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5. Power banks for your cell phone

Phone being used to play Star Wars Datapad
Image: Disney

Disney parks are uniquely rough places for cell phone battery life. Largely, this is due to the battery-sucking powers of the My Disney Experience app (which is becoming an essential for most visits), but even hopping between Wi-Fi hubs while touring the parks can drain the most stalwart mobile batteries.

Recharging a cell phone at Walt Disney World isn’t particularly easy—electric outlets are strangely difficult to find at all four parks, though they can be located if you look hard. Disney tried to remedy the situation by partnering with Fuel Rods to offer guests one-time-purchase power packs that can be exchanged throughout your visit (and beyond if you find Fuel Rods station elsewhere).

The problem is, in truth, Fuel Rods are a terrible deal. It costs around $30 to get your first power pack, after which you are bound to keep tracking down Fuel Rods stations to exchange for new packs. The company already landed in hot water once previously for switching to a model charging guests a fee for every exchange. In our ever-changing world, it’s questionable how long the service will last or if new fees will be introduced unexpectedly.

A portable power bank that is all your own is an excellent investment to make when visiting Disney parks—particularly if you use your phone a lot (or enjoy roaming about Batuu playing Star Wars Datapad). Once again, this is the sort of item best ordered before your trip. I’ve been quite happy with mine which is an older version of this model from RavPower—it costs about the same as a Fuel Rod and has lasted through years of travel.

If you find yourself at Walt Disney World with a pressing need for a power bank, this is another item that can be easily picked up nearby. Along with Walmart and Target, there is also a Best Buy located in Kissimmee around 12-16 minutes from Walt Disney World. You may also find good deals on power banks at Orlando’s outlet malls.

6. Various gadgets for cooling down in the heat

Olaf and reindeer
Image: Disney

Florida’s heat can be brutal to the point that simply staying hydrated isn’t enough. When the sun is pounding, splurging on a fan or personal mister inside the parks can  be pretty tempting.

If you want to save a little money, you can find personal fans and other gadgets for cooling down at local stores around Walt Disney World (once again, Walmart and Target come to the rescue—I promise I’m not getting paid to mention them, they’re just familiar choices). On your trip to pick up groceries, sunscreen, and other items listed above, you may want to invest in a small fan or other items to help you cool down in the heat.

We did an entire article on unusual hacks for cooling down—a few items mentioned included bandanas (which can be soaked in ice-water and Sea Breeze astringent for a quick cooling effect), electrolyte tablets, and even peppermints. All of these are things you can find at stores around Walt Disney World.

7. Places to catch your breath and relax

Lobby of the Polynesian Resort with couches
Image: Flickr, Steven Miller (license)

If you find yourself exhausted during a day at Walt Disney World, sometimes the best thing you can do is leave the parks to take a breather. This is easy to do if you’re staying on Disney property or have easy access to a nearby resort—but what about if you can’t just retreat to a hotel room?

It’s not that there aren’t places to relax inside Disney parks—all four Disney parks have peaceful places where guests can easily enjoy a little downtime (like Star Wars Launch Bay, Tom Sawyer Island, the Discovery Island trails, or the gardens of World Showcase).

If you want to relax with some comfort, however, you may want to take a little trip to one of Disney’s nearby resorts.

All of Disney’s resorts are massive, and all of them include large lobbies and multiple lounges where guests can relax for a time—you do not have to be staying at the hotels to visit. This is particularly easy if you’re visiting Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios as all of the Epcot resorts are easy to access via walkway or friendship boats. If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom, a trip on the resort monorail will take you to the Contemporary, Polynesian, or Grand Floridian (Wilderness Lodge can be reached by ferry). Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a little more isolated, but a short bus trip can bring you to Animal Kingdom Lodge close by.

You do not have to be a guest to enjoy public areas at Disney resorts. By all means, find yourself a soft couch, a quiet deck chair, a bench swing, or even a hammock and catch your breath—with some energy restored, you’ll be up and ready to head back into the parks in no time.

Enjoy this article? Keep reading to learn…

-Things You Need to Do BEFORE Your Next Disney Trip (That May Not Be Obvious)

-Does Controversial History Have a Place in Theme Parks Like Walt Disney World?

-What to Expect at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Right Now (on a Full Capacity Day)

 
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