Anyone use Tracfone at Disney? Any tips? (m)

[Cuddlemama]

Hi there!

We're trying to decide on the best ways to communicate while in the world. The travelers in our group will be me, my dh, our two toddlers (ages 3 and 18 months at the time of trip) and my dh's parents.

Because of the two kids and grandma and grandpa, we'll probably be splitting up on a pretty regular basis. We own a set of Talkabouts, but have heard terrible reports of them being practically useless (or worse, hearing incredibly vulgar things on them) in the parks.

I'm investigating the idea of buying two or 3 tracfones to use during our trip, instead. At $25 each (with 140 total minutes to use), it's a pretty cheap option. BUT, I've never really heard anyone discuss whether or not the coverage in Orlando and at the parks/resorts is decent.

I'd love any and all comments I can get on tracfones in generally, and usage at WDW in particular.

Thanks in advance,

Leigh

Going to DisneyWorld in 65 days

 

[NotUrsula]

If you are buying Tracfones, remember to register them in Disney's zip code and make sure that the model you buy will work in Orlando; you can only change zip codes 4X per year on those phones. They do finally allow roaming, but it costs double the charge for local use. (BTW, all of the major wireless providers offer pre-paid service, so TracFone isn't your only option.)

Can't help you with cell phone reception in the parks. We bring ours (AT&T) but have never needed to use them, and we keep them turned off when we're together.

 

[bobcat]

I used my tracphone in Dec. and the reception wasn't that good, but I think it is that way with many cells. If I change my local number to an Orlando area zip so that I don't have to pay roaming while I am there will I still keep my same phone number? I've never done that before but if it saves roaming charges it would be worth it.