How I'm Planning To Use My PDA Of My First AP Day.

[MonorailMan]

I hoping to keep notes in it, like where certain "Hidden Mickeys" are, things to remember to do, Like try out "Single Rider", Etc....

Can't wait, only 37 more days!!!!

Do you use your PDA while at a theme park?

[MickeyD]

I downloaded Happiest Potties to my palm about a month ago after a link was posted to it, but I haven't had to use it, yet.

[MammaSilva]

Monorail Man.... sweetie you are putting way way too much "energy" into the logistics of that first trip ....I think PDA's are cool but for your very first visit as an AP holder you need to just go "BE" at the parks, the coolest part of being an AP holder is that you lose that crunch feeling of Oh my I spent big bucks today I need to go and do everything, and run like a chicken with it's head chopped off trying to get it all done....you are going to stress and plan all the joy and spontanous fun out of your day if you keep worrying about what to do next or trying to log in all your information as you walk around, savor the joy of knowing that it is just the first of many visits over the next year, if you want to jot down memories and notes after you get home cool but just let that day flow..... I can't WAIT to read your posts after that first vist with your AP

[Dlandmom]

Monorailman, I share your enthusiasm! Although I've never used my PDA to plan a day at the park, I usually have it with me thinking "gee, it may come in handy..." and never use it when I'm there!

[MonorailMan]

Originally posted by mammasilva
Monorail Man.... sweetie you are putting way way too much "energy" into the logistics of that first trip ....I think PDA's are cool but for your very first visit as an AP holder you need to just go "BE" at the parks, the coolest part of being an AP holder is that you lose that crunch feeling of Oh my I spent big bucks today I need to go and do everything, and run like a chicken with it's head chopped off trying to get it all done....you are going to stress and plan all the joy and spontanous fun out of your day if you keep worrying about what to do next or trying to log in all your information as you walk around, savor the joy of knowing that it is just the first of many visits over the next year, if you want to jot down memories and notes after you get home cool but just let that day flow..... I can't WAIT to read your posts after that first vist with your AP

Well, I'm thinking of each day can have a "Theme", like my first day will be my "Hidden Mickeys" day, where I'll look for hidden mickeys! Or maybe not, maybe I'm nervous about this day, maybe I'll screw it up, maybe it'll all go wrong. I don't know!

[MammaSilva]

It can't go "all wrong" you'll be at Disneyland, the best laid plans have to be flexible, if you "plan" to do hidden mickeys but it just isn't flowing, go to plan b, then plan c if that doesn't work if you really feel the need to "plan" your day

[Lani]

While I agree that flexibility is the way to go (and that an AP provides you with that breathing room), I think using your PDA preloaded with reference sources is a nice, practical way to use it. Using the Happiest Potties list or a Hidden Mickeys is is the very type of activity you might not otherwise be wont to do when you are rushing to fill your day with as many attractions as possible.

MonorailMan -- you might also want to use your PDA to jot down notes for a trip report -- a "What I did on my first day as an AP" kind of thing.

[mousemaniac]

I used my Palm IIIxe (I now have a IIIc) the last time I was at Disneyland. The programs I used a lot were the DateBk4, which reminded me of lunch, dinner, parades, etc. I put a list of the things we wanted to do into a program called HandyShopper, which basically is a list. This let me check off things as we did them and let us see what was left. I also had all my important numbers in my Palm (which came in handy when my 4 year old child bust his head open on the steering wheel of the Daisy Duck boat and had to get 8 stitches).

At night I used the DateBk4 to keep a journal of all the things we did. (I occassionaly pull it up and reminisce (sp). One website even had a cool icon I used for these events that has Mickey Mouse ears.

I bought some really cool shorts with pockets and compartments at Old Navy that enabled me to leave my wallet at home, it had room to keep my Palm safely tucked away.

My advice would be, use it as a tool to make your trip more enjoyable, and don't get too tied down to it. I like your idea of using it to record hidden Mickeys.

We are going to the World in Sept. and I've already downloaded Walt Disney World to Go, Menus from Around the World, and Walt Disney World Live Entertainment into my AvantGo. Intercot also has an Avantgo channel. I sure wish Mouseplanet would do the same.

Hope you have fun on your trip.

[LKSearcy]

I have a Pocket PC that I LOVE! I admit that I have a lot of time on my hands, so when I went to DLR last December, this is what I used it for.

I used a database program to keep track of what I bought, how much and who for; what rides my son and I rode with the time (he needed this for his school report - this also helped later when we did his trip report); I kept my trip itinerary - flight times, membership numbers, hotel numbers, just in case something went wrong; my calling card number and instructions; the lyrics and stories to rides like Splash Mountain, Pirates, it's a small world holiday, Indiana Jones, Jungle Cruise (even though it was closed, it helped me to reminisce about the ride and read the jokes); what pictures I had taken on my digital camera; games, e-books, and music that I used when I was at the hotel later.

I know there was more, including a shopping list of things I had bought the year before and what else I needed, like what magnets I already had.

I also have a foldout keyboard to use.

For my next trip, I will get a checklist for Hidden Mickeys, a picture of the maps. I know - this is excessive, but I love doing this and I still get to do so much because I go at the off-season.

[MonorailMan]

Let's see, I have used my PDA at the park, and here's what I found:

1. It's great for kepping track of hidden mickeys, things to buy, Etc...
2. I downloaded (and Made) some MIDIs of theme music for rides, so when my FP time comes up, the theme music plays. (Indiana Jones for example.)
3. A great new log for my Monorail rides.
4. My M100 is very easy to hold when I'm wearing my Mickey Gloves, it hard to get the stylus out though.

[Allysen1Derland]

Originally posted by MonorailMan


Well, I'm thinking of each day can have a "Theme", like my first day will be my "Hidden Mickeys" day, where I'll look for hidden mickeys! Or maybe not, maybe I'm nervous about this day, maybe I'll screw it up, maybe it'll all go wrong. I don't know!

MonorailMan, meet your twin sis, Allysen! I am so totally like you! I have to do everything according to detail, be all efficient, and of course live by the palm!(or a billion post-it's, "stickies" as I call 'em!) it drives my boyfriend loopy, since he just likes to get up & go and live by the moment. But I need to plan that moment! Some of us are just that way. Don't worry- you won't screw it up! No need to be nervous, just have a wonderful time! (look who's talking- I need to take that advice!)