Phones have become an essential part of the Disney World experience, far beyond snapping photos and videos.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Guests rely on them to check wait times, book Lightning Lane access, and even place mobile orders for food, making the park experience more convenient than ever. With so much of the day-to-day magic now happening through a screen, it’s no surprise that phone use on rides has become a hot topic among fans. Capturing memories mid-attraction is just one more way guests are integrating technology into their Disney adventures, but not everyone agrees it should be allowed.
A recent poll of Disney fans has revealed a nearly even split in opinions about whether phones should be allowed on attractions, but the majority slightly favors keeping them. We asked Disney fans, “Should Disney World ban phones on rides, or do you like being able to capture memories mid-attraction?” and the poll was closer than we thought!
Haunted Mansion
51% of respondents said they enjoy using their phones to take pictures and videos during rides, while 49% felt that Disney should ban phones to preserve the experience. The results highlight just how divided Disney fans are on this topic. Supporters of phone use argue that capturing photos and videos is an essential part of making memories. For many, being able to share these moments with friends and family, or even on social media, enhances the magic of a Disney vacation rather than detracting from it.
Did you really ride Na’vi River if you didn’t take a photo of this?
On the other hand, nearly half of those polled feel that phones can interfere with the immersive experience Disney works so hard to create. Critics worry about distractions, safety concerns, and guests spending more time looking at screens than enjoying the ride itself. Some fans have even shared stories of phones dropping mid-ride, causing delays or damage to the attraction. We have also noticed more guests using the flash during the ride, or not realizing it was on, and this ruins the experience for others.
Rise of the Resistance
Disney World has reminders asking guests not to use flash photography, like on the Haunted Mansion or Pirates of the Caribbean. Unfortunately, some guests still don’t follow the rules. But as this poll shows, the debate is far from settled. For now, it seems many guests still want the option to capture their favorite ride moments, even if it comes with a few risks.
Living with the Land
Could we see changes coming to Disney World in the future? In Disneyland, we recently saw this sign posted at Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway stating that all personal items, including cell phones, are not permitted to be held while riding. As of now, we have not seen this at Disney World yet, but it could be a signal of the rules changing on the East Coast.
No Cell Phones
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I’m not going to weigh in on whether Disney should ban phones on rides, but I will say that the only ride I ever use my phone on is Kilimanjaro Safaris. I much prefer to experience the whole attraction all at once, rather than watch it on a tiny screen.
I am fine with phones on rides but hold it roughly chest height, not over your head, and keep your light off! I want to see the ride not have a portion of my line of sight blocked by your phone. I have been on Frozen twice and both times someone was recording with their phone light on. Nothing breaks ride immersion more than hearing “please turn off you phone light” on the PA system.
I can see them not wanting phones on slow moving rides to because if someone drops them they have to shut down the ride for safety if they have to retreive anything. I was on the Alice ride in Disneyland a few weeks back and someone had dropped a bracelet near the track by the loading area. When I notified the ride operator they were aware of it but wasn’t going to get it until the end of the night when the ride was powered down. So I could see the headache they might get if someone was freaking out about loosing their phone and not having someone immediately goingbto get it for them.
We were on Pirates ride DW, the lady sitting behind us had her cell phone on the entire ride, the bright light ruined the experiance for us. I can only imagine how the people sitting beind her felt. That was a wasted 1 hr. 25 minutes waiting in line.
My only question does “personal item” include a backpack or tote bag, which are pretty much required to get through a dsy at Disney World? I wouldn’t leave my backpack unattebded.
Cell phones shouldn’t be banned on all rides, just those where it would interfere with other guests enjoyment and view of the ride.
My, how times have changed. We need so much to just make it through a single day. When I was a kid (forgive me) going to Disneyland, all I needed was a hat and mom made sure I was dressed appropriately.