Hams and Disney Security. (Hide your radios?)

[n1das]

If I am there it will be with family and friends and enjoying our time there. Most of us are hams and GMRS licensees/users and scanner listeners too. While I would love to scan around with a scanner, it's at the bottom of the priority list. Working Amateur Radio at Disney is only slightly higher priority. We usually have GMRS/FRS to communicate with as cell phones won't cut it for simple PTT type use with a group. Disney security is probably used to seeing kids and families with FRS bubble packs and don't have any issue with those. Since I moved away from GMRS/FRS to FHSS digital radios on 900MHz, we will be using Motorola DTR and DLR series radios. They are my high quality digital replacement for GMRS/FRS for local on-site simplex type use.

In reading this thread, I keep thinking size matters a lot when it comes to bringing radios into Disney World. Carrying an XPR7550 or an APX radio makes you stick out and look "official" to others and get attention. A large radio might also be viewed as a more "powerful" radio and therefore more likely to interfere with their systems (which it will not). I would not bring one of my DTR650 or DTR700 radios with me because it would look too professional like an XPR7550. I would use a Motorola DLR radio instead because it is so damn small and smaller than most FRS bubble packs. It would look like just another bubble pack in the eyes of Disney security there. The DLRs are compatible with the DTRs and RF performance is essentially identical. DLR = Digital Lightweight Radio according to Motorola. They are great as stealth radios for local simplex ops.

Unlicensed Business Radios - Motorola Solutions

Motorola’s on-site two-way business radios are designed to meet your business needs, helping your team coordinate quickly to address customer needs.

www.motorolasolutions.com

DLR1060 - Motorola Solutions

DLR1060

www.motorolasolutions.com

Maintain a low profile with your radios and you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[wardaddy]

They only seemed to be worried about me being able to listen to their system which no one can.. And they claimed my HT's would interfere with public safety. Which they wouldn't. It's definetly not the backpack, I never get questions about the backpack, it's always the radios.

They gave you that response because saying "we started profiling you as soon as you walked up" isn't very diplomatic. Like I said, the backpack alone isn't the issue. It's merely one indicator you are presenting.

 

[HudsonScannerGuy]

If I am there it will be with family and friends and enjoying our time there. Most of us are hams and GMRS licensees/users and scanner listeners too. While I would love to scan around with a scanner, it's at the bottom of the priority list. Working Amateur Radio at Disney is only slightly higher priority. We usually have GMRS/FRS to communicate with as cell phones won't cut it for simple PTT type use with a group. Disney security is probably used to seeing kids and families with FRS bubble packs and don't have any issue with those. Since I moved away from GMRS/FRS to FHSS digital radios on 900MHz, we will be using Motorola DTR and DLR series radios. They are my high quality digital replacement for GMRS/FRS for local on-site simplex type use.

In reading this thread, I keep thinking size matters a lot when it comes to bringing radios into Disney World. Carrying an XPR7550 or an APX radio makes you stick out and look "official" to others and get attention. A large radio might also be viewed as a more "powerful" radio and therefore more likely to interfere with their systems (which it will not). I would not bring one of my DTR650 or DTR700 radios with me because it would look too professional like an XPR7550. I would use a Motorola DLR radio instead because it is so damn small and smaller than most FRS bubble packs. It would look like just another bubble pack in the eyes of Disney security there. The DLRs are compatible with the DTRs and RF performance is essentially identical. DLR = Digital Lightweight Radio according to Motorola. They are great as stealth radios for local simplex ops.

Unlicensed Business Radios - Motorola Solutions

Motorola’s on-site two-way business radios are designed to meet your business needs, helping your team coordinate quickly to address customer needs.

www.motorolasolutions.com

DLR1060 - Motorola Solutions

DLR1060

www.motorolasolutions.com

Maintain a low profile with your radios and you shouldn't have a problem.

I've gotten harassed for having just my small VX-6 with me one time. And I didn't have a backpack that time, or a radio strap back then... Just my plain clothes and one HT, but I will take your advice for next time. The DLR radios seem like an interesting way to go.

 

[HudsonScannerGuy]

How do you plan on closing it? Asking for a friend.

Never mind... I forgot the OP couldn't close his own threads...

 

[KA9JYO]

If I am there it will be with family and friends and enjoying our time there. Most of us are hams and GMRS licensees/users and scanner listeners too. While I would love to scan around with a scanner, it's at the bottom of the priority list. Working Amateur Radio at Disney is only slightly higher priority. We usually have GMRS/FRS to communicate with as cell phones won't cut it for simple PTT type use with a group. Disney security is probably used to seeing kids and families with FRS bubble packs and don't have any issue with those. Since I moved away from GMRS/FRS to FHSS digital radios on 900MHz, we will be using Motorola DTR and DLR series radios. They are my high quality digital replacement for GMRS/FRS for local on-site simplex type use.

In reading this thread, I keep thinking size matters a lot when it comes to bringing radios into Disney World. Carrying an XPR7550 or an APX radio makes you stick out and look "official" to others and get attention. A large radio might also be viewed as a more "powerful" radio and therefore more likely to interfere with their systems (which it will not). I would not bring one of my DTR650 or DTR700 radios with me because it would look too professional like an XPR7550. I would use a Motorola DLR radio instead because it is so damn small and smaller than most FRS bubble packs. It would look like just another bubble pack in the eyes of Disney security there. The DLRs are compatible with the DTRs and RF performance is essentially identical. DLR = Digital Lightweight Radio according to Motorola. They are great as stealth radios for local simplex ops.

