FuelRod Rolls Out New Batteries and Higher Prices at Disney World
We recently learned that FuelRod kiosks across the Disney parks received an update. Guests now have more options than before, but they’ll also be paying a bit more for the service. Shout-out to TikTok’s Stuckinneverlandco for giving us the heads-up.
After watching their video, I started digging into what these changes actually mean. Long story short: FuelRods are still convenient, but that convenience comes at a cost. Here’s the full breakdown.
What is FuelRod?
According to their official website, FuelRod is the “first patented, reusable charging system that lets you power your mobile device on the go—then recharge or swap it at any of our kiosks nationwide.”
Simply put, they sell reusable power banks that can be exchanged for fresh ones at any of their more than 500 locations across the US. Lucky for Disney World guests, swapping is free at kiosks inside the resort. However, users will be charged between $1 and $3 to swap at most other locations.
So what’s new?
Payment options
FuelRod kiosks now include tap-to-pay and chip inserts. Before, users could only swipe their credit/debit card or pay through the official FuelRod app.
Price increase
Previously, a FuelRod Kit cost $30 plus tax for a 2,600mAh power bank and cable adapters for various connection types. However, new kits will set you back $40 plus tax for a 3,200mAh power bank, also with cable adapters. While you are paying $10 more than before, you are gaining 600mAh of total battery capacity.
Want to save money? Amazon sells 2-pack kits for significantly less than what you’ll pay in the parks. And those FuelRods can be exchanged at any Walt Disney World kiosk. That’s a win-win.
New Charger
FuelRod has also introduced the MAX10, which offers serious upgrades over the basic kit. It has a 10,000mAh capacity, supports wireless charging, and is Magsafe-compatible. But it also comes with a hefty price tag of $80 plus tax. Swapping it outside of Disney parks will also cost you more, between $2 and $4, depending on the location. As of publication, not all kiosks offer the MAX10.
Again, you can save a little money by purchasing on Amazon before your visit.
Where are the FuelRod stations?
There are too many to list here. Seriously, I wasn’t kidding when I said FuelRod is convenient. There are dozens of locations across Walt Disney World. Rather than list them all here, I’ll just link to the appropriate page on the Disney World website. You can also search for “FuelRod” in the MDE app.
What about other power banks?
Using FuelRod inside the parks is convenient. But there are benefits to buying your own portable charger, like more capacity for less money. Most current smartphones have battery capacities between 3,700 and 5,000mAh. Remember, FuelRod’s basic kit maxes out at 3,200mAh, so that won’t fully charge even one phone.
Conversely, this Anker power bank has a capacity of 10,000mAh and costs between $15 and $25. It will give you two to three full charges for a fraction of the cost. Yes, you’ll be responsible for charging it before coming to the parks, but that shouldn’t be a problem. Plug it in along with your phone each night.
If that’s not enough juice, other power banks offer up to a 20,000mAh capacity, although you will pay a bit more for those models.
Do I really need to charge my phone in the park?
For most people, the answer is resounding yes. A Disney park day will have you using the My Disney Experience (MDE) app to mobile order food, book Lightning Lanes, and even purchase merchandise in the shops. For me, it’s all about checking EPCOT’s Festival Kitchen menus.
What really takes your battery down is the camera. And we all use our cameras in the parks. So buy a FuelRod. Or get the Anker. You don’t want to be out of juice when Maleficent Dragon rolls by, breathing all that fire.
