How to Have Even More Fun at Disneyland and Disney World

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

10 Dec 2008 02:51 PM

On average how many minutes do you spend strolling around Disneyland or Disney World trying to track down costumed characters to pose with your children for what could the family snapshot of the year?

Ten minutes, 20, 30? I once went four hours walking through every land in the California amusement park before finally hooking up with Minnie Mouse on Main Street. These types of frustrating experiences may be a thing of the past thanks to a new partnership between the Walt Disney Co. and Verizon Wireless.

The two mega-companies recently announced that they have reached a multiyear deal to provide theme park information and extras to Verizon customers who download a special application.

What does that mean for you?

For starters, if you are a Verizon customer and plan to visit Disneyland or Florida's Walt Disney World in 2009 you will be able to use your cellphone to locate shows, roaming costumed characters and restaurants. In addition, you will be able to gain access to wait times for rides, play mobile games and receive messages from Disney characters.

In the case of the character meet-and-greets, the wireless technology reportedly pinpoints a device's location and sends you a text message to tell how far away you are from Mickey Mouse, Donald, Goofy, Snow White and the rest of the Disney family.

Other "magical" features include receiving up-to-the minute tips on special park activities and receiving a call from your favorite Disney characters (from Buzz Lightyear to Cinderella) welcoming you to the Magic Kingdom.

Currently, only Verizon customers will be able to access the cellphone services. However, Disney execs say they plan to make more limited information - such as park restaurant locations - available to all cellphone users.

As for the price of the services, Disney says that hasn't been set in stone. Execs say some services might be offered for free while others might be part of a fee-based premium package.

How much would you be willing to pay for the service?

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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