2 Way Radio Recommendations?

[magicbar]

Taking sister and 2 nephews to WDW in APril/May and am interested in getting a pair of 2 way radios to keep in touch.

Any recommendations for models you have used in the past and might recommend(or not) would be greatly appreciated.

 

[magicbar]

Any help, anyone home?

Thanks

 

[pepe of ohio]

We tried a good pair from Sears a few years ago. Entirely too many people with the same idea, too much cross talk no matter what channel you used. The only place they we half decent was around the resorts. These units are line of sight and not foor any long long distances. Never bothered to take them back to WDW and spending money for a pair of FM models is a waste. If we split up, we just give a location and time, watches are cheap, and accurate, one less item to pack.

 

[Eega Beeva]

You can pick up an adequate set at Radio Shack. Motorola makes some nice ones too. They're not that expensive either. Maybe 50 bucks.

 

[Mousemom]

Cell phones work better in WDW but we used motorola radios our first couple trips and as far as radios go they were good.

 

[WishUponAStar]

I have owned several pair over the years and have found Motorola to be the most reliable. However yesterday I bought a pair of rechargeable radios from Radio Shack (their own brand) for $20- regular price $50. These are the FRS/GMRS with a quoted range of 14 miles. They will serve the purpose.

 

[ZoZo]

Would it be possible to use cell phones instead? (Will the kids stay with one of the adults, or are they old enough to be on their own?)

I think cell phones work better than radios. Many other families will probably use radios, too, and you often have to listen to everyone else's chatter, no matter how many channels your radios have.

I think cell phones work great! We had a group of four adults last year, and it was a great way to keep in contact when we split up. Saves you from the inevitable "Wait, there are two entrances to this place? I was waiting at the other one" problems. Plus, if you want to change your plans, it's easier to stay in touch by cell phone, rather than have to go to the appointed place/time and then make your plans.

 

[mouseketeer_mom]

so, if two way radios are not the best idea and we should stick with our cellphones, I have another question. My DH and I both use Nextels. Will I have decent service in WDW? Nextel is not known for having service EVERYWHERE. We lose service completely when we go to the beach each year.

Anyone use a Nextel in WDW?

 

[Our2Girls&Disney]

We used our Nextel's without any issues what so ever.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Nextels should work VERY well in WDW, since Disney uses Nextel for their internal communications, and, as a result, there are additional Nextel towers in places that other companies can't necessarily put a tower.

 

[DisneyWill]

I always take 3 sets of radios along (rechargable type). They are the type with several private options. They cost a little more but work very well.

 

[robinb]

We always bring radios with us. I think they work better than cell phones. Especially when you have a combination of adults and children.

We have had Cobras and Motorolas and we like the Motos better. You will want to look at a radio with sub-channels or "privacy codes". That will help alleviate cross-talk. We also choose a couple of channels/sub-channels and give them nicknames so when we get a bunch of cross-talk on one channel we broadcast to the others in our party that we are changing to the nickname channel. Sometimes you'll get obnoxious kids on the radios that will follow you to your new channel if you say out loud that you're changing to channel 5-5 v/s changing to channel "Big Mama"

Here is a good guide on Best Buy's website about the difference between a FRS radio and a GMRS radio:
http://www.bestbuy.com/olspage.jsp?categoryRep=cat06000&guideID=1072288099473&id=cat12077&type=page

Please be aware that in order to use the higher channels on a GMRS radio (channels 15-22) that an operator's license from the FCC is required. http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=service_home&id=general_mobile

The good news is that the license is good for 5 years and everyone in your family can use the call-sign. In addition, using a the call sign when trying to contact someone or answering the radio is soooo much easier and clear. You say "This is HGVN564, Mom" instead of than saying "This is Mom". You know exactly who is on the radio. I have also been known to get rid of cross-talk on my GMRS channel by asking for their FCC license number .

 

[mouseketeer_mom]

Cool! Thanks for the info on Nextel service!

 

[tribus121]

We had a good set of Motorolas and although they were not perfict they did the job Had rechargeable batteries and they would last all day I dont think that i would youse cheep ones though