Walt Disney World to introduce new phone recharging program

[circus4u]

For those concerned about the amount of charge, plug it in, drain it, and then go back to the closest gift shop and grab another. If these things are available all over the park, you'll have a continuous external power source the whole time you're there. The lipstick size is better for pocketability.

Last time I went I almost bought one of the big batteries, but the weight killed it for me. It might not be so bad if you're carrying a bag, but it would beat my knees to death in a cargo pocket.

I am assuming that you won't have to see a person to exchange these. Looking at their website, the purchase and any exchanges are accomplished through an automatic kiosk, so I don't think it would take that long to exchange the battery.

 

[TrampDog]

Folks, you are in the Sunshine State. I have a portable battery with a solar cell built in ($39). I hook it to my belt loop and my phone is never less than 100% during the day and then the battery kicks in at night and there's plenty to last until the wee hours of the morning.

http://www.solpro.com/collections/gemini

 

[tcufrog]

I have a Lifeproof case with battery built in. Pressing the button on the back charges the phone fully if the case is fully charged. It's a little heavier and bulkier than a traditional case and you don't use a lightening cable (it comes with a charging cable) but it's much less of a pain than an external battery plus it's completely waterproof if you install the case properly. That's really handy for water rides.

 

[romitaz]

I have a Lifeproof case with battery built in. Pressing the button on the back charges the phone fully if the case is fully charged. It's a little heavier and bulkier than a traditional case and you don't use a lightening cable (it comes with a charging cable) but it's much less of a pain than an external battery plus it's completely waterproof if you install the case properly. That's really handy for water rides.

I have a 6+. Adding the extra weight of a lifeproof case makes it too big to fit in my pocket.

 

[3DisneyFanz]

This may be the best attempt to recoup some of the MDE investment yet.

 

[NKHarris329]

I'd rather bring my own emergency charger (that cost around $10). It is small, lightweight enough that I don't notice it in a back pack, and I can get about 2 charges for my Samsung S6.

If my phone is burning through more than one battery during a day at the park, then it's probably time to consider an upgrade anyway.

 

[Accident]

I'd rather bring my own emergency charger (that cost around $10). It is small, lightweight enough that I don't notice it in a back pack, and I can get about 2 charges for my Samsung S6.

If my phone is burning through more than one battery during a day at the park, then it's probably time to consider an upgrade anyway.

I don't disagree but if you forget it or didn't think you would need it.. this could be handy.

 

[circus4u]

I don't disagree but if you forget it or didn't think you would need it.. this could be handy.

Made me remember something I had not thought of in years. Back, way back, in the days when home video had just started, we were standing in the line for the boat ride in the Land. A few rows ahead of us, this guy had a 2 wheeled hand truck with two car batteries strapped to it. This was before the camcorder and you had to have a separate "portable" video machine which was also strapped to the hand truck. It was one of the craziest scenarios I have seen at WDW. And, they let him on the boat with the darn contraption. At the time, you were lucky to get 20 mins recording out of a battery. My wife and I just looked at each other in amazement and busted out laughing.

 

[LeeAndRobin]

I don't disagree but if you forget it or didn't think you would need it.. this could be handy.

It would be handy the *first* time someone forgot to bring their backup battery. As I understand it, you trade in the dead battery for a charged one. So if someone is in the habit of forgetting their battery, this program won't help them much.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

It would be handy the *first* time someone forgot to bring their backup battery. As I understand it, you trade in the dead battery for a charged one. So if someone is in the habit of forgetting their battery, this program won't help them much.

I can see your point but I think if you really are someone who forgets absolutely everything you would likely have a less than stellar time at WDW anyways (remembering your FP time, etc). There's a difference between someone who forgets their portable battery inside their room and one who doesn't even think to bring it. This program is more for those who don't even think about bringing a portable battery and find themselves with a low battery at the worst time.

 

[STLstone]

I would have never guessed that we could even make an argument out of this topic.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I would have never guessed that we could even make an argument out of this topic.

I don't think people are arguing really I think people are just wondering about the merits of the program.

