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?

[dadaleus]

Torrey Pines

Sorry, what or who is Torrey Pines?

Mickey and Friends is the big structure if you follow the signs from SB I-5 to "Theme Park Parking". If you pull in through where you pay they'll guide you to ramps to the floor they want you to park on. What he seems to be saying on Recargo is that when you get to the level they are parking you on, ask the first attendant trying to guide you to let you go to the right (to the East side) and park in the last row on that side by the wall rather than in the row they are currently filling so you can park by a 110 outlet. Again, I haven't done this yet--it's just my reading of what he's saying on Recargo combined with my own pretty good familiarity with that structure.

If you're staying at a hotel, you could always ask the valet if you can find a place by a 110 outlet, or if you self park try to find one. No idea if that would work.

But it is ridiculous that Disney so far has refused to put in any dedicated EV support. I really hope this changes soon.

[vfx]

Sorry, what or who is Torrey Pines?...
But it is ridiculous that Disney so far has refused to put in any dedicated EV support. I really hope this changes soon.

Torrey Pines is a beautiful similarly craftsman hotel (near you)Three Blinks inside.

Disney Grand Californian

The question is how do we get Disney to put some plugs in for us like their golfcarts?

[dadaleus]

Ha! Well yes, I know THAT Torrey Pines. We visit regularly including having celebrated my wife's 40th there! I just wasn't understanding your meaning.

Agree completely.

[Larry Chanin]

Well, some Disney properties are enlightened, just not on the mainland.

EV Charging Station: Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa


There are at least 27 J1772 chargers at this Disney Resort, but I absolutely refuse to fly my Model S over to Hawaii.



Larry