Walkie Talkies in DL

[marmac]

Has anyone ever tried to use walkie talkies in the parks? We were wanting a way to contact with each other when we are apart and were wondering if these work. I don't want to take them if they end up being useless.

Thanks!!!

 

[Belle Ella]

We took them once when I was younger (I'm thinking this was around '97 but I'm not sure). It was so exciting for me because it was the only way my parents would let me off exploring on my own.

 

[Perdygirl]

We took them on a trip about 6 years ago and I found them frustrating. We didn't have enough range to make them very useful. I can see how they could be useful if you get good quality. I'm back to cell phones for communication.

 

[HydroGuy]

We have used them at DLR many times. With four kids it is not unusual to have us breaking up into 2 or even 3 groups. With walkie talkies everyone can listen in on the conversation. This was 5-10 years ago.

With the growth of cell phones it is just easier to use them now. However, when I went to Tokyo DL I took the same walkie talkies because it was very expensive for us to use cell phones there. Since it was only me and DS13 and we were always together, the walkie talkies were more for emergencies if we got separated.

 

[Dizneydaz]

We've tried them at WDW but also found them frustrating. Poor reception, ate batteries, etc. Once we got free long distance on our cell phones we've only used those.

I'm sure someone will post some good comments though I will say I haven't seen many of them being used at DLR recently.

 

[LuLusApple]

We havnt used them in years.... You can hear other people on the same channel. I think I have told the story of mistaking someone else's boys for our own. disaster.

I wouldn't bother with them;
Use cell phones and text. Thank goodness for progress

 

[marmac]

We have used them at DLR many times. With four kids it is not unusual to have us breaking up into 2 or even 3 groups. With walkie talkies everyone can listen in on the conversation. This was 5-10 years ago.

With the growth of cell phones it is just easier to use them now. However, when I went to Tokyo DL I took the same walkie talkies because it was very expensive for us to use cell phones there. Since it was only me and DS13 and we were always together, the walkie talkies were more for emergencies if we got separated.

We are from Canada and to use our cell phones will be very expensive too for both texting or calling. So we were wondering if walkie talkies would be an good alternative.

 

[Raindown]

We are from Canada and to use our cell phones will be very expensive too for both texting or calling. So we were wondering if walkie talkies would be an good alternative.

It is an option. If you don't already own a set I would recommend you get something with 'sub-channels.' It is a nice feature that can avoid interference from other walkie talkies. Additionally, you will want to consider range capabilities. You probably will not be able to talk to each other if one of you is on a ride, especially something below ground. Park radios are going to be backed by a repeater and thus don't suffer from the issues you might face.

Ultimately, will it be better than nothing at all? Perhaps it depends how often you need to communicate and how many days you will be there. The price of a good set might make cell use an option even if pricey.

 

[aurorae]

One advantage Cell phones have is that you can leave a message.

When people are on rides, they won't be able to use the walkie talkies or cell phones, but when they get off them they can check messages.

 

[nunzia]

We tried them once..couldn't hear each other, static, other voices coming across our channel..we have a system with the cell phones. We split up with a predetermined meeting place. When the person gets off the ride or out of the show or whatever they call the other person/group and just allow the phone to ring..we don't answer it, just know where to go to hook up. If we must say something we text..alot of times it seems the noise level makes hearing kind of tough.

 

[Eeee-va]

I find in many areas of the park, it's difficult to even hear something said via cell phone, let alone a walkie talkie.

If it's mostly for emergencies/quick calls and not chatting, you should be able to get a US prepaid cell phone with at least 30 minutes for something like $30. That could do in a pinch. (I know online, at least, you can even buy a SIM from T-mobile for your existing phone, in which case you'd possibly only have to buy the prepaid minutes.)

If you go the T-mobile route, I believe a $10 prepaid card buys you at least 100 texts (10 cents to send; 5 cents to receive)--that might be enough for your family. There's always that spiffy "ring the phone" method too.

I hope you get something figured out!

 

[marmac]

Thanks everyone for all your advice!!
We have decided to leave our walkie talkies at home and just use our cellphones if we really need to get in touch with each other. I will look into the T-mobile options.

 

[specialks]

Just another quick comment -- we have only been going for the last 2 years but attempted to use walkie talkies both times. We just ended up using our cell phones because there were so many other people on the same walkie channel. It became frustrating to call out each other's name and have other people respond. Last year we even took our really good walkies thinking the range and multiples of channels would help but it was still the same problem. You can ask your Canada cell provider if they have a US add-on plan that you could pay/upgrade to for just the month you will be in DL or as the other poster said, you might consider a prepaid cell plan. You can easily buy a prepaid phone at the Target or Walmart near DLR.

 

[marmac]

Just another quick comment -- we have only been going for the last 2 years but attempted to use walkie talkies both times. We just ended up using our cell phones because there were so many other people on the same walkie channel. It became frustrating to call out each other's name and have other people respond. Last year we even took our really good walkies thinking the range and multiples of channels would help but it was still the same problem. You can ask your Canada cell provider if they have a US add-on plan that you could pay/upgrade to for just the month you will be in DL or as the other poster said, you might consider a prepaid cell plan. You can easily buy a prepaid phone at the Target or Walmart near DLR.

In the past when we have travelled to the US we have done the add on texting and it worked perfectly. However, this time when we called our cell phone provider to add the texting they said that add on is no longer offered. This is very frustrating!!!

 

[Leofoenget]

We use Cell phones. But other's have and you can sometimes hear the CM's conversations