Would it be a bad idea to take a mini ipad to the parks ?

[maryj11]

I do not have an iphone or any phone with internet, I just dont pay all the extra to have one. Has anyone taken a mini ipad to the parks and how did that go ?My worry is it getting broken on a ride, I do have a case for it and will keep it in that.

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

It is not required that you stay connected to the internet for your Disney vacation and you can certainly have a good time without connecting to the MDE app, but having access to it is very helpful. I personally have an iPhone and use that. If I didnt have a phone with the i-net, I am certain I would take my iPad (mini only) with me.

For those constantly holding up their 50" tablets, I would like to bring my 9 mil with me and make my own fireworks, but that is another thread. LOL

 

[fla4fun]

I have an iPad mini, but didn't feel comfortable taking it to the parks either. So I bought an iPod Touch. It works as well as a smartphone for MDE, has a better camera (and a flash) to use as a backup camera, and is easier to carry than an iPad mini. If you have a sturdy case like an Otter Box or Lifeproof, and a secure way to carry it, you should be fine, but if you want a smaller alternative, I highly recommend an iPod Touch.

 

[dmunsil]

I've taken both an iPad Mini and a iPod Touch. The iPad Mini worked great pretty much everywhere. I kept it in a bag with my camera equipment so it wasn't particularly difficult to manage. The iPod Touch seemed to have more trouble getting wifi connections. In some areas it worked perfectly and in other parts of the park it wouldn't get any signal.

The trouble is I never brought them both on the same trip, so I don't know if the problems with the iPod Touch were because they were in the process of upgrading their wifi service or something like that. I brought the iPod Touch in September 2013 when they were just getting rolling with MyMagic+. I brought the iPad Mini in December 2013.

If you're already carrying a bag that would hold an iPad Mini I'd definitely take that; the extra screen real estate is handy. But assuming you don't have the troubles I had with wifi, the iPod Touch should work fine.

 

[acciodisney]

I think you'll be fine if you bring it. There are lots of people who bring ipads. I have brought my ipod and it's been good with the wifi. I did bring a ziplock bag to keep it in for the water rides just for my own peace of mind but I had no issues with the wifi or the rides!

 

[jrmgreer]

I bring my Kindle Fire HDX every time. It has a great camera, wifi, and I can easily get on MDE... I do have it in an Otterbox though. We carry a small backpack through the parks and I've never had any issues.

 

[gorkt]

I hate, hate, hate it when people hold up iPads (even minis) to take pictures and videos during parades or fireworks. I hate it when people do it for their kids concerts here at home. Personally I would never do it because I think it is rude.

 

[maryj11]

Thanks everyone I think I will bring it to the parks and put it in zip lock bag in case of rain or whatever.

 

[Polydweller]

I hate, hate, hate it when people hold up iPads (even minis) to take pictures and videos during parades or fireworks. I hate it when people do it for their kids concerts here at home. Personally I would never do it because I think it is rude.

You know, people hate, hate, hated DSLRs when they first came out because they had those 'large' bright screens on them. Lots of comments that people should use the view finder instead of screen and it was rude not too. In other words, same comments for what what was a new technology at the time. But we sell got use to them and now don't notice them at all.

Not really getting on you gorkt, it's just interesting when new tech comes along how distracting it initially is. But eventually, tablets will be ignored just like DSLRs once they become just common things we don't pay attention to.

 

[surferdave]

You know, people hate, hate, hated DSLRs when they first came out because they had those 'large' bright screens on them. Lots of comments that people should use the view finder instead of screen and it was rude not too. In other words, same comments for what what was a new technology at the time. But we sell got use to them and now don't notice them at all.

Not really getting on you gorkt, it's just interesting when new tech comes along how distracting it initially is. But eventually, tablets will be ignored just like DSLRs once they become just common things we don't pay attention to.

Actually it's still rude to use those things on dark rides and in dark shows. The large tablet screens are just many times worse and more inconsiderate.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I've taken a full size Ipad to the parks because I won't leave it in my bag when the bag is in storage. It's in a waterproof backpack.

Not to hold it up to take photos though, because that's really annoying when you're behind it. a mini wouldn't be so annoying for photos.

My friend had a video up of her kid's graduation and there someone was right in front holding up an Ipad blocking someone's kid. those full size screens are just too big to be used as a camera in a crowd.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

You know, people hate, hate, hated DSLRs when they first came out because they had those 'large' bright screens on them. Lots of comments that people should use the view finder instead of screen and it was rude not too. In other words, same comments for what what was a new technology at the time. But we sell got use to them and now don't notice them at all.

Not really getting on you gorkt, it's just interesting when new tech comes along how distracting it initially is. But eventually, tablets will be ignored just like DSLRs once they become just common things we don't pay attention to.

I notice. It is actually a pet peeve of mine if it is during a dark ride or certain shows. Sorry.

People do bring I-pads and mini's, and there are times when using one at WDW doesn't impact me at all. I could care less if someone uses one while sitting on bench.

The other part of your question though was to know if it will be a pain to carry. It will be. At least in my opinion, but then, I think carrying anything is somewhat a pain. zippered pockets are the least of all evils, followed by small cross-body bags.

But I've also had the experience of having a phone fall out of my pocket on BTMRR. (got it back! Phew!) So really carrying anything can be a pain. the bigger it is, the more of a pain.

If we ever make an afternoon trip by our room, I leave behind as much as possible.

 

[eyehartdisney]

I was considering getting an older ipod touch for the parks when I go, off ebay. What's the earliest generations someone's used successfully for the MDE? Or does it not matter

 

[CAS239]

I was considering getting an older ipod touch for the parks when I go, off ebay. What's the earliest generations someone's used successfully for the MDE? Or does it not matter

Shouldn't matter because you can update the iOS through iTunes. I personally wouldn't go with the first or second generation iTouches, but don't need the latest.

 

[maryj11]

Actually it's still rude to use those things on dark rides and in dark shows. The large tablet screens are just many times worse and more inconsiderate.

I will only check my MDE outside and off to the side away from people

 

[MightyGitis]

I was considering getting an older ipod touch for the parks when I go, off ebay. What's the earliest generations someone's used successfully for the MDE? Or does it not matter

You don't wanna go older that 4th gen. I have a 2nd gen but it can not be updated past iOS 3.0 so it's essentially useless for new apps. BUT the browser still works so technically you could still operate MDE through the browser instead of the app.

 

[Disneylover99]

I always take my IPad mini to the park. It fits perfectly into my purse and I bring it on all the rides, no problem. I use it to change FP when necessary and to check emails. I don't use it as a camera or to film anything though.

 

[FeralCatRogue]

I had to take a netbook because of school to epcot last time I went and had no issues, but I do not go on many rides. I will say though when i was at MNSHHP last year the amount of people blocking view of parades by holding up ipads to record was not enjoyable.

 

[MightyGitis]

I had to take a netbook because of school to epcot last time I went and had no issues, but I do not go on many rides. I will say though when i was at MNSHHP last year the amount of people blocking view of parades by holding up ipads to record was not enjoyable.

Yeah it's the size that bothers most people. That's why I don't consider it comparable to when people were annoyed with DSLRs (which I never was). There's just such a size difference between a camera or a phone and a tablet.

 

[maryj11]

I always take my IPad mini to the park. It fits perfectly into my purse and I bring it on all the rides, no problem. I use it to change FP when necessary and to check emails. I don't use it as a camera or to film anything though.

Good to know I don't plan on video taping but might take a few pictures. I don't plan on sticking it up in front of anyone or doing it in dark places like shows and rides.