Planning a vacation to Walt Disney World Resort is an unforgettable adventure—but to make the most of the magic, a bit of planning and a touch of tech-savviness go a long way. That’s where My Disney Experience comes in!
While you can access My Disney Experience through both the website and the mobile app, this guide will focus on the app—because, let’s be honest, when you’re in the parks, your phone becomes your best friend. From unlocking your resort room and entering the theme parks, to checking wait times and viewing your Disney PhotoPass photos, the mobile app is your go-to tool for a smooth, stress-free vacation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the My Disney Experience Mobile App
Your must-have tool for a magical Disney vacation!
Step 1: Download the App
- Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
- Search for “My Disney Experience” and look for the official app by Disney
- Download and log in using your Disney account
When you plan a Walt Disney World vacation, linking your reservation or tickets is one of the first things you should do once you are booked. This allows you to begin planning and obtain the vital park pass reservations that are required in addition to your tickets. To do this, you need a My Disney Experience account.
Go to the Walt Disney World website to create a new account. However, it’s important to note that if you have any kind of Disney account, you need to use the same login information for this account. That includes a Disney+ account, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, ShopDisney, etc.
To link your reservation, you need either your vacation package confirmation number or your ticket confirmation number. It’s easiest to link either option if you visit the website versus the mobile app, especially since you also need to make theme park reservations.
Step 2: Link Your Vacation Plans
- Add your Walt Disney World Resort hotel reservation
- Link park tickets, MagicBands, dining reservations, and friends/family
- Tip: You can even assign tickets to different people in your group!
Step 3: Make Park Reservations (if applicable)
- Use the app to check park availability and reserve the days you plan to visit
- View and modify reservations anytime
These reservations are visible on the My Disney Experience app. However, if you want to make additional reservations or change your plans, you will be redirected to the website to do so.
On the website, go to the “My Plans” tab to view all your park pass reservations, dining reservations, and any enchanted extras you have booked. This may include things like a Capture Your Moment photo session or a dessert party. You can assess the park pass reservation system from this location as well.
When the Disney Genie launched, the My Disney Experience app got a different look. There are a few differences when you are looking for your daily plans. On the home screen, your upcoming resort stay and first park pass reservation are listed. However, you need to go to the “Future Plans” tab to see everything that you may have scheduled during your trip.
To see your Disney Genie+ return times, you should go to the “My Day” tab.
Step 4: Use the Interactive Park Map
- Check wait times, showtimes, and restaurant availability
- Filter by attractions, dining, characters, and more
While maps are available at the entrance to all theme parks and at your resort, it’s often easier to use the My Disney Experience app to navigate the parks. On the mobile app, it’s easy to find just about anything you need during your visit. This includes wait times, attractions, PhotoPass photographers, characters, restrooms, and more.
As you get close to your vacation, be sure to download the My Disney Experience mobile app. Having this on-the-go option is sure to make your vacation experience go much smoother! This complete guide to My Disney Experience provides details on how to use the various features so that you can seamlessly experience the magic in the parks.
Step 5: Mobile Order Food
- Skip the lines! Order ahead at select quick-service restaurants
- Customize your meal and pay through the app
- Pick up your order at the designated Mobile Order window
Mobile ordering is a great way to save time during your vacation. Many quick-service locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort offer mobile ordering. This includes at the theme parks and at the resort hotels.
There are two ways to access the mobile ordering feature on the My Disney Experience mobile app. On the home screen, tap the “+” and then tap the “Order Food” option. It will automatically bring up options closest to your location. You can also filter by your desired location.
Alternatively, tap the three horizontal lines at the bottom of the screen and then select Mobile Food Orders.
Choose your location and then select your arrival window. If you are not yet ready for your food, select your desired time. This is a helpful option if you want to eat at a certain time to keep your family on a routine for example. It’s also helpful to grab a snack while waiting for a parade or nighttime show.
Once you complete your order, you will see a screen instructing you to tap a button saying that you have arrived. Once you do this, your food will be prepared and this screen will update to let you know when your order is ready.
Step 6: Make Dining Reservations
Guests are encouraged to make dining reservations up to 60 days prior to check-in. Dining reservations can be made via the mobile app or the Disney World website. To make a reservation, you need to sign in to your My Disney Experience account and have a credit card linked. For most restaurants, you are not charged when the reservation is booked. However, a credit card guarantee is required.
Once you are on vacation, you may want to grab a last-minute dining reservation. Availability changes frequently and some restaurants offer walk-up seating via the mobile app. To find this option, click on the “+” at the bottom of your home screen. Then, click on “Check Dining Availability”. From there, select your party size and date. You can scroll through all of the available restaurants or filter your options based on your location.
Step 7: Genie+ & Lightning Lane Access
- Purchase Genie+ and select Lightning Lane access to skip the standby lines on select attractions
- Set your preferences in the morning and let Genie help plan your day
How It Works:
- Purchase Genie+
- Open the app the morning of your park day (after midnight).
- Tap “Purchase for Today” under “Tip Board.”
- Book Lightning Lane Times
- Starting at 7:00 AM, select your first Lightning Lane for top attractions.
- You can reserve your next one after you redeem your first or 2 hours after park opening, whichever comes first.
- Scan & Go!
- When it’s your time, head to the attraction and scan your phone at the Lightning Lane entrance using your MagicMobile pass, MagicBand, or Key to the World card.
Step 8: Access Hotel Room Key & Park Entry
- Use MagicMobile in the app to turn your phone into your room key and park ticket
- Add to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay for even easier access
Forget fumbling with cards or MagicBands—your phone is now your key to the magic! With the My Disney Experience app, you can unlock your resort hotel room and enter the Walt Disney World theme parks right from your smartphone.
1. Download the App & Sign In
- If you haven’t already, download the My Disney Experience app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Sign in using your Disney account.
2. Link Your Resort Reservation and Tickets
- On the home screen, tap “My Plans” and link your Disney Resort hotel reservation and theme park tickets (if not already linked).
3. Set Up Your Hotel Room Digital Key
- Navigate to the “Resort Hotel” section in the app.
- Tap “Unlock Door” once your room is ready.
- Your phone uses Bluetooth to unlock the door—just hold it near the lock and tap the button on your screen.
4. Set Up Disney MagicMobile Pass for Park Entry
- Go to the menu (☰) and select “Disney MagicMobile.”
- Tap “Set Up Your Pass” and customize it with a character design if you’d like.
- Add the pass to your Apple Wallet (iPhone) or Google Pay (Android).
5. Use Your Phone to Enter the Parks
- At the park entrance, simply hold your phone up to the touchpoint—just like a MagicBand!
- You’ll also use this method for Lightning Lane and Virtual Queue entry points.
Step 9: View Disney PhotoPass Photos
- Instantly access and download your ride and character photos
- Link your PhotoPass card or MagicBand for seamless syncing
If you would like to see any of your photos taken by a PhotoPass photographer, you can do so through the My Disney Experience app.
To view your photos, tap on the three horizontal lines at the bottom of the home screen. Then, tap on “Photos”. From there, you can click on each photo and save or purchase any that you choose.
If you purchased Memory Maker, this is also where you need to go to activate it and download or share your photos.