Is it worth it to buy a two way radio?
Is it worth it to buy a two way radio for a trip to Walt Disney World. I was thinking this may be useful for keeping in contact with other members of our party in the park, but I’m not sure about the range coverage. Any thoughts on this?
Also if you think this may work, any recommendations on what kind of radios to get?
Thanks
Yes it’s VERY worth the purchase.
Most 2 way radios, aka Walkie Talkies, have range limits from a mile to 10 miles. I suggest purchasing a 6 mile or larger range since you’re headed to Disney World. While I’ve never been there & have been to the California counterpart, a 6 mile or larger range limit is ideal.
Bear in mind that you may not be the only one with 2 way radios in the park. Other people may have the same idea. Regardless of the brand you buy, you’ll have others’ interferrance on your channels. Some channels will have more people on them than others. The best thing to do is change channels every hour. Before doing so, inform your other party members first. Do NOT give out the channel number on the radio! For example, you could say, "There’s a lot of others on this channel. Let’s go up 2 channels." Check that everyone’s there, then say "Ok, now let’s go up 3 more.” Again, checking to make sure everyone’s on the same channel with a quick, "Everyone here?" This keeps the nosy listeners off your channel & harder to tune into your conversations. Also remember, these aren’t meant for extended talking on. They’re meant for quick location meeting confirmations of a lost/missing party member or to give details about where to meet, etc.
Some people will tell you one brand is better than another. I disagree. I’ve had Motorola, Uniden & Audiovox brands. They all worked pretty much the same. I currently have a Uniden set of 2 that I use with my son. Your best option is to buy enough sets for your party to have at least one or 2 people in each group to have a 2 way radio. For example, if you have 3 groups of 5 people, buy 3 packs of radios. They’re sold in packs of 2. The extra one can be given to another adult or saved as a back up.
When you first buy them, test them out around your home. Check the range out yourself before your trip to Disney World. There’s nothing worse than buying 2 way radios, going on a fun trip & not having them work properly. Charge ALL the radios on the chargers for the time suggested in the directions. Most radios will last for several hours in stand by mode.
Buy all the same brand, Motorola, Uniden, etc for your group. Most brands don’t interact with others on the channel’s frequency. So if you’re buying Uniden, buy 3 2 packs of the same radios.
They’re not waterproof or water resistant either. For going on water rides where you might or know you’ll get wet, ask someone else in your party who’s done on the ride to hold your radio for you. Even turned off it can still get water damage from the water ride through the speaker.
Have fun on your trip!
Yes it’s VERY worth the purchase.
Most 2 way radios, aka Walkie Talkies, have range limits from a mile to 10 miles. I suggest purchasing a 6 mile or larger range since you’re headed to Disney World. While I’ve never been there & have been to the California counterpart, a 6 mile or larger range limit is ideal.
Bear in mind that you may not be the only one with 2 way radios in the park. Other people may have the same idea. Regardless of the brand you buy, you’ll have others’ interferrance on your channels. Some channels will have more people on them than others. The best thing to do is change channels every hour. Before doing so, inform your other party members first. Do NOT give out the channel number on the radio! For example, you could say, "There’s a lot of others on this channel. Let’s go up 2 channels." Check that everyone’s there, then say "Ok, now let’s go up 3 more.” Again, checking to make sure everyone’s on the same channel with a quick, "Everyone here?" This keeps the nosy listeners off your channel & harder to tune into your conversations. Also remember, these aren’t meant for extended talking on. They’re meant for quick location meeting confirmations of a lost/missing party member or to give details about where to meet, etc.
Some people will tell you one brand is better than another. I disagree. I’ve had Motorola, Uniden & Audiovox brands. They all worked pretty much the same. I currently have a Uniden set of 2 that I use with my son. Your best option is to buy enough sets for your party to have at least one or 2 people in each group to have a 2 way radio. For example, if you have 3 groups of 5 people, buy 3 packs of radios. They’re sold in packs of 2. The extra one can be given to another adult or saved as a back up.
When you first buy them, test them out around your home. Check the range out yourself before your trip to Disney World. There’s nothing worse than buying 2 way radios, going on a fun trip & not having them work properly. Charge ALL the radios on the chargers for the time suggested in the directions. Most radios will last for several hours in stand by mode.
Buy all the same brand, Motorola, Uniden, etc for your group. Most brands don’t interact with others on the channel’s frequency. So if you’re buying Uniden, buy 3 2 packs of the same radios.
They’re not waterproof or water resistant either. For going on water rides where you might or know you’ll get wet, ask someone else in your party who’s done on the ride to hold your radio for you. Even turned off it can still get water damage from the water ride through the speaker.
Have fun on your trip!
References :
I use Uniden 2 way radios & have for a few years