Keeping Your Cell Charged in the Disney Parks

All it takes is a dip below the 50% marker on my battery life indicator and I am hunting for a spot to charge my phone.  In an age of EVERYTHING being at the tip of your fingers, it is important to have a fully charged phone while you’re in the parks–from keeping track with your family to utilizing the best Disney World apps out there, it can be hard when you are living it up in the parks.  Between posting pictures on Instagram and updating my status as I go, I know how quickly your phone can go when you are using it frequently.  Today I’m sharing some tips with you that will help you to get a life and keep your cell charged in the parks!

Check your settings!

A few quick and easy setting changes on your phone can help keep your battery from draining dry.  Here 5 quick and easy quick ideas (keep in mind I have an iPhone 5 so I’m going off of my settings, but I’m sure other phones are comparable).  Check your phone manual (or Google) for more battery saving suggestions):

• turn off wi-fi
• turn off location services
• turn off 3G/4G
• turn on auto brightness
• turn off Bluetooth services

Find a Spot to plug in!

Okay so, I would like to publicly say that I was the first person to think up a charging spot in the parks.  I’d like to take all the credit for the Tangled Restroom Area phone charging stations.  That was me…(okay, so probably not me and instead some really well paid imagineer).  But for the record, I did say (about 4 years ago–thank you very much) that there should be a quick charge spot in the Future World Area of EPCOT where you could put your phone on a tray or something and charge it to 100% in like 60 seconds.  IF that becomes a reality, I want a portion of the profits or at the very least a room in Cinderella Castle.

If you are still with me…anyone…Bueller…

And, if you are all like “what?  Tangled phone charging stations who?”  Then my friends, let me let you in on a not so secret, secret.  There is a free to use phone charging area at the Tangled Restroom area in the Magic Kingdom.  You’ll find fake log posts fully equipped with USB and AC electric plug outlets.  Make sure to do is bring your phone’s wall charging cord with you and boom, you’ve got a festive spot to sit and charge for a while.  Take a break or plug up for a 5 minute refresher charge while your friends and family hit the restrooms.  Here’s a shot of the area and the faux logs

I’ll admit to you and ONLY you a teensy confession.  In the past, I have charged my phone in non-designated areas.  I’m ashamed… But in my defense, I needed my phone!

I’ve charged in Bruce’s Shark World…I’ve charged (outside of) the Country Bear Jamboree…

Basically, I’ve charged lots of places, HOWEVER…

Now that there’s a designated area, I use that.  Remember these things should you need a quick charge….

1. Safety first:  This means I don’t put myself or others in harm (i.e., don’t charge in the middle of a busy area, don’t unplug anything, don’t move anything to get to the charger)

2. Be considerate:  I find a place with a plug that is out of the way of other and allows me to sit with my phone.  This might mean finding a table next to an outlet or finding a spot near a bench with a plug.

3. Open plugs only: If there’s a safety cover on the plug I pass it by.  There are plenty of “regular” plugs just waiting to be used.

4. When in doubt, ask a cast member: I asked in Innoventions and the cast member directed me to a plug right next to a bench!  Perfect!

*disclaimer: when in doubt, ask or wait to charge.  I’m not encouraging bad manners!

Buy an External Battery or Charger Pack

When in doubt, purchasing an external battery might be a good idea.  They make external batteries and charging packs in loads of varieties.  There are battery packs that you charge independently and the plug your phone up to via USB, charger packs opperated by AA batteries, and even solar power packs.  If you forget to buy one, leave yours at home, or realize that the stop and go of charging your phone is too much, you can pick up a AA battery powered pack (that includes the starter batteries) for under $20 throughout the parks.  The only downside to these (speaking from experience) is the AA batteries have to be replaced often which really starts to add up.

So, what did you think?  I hope these tips will keep your cell charged in the parks.  That way you’ll be able to check in on your favorite Facebook page–Chip and Co. , hashtag your pics into an oblivion on Instagram, tweet your thoughts on the crowds, stake your claim on the parks on Foursquare, and catch up on all those work emails…on second thoughts….

Time for sharing!  In 140 characters or less (jk), what are your best battery saving tips?  Share them below!

As always, thanks for reading and commenting!

See ya real soon,

Ashley

For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

Click Here for your FREE No Obligation Quote.