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Walkie-talkies at theme parks?

Are FRS-style walkie-talkies useful at theme parks?

From Brad Dillman
Posted July 27, 2005 at 7:04 PM
I'm planning a trip this September to Orlando and either Universal or Disney. I've seen walkie-talkies used years ago at Six Flags Darrien Lake. Has anyone used them? I'm thinking of between 2 adults, our kids aren't old enough to be on their own.


Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. Scroll down to respond.

From Anthony Murphy
Posted July 28, 2005 at 2:27 PM
Yes, walkie talkies are a very good idea to have! However, the one downside to this is that you could get workers or other walkie talkies on the line. A good idea is to get the Disney walkie talkies (yeah, I know, Disney wins). However, these tend to work the best. I think there are two versions, princess and disney characters. Everybody can get a character. They are really nice and work most of the time!

From Derek Potter
Posted July 28, 2005 at 3:36 PM
good idea...I use them a lot. However, be sure to get some of decent quality, because you will pick up a lot of crosstalk if too many are on your channel.

From Jen Lubanko
Posted July 29, 2005 at 8:48 AM
I find that with most walkie-talkies there battery runs out really fast.

From Jeff Sohns
Posted August 16, 2005 at 3:20 PM
I use the $50 Cobra 5 or 7 mile range. It really a good idea to get talkies with privacy codes. So instead of being on straight up channel 16, you can be on say, channel 16.22 or something. A couple of years ago the talkies were really tough at times. Lots of people had them. Teens would get bored and scan frequencies till they found you talking to your family. They would then lock in on your frequency and interject there talk while you talk to the family and cause confusion. My advice is to IGNORE there cross talk. If you confront them and tell them to grow up or something they know they're getting to you and will not stop. Little Johnny might ask you on the talkie if he can get something at the gift shop. You'll say you can't afford it. Someone will come on the talkie and say, "quit being such a tight wad and buy the kid the gift!". usually it's MAJOR potty mouth language. Just don't even igknowlege them at all. Often they will go away. Another thing they will do is JAM your frequency. As soon as you talk, they push the talk button for long lengths of time blocking out your transmission. I absolutely hate this.
Now, for better news. I really noticed lately a LOT less talkies at parks. People are using there mobile phone talkies instead. I've found that Duracell batteries last 10 to 12 hours in most theme parks.


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