Electronics in the Parks?

[TiffinyKC]

OK...this may be a silly question but I have to ask it.

How do you guys handle your electronic stuff while in the parks? We've been before, but my son was too little to go on rides like Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids. So I had a cell phone, camera et cetera on all the time and didn't worry about it.

How do you guys handle this without them getting damaged?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[Alexis Green]

There are many, many waterproof holders out there now. But if you want something you can just throw away the double sealed ziplock bags work nicely.

 

[tink&cinderella]

There are many, many waterproof holders out there now. But if you want something you can just throw away the double sealed ziplock bags work nicely.

We second the ziploc thing if you are really worried. DH always a napsack and/or has kept his cell phone in his side pocket.

I always keep the still/digital camera in my pouch. On Kali River Rapids in AKL there is a thing in the middle in which you can place your items to keep them from getting wet.

Denise

 

[TiffinyKC]

Good advice, I hadn't been thinking about ziplocks...great idea. That's also really great news about the storage place at the Kali ride.

Thanks everyone!

 

[dbenlee]

I use ziploc bags any time I want to protect my cell phones from the elements in parks,at fairs, etc. I have never had a problem and if I am really concerned, I double bag (have only done that on Kali River Rapids).

I also do this with my camera and video camera. I always carry several quart and gallon sized bags in my back pack.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

I use a very simple, durable, small draw-string backpack (with a flap over the top as well), and use zip-loc bags inside that. The bag I use is an ancient Eastpak that I've had since the 80's, but it's ideal for WDW because the canvas is relatively waterproof on it's own. I recommend the drawstring/flap type because it's easy to whip all the way open and see the entire thing easily (like for bag checks, or trying to find something), but they can be extremely secure between the clip on the drawstring and the additional flap.

Simple is best...when I see people futzing with big LLBean week-long hiking-trip bags with endless compartments full of junk I just feel bad for them. My small backpack holds a videocamera, a still camera, a notebook, pens, guidemaps, an extra shirt, a bandana or hat...yet it's still small enough to take on any and every ride at WDW (I've done it). When it comes to wet, on Splash Mountain your lap is usually just fine, and as it was mentioned before Kali has that nifty little holder in the center.

NED

 

[WillCAD]

When at WDW, my cell phone is in a belt pouch that provides some protection from rain or water rides, and I carry a camera poncho with me at all times (in addition to the standard yellow Mickey ponch I carry for myself).

Camera ponchos are made from 1-gallon Ziplocs by following these instructions:
http://willcad.org/image_cameraponcho.html

 

[hismattjesty]

When I am at WDW, I leave my cell phone at home! I am on vacation, I am not taking calls. If I want to talk to someone other than my wife who is by my side, I'll call them. Am I the only one who is like this, because it sure seems like it. I would have to say that when I was there late August this year, there were at LEAST 1 in 3 people on their phones. Not only in common areas of the park, but ON the attractions as well. I was just a little more than ticked with the inconsideration.

 

[WillCAD]

When I am at WDW, I leave my cell phone at home! I am on vacation, I am not taking calls. If I want to talk to someone other than my wife who is by my side, I'll call them. Am I the only one who is like this, because it sure seems like it. I would have to say that when I was there late August this year, there were at LEAST 1 in 3 people on their phones. Not only in common areas of the park, but ON the attractions as well. I was just a little more than ticked with the inconsideration.

No, you're not the only one. I used to leave my cell at home when I went to WDW, but I started bringing it with me so I could call home without incurring long-distance charges, and I started carrying it around the parks with me when I started meeting up with internet friends on a regular basis (such as MouseFest, which I have attended 3 years running).

Others with families who split up use their cells to keep in touch throughout WDW property. Since cell coverage by the major companies is pretty good in most of WDW, cell phones have become the preferred method of keeping contact, replacing the family band radios that were so popular for a few years.

And yes, consideration is out the window, but no more at WDW than anyplace else where I have been forced to listen to others' cell conversations.