One thing I haven't quite figured out about this board is people seem to equate discussion as arguments. Sure there are def. arguments that go on but just because people aren't all "yay this is awesome omg coolist thing ever" don't mean they are making the thread an argumentative thread.

 

[STLstone]

I don't think people are arguing really I think people are just wondering about the merits of the program.

One thing I haven't quite figured out about this board is people seem to equate discussion as arguments. Sure there are def. arguments that go on but just because people aren't all "yay this is awesome omg coolist thing ever" don't mean they are making the thread an argumentative thread.

I'm not going to argue over whether or not this is an "argument."



LOL

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I'm not going to argue over whether or not this is an "argument."



LOL

Then you shouldn't have even brought up this thread being an argument. Your only comment in this whole thread was about you not thinking this type of topic could be made into an argument.

Anyways *end rant*

 

[Madonna3]

So, I purchased (read: rented) one of these fuel rods on Saturday during my day trip to Epcot. For some reason, my phone just drained all of its battery and I was left with 9% at only 12:30 in the afternoon. I remember reading about these portable chargers and quickly googled on where I could get one. I was at Disney Springs when I first realized I would be in trouble, but was headed to Epcot, so I searched where to find it at Epcot.

I was pleased to find it at Disney Traders, which was close enough for me since we were having lunch in France. I had plans to head to Soarin' after lunch anyway, so I would pass this (or come really close to it) on the way there. I ran into Disney Traders and asked where I could purchase a fuel rod and the CM pointed out a kiosk for me to make my purchase. I was surprised by that. I don't know why. I guess I thought this would be something you purchased at the counter. Anyway, so I ran over to the kiosk and was able to purchase one in about 2 minutes. I swiped my credit card and the transaction was processed quickly. I was disappointed to find that I had to use my credit card. I would prefer if they also had an "insert cash" option. I received my fuel rod along with the wire and the 2 attachments. I quickly plugged everything in, attached the wire, shoved it all in my pocket, and I was off to Soarin' with a charging phone.

After Soarin, it was our intent to head back to the World Showcase. I stopped back at the kiosk I had just visited 30 minutes before and swapped my fuel rod for a fully charged one. By this point, my phone had almost charged to full. I gave the newly swapped one to my son, who then proceeded to charge his phone. I do not know how much charge was left on my original fuel rod when I swapped it. I just know that for $30, I got my phone charged, my son's phone charged, and never had to stray off my original plans, try and find an outlet, sit near said outlet, or make trips to Guest Relations or lockers.

Now I know, the tech savvy people here are going to tell me I could have gotten a 14 megawatt charger the size of a lipstick for $12 on Amazon, but a: I'm not tech savvy and b: I don't care.

I find that since I am an annual passholder and visit quite frequently that this was very convenient for me and worth the money paid. My husband and I have a portable charger that can charge more devices about 6 times before we have to recharge it, but I find it bulky and inconvenient to always have to remember to plug it in at night and grab it again in the morning. Sometimes, we're running late in the mornings and forget it and have to go back or we're tired at night and don't unpack our bag. With this, I don't have to worry about that. It was small enough that I was able to keep it in my pocket and yes, I will have to remember to bring it with me, but I feel this is something I am capable of doing as I put it back in its tube and placed it in my car for our next adventure. When I get back to Disney, I will just swap it out and have a new one ready to go. It appears that this can be recharged yourself if you really wanted to do that. I haven't tried, but there is an "input" and an "output" on the device.

Overall, I think this was a good idea and a worthwhile service for my family. We purchased one to share between the 3 of us making the cost a mere $10/person. I would recommend this option to others as I found it to be extremely convenient.

 

[hollypoast]

So, I purchased (read: rented) one of these fuel rods on Saturday during my day trip to Epcot. For some reason, my phone just drained all of its battery and I was left with 9% at only 12:30 in the afternoon. I remember reading about these portable chargers and quickly googled on where I could get one. I was at Disney Springs when I first realized I would be in trouble, but was headed to Epcot, so I searched where to find it at Epcot.

