Tips/advice for living in the moment more?

[KellyHonos]

Something that occurred to me during my last trip was the obnoxious amount of time I spent on my phone. Thinking back, it actually makes me cringe. I was constantly checking the time, checking the app for wait times, snapping pictures, answering texts in between, so on so forth. By the end of my week long trip, yes I had tons of awesome photos and videos to look back on, but I feel like I may have bargained photos for actual memories and time spent just enjoying being there.

How do you guys balance your time spent on your phones and cameras versus just living in the moment? I think something I'll definitely implement into my trip this time is my apple watch. I didn't have an apple watch last trip, so I was obligated to be on my phone, but with my watch, I'll be able to check the time and alerts without having to pull my phone out.

I also want to stop feeling pressure to take photos of every. single. thing. Every meal, every snack, every ride, it just got so out of hand for me. I love having photos to look back on, but I also think that as I get older, I realize that these moments are precious and not everything needs to be digitally archived.

What about you guys? I'm curious to hear if anyone else has experienced this? Living in such a digital era, I find myself feeling guilty one way or other...if I don't document the special moments, what if they slip away from memory? But if all I'm worried about is snapping photos, am I really living in the moment and enjoying myself and my trip?

 

[Arielfan98]

For me personally, I go in with a set plan. I haven't done this with WDW since I find myself far too busy to take out my phone, but I used the "set plan" approach when I went to a Taylor Swift concert 2 years ago. I am a huge Swiftie and this was my very first Taylor Swift concert. I also felt I wanted to live in the moment. So I made a plan to take 5 photos and 2 videos. I stuck to my plan, and in turn I was able to "live in the moment" like you described and still enjoy the photos after the concert as a keepsake. Looking back, I wish I had taken more video, but this is all apart of the learning process. Now going forward in my next Tswift Concert, I will take 5 photos and maybe 4 videos. You can create your own personalized plan for your next WDW trip "I'll limit 1 photo per ride, 5 character photos, etc." or you may want to only take photos of food and use photopass for everything else.
Another helpful app is Snapchat. It's big in my generation, and a lot easier to manage than just taking photos/videos and putting it in the gallery. You can choose to save your Snap photos or let them disappear after 24 hours. When I go to Disney, I usually use Snap unless I'm taking pics of food, which will then go on Instagram later. I guess the goal here is to go in with a plan and to be more selective in which pictures you take.

 

[Tigger in a kilt]

I think this is a problem for a lot of people in everyday life, which is why mindfulness has become such a buzzword. It does help though, so you may want to consider developing that kind of approach (I know lots of people use an app called Headspace).

On a more practical note, I would suggest putting your phone on Do Not Disturb, so that you are not responding to texts from the outside world.

I enjoy photography so I definitely struggle with remembering to put down the camera and enjoy the moment. I find that just being aware of it is enough, but maybe something like a timer would help you not record everything?

 

[KellyHonos]

For me personally, I go in with a set plan. I haven't done this with WDW since I find myself far too busy to take out my phone, but I used the "set plan" approach when I went to a Taylor Swift concert 2 years ago. I am a huge Swiftie and this was my very first Taylor Swift concert. I also felt I wanted to live in the moment. So I made a plan to take 5 photos and 2 videos. I stuck to my plan, and in turn I was able to "live in the moment" like you described and still enjoy the photos after the concert as a keepsake. Looking back, I wish I had taken more video, but this is all apart of the learning process. Now going forward in my next Tswift Concert, I will take 5 photos and maybe 4 videos. You can create your own personalized plan for your next WDW trip "I'll limit 1 photo per ride, 5 character photos, etc." or you may want to only take photos of food and use photopass for everything else.
Another helpful app is Snapchat. It's big in my generation, and a lot easier to manage than just taking photos/videos and putting it in the gallery. You can choose to save your Snap photos or let them disappear after 24 hours. When I go to Disney, I usually use Snap unless I'm taking pics of food, which will then go on Instagram later. I guess the goal here is to go in with a plan and to be more selective in which pictures you take.

