Walt Disney World vacations have recently becoming increasingly reliant on technology, especially with the implementation of the MyMagic+ system, which officially launched back in 2014. Everything from entering your hotel room, to entering the parks and riding rides, everything is centered around technology.
Here are our top 5 technology tips for visiting Walt Disney World:
TIP 1: Download the My Disney Experience app
Whether your a first time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the My Disney Experience app for smartphones will provide your one-stop-shop for every moment of your Walt Disney World vacation. The app not only provides access to your pre-booked FastPass+ reservations, but also a look at the wait times and show times for the hundreds of attractions and shows across the resort - there's no more trekking all the way across the park to find the wait time is too long! Use the app to your advantage, even if you think you know the parks and resorts inside out!
Tip 2: Keep your batteries charged!
Using the My Disney Experience app, along with updating your friends at home on social media can really eat up your phone's battery life, especially when using multimedia apps such as Snapchat and Periscope. Don't have to do everything 'the old fashioned way' just because your phone has died. We recommend taking a portable battery pack into the park with you - these small chargers typically have a USB socket on them, so are ideal for charging all manner of devices - including some cameras if required. They can be a lifesaver, especially when your devices battery level is getting critically low! Another suggestion is bringing your charging lead and plug into the park too. Some locations have sockets for you to use to charge your devices.
Tip 3: Carry a camera...
Many suggest that there is no point taking your camera around the Disney parks, after all there are PhotoPass photographers everywhere! But what happens when that magical moment happens before your eyes, and you have no way of capturing it. What if you get a high score on Space Ranger Spin, you wouldn't be able to take a photo (even if it is just to brag to your friends later...). We recommend carrying a small point-and-shoot camera in the parks, to capture the magic as it happens. Some phones now have comparable cameras, so that may be an option too (but don't forget your battery pack - taking photos and videos on your phone may quickly drain the battery!). Obviously if you are a first time visitor, or a Disneynerd, a bigger camera and/or camcorder may be required!
Tip 4: Keep the kids occupied!
Waiting in long lines, especially in the heat of summer, can be a boring experience for children. Why not keep them occupied in the queue by downloading some games and apps on your smartphone. Although many queues now feature interactive elements to pass the time, some don't. Keep in the Disney spirit and download a few Disney games for the kids to play. such as Frozen Free Fall or Disney Crossy Road! That is sure to pass the time waiting in the queues!
Tip 5: Take some time off technology...
This tip is rather ironic in the fact that the blog is about technology, but we certainly recommend taking some time away from technology during your vacation at WDW. Our day-to-day lives have become increasingly reliant on technology, so why not use your vacation to take a step back and enjoy real life! Spend some time away from social media, off your phone and enjoying your time at the most magical place on earth! Of course, use your phone to share magical moments, and to stay up-to-date with the in-park happenings, but don't let technology ruin your experience!
Let us know your Disney Tech Tips below, or on social media using #DMTechTips and we'll share the best on our Twitter!