I was pleased to find it at Disney Traders, which was close enough for me since we were having lunch in France. I had plans to head to Soarin' after lunch anyway, so I would pass this (or come really close to it) on the way there. I ran into Disney Traders and asked where I could purchase a fuel rod and the CM pointed out a kiosk for me to make my purchase. I was surprised by that. I don't know why. I guess I thought this would be something you purchased at the counter. Anyway, so I ran over to the kiosk and was able to purchase one in about 2 minutes. I swiped my credit card and the transaction was processed quickly. I was disappointed to find that I had to use my credit card. I would prefer if they also had an "insert cash" option. I received my fuel rod along with the wire and the 2 attachments. I quickly plugged everything in, attached the wire, shoved it all in my pocket, and I was off to Soarin' with a charging phone.

After Soarin, it was our intent to head back to the World Showcase. I stopped back at the kiosk I had just visited 30 minutes before and swapped my fuel rod for a fully charged one. By this point, my phone had almost charged to full. I gave the newly swapped one to my son, who then proceeded to charge his phone. I do not know how much charge was left on my original fuel rod when I swapped it. I just know that for $30, I got my phone charged, my son's phone charged, and never had to stray off my original plans, try and find an outlet, sit near said outlet, or make trips to Guest Relations or lockers.

Now I know, the tech savvy people here are going to tell me I could have gotten a 14 megawatt charger the size of a lipstick for $12 on Amazon, but a: I'm not tech savvy and b: I don't care.

I find that since I am an annual passholder and visit quite frequently that this was very convenient for me and worth the money paid. My husband and I have a portable charger that can charge more devices about 6 times before we have to recharge it, but I find it bulky and inconvenient to always have to remember to plug it in at night and grab it again in the morning. Sometimes, we're running late in the mornings and forget it and have to go back or we're tired at night and don't unpack our bag. With this, I don't have to worry about that. It was small enough that I was able to keep it in my pocket and yes, I will have to remember to bring it with me, but I feel this is something I am capable of doing as I put it back in its tube and placed it in my car for our next adventure. When I get back to Disney, I will just swap it out and have a new one ready to go. It appears that this can be recharged yourself if you really wanted to do that. I haven't tried, but there is an "input" and an "output" on the device.

Overall, I think this was a good idea and a worthwhile service for my family. We purchased one to share between the 3 of us making the cost a mere $10/person. I would recommend this option to others as I found it to be extremely convenient.

I totally agree on all accounts! Thanks for the report.

 

[Madonna3]

That would probably cost more.

The above quote was in reference to someone asking about Quick Charging. I thought I selected that quote in addition to this. Apparently, I did not. Anyway, it charged my phone in less than 1 hour. I don't know if that qualifies as "quick charging", but I thought it was pretty quick.

I wonder if there's a time limit on them? It would be great as a passholder!

Not that I saw. It said purchase and swap whenever, so I imagine as long as Disney hosts this program you can swap it at Disney. Otherwise, you'd have to swap it in one of the host cities.

I'm guessing probably. They could do a length of stay type system or for AP holders they could do it for 6 months or something like that.

There is no time limit.

I believe they can be exchanged not only in Diseny but other places....like airports and such if I read the site correctly. Put in kiosk and a new fully charged one is dispensed. Good forever.

Correct.

Unfortunatly read a review and you only get about 40% of a charge. Guy who tests them said he went from 22% to 66% charged. Did say the switching of the batteries made it convenient when you have no other option but there are cheaper options you could buy that work better.

Dunno where this review came from. Personal experience is I charged my phone from around 7-9% to a full charge in under an hour.

Overpriced, and it doesn't even give an iPhone a full charge. The brand I own and carry was half the price and gives my phone 3 or 4 full charges before I have to recharge it.
I can see folks using this for an emergency convenience, but no way would I trade what I already use for this inferior product.

Well, I don't know where the "doesn't even give an iphone a full charge" comes from because my phone was charged full.

It is a good concept and of course its going to cost more. Convenience always has a premium price tag. For the MANY that do not think ahead, this will be a very nice thing. Also, you can exchange at any kiosk. Not just on property. It looks like the kiosks are popping up in many more places.

or those who find themselves in an emergency like I did. I charged my phone completely, left the car with it at 100%, must have left something running because 2.5 hours later I was down under 20%.

hm might have to keep an eye out at the airport to see if they are cheaper. Would be smart if you see them for 15 or 20 at your departure airport to just buy there and then replace at Disney as needed.

