{"id":660049,"date":"2013-05-24T09:30:45","date_gmt":"2013-05-24T13:30:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gigaom.com\/?p=648119"},"modified":"2013-05-24T09:30:45","modified_gmt":"2013-05-24T13:30:45","slug":"dont-forget-these-apps-when-packing-for-your-disney-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mereja.media\/index\/660049","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t forget these apps when packing for your Disney trip"},"content":{"rendered":"

One thing you will not see in Disney’s own\u00a0Carousel of Progress<\/a> is a huge crowd of people being led around an amusement park by their iPhones. \u00a0But that is exactly what you will see when you visit any one of Disney’s theme parks. \u00a0So what is it that is so interesting on all of these iPhones? \u00a0Disney theme park tourist apps. \u00a0Where to go, what to see and even how long it will take.<\/p>\n

I can attest that the following are the best apps out there for a Disney trip after field testing on a recent visit to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.<\/p>\n

\"Planning<\/p>\n

Before you go: Trip planning with ebooks<\/h2>\n

You should first look to see if your local library has any up to date\u00a0ebooks that you can borrow<\/a>. I was able to check out a couple of titles before our trip to Disney World began. Additionally there are several titles available on Amazon and iTunes for your Kindle and iBooks app. One of my favorites is\u00a0The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World<\/em>\u00a0($9.99\u00a0Kindle<\/a>, $9.99\u00a0iTunes<\/a>). \u00a0Being able to read and bookmark travel guides on my iPhone saved me from packing heavy books in my carry-on.<\/p>\n

\"Guide<\/p>\n

Guidebooks are better as apps<\/h2>\n

Beyond electronic books you will also find some great informational guides in the App Store. One provider in particular,\u00a0TimeStream Software<\/a>, has a couple of iPhone apps published under the title of Notescast<\/em> that you will find have the same insightful information as the best-selling books. \u00a0The difference is that the apps are much easier for navigating and finding what you are looking for when you are in a hurry inside the various parks. In particular their\u00a0Walt Disney World Secrets<\/em>\u00a0($1.99\u00a0iPhone<\/a>) is a great supplement to any ebook you may already have in your library.<\/p>\n

\"Searchable<\/p>\n

Searchable maps of nearby attractions<\/h2>\n

Both Apple and Google have decent satellite and regular maps of the parks in their mapping apps. \u00a0However, you will find that specialized maps that include the ability to annotate the maps with interactive pins that highlight nearby attractions will help get you to where you want to be. \u00a0VersaEdge’s Disney World Magic Guide<\/em> ($4.99 Universal<\/a>) does exactly this by including the wait times alongside the location. \u00a0Seeing the wait times on the map may change where you are headed in the first place. \u00a0The app also comes with a database with details about the attraction as well schedule for your dinner reservations. \u00a0This is something that neither Google nor Apple has in their maps.<\/p>\n

\"Avoid<\/p>\n

Avoid waiting in line<\/h2>\n

There are two things you will want to keep track of when visiting Disney’s attractions: wait times and FastPass times. While\u00a0VersaEdge’s Disney World Magic Guide will show you the wait times on a map, what it does not do is show you are the times that the next FastPass is available. \u00a0FastPass<\/a> is Disney’s way of controlling large crowds by allowing everyone a chance at getting to ride their favorite rides at least once. \u00a0But FastPasses do run out. \u00a0Knowing that the next FastPass for SpaceMountain is for 9 p.m. when it is just 11 a.m. is a good indication that you had better run over to Tomorrow Land and get one before they run out. \u00a0And the busier the park is, the more likely the FastPasses will run out.<\/p>\n

Disney’s own\u00a0My Disney Experience \u2013 Walt Disney World<\/em> (Free,\u00a0Universal<\/a>) proved to have the most accurate and up-to-date FastPass information in each park. \u00a0Disney’s app also has the current wait times, maps and database of attractions. \u00a0While it did not have FastPass information, I did find that\u00a0VersaEdge’s\u00a0Disney World Magic Guide<\/em> was more responsive while looking up nearby park information.<\/p>\n

\"Have<\/p>\n

Have some fun too<\/h2>\n

Not every app is about managing your time and keeping track of where you need to be next. One of the fun apps will help you find the Hidden Mickeys<\/em> ($7.99,\u00a0Universal<\/a>) all around the resort. You may have seen the book<\/a> of the same title in various bookstores for about the same price, but the app is much better than the book. \u00a0Unlike the book, the app will show you how close you are to each hidden Mickey when you are in the park using the device’s GPS.<\/p>\n

Another great app to have is actually not a native app. \u00a0When in the park, you will notice that Disney has a program called PhotoPass<\/a> where you can be photographed in front of some of the main attractions in the park. There is a mobile web app<\/a>\u00a0on Disney’s site that you can create a home screen icon<\/a>\u00a0for. \u00a0This will allow you to view the photos Disney\u2019s photographers take right after they take them.<\/p>\n

And finally, there is another great Notescast<\/em> app that focuses on one specific historical Disney feature. While shopping on the Magic Kingdom\u2019s Main Street be sure to check out the Main Street Windows<\/em> (Free,\u00a0iPhone<\/a>). All along Main Street each window has a business title, which is a tribute to various Disney employees and major contributors to various Disney productions over the years. \u00a0It is sort of like Disney’s own version of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.<\/p>\n

While these apps are all specific to visiting Disney World in Orlando, there are versions for its other theme park locations. \u00a0Be sure you are specific when looking for other books and apps about Disney. You don’t want to get all excited about riding Gadget’s Go Coaster<\/a> realizing later that it is only at the\u00a0Anaheim<\/a> and Tokyo<\/a> Disneyland locations. \u00a0Just be sure to\u00a0devote a little time to loading up your iPhone with apps that will help you enjoy your trip to Disney this year.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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