the best. I don't feel that people mindlessly numbing out to whatever piece of technology happens to be in front of their face, is truly experiencing life. There is very little REAL connection in any of that. How many people are RL GOOD friends with the people that are on their FB pages or their twitter accounts, for example? My very favorite song is by Passenger and he speaks to this EXACT phenomenon. It's called "Life is for the Living". You can FEEL the sadness over the very same thing in his voice. Some snippets are:

"And we all had new iPhones but no one had no one to call" (how true is this?!)

and

"Don’t you cry for the lost
Smile for the living
Get what you need and give what you’re given
Life’s for the living so live it
Or you’re better off dead"

That's just it, I'm really not sure too many people really LIVE life anymore. There is so much competition and vying to impress those through social media who we wouldn't even have anything to say to in RL, and for what? What is it achieving for anyone? Why should we really care what anyone else is doing unless they are a close friend or family member? And furthermore, why should mere acquaintances care about what WE are doing? Where does the need to say "haha! I'm at DISNEYLAND and you're not, aren't you jelly?!!" stem from? It's just further driving the competition and jealousy so that people can "win" the magical super-elusive (read: non-existent) "MY FAKE LIFE IS THE BEST ON ALL OF FACEBOOK" award, because of course nobody posts everyday normal stuff, only the super-fabulous, makes me and my life, kids, hobby, job, etc. look insanely awesome stuff, right? Personally, I feel all that is coming of it is a mass population of very dissatisfied and depressed people who can't see the beauty of life and people happening right in front of their faces.

(Yes...yes I'm passionate about this! lol Climbing off the box now. hahaha )