How many times a day are you looking at your phone when at the parks?
If you’re like us, it happens a LOT! You should be spending your days looking at all your favorite rides and the hidden details that Imagineering has for you to find! To that end, we had some thoughts on how to help you experience the magic of the parks without getting sucked into your phone.
Let’s face it, in this age of smartphone obsession, it’s all too easy to get sucked into a digital vortex, even when surrounded by all the mind-blowing wonder of theme parks. But fear not! We’ve got your back with some tips and tricks to help you break free from your phone and fully immerse yourself in the magic of the parks.
Lightning Lane Liberation:
Wake up, early birds! As soon as those park gates creak open, make a beeline to Guest Relations. With luck on your side, you might still snag an Individual Lightning Lane pass for the must-ride attractions.
For the ultimate strategy, you can also ask Guest Relations to join the Virtual Queue at 1PM in parks like Magic Kingdom and EPCOT for you, because let’s face it, those passes disappear faster than a churro in a kid’s hand. Just load ’em up on your trusty MagicBand or ticket card, and you’re good to scan in when you get to your ride.
Level the Playing Field, Foodie-Style:
Tired of battling the mobile order mania? Say goodbye to stress-inducing food orders and head to havens like Sunshine Seasons. Yep, they’re rebels who don’t accept mobile orders, so everyone’s on equal ground, munching away without a care.
You won’t have to worry about standing in the wrong line or looking down at your phone and missing everything around you. But hey, if you do find yourself in a mobile order maze, schedule your meals during off-peak hours. Avoid the hangry crowds and enjoy a more serene dining experience.
Decoding the Elusive Tip Boards:
Ah, the mystery of tip boards! Those enigmatic signboards that sometimes seem to have a mind of their own. Keep your eyes peeled, because sometimes they’re just teasing you and decide to flicker on later in the day.
Believe it or not, you can find all (or, most) of the info you’d get from My Disney Experience right here on these boards like wait times, show times, and more. So, even if you checked ’em before and they were MIA, swing by again. Who knows, they might just surprise you with some valuable intel.
Challenge Accepted:
Alright, this one’s a toughie. Going fully unplugged means no peeking at tip boards, attraction times, maps, or any of that handy info on your phone. But let us tell you a secret: it’s not as scary as it seems.
Sure, you might have to rely on your wits and wait in line like a true adventurer, but hey, that’s where the real magic happens! Embrace the downtime, soak up the atmosphere, people-watch like a pro, and who knows, you might just make friends with other park-goers. So put on your brave face and conquer those queues!
Remember, it’s not about the pixels on your phone screen, but the tangible experiences that’ll make your heart race. Break free from those screens and let the park magic take you on a wild, unfiltered journey, and keep checking back here for all the latest!
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Have you ever explored the parks without your phone? Let us know in the comments!
People are so enamored of their phones that they don’t consider that it may not be the most efficient option. Like having to check in on a phone at the restaurant podium when you are standing there RIGHT IN FRONT OF THEM. When my friends do mobile order and I order at the counter, I’m through with my meal while they are still watching that hamburger flip on their app.
So glad this article was written. Last Disney trip (key word is Last), I was so mad that I was on vacation and my nose stuck in my phone just to navigate/ food ordering, etc…. Then later in the week during the vacation, I locked my phone in the room safe and survived. Disney is not going to force me to use my phone while on vacation. A cast member had a QR barcode to scan while leaving Disney Springs to do a survey, I politely said, sorry phone free vacation, that felt good to say. I miss paper fastpasses. Yes, you can survive without the phone.
That’s what I HATE the MOST about Genie+!!!!! As the planner, I have to be updating and scheduling rides CONSTANTLY while my family is having a good ol’ time!!!!