Thursday, May 7, 2015

Staying Charged to Infinity and Beyond!

We all have gadgets that we take to Walt Disney World like our smartphones, tablets, video cameras, game stations, and fitness trackers!   Our smartphones alone consume a lot of juice during the day with location services, My Disney Experience, pictures and videos.  There is nothing worse than having a low battery when need to capture that special moment!  

With a family full of electronic consumers, I have a plan for staying charged while on any vacation!

1.  Bring an Extension Cord / Surge Protector
Have you noticed that the wall outlets are all over your resort room?  And there never seems to be enough!  My solution?  Bring a surge protector with you.  It not only provides a power base in one spot for your family but also a surge protection station for your important equipment.  I carry a small one when I travel alone, and a larger one for family adventures.


2.  External Battery Pack
For those mid-day and mid-afternoon power dips, an external battery pack comes in very handy. They range in size from a small as lipstick tube to as big as a paperback book.  These devices are rated in milliamp hours (mAh):  basically, the larger the number the more time you will have for power.  The smaller, more compact devices will provide a portion of the power you might need, and are great for topping off when you get to the half-way mark.    A larger device will carry more mAhs and can fully charge your phone.  You can even find some devices that will charge more than one phone at a time.  Be aware that power comes with a cost, and you will pay more for the heftier device.  

*Mophie is my favorite brand for convenience and reliability, and is easy to find on Amazon!


3.  Guest Relations in All WDW Parks.
Guest Relations, usually near the entrance, will gladly charge your device for you.  You will need to have your own power cord and some trust leaving your valuable resource.  I would use this as an emergency choice.

4.  The Magic Kingdom Charging Lockers
Currently, the Magic Kingdom is the only park with designated charging stations or lockers. 

You can find these lockers in the Tomorrowland Light and Power Company or Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café at the Fantasyland entrance.  The lockers are free but require a credit card to use:  your card isn’t charged; it is just used as your personal key.  


On a touch screen, choose from legacy iPhone, USB, or Apple Lightning connectors; connect your phone and close the door; a light on the door will turn green when the device is fully charged. To open the door again, you must swipe your credit card. Lockers are only big enough for one phone, devices like an iPad will not fit.

In the back of the Tomorrowland Light and Power Company, there is an open power strip for public use.  I wouldn’t leave anything unattended, however, as they are not protected or monitored by Cast Members.

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It’s always good to know your options for charging your phone, camera and accessories so that you don't loose a single moment!   After all, it is the many memories from "Infinity and Beyond" that make your vacation special!





How do you stay connected?  

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