Disney Lists

How to Use the My Disney Experience App for Planning Your Disney Vacation

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation? The My Disney Experience app is your essential digital companion—helping you manage park tickets, Lightning Lane selections, dining reservations, resort details, and mobile orders all in one place.

With its real-time updates and personalized recommendations, it’s like having your own magic wand.


1. Dining Reservations: Book Ahead up to 60 Days

Did you know you can reserve table-service restaurants up to 60 days before your trip?

Through the app, you can:

  • Browse menus and check availability by park, resort, or cuisine.
  • Filter by breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
  • Modify or cancel reservations directly in-app.
  • Search for last-minute availability on the same day.

Whether you’re planning a visit to Be Our Guest or aiming to dine at Wish Makers Enchanted Dining, it’s all just a few taps away.

In the vibrant scene of Wish Makers Enchanted Dining, families enjoy meals at tables while a woman in a colorful costume delights children. The atmosphere is timeless with red booths, blue chairs, and classic decor like ornate chandeliers and wall art.
Credit: Disney

2. Mobile Food & Beverage Ordering

Skip the lines with mobile orders! This feature allows you to:

  • Choose a participating quick-service location.
  • Customize your food selections.
  • Select your pickup time.
  • Get notified when your food is ready.

Perfect for families in a hurry or at busy meal times.


3. Check-In & Walk-Up Waitlists

No reservation? No problem.

The app lets you:

  • Check in to your table-service reservation.
  • Join walk-up waitlists at select dining locations.
  • Monitor estimated wait times in real time.

This flexibility is great for spontaneous meals or impromptu dining.


4. Interactive Park Map

The in-app map helps you:

  • View current attraction wait times.
  • Locate restrooms, water stations, dining spots, and PhotoPass locations.
  • Track Lightning Lane return windows.

Filter by attraction type or location to plan your park day more efficiently.

A Magic Kingdom theme park map displays most rides open
Credit: Screenshot via the My Disney Experience app

5. Manage Lightning Lane & Tip Board

The Tip Board is your go-to planning tool. With it, you can:

  • Compare standby and Lightning Lane wait times.
  • Reserve return windows for attractions.
  • Check park hours and entertainment schedules.

Lightning Lane selections open at 7:00 a.m. for Disney Resort hotel Guests.


6. Capture PhotoPass Memories

Preserve magical memories with the app:

  • Preview and download your ride and character photos.
  • Link your Memory Maker package.
  • Enjoy complimentary wallpapers when available.

It’s all in one place for easy access and download.

Halloween Magic Shot
Credit: Disney PhotoPass

7. Manage Your Resort Hotel Stay

If you’re staying at a Disney Resort, the app streamlines your experience:

  • Complete online check-in.
  • Receive room-ready notifications.
  • Use your phone as a digital room key.

You can also:

  • View charges and manage your resort folio.
  • Check transportation schedules.
  • Access your Disney MagicMobile pass for park entry.
Mickey Mouse in an artists outfit in front of Disney World Resort's Riviera Resort with guests inside as Disney World vacations change.
Credit: Disney

8. Mobile Merchandise Checkout

Avoid lines at select stores like Creations Shop by using mobile checkout.

You can:

  • Scan items as you shop.
  • Pay securely within the app.
  • Show your confirmation QR at the exit.

It’s fast, easy, and perfect for souvenir shopping!


9. Bonus Features for a Smoother Day

  • Food-by-Name Search: Craving a turkey leg or churro? Find it fast.
  • Wish List Favorites: Save attractions or snacks with the heart icon.
  • Daily Park Hours & Events: Check schedules for parades and fireworks.

These extras make your day more magical and manageable.


Final Tips for the App

  • Download Before You Go: Set up your account and link tickets early.
  • Keep It Updated: Install the latest version before your trip.
  • Bring a Charger: Park Wi-Fi can vary—stay powered up for key moments.

The My Disney Experience app does it all—from mobile orders to resort check-ins and ride planning.

Whether you’re navigating Animal Kingdom, mobile ordering at Connections Eatery, splashing down Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, or spotting your favorite character, this app ties your whole vacation together.

Have you used My Disney Experience? What feature do you rely on the most? Share your thoughts and favorite tips in the comments!

Mike Ramirez

Mike Ramirez is a theme park fan born and raised in Mexico City. From a young age he's loved to learn all there is to know about the history of the Disney parks and rides. Whether it’s riding The Haunted Mansion, geeking out over the MCU, or singing along to show tunes, he's all about celebrating the magic of storytelling and imagination.

Related Articles