Help with Two-Way Radios

[Dagny]

We are going to WDW in May and have decided to let my daughter and her friend "explore on their own". I have decided the only way I am going to be comfortable with this is if we have two way radios so I can find them in an instant if I need to :)

I have been reading some of the posts I can find on these boards about the various types of two way radios. I understand that I will need one with sub-codes and I think I prefer ones that have the rechargable battery and perhaps one with an battery saver mode. Which brand is best? Anyone know of any sales?

Thanks :)

[Humpbacks1962]

I use Cobras and like them. But whatever brand you choose, make sure you buy them with a recharging unit. It is much easier to just stick your radios in a stand after use rather than pull out and recharge batteries off and on.

Subchannels may come in handy, especially when others may be using radios as well.

Wanda

[RobinLyn]

I totally agree with Wanda, a recharging unit is a must and so are subchannels at WDW. Well, maybe not a must but will make your life easier. Without the subchannels, you will have a hard time hearing the girls over all the others talking in the park. There is a good article to read about FRS 2-way radios here :http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/feature/-/157037/102-9331398-8560162#FRSBenefitsandDrawbacks

RobinLyn:)

[nancy679]

I just bought cobra with the sub channels. It was $59.99 with a $20 mail in rebate at Circuit city. It didnt come with a rechargable stand though, oh well, I'll just bring a few extra batteries.

[Humpbacks1962]

Oh heavens, don't even plan on buying alkalines, and forget considering cheaper batteries! They won't last a day! You'd have to bring extra batteries for each day, and I am not sure that they'll take you morning to night. Those things gobble up a lot of power.

If you aren't buying your radios with rechargeable units you should, by all means, buy good rechargeables like nickel-cadmium or anhydride batteries.

Wanda

[cenicienta]

We use ours everywhere and love them but I have a question. When we were in Disneyland it was sooooooooo loud most everywhere with rides, people, etc. I couldn't hear anything and neither could my family when I called them! Once I had to push that buzzer thingy just so they'd press it back and I'd know they were out there! Is WDW like this also?

[Mskanga]

I have the motorola FR60 with the sub channels and although they are not re-chargeable , I bought two sets of rechargeable batteries ( that I use at home for other things anyway ) and the charger ( I have two chargers ) and I kept one set of batteries charging at all times and the other in the radios, one set lasted all day without a problem and the other was charging at the resort for the next day, it worked wonderful for me because I use this batteries at home for remotes and such anyway.
I had no problems at all using those radios , I will never go to an amusement park without them ever again.

[cheeringmom]

Audiovox for $60. Came with two radios and a charging unit. Worked great. Had I think 32 sub channels(a Must!!) We used ours all day w/o ever inserting a battery. The only time I turned it off was when the teens were with us and that wasn't often lol!Just remember before bed to put them in the charger. Ready for the next day!

[Dagny]

Thanks for all the replies... there are soooooo many to choose from :) Researching the darn radios is cutting into my researching Disney time, LOL.