Update: November 1st
FuelRod and Disney have chosen not to implement the charge at this time. Machines at Disneyland and Walt Disney World now say “Swappable”, and holes cut for LED signs advertising the change have been hastily covered.
A Change In The (Battery) Force
Since 2016, Disneyland and Walt Disney World have offered FuelRod, a small $30 battery pack, with the promise of free swaps at kiosks throughout the parks and hotels.
Swaps have been free at the kiosks on Disney property, even as those located offsite began charging for swaps – even those at other theme parks like SeaWorld and Universal. As we speculated on previously, that’s set to change very soon.
Unlimited Power? Not Anymore
Starting November 1st, it will cost $3 to exchange a FuelRod at any Disney destination.
This has been confirmed with signage on some machines, along with an update on the Disneyland website.
Quick Tip For Cheaper Swaps
Not everyone knows it, but the FuelRod Twitter account occasionally posts promo codes to make swaps cheaper. It’s far from ideal, but it might help you save a dollar or two!
The FuelRod app may offer complimentary swaps as a promotional offer (in exchange for your email and phone number, of course)
Think Of The Environment
If you decide that FuelRods are no longer right for you, please consider disposing of them in the proper manner. Chemicals can leak out of them if disposed of improperly.
You can find the closest place to recycle them at Call2Recycle.