Unlicensed Business Radios - Motorola Solutions

Motorola’s on-site two-way business radios are designed to meet your business needs, helping your team coordinate quickly to address customer needs.

www.motorolasolutions.com

DLR1060 - Motorola Solutions

DLR1060

www.motorolasolutions.com

Maintain a low profile with your radios and you shouldn't have a problem.

I really like my pair of Motorola dlr's, great audio tx and rx, secured (can't be heard from a scanner), light weight. I try to carry it near my ear to hear and talk. I use them ar the Disney parks and on a cruise, where they are better than the old analog radios using by the crew.

 

[HudsonScannerGuy]

I was looking at DTR's but theyre a tad expensive...

 

[KA9JYO]

I was looking at DTR's but theyre a tad expensive...

Check on ebay for like new in a box DLR1020 or 1060, I just got a pair for $150 in great conditions.

 

[Project25_MASTR]

Went to Disney around new years. Security looked at the DTR650's in my bag and sent me on my way. From Disney we went over to Port Canaveral, boarded Disney Dream and again...no one gave a second glance at my DTR650's. Port of call at Nassau...again no issues. Got back onboard and not issues were had. Fun trip and never had an issue with the radios (though one DTR is no longer reproducing audio).

 

[HudsonScannerGuy]

That's a shame.. Glad you had fun! I got the Anytone 878 for my birthday with the Bluetooth and the remote PTT, I think I've solved my security problem.. I can keep it hidden and totally quiet with a stubby antenna from a Kenwood.

 

[N4KVE]

I have a pair of Motorola I355’s that were Nextel phones, but can talk in the Direct Talk mode, similar to a DLR/DTR radio. 900 spread spectrum. Nobody looks at them twice since they’re cell phones. This model is very rugged. They cost me $30 each, & were NOS.

 

[HudsonScannerGuy]

Neat. I have found out that my Anytone 878 DMR radio, with a stubby antenna, the Bluetooth PTT button and a Jabra earpiece works quite well for keeping a low profile...

 

[dgoodson]

When Disney reopens.... leave your radio at the hotel. Enjoy the Disney experience with your family. Enjoy your radio when you get back to the hotel.

 

[AESFTW]

Walked through each park with a mix of APX portables, XPR 6550/7550/SL7550, never any hassle.

 

[HudsonScannerGuy]

When Disney reopens.... leave your radio at the hotel. Enjoy the Disney experience with your family. Enjoy your radio when you get back to the hotel.

My dad's a licensed ham, the radio would be for around the hotel area anyway, I seldom use them at the parks, occasionally i'll bring an HT with me if If I'm just milling around a hotel or the Disney springs area...

 

[radioman2008]

a ham could tell security about the DEARS Disney amateur radio system ON THE PROPERTY.....
last i read the repeater is on space mountain.

 

[HudsonScannerGuy]

It appears to be there still...

 

[WB9YBM]

someone like the ARRL or FCC might be able to provide insights to the legal issues involved; if a radio's legal to operate in places controlled by the FCC, I'm not sure anyone can supersede their authority (although I could be wrong). I remember something similar happening in Canada: a few hams were given some grief for carrying H.T.s onto shopping mall property and the mall got in BIG trouble...

 

[MTS2000des]

someone like the ARRL or FCC might be able to provide insights to the legal issues involved; if a radio's legal to operate in places controlled by the FCC, I'm not sure anyone can supersede their authority (although I could be wrong). I remember something similar happening in Canada: a few hams were given some grief for carrying H.T.s onto shopping mall property and the mall got in BIG trouble...

Nonsense. Private property is private property. Their park, their rules. The FCC ham license doesn't extend one exclusive authority to operate on someone else' property anymore than a driver's license says one can drive into a private driveway or parking lot.

The ARRL will receive turn by turn directions to the closest ISO certified sand pounding facility or a coupon for a free Lakewood Industries Box Fan to go pee into by Disney or anyone else that says NO RADIOS ALLOWED. If they tell one to leave and they start popping off, they can be arrested for trespassing and I doubt "the League" or "Uncle Charlie" will fund said defendants' legal costs.

 

[mmckenna]

(although I could be wrong).

Yeah, like cruise ships. When you buy the tickets, you are agreeing to follow all their rules. The freaky mouse says "no radios", so no radios. If someone doesn't like that, they get the same options I got for dinner as a kid: Take It or Leave It.

But as others have pointed out, it seems to be hit or miss. I suspect individual attitudes play in, both on the side of the customer, and which ever kid is working security at that specific moment.

Last time I was there I was there with my wife and son, not to play radio, so it wasn't an issue.
And, reading fine print before buying tickets or signing contracts is -always- a good idea.

 

[mikewazowski]

someone like the ARRL or FCC might be able to provide insights to the legal issues involved; if a radio's legal to operate in places controlled by the FCC, I'm not sure anyone can supersede their authority (although I could be wrong). I remember something similar happening in Canada: a few hams were given some grief for carrying H.T.s onto shopping mall property and the mall got in BIG trouble...

Definitely not in Canada. Just as in the US, malls are considered private property. If you don't follow their rules, out you go.