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Ordering Ahead: Disney’s Mobile Ordering

Many people equate Walt Disney World with lines – lines for transportation, lines for attractions, lines for food. Unfortunately, lines are going to be inevitable in the number one Vacation Kingdom, but the think tank at Disney has developed some excellent ways to keep things moving. Over the years, guests have witnessed the birth of the interactive queue, the evolution of Fastpass into Fastpass+, and the addition of wait prompters at the resort bust stops in real time.  Despite these upgrades, it seemed that Disney overlooked those pesky food lines…until now!!

Earlier in the summer, Disney introduced Mobile Food and Beverage Ordering. Using the My Disney Experience app, park guests are able to skip the lines and order food ahead of time at select dining establishments. During my trip in July, only three quick service restaurants were offering the mobile ordering option. However, the program has been gaining incredible momentum, and as of August 7, 2017, eleven restaurants are available to order from. The Magic Kingdom offers four different options: Columbia Harbour House, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe, and Pinocchio Village Haus. Epcot currently has only two offerings: Electric Umbrella and Liberty Inn. Disney’s Animal Kingdom has four choices: Flame Tree Barbecue, Pizzafari, Restaurantosaurus,  and Satu’il Canteen. Even Disney Springs is in on the action with one restaurant, D-Luxe Burger.

So, how does one go about taking advantage of this Mobile Ordering system? It’s surprisingly easy! First, you must have the My Disney Experience app downloaded on your phone. Beginning at the home screen, tap on your avatar, this will bring you to the following screen:

Mobile Ordering - My Disney Experience App

I know it may be difficult to see in this screen capture, but underneath “My Plans” select the “Order Food” option.  This will produce a list of all Walt Disney World restaurants participating in the Mobile Ordering program. Select your restaurant.


 

For this post, I chose to eat at Flame Tree Barbecue at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I’ve already selected the restaurant and now it’s time to order food! To do this, select “Order Food”.

Mobile Ordering - My Disney Experience App


 

The next screen is the menu. Touching on the name of the item will bring up a new screen.

Mobile Ordering - my Disney Experience App


 

Mobile Ordering - My Disney Experience App

The new screen lists item details such as a picture of the item, additional description, and any available choices or add-on items. To add an item to your cart/order, touch the add button.  When you have completed adding items to your order, you will be able to pre-pay for your food using the credit card that is already on file and linked to your Magic Band.


 

Mobile Ordering - My Disney Experience App

Once you have paid for your order, this will be the next screen. It’s important to wait until you are present at the dining location before selecting the “I’m Here, Prepare My Order” button.

I selected this on my way to Flame Tree Barbecue. When I finally arrived, they had to remake my order. The Cast Members were extremely nice and explained that they do not want to let the food sit under heating lamps. They want to serve the food as fresh as possible.

Once your food is ready, you will receive a message update on your My Disney Experience app. Then, look for the clearly labeled queue line, and tell the Cast Member at the counter your name to retrieve your order.

 


 

Final thoughts: The Mobile Ordering process was very easy to follow and user friendly. Trust me! I’m pretty lousy with technology, and I was able to order without a problem. The only issue I had was purely due to user error. Mobile Ordering is definitely the way to go.

 

(Screen captures from the My Disney Experience app © Disney.)

 

To learn more about Erin and read her recent post for WDW Radio, visit her author page by clicking the link on her name at the top of this post.

 

 

 

 

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About Lou Mongello

Lou Mongello is a former attorney who left the practice to pursue his passion, and is now a recognized Disney expert, author, speaker, and host of WDW Radio. Learn more…

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