Hersheypark Goes Mobile

Almost every phone has at least rudimentary Web access at this point, even if not everyone pays for it. My two previous Samsungs (prior to getting the iPhone) could both do it.

It's easy for me to say Web-based everything is better because I have an iPhone, but I don't think this kind of access is particularly rare anymore.

It's not, if you bought a phone in the past few years you probably have web access unless you're one of those who goes into the store and asks for the most stripped down phone they have (and guess what, you probably paid more for it!).

Your point is correct though, Jeff, not everybody pays for it but I'll take it even farther - most people probably don't even know their phone has the ability and even if they do know they don't know how to access it.

In other news I've held off on the iphone until now but come July I look forward to checking my work mail and news reader in the line for every coaster I wait for. :)

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RatherGoodBear said:BTW Gonch,I don't know if your thread title was supposed to be a Who reference, but that was the first thing I thought of when I read it.

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The Who indeed rocked...hard. My first thought as well... :)

By the way, I am what many of my friends might call "technology-resistant" (at least they're nice and don't do it to my face, hehe). This is clearly one of those times where "the people who attend theme parks" are the ones who likely have the capacity to make good use of the enhanced information. Excellent for Hershey, and their guests.

It costs me over $1 to access the internet, where (if I DIDN'T have a plan) it would only cost me 15 cents for a text message.

Also, for example, if Fahrenheit were to close suddenly, Twitter would inform me instantly. For this system, I would have to just happen to check the internet at that time.

I prefer Twitter...

When it works.

I think Verizon wants to charge me $30/month for web access. Which will probably be closer to $35 by the time they add the accessibility charges, taxes, etc. I have yet to be convinced I need it. I don't need to check my stocks while going 70 down the highway, or answer personal e-mails while in a meeting with a client.

Unless I know I'll be in a larger group that will separate in the park and need to come together at some time, I might just leave my phone in the car.

As far as rides go, I check the old fashioned way. I hear Great bear growling. Yep it's running. I haven't noticed any trains go over the top hat lately. Storm Runner must be down. ;)

What would be stupendously useful is if they could tell you how many trains a ride is running.

Ha ha, that would be sweat.

Great Bear: 30 minute wait, 2 trains

I have web access on my iPhone and its changed the way I use my computer at home. I am rarely at my desk. I am at a coffee shop, on the couch, in the backyard etc doing the same things I normally would do at my iMac stuck at my desk.

Yeah, I'm that way too, to a certain degree. I don't answer or read e-mail just because the phone gives me a tickle, but when I do, I do it where ever. It's totally worth the money for me. I can travel and never have to open my laptop.

Granted, iPhone access != regular phone access.

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RatherGoodBear said:
I think Verizon wants to charge me $30/month for web access. Which will probably be closer to $35 by the time they add the accessibility charges, taxes, etc.

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There's full fledged web and email access which would require a data plan what you're talking about, along with a PDA type device. There's also mobile web which most phones can access that is something like $10 for a month or $1 a day last time I checked. It's been a while.

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RatherGoodBear said:
As far as rides go, I check the old fashioned way. I hear Great bear growling. Yep it's running. I haven't noticed any trains go over the top hat lately. Storm Runner must be down.

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Sounds good on paper. I mean, I can still write you a letter, send it via the USPS and wait until you get it and reply in the same way...

...or I can just email you. ;)

Same idea.

Today I used the new Flash Pass. Having wait times and ride status at my finger tips was invaluable as to deciding how to approach and navigate the park...because it's hard to hear Medusa roaring from anywhere from the back corner of the park and it's hard to see Batman zip through any of its layout from anywhere but that corner of the park.

Knowing the status of the major rides from anywhere at any time doesn't suck. :)