Good insight. Glad I asked very interesting to hear other people's strategies. I'm also very happy to know I'm not alone in this personal conflict. I'm 24, so I also use snapchat a great deal. I prefer to use the camera that comes on the phone versus the snapchat one, simply because the quality is better, but I snapchatted a lot on my last trip. I was thinking, similar to your approach with the concert, was to limit photos to major photo ops, like the magic kingdom, tree of life, etc. as well as character interactions, along with really special meals, like cinderellas royal table and BOG. But I don't need to take photos of the meal I get in my food court or the ice cream cone I get as I'm walking through magic kingdom. Surely people do take photos of these things, and that doesn't make it wrong or right, I just think for me, I focused too heavil on everything and didn't truly relish in the moments that were special.

 

[KellyHonos]

I find that just being aware of it is enough, but maybe something like a timer would help you not record everything?

Thanks for the feedback. May I ask exactly what you mean by a timer?

 

[Tigger in a kilt]

Thanks for the feedback. May I ask exactly what you mean by a timer?

Just a timer on your phone, that reminds you to stop filming/taking pics of something after, say, 2 minutes.

Another option might be to get Memory Maker and make use of the photo pass photographers. It’s a risk, but even if it stopped you taking the more generic photos, it might be worth it, since you do get a lot of high-quality generic photos as part of it (or, at least, you used to - don’t take my word for it!).

 

[KellyHonos]

Just a timer on your phone, that reminds you to stop filming/taking pics of something after, say, 2 minutes.

Another option might be to get Memory Maker and make use of the photo pass photographers. It’s a risk, but even if it stopped you taking the more generic photos, it might be worth it, since you do get a lot of high-quality generic photos as part of it (or, at least, you used to - don’t take my word for it!).

Oh trust me, I've considered it, but the reviews I'm hearing are so mixed, I'm undecided as to whether or not the money is worth it. I think I just want to practice self-discipline and try my hardest to only snap photos of very special moments, and not just mundane things.

 

[Tigger in a kilt]

Oh trust me, I've considered it, but the reviews I'm hearing are so mixed, I'm undecided as to whether or not the money is worth it. I think I just want to practice self-discipline and try my hardest to only snap photos of very special moments, and not just mundane things.

Ours is included in our package, so I’m lucky that I don’t need to make the decision!

In that case, I think your best bet it to try to practice some sort of habit of noticing what you are doing, and making a conscious decision to bring your attention back to enjoying the moment when ever you can. Do check out some of the millions of websites on mindfulness - it’s not just about meditation, but more about being aware of yourself and your surroundings and becoming more intentional with your actions.

Good luck, and have a great trip!

 

[KellyHonos]

Ours is included in our package, so I’m lucky that I don’t need to make the decision!

In that case, I think your best bet it to try to practice some sort of habit of noticing what you are doing, and making a conscious decision to bring your attention back to enjoying the moment when ever you can. Do check out some of the millions of websites on mindfulness - it’s not just about meditation, but more about being aware of yourself and your surroundings and becoming more intentional with your actions.

Good luck, and have a great trip!

Agreed. I also see people bumping into one another and not paying attention to where they're going, so this is another incentive to stay off the phone. I'm guilty of running into people too because I'm not focused on walking, and I'm always so so embarrassed and ashamed when it happens. Being in the moment, for many reasons, is best Thanks for the suggestions and well wishes!

 

[Arielfan98]

Good insight. Glad I asked very interesting to hear other people's strategies. I'm also very happy to know I'm not alone in this personal conflict. I'm 24, so I also use snapchat a great deal. I prefer to use the camera that comes on the phone versus the snapchat one, simply because the quality is better, but I snapchatted a lot on my last trip. I was thinking, similar to your approach with the concert, was to limit photos to major photo ops, like the magic kingdom, tree of life, etc. as well as character interactions, along with really special meals, like cinderellas royal table and BOG. But I don't need to take photos of the meal I get in my food court or the ice cream cone I get as I'm walking through magic kingdom. Surely people do take photos of these things, and that doesn't make it wrong or right, I just think for me, I focused too heavil on everything and didn't truly relish in the moments that were special.

I'm one of those people who takes pics of all food. I recently joined the Disney Foodies Facebook Group, so I'll be sure to add plenty of photos for them. But, I am not a big photo taker in general, so I guess it evens it out. We all take pics of what is personally memorable for each of us so that works.

