Disney's current position regarding electric chargers

[Larry Chanin]

I sent the following email to Walt Disney World Resort:

As you no doubt are aware, many folks are interested in switching from gasoline burning vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs). In my case I have an electric vehicle on order and I regularly visit Disney World. I was disappointed that I was unable to find anything on your website that discusses, electric chargers installed at Disney resorts, or any plans that Disney has in this area. I am organizing a club in Florida comprised of several families who have, or are planning to purchase electric vehicles. I would be happy to pass on in our next newsletter any information that you can provide regarding Disney's plans to support the EV community.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,

Lawrence Chanin

Here is the response that I received:

Dear Mr. Chanin,

Thank you for contacting us regarding the Walt Disney World Resort.

I am very sorry for the disappointment you experienced when you learned
electric car chargers are not available on Walt Disney World property.
At this time, we have no plans to install chargers due to the lack of
demand from our Guests. However, I wanted to personally assure you that
your feedback has been taken seriously and let you know how much we
appreciate your comments. Our Guests' feedback allows for our continual
growth and the preservation of the magic Walt Disney dreamed about.

Mr. Chanin, thank you again for your honest and constructive feedback.

Sincerely,

Meagan Casey
Guest Services
Walt Disney World Resort

For those of you interested in demonstrating that there will be a demand for electric chargers at Walt Disney Resorts, here is their email address:

WDW Guest Communications <WDW.Guest.Communications@disneyworld.com>

Larry

[NigelM]

Tip: The Renaissance Hotel at SeaWorld (also convenient for Disney) offered me free charging overnight from a NEMA 14-50 outlet, plus free parking and free valet if you are a guest staying there.

[Larry Chanin]

Yes, there are other competing resort alternatives, a point which perhaps might be driven home to Disney management with sufficient reminders from their former Guests who happen to drive electric vehicles.

Here's an excellent example:

The Star Island Resort And Club

They have two level 2 chargers available to guests only.
They claim to be about 4 miles from Disney World.

Larry

[vfx]

We have had similar responses in Anaheim.

[dadaleus]

Ditto vfx. I've been nagging Disneyland ever since I got the Roadster.

Although apparently there is a hack to get to a 110v outlet in the Mickey & Friends garage. I haven't personally tried this yet but appreciate the info from whoever posted it: Disneyland - Mickey & Friends Parking Garage - Anaheim, CA - Recargo

If I'm there for the day, that will at least add enough to make me more comfortable about the round trip since I'm 85 miles away.

[vfx]

Ditto vfx. I've been nagging Disneyland ever since I got the Roadster.

Although apparently there is a hack to get to a 110v outlet in the Mickey & Friends garage. I haven't personally tried this yet but appreciate the info from whoever posted it: Disneyland - Mickey & Friends Parking Garage - Anaheim, CA - Recargo

If I'm there for the day, that will at least add enough to make me more comfortable about the round trip since I'm 85 miles away.

Don't know the garages well enough. Was just at the park on business last month. As usual I called and looked around and asked parking attendants (always useless). Important to note that employees buzz around in electric golf carts so there are plug-in places (and power for EVs) everywhere. Would it be best to start with Downtown Disney parking? Or maybe the Grand Californian parking garage like Torrey Pines did?

[spleen]

For what it's worth, Aulani has about 8 Chargepoint chargers in their parking garage so there is precedent!


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[dflye]

For what it's worth, Aulani has about 8 Chargepoint chargers in their parking garage so there is precedent!

Ah, I had heard that now that you mention it, but that is definitely something for "locals" only, so while we have DVC points at Aulani, I don't see my Model S ever getting a charge there!

[bobinfla]

Have a friend who is a "Disney Club" member so we stayed at Disney for a couple days last month (at the Bay Lake Towers, next to the Contemporary). We had just come back from a week long vacation, so had lost a lot of charge parked at the airport and needed to add some miles before heading back to Tampa. Got in touch with the Wilderness Lodge, and they were very willing to let us grab one of the RV spots for a few hours, no charge.

[dflye]

Got in touch with the Wilderness Lodge, and they were very willing to let us grab one of the RV spots for a few hours, no charge.

That is good to know! Have a trip planned to WDW over Memorial Day weekend, and no clue if Tesla will have Superchargers that far south by then.