This is going to be for non-planners or those who like a back up.

Or those who run into emergencies, like I did.

This is what I was wondering as well. I have a portable pack that I got for much less but I never remember to charge it, or if I do I accidentally leave it at home. I'm in the parks at least 5 days a week, and $30 for a consistent portable power source for however long the program exists seems like a pretty good deal.

I agree and I found it to be quite useful.

For people who like to carry as little as possible, having a small charger that you can swap once or twice a day sounds ideal. The bigger chargers can weigh a pound or so.

I'd say if it's buy once and forever be able to exchange sounds great, but we all know about disney and forever items.

I found it very convenient.

Yes, flat out $30 for 6400 is awful, but it all comes down to how much not having a dead phone is worth.

I could carry my lunch all day and save $20 or be hands free, walk thru the no bag line and pay for food. Everything has it's good and bad points.

Exactly.

That was going to be my question!!! are we sure they are 6400?? For those that are saying they have stronger ones..... what brand?
And quite honestly.... I don't think it's an outrageous price at all!!! I for one don't want to be lugging around something as big as the ones a lot of you are describing!!! and to be able to swap it out..... I'd pay the $30!!

This was my thinking too! I swapped it out only 30 minutes after initial purchase for a fresh one "just because".

I don't know all of the specs but you can compare it to the one I have. I have a Jackery 20,100mAh battery back that I bought on Amazon for around $40. It's about the size of an iPhone 6+ and about 3/4 thick. It will charge my phone from dead to full 6 times before needing a recharge. So if I had to guess the fuelrod will charge your phone full about 1.5 times before the rod is dead, but then you can just exchange it for a new one at the parks.

Correct.

When I needed help, they gladly took my phone and charged it for me at guest services. Does anyone know if guest services will still charge your phone for you?

yes, but if I am in Japan at World Showcase, who wants to walk all that way to charge a phone? Or Frontierland at MK?

For those concerned about the amount of charge, plug it in, drain it, and then go back to the closest gift shop and grab another. If these things are available all over the park, you'll have a continuous external power source the whole time you're there. The lipstick size is better for pocketability.

Last time I went I almost bought one of the big batteries, but the weight killed it for me. It might not be so bad if you're carrying a bag, but it would beat my knees to death in a cargo pocket.

They're not all over the park, but they are in what I consider convenient merch locations.

I am assuming that you won't have to see a person to exchange these. Looking at their website, the purchase and any exchanges are accomplished through an automatic kiosk, so I don't think it would take that long to exchange the battery.

Everything is done through an automated kiosk.

I don't disagree but if you forget it or didn't think you would need it.. this could be handy.

Never thought I would need it. I was wrong and I was sure glad to have it when I did need it.

 

[jo-jo]

After Soarin, it was our intent to head back to the World Showcase. I stopped back at the kiosk I had just visited 30 minutes before and swapped my fuel rod for a fully charged one. By this point, my phone had almost charged to full. I gave the newly swapped one to my son, who then proceeded to charge his phone. I do not know how much charge was left on my original fuel rod when I swapped it. I just know that for $30, I got my phone charged, my son's phone charged, and never had to stray off my original plans, try and find an outlet, sit near said outlet, or make trips to Guest Relations or lockers.


Overall, I think this was a good idea and a worthwhile service for my family. We purchased one to share between the 3 of us making the cost a mere $10/person. I would recommend this option to others as I found it to be extremely convenient.

This is a great point. I'm in one of those hardly use a phone group, but my DD's family everybody has a phone and you could switch it out 5 or 6 times a day for her family. Do that for 6 or 7 days and that $30 seems well spent.

 

[MinnieSweetheart]

yes, but if I am in Japan at World Showcase, who wants to walk all that way to charge a phone? Or Frontierland at MK?

Those who are more price sensitive Thank you for your positive review.

 

[Lurch]

Thanks to this thread I bought both the Fuel Rod and the Anker Power Core from Amazon 1 each for my wife and I. Have all the bases covered this way. I like the idea of a "hot swap" at the parks. $37 total for both shipped to my door.