 

[PirateKitty]

When I am at WDW, I leave my cell phone at home! I am on vacation, I am not taking calls. If I want to talk to someone other than my wife who is by my side, I'll call them. Am I the only one who is like this, because it sure seems like it. I would have to say that when I was there late August this year, there were at LEAST 1 in 3 people on their phones. Not only in common areas of the park, but ON the attractions as well. I was just a little more than ticked with the inconsideration.

Your definitely not alone! What happened to the days when you got home and got together with family and friends to share your vacation memories, photos, etc. ??? The last thing I want to do on vacation is talk to the people I see and talk to at home! Thats why I'm on vacation! And business can wait. Its so irritating to see people at Disney talking about "work" in the parks.

 

[Mecha Figment]

Water does not harm electronic devices as long as they are turned off and not submerged in water for along period of time.. and they won't get wet enough to really wory about. If you have a 35mm camera i would definatly put in in a ziplock bag though.

 

[LaraK]

Personally, I think Ziplocs join duct tape and WD40 as the "must haves" for all occations. I have to carry a pager with me at all times (and a phone to return calls just in case, even on "vacation") I use Ziplocs any time we'll get damp. We don't particularly like getting fully wet. I use Ziplocs for packing, dirty diapers, used sippy cups, you name it!

 

[erikthewise]

I'm not a big cell phone fan, but I have one, and I tend to use it more at WDW than at home. DW and I are often split up as we have two boys, one who likes all thrill rides and one who likes none of them. Keeping in touch by cell phone is more convenient than walkie-talkies. Also if you check-in early (as we always do) it's very nice for calling back while in the parks to see if your room is ready yet. Also making local calls, making or cancelling ADRs on the fly, etc.

If you go on Kali River, ziploc everything you are carrying! Maybe even yourself, if you can get one large enough!

 

[pepe of ohio]

When I am at WDW, I leave my cell phone at home! I am on vacation, I am not taking calls. If I want to talk to someone other than my wife who is by my side, I'll call them. Am I the only one who is like this, because it sure seems like it. I would have to say that when I was there late August this year, there were at LEAST 1 in 3 people on their phones. Not only in common areas of the park, but ON the attractions as well. I was just a little more than ticked with the inconsideration.

I agree and do the same, no cell on my person and no lap top in my room. My wife is usually at my side or if she goes shopping, she gives me that time she's coming back. No need for a cell phone. We do take ours on vacation but once at Disney, they remain in the room safe. We use them for making a call to home that we arrived and alls well. People using their cells to tell others at home or wherever what they are doing and seeing is getting way out of hand, its like bottled water. Why do you need a drink when you just left your home or need to call someone when you could have done that before leaving. Its a vacation for us away from all that stuff, others should be considerate too or pick an isolated stop and talk normally so others aren't bothered by the call.

 

[TiffinyKC]

Thanks to everyone to take the time.

I will definately be bringing some ziplocks.

I agree about the vacation and no cell phone stuff folks, and I'm with you, but unfortunately wherever I go the cell phone has to go too.

Just the way things are these days.

Thanks so much for the help!

 

[cybrkitn]

I'm not a big cell phone fan, but I have one, and I tend to use it more at WDW than at home. DW and I are often split up as we have two boys, one who likes all thrill rides and one who likes none of them. Keeping in touch by cell phone is more convenient than walkie-talkies. Also if you check-in early (as we always do) it's very nice for calling back while in the parks to see if your room is ready yet. Also making local calls, making or cancelling ADRs on the fly, etc.

If you go on Kali River, ziploc everything you are carrying! Maybe even yourself, if you can get one large enough!

Cell phones are great but a lot of people throw etiquete out the window when using them. I always remember to be conscience of my suroundings. If I have to make or take a call while at an eatery (or anywhere), I make sure to keep my voice down as low as possible or I'll get up and take it outside so I don't disturb anyone. I also make sure I have it on vibrate if my phone will be in my pants/shorts pocket.

My DH will be heading down ahead of me and our DS4 on the 21st for a business conference. He is staying at CBR, then switching to Pop afterwards. DS and I are following down on the 25th so I will definately need to call him so we can meet up with each other.

3 weeks to go !!