 

[KellyHonos]

I'm one of those people who takes pics of all food. I recently joined the Disney Foodies Facebook Group, so I'll be sure to add plenty of photos for them. But, I am not a big photo taker in general, so I guess it evens it out. We all take pics of what is personally memorable for each of us so that works.

This is true. I look back on my photos from that trip and there are some where I'm like, "okay, why did I take a pic of this?" and then others where I'm like, "wow, that's a gorgeous shot.". I'll just try and challenege myself to only pull my phone out to snap photos when it's an iconic moment, like meeting the Princesses and CRT, or the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. things like that. I found myself snapping photos of the signs of the places we were eating, the names of stores in Disney Springs, etc etc.

 

[Arielfan98]

This is true. I look back on my photos from that trip and there are some where I'm like, "okay, why did I take a pic of this?" and then others where I'm like, "wow, that's a gorgeous shot.". I'll just try and challenege myself to only pull my phone out to snap photos when it's an iconic moment, like meeting the Princesses and CRT, or the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. things like that. I found myself snapping photos of the signs of the places we were eating, the names of stores in Disney Springs, etc etc.

Yeah it all boils down to organization. Unless you plan on making a Disney Dining Trip Report, taking pictures of the restaurant signs and menus is not necessary. If you haven't checked out the Disney Dining Trip Report section, I highly recommend it. It's like reading the trip report but the focus is on the yummy food

 

[CeruleanMoon]

I understand your dilemma, OP! If I stare at the world through a screen too much, I find that all I remember of the event is how it looked through the screen and not what it was like with my own eyes! It's like the event becomes second hand, even though I was there. For that reason I did not take any pictures or video of the two night time shows we attended. I did video the March of the First Order, but I did it while they were leaving, not arriving, so I saw both views. There are times when I wonder if I should be taking more photos though, so it's hard to balance. Like I kept forgetting to take pics of food, so I have very few of those, and I wish I'd taken a few more pics of signs, both to document where I was and because I saw a few really low wait times in the mornings that it would have been fun to have pictures of!

The hardest for me was at Typhoon Lagoon. I have a camera that can take pictures underwater, so getting it wet is not a issue. It would have been fun to get some on-ride slide videos, but most of the time I was too busy holding on and screaming to take video. I wish I'd attempted a few more slide pics though.

 

[KellyHonos]

I find that all I remember of the event is how it looked through the screen and not what it was like with my own eyes! It's like the event becomes second hand, even though I was there

THIS! You accurately described my exact feelings about documenting events versus living in the moment and just enjoying it. Hats off to you. Also, I'm happy that I'm clearly not alone in this issue. I feel like the more digital our lives become, the less we are actually enjoying our time here on earth. Yes it's so nice to have a catalog of photos to reminisce back on, but I also want to be able to think back to that day and know that I experienced it first hand and not through my phone screen.

 

[Burgundy Rose]

I think we've all been through this at least once. Personally, I don't take many pictures or videos of things I can find online - so no landscapes, rides, parks or shows photos/videos UNLESS we're IN the pictures. Those I can't find anywhere online. What I want in the end is memories of US in the parks.

 

[bigbabyblues]

What we do:

DH wears a watch and takes his DSLR, so that takes care of the need for phone pictures and a clock, although I do take an occasional picture with my phone. We only tend to take pictures that have people in them, not the outside of rides, scenery, etc. We don't typically answer any texts or calls from anyone except each other (if we split up) while we're in the parks, and few while we're on vacation in general. Unless there is an emergency, people at home can wait. If it helps, tell them before the trip that you aren't ignoring them but you aren't answering texts/calls in the parks. However, it isn't much of a stretch for us because we silence our phones (not vibrate) when we get home in the evenings and rarely check them anyway (the teenagers do, of course). Neither of our jobs require keeping in contact anymore, although DH did change careers because his former job was taking over our lives and he wasn't willing to do that--yes, I realize not everyone can do that, but it is worth it to us.

Take a screenshot of your FP and make it your lock screen if you need a reminder. We do use MDE to schedule our next FP as soon as we scan in for the last one.

No phones at the table--if you sit down to eat, even at a QS, phone goes away.

