Lack of Charging stations in Disneyland.

[flynnibus]

But really, the reason you’ve probably never thought about this until now is one similar reason to why Disney isn’t rushing to add free charging stations everywhere…. they aren’t looking to create the expectation that they’ll have them, because not only does that add a recurring cost and a permanent responsibility for Disney, it’ll create a situation in which Disney can be blamed for someone’s battery dying.

let's rephrase. Disney is intentionally chosing not to provide this service while other entities do.

It's not any more complicated than that.

Argue about why - but it boils down to other venues find the service valuable enough in their interactions with their customers to do this while Disney doesn't. On top of Disney being an environment where a charged mobile device is significant to the customer experience. And on top of Disney having a reputation of being a leader in customer service.

So point to 'managing expectations' if you want... but what you are saying is Disney can't be seen as as good as those other venues because they don't want to risk being on the hook for those costs.

AKA Disney is simply choosing to be less.

 

[Disney Irish]

Why, when you visit a hotel, do you have to bring your own toothbrush and toothpaste? They give you soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc. but not a few disposable toothbrushes and a small tube of toothpaste? Divert your attention IMMEDIATELY to this much more confounding issue!

But really, the reason you’ve probably never thought about this until now is one similar reason to why Disney isn’t rushing to add free charging stations everywhere…. they aren’t looking to create the expectation that they’ll have them, because not only does that add a recurring cost and a permanent responsibility for Disney, it’ll create a situation in which Disney can be blamed for someone’s battery dying. Not defending it, that’s just how it is.

Not to mention:
Potentially needing CMs on standby when guests have technical issues.
Potential replacement phone costs due to phone damage as a result of those technical issues.
Potential lawsuits due to phone damage (because you know there will be just because its Disney).

The above is probably the reason why Disney went with a 3rd party option just like other theme parks like Universal and Six Flags.

 

[No Name]

let's rephrase. Disney is intentionally chosing not to provide this service while other entities mostly just airports do.

Yeah, let’s rephrase.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Not to mention:
Potentially needing CMs on standby when guests have technical issues.

I’ve never seen CM’s on standby at charging stations in wdw.

Potential replacement phone costs due to phone damage as a result of those technical issues.

What technical issue at a charging station causes a phone to break and need replaced?

Potential lawsuits due to phone damage (because you know there will be just because its Disney).

How many lawsuits have been filed over the 5+ years charging stations have been available at wdw?

The above is probably the reason why Disney went with a 3rd party option just like other theme parks like Universal and Six Flags.

Knott’s has a charging station - so there are “other theme parks” that have charging stations as well.

 

[flynnibus]

Yeah, let’s rephrase.

Ehh - if you think so I can't fix that, but take a look around. Cafes, Doctors offices, all kinds of places. It's not unusual for someone to sit down and explicitly look for charging ports... which means there is a expectation out there that they can be found.

 

[flynnibus]

What technical issue at a charging station causes a phone to break and need replaced?

The same problem with all USB ports left out in the public. Damage to the port due to morons can lead to things like shorts... but really it's not a significant problem (damaging equipment). (I'd bet guests lose more phones to dropping in the water or other damage situations every day at DLR than this would ever expose). Damaged ports is the main issue - and why they are not a one and done expense once deployed.

Security folks also are learly of plugging into a port you don't know what is behind it... but again devices have gotten smarter with this and have explicit permissions blocks now, etc.

 

[Disney Irish]

I’ve never seen CM’s on standby at charging stations in wdw.

Just because you haven't seen them doesn't mean they aren't there.

What technical issue at a charging station causes a phone to break and need replaced?

As already answered, damaged phone ports is a primary one, also overheating and other normal issues that came with charging.

How many lawsuits have been filed over the 5+ years charging stations have been available at wdw?

Just because it hasn't yet doesn't mean it won't happen. There are lawsuits regarding lots of stuff that happen at Disney Parks. If a guest thinks they can get paid all it takes is a greedy lawyer to file the lawsuit.

Knott’s has a charging station - so there are “other theme parks” that have charging stations as well.

They are probably one of the only few if not the only one that current does outside of the WDW couple locations.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

They are probably one of the only few if not the only one that current does outside of the WDW couple locations.

WDW has 2 in the magic kingdom, 1.5 in Epcot (connections is huge, they have charging at the cafe and the Starbucks so not sure to count that as 1 or 2), Coronado Springs, and all of the newer refurbished buses. So it’s definitely a growing trend at wdw.

Which is of course what prompted me to start this thread… usually Disneyland is a few steps ahead of wdw!

 

[Disney Irish]

I will add a point in the plus column for why Disneyland should do it, NFL stadiums and other large venues have been putting them in over the last few years.

So it probably is really just a matter of time before Disneyland offers them. But I wouldn't hold my breath on the timing of it, could still be 5 years down the line.

