Disneyland & Droid phones

[Craigdarroch]

Anyone have experience with using their android phones in Disneyland?

We are at DL Hotel and I know they have Wifi there, but how about in the parks?

Worried about the charges for using data within the US.

We will most likely opt for the roaming package for actual calls and texts before we leave, but is there a better way to access emails, upload photos to my online albums, and use apps within the park.

I have heard horror stories of Canadians coming home to $800 worth of charges (which could likely have been elaborated) but nonetheless, I would like to avoid any hefty charges.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

One word of advice - turn the data off on your phone as soon as you leave and don't turn it back on until you get back into Canada. The fees you will incur from roaming are horrendous.

The charges you've heard about are definitely not elaborated. I learned that the hard way. Our first trip down to Orlando a few years ago, I called my cell company and specifically asked if I would be charged for going online (I mentioned things like Facebook, etc) - at the time I didn't even have my Droid. The customer service agent told me no I wouldn't be charged because I had a package. While there, I maybe used my phone twice or three times to check for messages on FB as we were arranging to meet up with friends. When I got home, I found a nice charge of close to $200 for just those few instances. Luckily I got the name of the customer service agent I spoke with when I called to confirm and when I called back, they reluctantly reversed the charges. I shudder to think what the cost would have been if I had my Droid and wanted to use a lot of the Disney line apps, FB, etc.

As you mentioned, the Disneyland hotels offer complimentary wireless internet. As for inside the parks, I don't know of anywhere you can find wi-fi access.

Some people have mentioned picking up a mobile Mi-Fi hotspot from one of the US carriers. I believe the only one that doesn't require a monthly contract is Virgin Mobile.

 

[Tower]

Thanks Cdn Friends of Pooh! For us, any Facebook entries will be via the laptop I bring along with me to the resort. I'll have email taken off my phone until I return so that I can still receive texts. I don't get many texts, but DW's sister was told she had 2 months to live, if she goes longer than that, we may need to receive texts while away. For internet at the resort, it comes in 24 hr packages. I'll get on the POR internet on Thur night and check any emails up to that point, recheck again on Fri AM and Fri PM before my time expires. Won't go online again until Mon PM for 24 hrs. I'd rather pay in bits and pieces on that. Don't want to be THAT available while on vacation.

 

[MedicGoofy]

you could call your cell phone company and ask what kind of plans they have for travelling in the US. Mine has plans for anywhere in the $20 range up to $80 range. covers you for a month, billing period, but gives you so many text messages, so much email time or internet usage. And you dont incur the roaming. I've used it before for travel and it's great.

To me, a smaller fee like that, guaranteed to be able to use ur phone in the states without incuring such HUGE roaming fees by mistake.....works for me.