laptop at DVC

[spiceycat]

okay buying my first laptop.

so how does the free excess work at DVC.

the only web provider that I use is net zero. will that still work - or do even need net zero there?

since flying might not even bring it - but staying for 2 weeks so might?

[BCV23]

It's as easy as it can be, Pat. There should be an ethernet cable in your closet. Just connect it to your computer and the modem in the wall, fire up your computer and start your browser as you would normally do. A window will come up. You have to accept conditions, etc.. There's a notification of the daily charge but a note that there's no charge for members. Just accept and you're on your way.

Two weeks...how sweet. Which resort?

[BWV Dreamin]

I haven't used it yet, but once you gain access to their network (there may be a logon code you need to use), you will boot up to your desktop icons. From there you just click on IE(internet explorer), and then you will go right to your home page. No dial-up stuff first. This will also be alot faster than what you are used to!!:goodvibes

[BCV23]

I haven't used it yet, but once you gain access to their network (there may be a logon code you need to use), you will boot up to your desktop icons. From there you just click on IE(internet explorer), and then you will go right to your home page. No dial-up stuff first. This will also be alot faster than what you are used to!!:goodvibes

No code needed.

[lovinthemouse]

We just got right on when we hooked up the cables. It was very simple. Go ahead and take your laptop you will be glad you did:goodvibes

[stlocke]

We just got back from WDW a few weeks ago. While this is a free and easy service to use, PLEASE check your "statements" you get before you check out because at both of our DVC resorts, we were charged the $9.95/day. While they gladly took the charges off, if I hadn't noticed them, we would have been charged. The folks there told me there are "bugs" in the system they are trying to work out with regards to free internet usage. Have fun!

[BCV23]

We just got back from WDW a few weeks ago. While this is a free and easy service to use, PLEASE check your "statements" you get before you check out because at both of our DVC resorts, we were charged the $9.95/day. While they gladly took the charges off, if I hadn't noticed them, we would have been charged. The folks there told me there are "bugs" in the system they are trying to work out with regards to free internet usage. Have fun!

It appears you were at SSR and OKW? You would think those would be the two easiest resorts to fix so members would not be charged since there is no hotel component.

We were at AKV and BCV in May and were not charged.

[Simba's Mom]

okay buying my first laptop.

so how does the free excess work at DVC.

the only web provider that I use is net zero. will that still work - or do even need net zero there?

since flying might not even bring it - but staying for 2 weeks so might?


Boy, am I glad you asked this question! DH just bought me my first laptop last year and I haven't brought it to WDW yet. However, I did bring it to HHI and I thought it was a pain to lug around the airport. But I loved going to Big Murgie's Den every evening and logging on. But at WDW, there's so much else to do, I'm afraid I'd end up spending half my vacation DISing instead of enjoying myself. Does anyone else have that concern? But two weeks......I envy you!

[BroganMc]

But at WDW, there's so much else to do, I'm afraid I'd end up spending half my vacation DISing instead of enjoying myself. Does anyone else have that concern? But two weeks......I envy you!

I didn't when I was there for 3 weeks last Spring. In fact I had a great time doing my daily Live report on here. I'd spend an hour or so at night or in the morning writing my entry in lieu of journaling. I did forget to e-mail the folks back home (but they were getting sick of my "gloating" anyway). And I never watched any TV. When I got too busy at SSR I just logged in long enough to read that thread and post a note or two. Having internet access allowed me to do things like last minute research for changes, pedometer measuring of our routes, tracking weather info by satellite and hourly forecasts and keeping track of news and sports scores from home. I don't feel like I'm vacationing as much as temporarily living in a new more fun place.

I have a dedicated travel laptop for my journeys. The one at home is a bohemoth 17" with dual hard drives and lots of extras. The travel is 12" and fits in my bagpack. I had another one that was 10" before. I'm a web designer so part of my travel requirements is having an active cell phone and internet connection to check my sites and deal with client issues. Usually they take less than a few minutes to fix anyway. I've done most of my support while still on the phone with the client. I reserve big jobs and new sites for my downtime at home though. Anything that takes over an hour can suck the life out of your day.

[abeyst]

Just used it at SSR last week. Worked great, very fast.

One thing to keep in mind- you HAVE TO have a credit card on file and charging on your room key. You cannot use the internet until you do. I learned that lesson the hard way.

[BCV23]

Just used it at SSR last week. Worked great, very fast.

One thing to keep in mind- you HAVE TO have a credit card on file and charging on your room key. You cannot use the internet until you do. I learned that lesson the hard way.

I had no idea. We always do have a cc on file so it was never an issue.

That makes sense when there is a charge but now that it's free for members you would think that would no longer apply to those reservations.

[AKV707]

I am using the free internet at AKV right now! VEry fast. I always bring my laptop.

[Conan the Librarian]

It's a great service! I took an old wireless router with us and we had two laptops going while sitting on the patio even.

Nice way to unwind after a tough day in the park.

[spiceycat]

thanks everyone the laptop has arrived!!:thumbsup2

[Candace]

We just got back from WDW a few weeks ago. While this is a free and easy service to use, PLEASE check your "statements" you get before you check out because at both of our DVC resorts, we were charged the $9.95/day. While they gladly took the charges off, if I hadn't noticed them, we would have been charged. The folks there told me there are "bugs" in the system they are trying to work out with regards to free internet usage. Have fun!