 

[Disney Irish]

WDW has 2 in the magic kingdom, 1.5 in Epcot (connections is huge, they have charging at the cafe and the Starbucks so not sure to count that as 1 or 2), Coronado Springs, and all of the newer refurbished buses. So it’s definitely a growing trend at wdw.

Which is of course what prompted me to start this thread… usually Disneyland is a few steps ahead of wdw!

We've all pretty much agreed that Disneyland should do it eventually. The fun has been the debate on the "why" and is it really needed beyond "good customer service", and the potential negative reasons why they haven't yet.

Its been a fun discussion

 

[chadwpalm]

I will add a point in the plus column for why Disneyland should do it, NFL stadiums and other large venues have been putting them in over the last few years.

So it probably is really just a matter of time before Disneyland offers them. But I wouldn't hold my breath on the timing of it, could still be 5 years down the line.

Well.....a stadium, aforementioned airports, doctor's offices, cafes, etc. are all places you are meant to be waiting at in one place. So charging plugs make sense.

The only time at Disneyland you are stationary (and could have access to a charging station) would be while eating, but I find that finding a place to sit at mealtimes is tough enough as it is with people resting, trying to find shade, or watching a parade (I'm looking at you Jolly Holiday), so additional excuses for people to take up table space is a big no for me.

Otherwise, as I said before, waiting around for a phone to charge is wasted money for me. I find it hard enough to sit at a restaurant or shop for too long as that is wasted time for me too unless I'm there on a multi-day pass which isn't very often.

 

[No Name]

I will add a point in the plus column for why Disneyland should do it, NFL stadiums and other large venues have been putting them in over the last few years.

It’s nice that there’s chargers at SoFi stadium, but about 53 of them don’t work very well.

 

[Phroobar]

You’ve said this a couple too many times without having any evidence it’s true (because it’s not).

Kettle black much?

 

[SuddenStorm]

Why, when you visit a hotel, do you have to bring your own toothbrush and toothpaste? They give you soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc. but not a few disposable toothbrushes and a small tube of toothpaste? Divert your attention IMMEDIATELY to this much more confounding issue!

But really, the reason you’ve probably never thought about this until now is one similar reason to why Disney isn’t rushing to add free charging stations everywhere…. they aren’t looking to create the expectation that they’ll have them, because not only does that add a recurring cost and a permanent responsibility for Disney, it’ll create a situation in which Disney can be blamed for someone’s battery dying. Not defending it, that’s just how it is.

Many hotels have complimentary toothpaste and toothbrush, shave kits, feminine hygiene products, shower caps, etc. - you just have to ask.

 

[No Name]

Many hotels have complimentary toothpaste and toothbrush, shave kits, feminine hygiene products, shower caps, etc. - you just have to ask.

I’m well aware, that’s beside the point.

 

[No Name]

Kettle black much?

Ah, so since you still can’t back it up (because you’re wrong), you’re trying to tell me I need proof that your wild claim isn’t true? That’s not how that works pal.

 

[Practical Pig]

After reading this conversation about phone charging in the parks, I recently called my elder brother and sister-in-law who began a WDW vacation today, their first time without offspring along. I asked about their phone-charging strategy and it turns out that these grandparents are packing power bricks.

That’s a phrase I never imagined I’d use.

 

[Parteecia]

"KEY POINTS

• The FBI is warning consumers about “juice jacking,” where bad actors use public chargers to infect phones and devices with malware.
• The law enforcement agency says consumers should avoid using public chargers at malls and airports, and stick to their own USB cables and charging plugs."

FBI warns against using public phone charging stations

The law enforcement agency said bad actors had figured out how to infect phones with malware using public charging cables.

www.cnbc.com

If you must, I suggest getting a power only charging cord that can't transfer data. Data blocking passthrough adapters are also available.

 

[Consumer]

"KEY POINTS

• The FBI is warning consumers about “juice jacking,” where bad actors use public chargers to infect phones and devices with malware.
• The law enforcement agency says consumers should avoid using public chargers at malls and airports, and stick to their own USB cables and charging plugs."

FBI warns against using public phone charging stations

The law enforcement agency said bad actors had figured out how to infect phones with malware using public charging cables.

www.cnbc.com

If you must, I suggest getting a power only charging cord that can't transfer data.

No offense, but this is a dumb story. Not only is there no actual example of this happening, it can easily be worked around by using a charging brick in a regular outlet.

 

[Parteecia]

No offense, but this is a dumb story. Not only is there no actual example of this happening, it can easily be worked around by using a charging brick in a regular outlet.

None taken. I'm on the better safe than sorry side. I have a friend who was doing a lot of flying a few years back. When she mentioned that she was using airport USB ports several of us yelled at her and forced her to get a power bank and charge only cable.