Chargers in all the WRONG places and WRONG prices!

[JediMasterBarrett]

Wanted to update y'all on the search for electric outlets at Disney World. We went to the Magic Kingdom yesterday and parked at the Contemporary Resort for lunch. I asked the gate guard about a parking spot with access to a plug. He pointed to a spot directly across from the gate guard shack. So, I pulled in and actually found the outlet! But, unfortunately, it is in a cordoned off area the width of three or four parking spaces with those flexible cones (motorcycle parking?) and the charge cord wouldn't reach from the outlet to the first available parking spot (which actually was available). Perhaps next time I'll bring an extension cord!

Prior to going I called the Grand Floridian. I thought for sure they would have an EV station as it's the flagship resort at Walt Disney World. But, no luck. I called the Contemporary and they said they didn't have one either. I spoke with Disney security on the phone asking for any ol' outlet on property. But, no dice.

I figure the more I can plant a "bug" in people's ears, the better the chance Disney will do something sooner than later.

Also, another note. I am going to a convention at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando next weekend. I called and asked about EV charging stations. The lady who answered said they didn't have any. However, a press release from 2010 found via google search revealed the local utility company, OUC, maintained four EV charging stations at the OCCC. So, I called OUC, was transferred to a few different departments and eventually left a message. Thankfully, someone called me back and told me there are indeed four "Chargepoint" charging stations there. Not sure how they work, but hopefully I'll be able to figure it out. According to Chargepoint's web site, the four charging spots are right next to the building. With a parking lot as huge as theirs is, that's kinda cool.

[drbruns]

If they are Chargepoint stations, it will be helpful to have a Chargepoint RFID card. You didn't mention if their website showed them as free stations. You can get free RFID cards from Chargepoint, but they will not work on stations that charge a fee. If these stations are fee based, the smoothest solution is to have a different card from Chargepoint that has money on it.

I haven't tried using a fee based Chargepoint station without the Chargepoint card, but others have reported that you can call the number on the station and use a credit card to initiate the charge.

If you are not familiar with the process, it may be worth your time to call Chargepoint ahead of time and figure out the situation.

[richardw0000]

Did you tell them the reason you patronized their establishment?

I did not, but I will next time.

[C-Kwik]

I thought the same thing about Walgreens when I saw they had them. Not to mention its $2.00. My university has them but also charge $2.00. There is a charger in a parking structure very close to my apartment (walking distance) that is supposedly free. Not sure if access is free or not though. I'll have to check it out soon. One good bit of news is my girlfriend's work will be moving later this year and they are planning to have a few EVSEs in the parking lot with free access. In her case, it was helpful that the owner of the company has a Fisker Karma. We could potentially spend almost nothing on getting around in the Volt. Almost wish we could afford another. Though she expressly told me she would rather drive her CRX because its got a manual tranny.

[tedbe]

Maybe an analogy is how online access developed. Years ago, when staying at a hotel it was usual that you would be charged an arm and a leg for in-room online access. In typical laissez-faire fashion, the first pricing of new technology can be an effort to wring as much cash as possible out of customers. After awhile, competition creeps in and prices moderate. Now, online access is either free or more moderately priced. Of course, there are still holdouts -- like the hotel chain that not only charges out the wazoo for online access but also blocks cell phone access in rooms until you pay up.

[Rampage_Rick]

Though she expressly told me she would rather drive her CRX because its got a manual tranny.

She's a keeper!

[Fulgerite]

I also suggest Museums. People tend to stay at museums for a while...