Since their arrival at Disney Parks, park guests have turned to countless trusted FuelRod kiosks for their first $30 FuelRod starter kit and enjoyed years of unlimited, free swapping once the battery ran out.
We recently reported on the arrival of FuelRod kiosks at Disneyland that no longer showed the “Free Unlimited Swapping” designation on the front, instead replaced with merely “Swappable”. The chance of that coming to Walt Disney World was imminent, but not certain, but it seems the changes are already starting to sweep the Magic Kingdom:
This FuelRod kiosk tucked away in a corner of Casey’s Corner now shows the new “Swappable” signage.
The kiosks at Curtain Call Collectibles and Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. remain unchanged, but are likely to be updated shortly.
Many airports and other tourist destinations, including nearby theme parks, charge a nominal fee to swap your FuelRod. So, a change in policy for free swaps at Disney Parks would be a major adjustment for many guests who rely on FuelRods to keep their devices charged during their day.
Another possibility is that the graphic is being updated to indicate that free unlimited swapping is not available at every FuelRod kiosk around the world.
At this time, the fate of FuelRods at Disney Parks is not known, so stay tuned to WDWNT as this story develops.
According to the FuelRod web site: “The ability to be swapped (traded) instantly for a fully fueled unit at any FuelRod SwapBox (swap fee may apply at some locations).”
This leads me think that depending on the location of these kiosks around the country a shop owner, whether it’s Disney or a mom-and-pop place, can add a convenience or surcharge fee as a way for them to make extra money on every swap. Sort of like an ATM fee.
But really, if you think a head, these lipstick shaped chargers can be had for about $10, even the ones from from Anker and other reputable companies.
My husband told me that there may be a five dollar charge for a new FuelRod.
I hate to sound like Debbie Downer but WDW is a bit pricey and guest do deserve some perks.
Seems nearly every Disney product is being adjusted for maximum revenue. I can remember when a day in the Park seemed to be a good value and I’d buy stuff in stores. That feeling is long past. Trip in a couple of weeks will be my last one for a long time, possibly never again.
They should definitely NOT charge to swap for a fully charged unit. All
They’re doing is swapping the out and charging the old one. No one never gets a new one to began with! If they start charging, I won’t be swapping ever again!