You don’t need to be a Disney pro to know that the magic starts the moment you step onto Main Street, U.S.A. But in 2025, there’s one not-so-magical thing that seems to be following everyone around the parks—and most guests don’t even realize how much it’s affecting their vacation until it’s too late.
We’re talking about your phone.
You’re Not Just Visiting Disney—You’re Managing It
Gone are the days when you could roam the parks with nothing but a paper map and a smile. Now, your entire day is run through the My Disney Experience app. Want to buy Lightning Lane access for a ride? Check the app. Need to order food, find parade times, or unlock your hotel room? Yup—there’s an app for all of that, and you’re expected to use it.
Even with the recent change allowing Disney Resort guests to reserve Lightning Lanes up to seven days in advance, and others getting a three-day head start, you still end up glued to your screen throughout the day, constantly refreshing to grab your next ride window.
The Pressure to Stay Plugged In
At some point, your magical day turns into a digital scavenger hunt. Instead of soaking up the sounds of Adventureland or savoring a Dole Whip in the shade, you’re trying to time your next Lightning Lane, see which ride has the lowest wait, and juggle dining plans—all on a tiny screen.
And let’s be honest: some guests take it even further. You’ll see them with phones out the entire time, recording every moment from castle stage shows to character hugs. But in capturing it all, they often miss actually living it.
The Unseen Trade-Off
Sure, it’s convenient to have everything in one place. But that convenience comes at a cost. Forgetting your phone back in the hotel room could literally derail your entire day. No app means no access. And battery life? You’ll burn through it faster than a mid-July ice cream cone.
It’s reached a point where external battery packs are just as important as sunscreen or ponchos. And for many families, at least one adult spends most of the day coordinating everything on the app instead of enjoying the parks with their kids.
How to Keep the Magic (Without the Constant Glare)
There’s no perfect solution, but you can reclaim a little of that old-school park magic. Try rotating “planner” duties between adults so one person isn’t stuck on their phone the entire trip. Download maps and schedules ahead of time, and take breaks from tech—especially during meals or nighttime shows.
Your phone can help you plan your day, but it shouldn’t take over your whole trip. Because when you look back, it won’t be the screenshots or ride times you remember. It’ll be the laughs, the music, and the moments you didn’t capture on camera.
