Car Service and Cast Members

[BarbLynnM]

So, we had an Amazon order to pick up at the Outpost, and when himself hopped into trusty Mr. Grey, the battery was dead. When he went to open the trunk to get the handy-dandy jumper cables, the door wouldn’t open because…the battery was dead and there was no way to open it manually. So we tried Disney’s Car Care roadside service but no one answered. We had water and milk to pick up, so we hoofed it to the bus stop.

That’s when the bus driver, who’d waited for us at the stop, heard our sad story and immediately said she’d call in to security as they have jumper cables and could give us a start! I really wish my memory was better, as I can’t remember her name, but she was a godsend for us at that moment.

So, we no sooner got to our campsite than in literally a couple of minutes the security person was there to help. He couldn’t get our car started with the cables he had, so he called in reinforcements. The second person couldn’t either, so they called in a third. Ditto for that one, but the fourth security person was the charm! They and my guy had a nice chat, a few laughs, and in due course the car was starting. My husband said it was the funniest time he’s ever had in a dead battery situation!

I have to say, if our battery had to die, we were lucky it was at the campground! I don’t have enough good words for the majority of cast members we’ve run across! And we were able to fetch our water and milk, so we ended up with a re-charged battery and our goodies too

 

[bama_ed]

I have to say, if our battery had to die, we were lucky it was at the campground! I don’t have enough good words for the majority of cast members we’ve run across! And we were able to fetch our water and milk, so we ended up with a re-charged battery and our goodies too

@BarbLynnM , that is the "Feel Good" story of the week to me.

I don't often have any good things to say about Disney leadership and decision making - and deservedly so.

But I have nothing but humble praise for the Cast Members in the trenches with us Fort guests who go above and beyond for us visitors - again, deservedly so.

Bama Ed

PS - now get that battery replaced!

 

[BarbLynnM]

As an update, the battery died again, the day before we were to check out. Called security, and they came out nearly immediately with a charger. Got it started, and himself took the car to the car care center to have the battery looked at.

They ran a diagnostic, and interestingly, the battery was fine. What the working theory is, is that Subaru Outback Touring have a problem with “parasitic” electrical drainage. The little things that will drain a battery even though it’s shut off. We were advised to lock the car when not in use as that shuts down some of these battery discharges.

My guy took at run to Advanced Auto (ETA: W has since said he actually went to Auto Zone in Winter Park, not Advanced. He had a senior moment lol) and picked up a 2k amp NOCO Jump Start as well for the trip home just in case.

The best part? The car care center didn’t charge us a dime for the diagnostic. I can’t speak highly enough of their services!

 

[wdw_dine_junkie]

My Subaru Outback (Limited) battery died at the Fort back in Feb. A fellow camper had a battery jump box, but that didn't have enough oomph. The security guys tried to jump it with no luck, ended up having to call AAA to come out to the site. Mine battery was in bad shape and had to be replaced there. But everyone tried! Luckily we found it the night before checkout and not the morning we were trying to leave.

How long was yours off with not starting? You shouldn't that THAT much parasitic draw, it's not anything I've had issue with at home and I rarely lock my car when it's in the garage. But batteries in FL really only last about 3 years, I'm on my third with a 2018 vehicle.