We do social media like everyone else, but not while we're in the parks. Check it in the morning before we leave the room and in the evening when the day is done, maybe if we go back for a break/swim, etc. If Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Messenger/whatever is taking up too much park time, you could delete the apps while you're on vacation and only check from a computer (assuming you bring a laptop). Turn off any notifications that distract you but you don't really need. On an iphone (and probably other phones, I don't know), you can set individual contacts to "do not disturb". The texts will come through but you won't get a notification.

I like to keep a trip journal on the laptop. At the end of the day, I make notes of what we did that day, funny stories, etc. It is easy to see if I wasn't really "present" for parts of it.

 

[KellyHonos]

I think we've all been through this at least once. Personally, I don't take many pictures or videos of things I can find online - so no landscapes, rides, parks or shows photos/videos UNLESS we're IN the pictures. Those I can't find anywhere online. What I want in the end is memories of US in the parks.

Love that. I think thats a great strategy.

 

[KellyHonos]

What we do:

DH wears a watch and takes his DSLR, so that takes care of the need for phone pictures and a clock, although I do take an occasional picture with my phone. We only tend to take pictures that have people in them, not the outside of rides, scenery, etc. We don't typically answer any texts or calls from anyone except each other (if we split up) while we're in the parks, and few while we're on vacation in general. Unless there is an emergency, people at home can wait. If it helps, tell them before the trip that you aren't ignoring them but you aren't answering texts/calls in the parks. However, it isn't much of a stretch for us because we silence our phones (not vibrate) when we get home in the evenings and rarely check them anyway (the teenagers do, of course). Neither of our jobs require keeping in contact anymore, although DH did change careers because his former job was taking over our lives and he wasn't willing to do that--yes, I realize not everyone can do that, but it is worth it to us.

Take a screenshot of your FP and make it your lock screen if you need a reminder. We do use MDE to schedule our next FP as soon as we scan in for the last one.

No phones at the table--if you sit down to eat, even at a QS, phone goes away.

We do social media like everyone else, but not while we're in the parks. Check it in the morning before we leave the room and in the evening when the day is done, maybe if we go back for a break/swim, etc. If Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Messenger/whatever is taking up too much park time, you could delete the apps while you're on vacation and only check from a computer (assuming you bring a laptop). Turn off any notifications that distract you but you don't really need. On an iphone (and probably other phones, I don't know), you can set individual contacts to "do not disturb". The texts will come through but you won't get a notification.

I like to keep a trip journal on the laptop. At the end of the day, I make notes of what we did that day, funny stories, etc. It is easy to see if I wasn't really "present" for parts of it.

wow, so many great ideas. I use DND on my iphone everyday, I could definitely keep it on DND during my stay there. I also like the idea of deleting apps and checking on ipad/laptop later. Good ideas!

 

[DLgal]

I try to only use my phone during moments where literally nothing else is happening: waiting on someone who is in the bathroom or shopping, on the bus, boat, or monorail; when a line is long and no one is in the mood to talk; at the end of a meal while waiting on the check, etc.

My husband is constantly on his phone. He's truly addicted. It feeds his ADD, I guess.

 

[KellyHonos]

I try to only use my phone during moments where literally nothing else is happening: waiting on someone who is in the bathroom or shopping, on the bus, boat, or monorail; when a line is long and no one is in the mood to talk; at the end of a meal while waiting on the check, etc.

My husband is constantly on his phone. He's truly addicted. It feeds his ADD, I guess.

My sister is 12 and constantly on her phone. I don't care because I'm also quite attached, but she is definitely more dependent on it than I am. But especially when you're on vacation, you feel the need to document everything you do, and for me, it gets a little obnoxious sometimes, lol. So I'm just trying to be more conscious of it and pick people's brain as to what they do to prevent feeling guilty.

So far I really like the idea of deleting certain apps off my phone and just waiting until I get back to the room where I can get on my ipad and then check my social media. Maybe I'll keep an app or two, but the rest can wait til later. I also like the idea of using do not disturb. The less notifications I'm getting, the less inclined I will be to hop on my phone and look. Being in the moment is a dying art, in my eyes. Holding off on facebook and instagram and just focusing on your time there I think is so much more special.