Magic Kingdom to test mobile phone charging lockers for guest use

[wdwmagic]

I'm surprised they would spend the time to remove these, which add value to a guest's experience, instead of putting money into other things that really need it more. Seems more cost effective to keep these there.

I believe they were supplied the manufacturer on a trial basis. No word yet on what the results were and plans going forward.

 

[rangerbob]

I used them the last time that I was at the park. There were several phones in timeout getting a recharge when I was using it at around 7pm.

 

[note2001]

I believe they were supplied the manufacturer on a trial basis. No word yet on what the results were and plans going forward.

My bet also. I suspect the charging locker company loaned these units to Disney in order to evaluate (as part of a sales pitch) & now Disney is negotiating with the company for a purchase or lease price on a number of units to disperse around the parks and Downtown Disney. It remains to be seen if Disney would make these pay per use. My hunch is that in order to justify their price, they will not be free.

 

[Next Big Thing]

I believe they were supplied the manufacturer on a trial basis. No word yet on what the results were and plans going forward.

This is unfortunate they are removing them. I've found them very useful since being installed.

The positive side in me wants to say that, since these were 3rd party rentals, Disney will take the results from the test and install custom lockers in high demand areas (with magic bands as the key), but I know that probably won't happen.

 

[GymLeaderPhil]

I've seen the exact same model of charger in bars for a fee. It definitely fit the theme for Tonorrowland, but if they were going to install them elsewhere it would need some work.

I wish Disney would adopt more Guest conveniences like this, lockers outside high motion rides or those air dryers outside water attractions. But there's no profit in it.

 

[Sped2424]

Shame as they were wonderful.

 

[DManRightHere]

I tried to use one 3 times. Always full.

Anyone see all of the tables and extension recepticles at the back of space mountain's store?

Next time I am beinging a portable charger. It's not very often I need one, just for those really long 9am - 3am days lol.

 

[DManRightHere]

You know what, giving out free portable chargers could be a good idea for them too.

They could just have it on file (possibly via magic band) that you have one and charge it if not returned or damaged.

This would avoid keeping people waiting in a particular area (which I'm sure disney hates).

I could see these boxes being used for charge at downtown disney...or is it disney springs yet?

 

[DistractedGenius]

It's pretty stupid that these are gone what with having to use the app to plan everything and use fastpasses and ApplePay if need be and all that, but there are a lot of ways to charge stuff without the charger outlets, i.e. charging cases and external batteries and such. But that adds even more money to an already expensive vacation. Pretty dumb idea. Hopefully they'll be back in.

 

[KLinder7]

It's pretty stupid that these are gone what with having to use the app to plan everything and use fastpasses and ApplePay if need be and all that, but there are a lot of ways to charge stuff without the charger outlets, i.e. charging cases and external batteries and such. But that adds even more money to an already expensive vacation. Pretty dumb idea. Hopefully they'll be back in.

I agree. There should be plenty of spots to charge your phone in the parks.

 

[JWG]

There's an outlet right by Aloha Aisle on the way to Adventureland... It was being used for phone charging while I was in line for my Dole Whip.

 

[DManRightHere]

I agree. There should be plenty of spots to charge your phone in the parks.

There are lots of places in magic kingdom, but you need you're own charger. I'm not sure if designated charging points are at other parks, but I'm sure they're being considered and added.

 

[PhotoDave219]

There are lots of places in magic kingdom, but you need you're own charger. I'm not sure if designated charging points are at other parks, but I'm sure they're being considered and added.

Yeah, I liked those lockers. You didnt need your own charger.

Considering that the Disney experience is mobile-device centric, a charging locker is crucial.

 

[MissM]

There's an outlet right by Aloha Aisle on the way to Adventureland... It was being used for phone charging while I was in line for my Dole Whip.

There was a guy sitting on the sidewalk on Main Street, charging his phone on Saturday. I see people all the time at unofficial outlets.

 

[DManRightHere]

Yeah, I liked those lockers. You didnt need your own charger.

Considering that the Disney experience is mobile-device centric, a charging locker is crucial.

I don't think they are done experimenting. There are many different options for charging phones. We know Disney doesn't like people staying in one spot.

 

[RSoxNo1]

You can bring your phone to guest services and they have chargers for all sorts of phones. I did this twice on my last trip.

 

[PhotoDave219]

You can bring your phone to guest services and they have chargers for all sorts of phones. I did this twice on my last trip.

Yes, but I want it charging in a locker where there is no risk of it accidently walking away. I'm not saying that I don't trust MK Guest Relations, I'm saying that there are thieves everywhere.....

 

[note2001]

I don't think they are done experimenting. There are many different options for charging phones. We know Disney doesn't like people staying in one spot.

Shark tank a few weeks back had a couple of new college graduates pushing for an investor in their charging bank. Despite the fact that the developers had not considered the expense of a good fingerprint scanner (their claim to making it unique) the sharks themselves saw no point in any place needing these.

It's possible Disney has decided against them too. Which would be a shame as I used the one in Space Mountain twice over our summer trip. It was nice being able to walk away and leave the phone to charge securely (although I'll admit, I did not go far as I saw a number of folk yanking on the doors and I just wanted to be near if the unit my phone was in opened)

 

[DManRightHere]

Shark tank a few weeks back had a couple of new college graduates pushing for an investor in their charging bank. Despite the fact that the developers had not considered the expense of a good fingerprint scanner (their claim to making it unique) the sharks themselves saw no point in any place needing these.

It's possible Disney has decided against them too. Which would be a shame as I used the one in Space Mountain twice over our summer trip. It was nice being able to walk away and leave it (although I'll admit, I did not go far)

I mean Disney could experiment with other methods, not just lockers. I still think a portable charger could work well.

 

[RSoxNo1]

Yes, but I want it charging in a locker where there is no risk of it accidently walking away. I'm not saying that I don't trust MK Guest Relations, I'm saying that there are thieves everywhere.....

Fair enough, but this is definitely an option.