It's not a Dole Whip. It's not a ride. It's not those trademark Mickey Mouse ears. It's an app. Walt Disney World has tied everything about your vacation to one lovely app: park tickets, dinner reservations, PhotoPass, hotel reservations and much of the resort's maps and information. If you're coming to the Most Magical Place on Earth, My Disney Experience (opens in new tab) is your lifeline.
And it's a whole new app in its newest update.
The My Disney Experience app (opens in new tab) has streamlined its layout, consolidating its many pages and menus into a single map and a single menu that you can drag up from your avatar character. Gone is the hamburger menu, replaced with a single, full-page list. From that menu you can buy or link park and party tickets, make dining reservations, check out your PhotoPass pictures, and even book your hotel if you've somehow made your way to the park without a room already ready for you.
The map now covers almost the entire screen as the controls have been condensed to a single white bar at the top of the screen. You simply swipe left or right on that white bar to switch between attractions, dining, restrooms, and other categories on the map. The map still has issues with resolution and overlapping map pins, especially around Cinderella Castle, but at least the map is more responsive and quicker to use, especially for navigating around the park.
The old map, the new map, and the continued bugs
Whether you need wait times to figure out which ride you hit next or directions to the nearest bathroom, the My Disney Experience app (opens in new tab) app is your guide to Walt Disney World, and you should absolutely, positively, download and acquaint yourself with it before you and your little ones head for the airport.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go wish for a Dole Whip.
