Welcome to
planDisney, Christine!
Thanks for visiting our group of passionate Disney fans. We're delighted to assist you with all aspects of
Disney vacation planning. Let's talk about enjoying the theme parks with a "classic" mobile device.
Once you arrive in the United States, you can download and use the
My Disney Experience mobile app on an Apple device operating with iOS 16 and above or an Android device using Android 10 or higher. If unsure, you can confirm your phone's
operating system by clicking the Settings icon and then About. My iPhone 13 currently uses iOS 17.6.1, so I can fully utilize the My Disney Experience mobile app. You might be able to download an older version of the app that won't have all the newest features or run at top speed, so it's worth a try once you land in the States.
If you can't access the mobile app, you must plan for a few things. First, you'll need Disney Bands from a previous visit or Key to the World cards to enter the parks. If you don't have Disney Bands, stop by the front desk of your
resort hotel or a theme park ticketing window with your vacation package or ticket confirmation and a photo ID. A Cast Member will give you plastic ticket cards for your theme park admission and room keys.
If you want to join a
Virtual Queue or purchase
Lightning Lane passes, you must take care of both activities with a Cast Member at a theme park Guest Relations location or Guest Experience Team umbrella. Because the 7 AM Virtual Queue opens before the theme parks do, you can only request to join the 1:00 Virtual Queue. Last week, I successfully joined the Virtual Queue for
TRON Lightcycle/Run at 1:15, so you might have a chance if you speak with a Guest Relations Cast Member right as the clock turns to 1:00. Be sure to write down your boarding group number and monitor the sign near the attraction entrance so you know when it's time to ride. A Guest Relations Cast Member can assist in purchasing same-day Lightning Lane passes when available.
The My Disney Experience mobile app also displays your current and future plans, and it can be tough to commit all of these to memory while enjoying your holiday. If you make dining reservations before leaving home, bring a printout or screenshot so you can attend all meals. If your mobile device can do this, set calendar reminders for important plans. You won't be able to use
Mobile Food & Beverage Ordering, so at quick-service restaurants, place your order in person at a register.
I hope this is helpful, Christine, and that you have a wonderful time on your upcoming holiday. Best wishes for smooth travels, and please let us know if there is anything else we can do to make your adventure even more enjoyable.
Cheers,
Betsy