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[Momto2boys]

I was wondering if anyone has brought a walkie talkie type radio to the parks. I was thinking about it for our trip in June, that way my husband and I could seperate but still have communication. Any thoughts would be helpful.

[statelady01]

Let me say first, welcome to the Boards! Glad your are here!!

Personally, I have never used them, although I may in the future- but have seen tons of families use walkie talkies. I think it's an excellent ideas. I have also seen people use cell phones- but unless you have nationwide calling plans with no roaming charges, that could be costly.

Motorola, I have heard as a few good reasonably priced models. I am sure someone else will be along to help you more.

Once again, welcome!

[angelina]

We used the walkie-talkies on our last trip in Feb and they worked great! Sometimes there were other people on the same channel we were using. But we would just wait for them to finish, then we would call each other by our first and last names (so there was no one confusion about who we were trying to contact) We found the radios most useful when we were going to wait in line for something. DD did not enjoy waiting in line. So DH and I would take turns, one waiting in line and one waiting somewhere else with her. Then when it was time to go we would call each other on the radios. It worked like a charm. My only advice, turn up the volume and keep the radios close to your ears (we clipped ours on our backpack straps) with all the commotion it can be hard to here someone calling you.

[Lyli]

Yes! Yes! Yes! We have used our FRS everytime. They have come in extremely handy and prevented us from getting separted from each other (and ds-8) I highly recommend them.

[LuckyPup]

Be sure to get ones with both channels and codes. Usually, there are 5-10 channels that you can use on inexpensive ones. However, those channels get blocked up pretty fast. Shell out the money, and get radios that use codes as well (up to 50, I think) so you can use a channel + code, and cut down on the amount of people who might be using the same frequency. I love my FRS (family service radio), and have used it at conventions, fairs, car caravans--it's great!

[Victorydiv]

FRS radios are popular at the parks, and are used by large number of the guests. The trick is to use a radio that has either "reserved" channels, or sub channels. Otherwise, your conversations will constantly be interrupted, and you'll be stuck listening to everyone else. Cell phone use seems to be up as well, as quite a few shows were interrupted by ringing phones. [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

[ripkensnana]

We got some great walkie-talkies at Sam's Club just before our March trip, and they were wonderful! The price was about $50 or $60 for a pair, and they have sub-channels, and a "ringer" so you can signal someone that you're calling them. I think they're made by Motorola...We'll never go to WDW without them again...DH has a bad habit of wandering off without saying anything...saves a lot of searching and waiting for him to come back from wherever...

[LindaLu627]

I would only add that you should make sure of the maximum distance on whatever you buy. We have Motoroloa walkie talkie's that go up to 2 miles and prefer minimal interference [img]graemlins/ukid.gif[/img] . Good if you are in the same park, not so good if your party is gonna be in more than one place. Wish I'd heard of the FSR before buying these. I need to make sure mine have codes and sub-channels.
I love this board!!!!

Linda

[HJMickey]

I whole-heartedly agree with all the above comments! We use them every Disney trip, around our neighborhood, etc. One of our favorite features on our radios is the vibrate alert - otherwise to be polite, you must turn them off in shows. It's also easier to feel it vibrating when it's noisy around you than to hear the ringing. The sub-channels are a great feature too!

[Stephanie P.]

Ok, so I'm clueless about all this but think that this would be a great thing for our trip in December. So, I need a family service radio with codes and sub channels that vibrate and can go a long distance. Does anybody have an actual brand and model number to recommend? How much are we talking? Thanks!

[Victorydiv]

All FRS radios are limited by the FCC as far as range goes since they only operate on a maximum of 1/2 watt of power, so that decision has been made for you.

Radios with GMRS frequencies reach up to 4 miles on a clear day on flat empty terrain, but must be licensed with the FCC.

Here's a useful guide for choosing the right radio... Collins Notebook guide to FRS

[Cyrano]

Hi [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img]

We used 2-ways on our trip, the type with 14 channels and 38 subchannels. We noticed a lot of people tended to use the current month and day for their channel/subchannel combo (on December 18th channel 12 subchannel 18 was being used by at least three other people). 2-ways are very handy; try searching on amazon.com under Electronics for 'two way radios' for some available ones there.

Cyrano

[madoug]

target has a set of 2 for about $50 that have mickey ears. On model can sound like Mickey and another model has the princesses. Looked cool.

[madoug]

target has a set of 2 for about $50 that have mickey ears. On model can sound like Mickey and another model has the princesses. Looked cool.

[DebiDebiDebi]

We have used them and recommend them. The only comment I have is instead of using a full name to call for someone, I suggest a "code name". That way, you are not broadcasting your name over the radio airwaves. This is especially helpful when children are involved...this way their name is not being used for everyone to hear, and they have something to call you besides "mom" or "dad"...because, believe it or not, there are a TON of "Mom" & "Dad's" out there... [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]