Some power outlets have been covered

[WonkaKid]

There are a number of power outlets throughout the park that many guests use to charge their phones. However, I noticed today that the one at the entrance to Pizza Port/Planet has been covered (it was available as of last weekend but no longer). That led me to wonder if perhaps others had been covered as well.

So: one of the two at Rancho Del Zocalo has been covered. However, the one at the two-person table near the water station is still available. So, too, are the ones at Jolly Holiday and Gibson Girl. It’s possible, though, that DL will continue to cover them in coming days and weeks. Let’s hope not.

 

[kathy040690]

I don't see this as a problem, with that said we try to unplug when at Disney and enojoy the family time

but if I was to guess I would say they are doing this so more people will have to buy their portable charger things

 

[Huff]

Often our group splits up for parts of a day and use our phones to coordinate meeting back up later. Generally our phones last for the day but once in awhile a quick charge is needed.

 

[mom2rtk]

I don't see this as a problem, with that said we try to unplug when at Disney and enojoy the family time

but if I was to guess I would say they are doing this so more people will have to buy their portable charger things

If they want people to buy MaxPass and use their personal phones to access it, they should be making phone use easier instead of harder in the parks.

Not a problem for me. I have an Android and pop the back off and put in a fresh battery. But I'm sure it's an issue for many.

 

[cmwade77]

This is because these outlets actually have a bit different voltage and frequency than your standard outlets and it is actually unsafe to plug many devices into them.

I am surprised this wasn't done a lot sooner. Now you can also buy a Fuel-Rod from one of the many kiosks in the park. You buy it once and while you can recharge it like you would a standard power bank, you can also exchange them for a fully charged fulerod for free as often as you like at any of the kiosks.

And to save money on them, search for coupon codes online for them or buy one in advance, either online or at various kiosks that exist outside the parks. These are almost always cheaper and can still be exchanged at any fuel rod kiosk anywhere they exist.

 

[siskaren]

I wonder if it might be a safety issue. I brought a portable charger with me last year, and they also have the fuel rods - there's a thread about them on the WDW board, and a lot of people really seem to like them.

 

[tarheelalum]

Disney looking to save a buck on their electric bill.

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

It was always nice for a scooter user to have somewhere to charge mid day. Is hard to find a spot for this.

 

[cmwade77]

Disney looking to save a buck on their electric bill.

No, Disney is looking to avoid a lawsuit, the type of power these outlets run is not your standard household power and could potentially cause you phone to explode or catch on fire. Seriously, it is very, very dangerous to plug into these outlets.

Incidentally most scooters have power supplies designed to handle this type of power, but most phones do not, so I could see them allowing leads to open them for guests with ECVs.

 

[ashley0139]

Buy a $10 Anker charger from Amazon. People shouldn't rely on those outlets.

 

[Disnsyncey]

Though I don't know exactly where many of these are located, perhaps also having people with cords strung across areas and/or sitting on the ground to access their phones might also be a safety hazard too....

but I totally can see the voltage reason too....

 

[cmwade77]

Though I don't know exactly where many of these are located, perhaps also having people with cords strung across areas and/or sitting on the ground to access their phones might also be a safety hazard too....

but I totally can see the voltage reason too....

With their locations that usually want an issue, it really does come down to voltage being the primary factor.

And yes, the fuel rods are more expensive than an Anker charger, but really to be able to the a couple minutes and exchange it for a fully charged one makes a lot of sense. And then you dont ever have to wait by an outlet for your phone to charge.

 

[DizneyMommy]

I knew these were there but would never use one. Unless they've been labeled for public charging station use (like in airports) if your device or power cord or whatever you plugged in shorted and caused a fire, guess who is responsible for that? Not this girl!

 

[DizneyMommy]

I have a RavPower charger that fully charges my phone so fast it has never been an issue. I can sit and eat with it plugged into the RavPower and get a full charge. If you don't plan ahead and bring one, then thats on you that they are expensive in the park. If you thought to bring your cord, you clearly thought about it... just saying.

 

[Snap Crackle Pop]

Have all ya'll complainers never heard of a portable charger? Maybe you should get one of those instead of relying on a power outlet that you probably shouldn't have been using in the first place.

 

[Indiana Scott]

This is because these outlets actually have a bit different voltage and frequency than your standard outlets and it is actually unsafe to plug many devices into them.

I'm sorry but I really need you to explain this to me.
Per NEC, a standard 120V outlet like those must be the common 120VAC @60 HZ. Very minor minor variances are allowed and anything that plugs into them will work on such power. A standard duplex type outlet like we have in our homes, work and at DLR are not allowed to have anything different. If you want something different, you must use a different receptacle PER NEC.
Please tell me what is special about Disney's outlets.

BTW, I'm a retired EE.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I'm sorry but I really need you to explain this to me.
Per NEC, a standard 120V outlet like those must be the common 120VAC @60 HZ. Very minor minor variances are allowed and anything that plugs into them will work on such power. A standard duplex type outlet like we have in our homes, work and at DLR are not allowed to have anything different. If you want something different, you must use a different receptacle PER NEC.
Please tell me what is special about Disney's outlets.

BTW, I'm a retired EE.

Thanks,
Scott

Some of the outlets at Disneyland are on dimmers. And, thus do not have full voltage. They are for lighting.

 

[Indiana Scott]

Some of the outlets at Disneyland are on dimmers. And, thus do not have full voltage. They are for lighting.

Thanks for your response and that much makes sense.
I think it was the "voltage and frequency" (freq doesn't change) part that was throwing me!

 

[limace]

L

Have all ya'll complainers never heard of a portable charger? Maybe you should get one of those instead of relying on a power outlet that you probably shouldn't have been using in the first place.

Dude. Maybe ramp it down a bit.

 

[cmwade77]

I'm sorry but I really need you to explain this to me.
Per NEC, a standard 120V outlet like those must be the common 120VAC @60 HZ. Very minor minor variances are allowed and anything that plugs into them will work on such power. A standard duplex type outlet like we have in our homes, work and at DLR are not allowed to have anything different. If you want something different, you must use a different receptacle PER NEC.
Please tell me what is special about Disney's outlets.

BTW, I'm a retired EE.

Thanks,
Scott

I forget the exact variance, but they are just enough out of these specs that it can be a problem, it is something like 140v@50Hz. My understanding is that this is only true at DL and not DCA because they had special equipment at that time which required such outlets and their current equipment is specially built to accommodate both standards. And yes, the frequency is indeed part of it that is off from normal standards.