Yeah, at SSR two weeks ago, they accidentally charged us one day's usage, but they gladly removed it from my bill when I checked out. Also, at SSR, we were in a dedicated two bedroom, and the internet was only hooked up in the master bedroom. We tried it everywhere, and then I called the tech number on the phone, and they told me that so far, it was only hooked up in the master. I guess if you were in a 2 bedroom lockoff, it would be hooked up in the studio portion, huh?

[evaready51]

It's as easy as it can be, Pat. There should be an ethernet cable in your closet. Just connect it to your computer and the modem in the wall, fire up your computer and start your browser as you would normally do. A window will come up. You have to accept conditions, etc.. There's a notification of the daily charge but a note that there's no charge for members. Just accept and you're on your way.

Two weeks...how sweet. Which resort?
Even though it is free - watch your bill - we were billed for 3 out of the 8days of our stay. We caught it on checkout and received a credit

[spiceycat]

Yeah, at SSR two weeks ago, they accidentally charged us one day's usage, but they gladly removed it from my bill when I checked out. Also, at SSR, we were in a dedicated two bedroom, and the internet was only hooked up in the master bedroom. We tried it everywhere, and then I called the tech number on the phone, and they told me that so far, it was only hooked up in the master. I guess if you were in a 2 bedroom lockoff, it would be hooked up in the studio portion, huh?

not in the livingroom just the master bedroom - that is strange.

thanks for the warning - going first to SSR 1-bedroom - would have looked in the livingroom.

[AInWonderland]

This may be a silly question, but my daughter just got a laptop and is thinking of taking it with her. Where do you keep it while at the parks?

[macman752]

This may be a silly question, but my daughter just got a laptop and is thinking of taking it with her. Where do you keep it while at the parks?

My portable (15" MacBook Pro) fits nicely in the in-room safe.

[kgc07]

This may be a silly question, but my daughter just got a laptop and is thinking of taking it with her. Where do you keep it while at the parks?

The safe may be too small depending on where you stay and if you want to put other items in the safe. You can buy laptop locks and attach them to a piece of heavy furniture.

[Tigger7570]

Like spiceycat, I too am now an owner of a laptop. I have never taken it with me anywhere. I've only had it since February. I decided not to take it when we went to OKW in March. However, I'm thinking about taking this next trip. I have two questions. Because of the large amount of identity theft and the fact that twice we have been given free credit reporting because of the potential of comprised ss number and credit card number (just shows no matter how careful you are, a company or someone else can mess up), I check our checking account daily. Is this something I can do at OKW? I know they say not to do it with (here goes my lack of technology) WiFi, but is this hookup at OKW different than the WiFi and does anyone check their accounts from here. Also, my laptop is too big for the safe so will it be secure (obviously nothing is a 100%), but putting it in a bureau drawer or should I definitely go for the lock. Thanks for the help.

[Smitty844]

I travel quite a bit for work and whenever I do travel business or Disney, I put my laptop in my luggage and lock the luggage. My laptop is too big for the in-room safe. Never had a problem doing it that way.

Smitty

[Muhlenberg]

I've put my laptop in a locking briefcase (that's what I use instead of a laptop case) and put the whole thing in a drawer. I've done this at CR and haven't had a problem.

As far as checking personal account info...think of WiFi as a radio signal, and "anyone technologically astute" could tap into it. On any connection, you can clear your temporary files, clear your cookies, etc. after you use it.

[rcchello]

My daughters boyfriend showed me a new trick. He had a laptop lock and put it around the hanger rod in the bedroom closet and put it on the shelf.

[fishermouse]

This may be a silly question, but my daughter just got a laptop and is thinking of taking it with her. Where do you keep it while at the parks?
I just put mine in it's case and toss it in that big chest in the loiving room... Never had a theft problem and I've been bringing it for years, in the past I've used acelluar modem but and probably still will since I don't want to be chained to the desk or lug a router around. It's about time they go wireless.

Cheeze guess we're just never satisfied:confused3

[AKV707]

I use a laptop lock and loop the cable over a secure part of the desk.

[jagson]

has anyone used a travel router? how does it work? how does it set up? what is a good brand to get? wouldn't a travel router solve the problem of the outlet being in the master bedroom?

[vandy]

has anyone used a travel router? how does it work? how does it set up? what is a good brand to get? wouldn't a travel router solve the problem of the outlet being in the master bedroom?

I am using a D-link dwl-g7309ap travel router right now to reply. It was very simple. I just plugged in the power cord and the network cable, set it to the router mode and that was it. No need to download anything. My wireless laptop found the signal and I am connected. It does solve the problem of the outlet in the master. In a 2br villa, the second bedroom receives the signal just fine.

[Litty8]

I just got back from 3 nights at VWL and used the laptop without a problem. The bill didn't show the charge on any of the nights either! I was worried about that since you have to agreee to the charge, but it worked fine.

[vandy]

We were charged for 1 of our 6 days at OKW, but they immediately removed it. I would recommend checking out at the front desk to make sure. We simply lock our laptops in our luggage when not in use.

[jagson]

I am using a D-link dwl-g7309ap travel router right now to reply. It was very simple. I just plugged in the power cord and the network cable, set it to the router mode and that was it. No need to download anything. My wireless laptop found the signal and I am connected. It does solve the problem of the outlet in the master. In a 2br villa, the second bedroom receives the signal just fine.

Thanks for the feedback, I'll give it a try

[tidefan]

At DLH (on points) you just point your wireless to "Disneyland Resort WiFi" and off you go. Couldn't be easier. They said that GCV will be the same since all DLR cash guests have to pay the "resort fee" of $11 (note: this is included with DVC points) which includes internet, so GCV is going to piggyback off of that service...