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My Disney Experience App: Do I Really Need it for My Disney Vacation?

 What is it? 

The My Disney Experience app is a tool to make planning your Walt Disney World vacation easier, both before you go and while you are there. It is an app that you download for free to your phone. Once you have downloaded it, you will login with your Disney credentials. This is the same login you have already used to access any Disney site, including Walt Disney World, Disney+, ShopDisney, The Disney Cruiseline, and more. Don’t have login credentials? No problem! Simply go to one of these sites and create a login! Then, when you open the app you will login to it with those same credentials! Easy! So, when should you download the app? As soon as you start thinking about planning a Disney vacation! 

How do I get started?

On the app you will not be able to book your hotel. You can do that by calling Disney directly, logging into their website, or using a travel agent. Once you have done that, you will be able to see your reservation on the app and make further plans right there! If you can’t see it, you will need to attach your reservation manually by entering your confirmation number. You will click on “Future Plans” and then find the button to connect any missing reservations.

How will it help me before my trip? 

The MDE app is the easiest way to make dining reservations  beginning 60 days before your trip! Just click on the + sign that is circled, click check dining availability, then follow the prompts! You can also buy tickets or passes, shop for memory maker, make or modify park reservations , and so much more! I have found the best way to learn about all of the functions is by tapping functions and looking around!

How will it help me during my trip?

During your trip, the MDE app is nearly indispensable! Want to book a Virtual Queue, purchase Genie+, or purchase an Individual Lightning Lane? This is the only way to do it! Want to look at, modify, cancel, or book a dining reservation? You can do it on the app while you wait in line for an attraction! Want to look at your Photopass pictures? You can see them in the app! You can also place a mobile food order or purchase shop merchandise on your app. Both of these functions will save you lots of time! Additionally, you can find out information about the parks, wait times, parades, and fireworks! You can do all of these things from wherever you already are without having to walk to a different location!


Ok, but I don’t want to be on my phone all day…

You don’t have to! How much you use it is up to you! If you choose not to use it at all, you will be somewhat limited: no Virtual Queue, Lightning Lanes or Genie+, or any of the other great features I mentioned. But, you can still enjoy the parks! 


What can’t the app do?

The MDE app is not your ticket media. You will still need your Magic Band or ticket card to get into the park, as well as to check in for your Virtual Queue, Genie +, or Lightning Lane reservations. Cast Members cannot let you into a ride queue based on what is on your phone screen. They must scan your ticket or Magic Band to verify your reservation!

However, if you would like to use your phone as your ticket, you can! Simply find Disney MagicMobile on the menu under your name and it will prompt you to add your ticket to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, which you can use to scan at touch points at both park entrances and attraction entrances. 


What if I forget to download the app before my trip?

You can download the app at any time! However, the best time to do it is as soon as you think you might want to visit Walt Disney World!


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