High Speed internet at campsites!

[68firebird]

FYI...

I had heard rumors about high speed internet coming to FW so I contacted Disney to ask. Here is there response:

High Speed Internet Access (HSIA) is available at preferred campsites.
Requirements: Requires a Local Area Network (LAN) cable or in-room
connection.
Price: $9.95 for 24-contiguous hours charged to the room account.
Technical Support: Is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by
calling the Smart City help desk directly at 407-938-HELP.

The part about 'in-room connection' doesn't make any sense. But it sounds like you can pick up a cable modem and they charge you 10 bucks a day. You would probably need a CAT-5 network cable to connect your computer to the cable modem.

Those that have to stay in touch with work while trying to escape can do it now.

[csblackwell]

You are correct! Just pick up a cable modem and you're ready to go.

We just returned from a 7 day trip and the campground is awesome. The high speed cable access is just another great thing about FW.

[johnjohnga]

This is a MAJOR improvement for those who need internet access while at FW.

For clarification, you will only need a NIC (Network Interface Card), probably already built into your laptop, or a PCMCIA network card, and a standard network cable long enough to reach from the cat-5 jack to your laptop. There is no need to bring a cable modem (or ANY modem, for that matter).

Incidentally, it's not necessarily CABLE access, it could be DSL or satellite. In any case, only the cable is required.

[CharlesTD]

Ok I just have to ask and this may have been covered omn previous posts about this but WHY do you go on holidays if you still have to get in touch with work? When I go on Holidays I go to get away from work and they know not to contact me no matter how pressing the matter. I turn off the phone and leave the computer at home there is nothing that important that work needs to contact me The building could burn down for all I care I am on holidays so leave me alone LOL.

[Anewman]

Ok I just have to ask and this may have been covered omn previous posts about this but WHY do you go on holidays if you still have to get in touch with work? When I go on Holidays I go to get away from work ...


For some it is the only way or no vacation at all.
My family understands that if I was a mailman or some other profession that could just clock out and be done with work I would happily do it.

[68firebird]

You are right you don't have to bring a cable modem. That is what they rent you for 10 bucks a day. That was what CSBLACKWELL and myself meant, but I can see how it wasn't clear. I was only saying that you may have to bring the ethernet network cable as they didn't state that it would be provided. You also are correct that you will have to have some type of network port on your computer (be it via built-in, PCMCIA , USB etc.).

And ANEWMAN is right. Some of us can't leave work for 8 days. If we did then there may not be a work to come back to. Still spend the time with the family on vacation, but if something blows up you can still have access where you can save the day.

10 bucks a day is expensive, but it is just part of the vacation expense. It would take more time from my family and my vacation if I had to haul my laptop to the outpost and try to connect with dialup each time I needed to get online. :badpc:

Anyway just trying to pass on the information. This forum is a great place to find info and when I didn't find it listed here I contacted Disney to get it. Then I just wanted to post it here for the other poor souls that can't escape work.

:)

[CharlesTD]

For some it is the only way or no vacation at all.
My family understands that if I was a mailman or some other profession that could just clock out and be done with work I would happily do it.

Our company, I work for a bank and one of the largest in Canada they encourage us to go on holidays even if we have something important coming up at work. They feel family time far exceeds work time so no matter what is happening they will never call anyone while they are on holidays. They feel that if it is that important then the other party can hold off or someone else in the department can take care of it. I have worked for companies that want you to stay in touch while on holidays I just told them it wasn't going to happen.

[johnjohnga]

I agree, I don't come to FW with the intent of surfing the 'net (or for the cable TV, either!).

Still, for those whose lives and businesses depend on it, it's a handy feature. For the 5 or so minutes that I require, the Business Ctrs at other resorts are adequate. Last time they didn't even charge me.

[reginaastralis]

Honestly, I think the coolest thing about this is sending my pictures of my 8 month old off to my family the day we take them, instead of going home and sorting through them all. I also am addicted to my email, so it's going to be nice to check it now and then while on vacation.

The last time we were there *Labor Day weekend* there was a problem with our neighbors cable hook up, and they had to use our box. We never use cable while on vacation at Disney either, but the CM offered it to us for free since they had to use ours. I said no, b/c I knew I would be glued watching the news about Hurricane Katrina, but it's nice they have that option.

Amanda

[clkelley]

The reason I bring the laptop on vacation with me is if I don't, I have to leave an "out of office" message on Outlook. Well I have found that message causes more problems than it solves with junk mail bouncing and creating twice the email traffic I normally get.

So taking about 5 minutes each evening cleaning out the junk and forwarding a couple of critical work messages to my backup makes my life much easier upon my return.

I also exclusively pay my bills and do my banking electronically, so having access to that while out of town makes life easier too.

Carol

[elastigirlfan]

Very cool!!! :cool1:

[Florida_Mom]

I have a great job that allows for a lot of family time and vacation time but the trade off is I have to stay connected wherever I am. So, to me, it's worth it. :)

[CharlesTD]

The reason I bring the laptop on vacation with me is if I don't, I have to leave an "out of office" message on Outlook. Well I have found that message causes more problems than it solves with junk mail bouncing and creating twice the email traffic I normally get.

So taking about 5 minutes each evening cleaning out the junk and forwarding a couple of critical work messages to my backup makes my life much easier upon my return.

I also exclusively pay my bills and do my banking electronically, so having access to that while out of town makes life easier too.

Carol

We also do our banking online and just make sure to do it before we leave as for e mail let the mailbox fill up most of it is junk anyhow so I just delete it all when I get back then anything that was important people will re send me LOL.

[TeresaMc]

If you are a business owner you may possibly need to be online.....if I am gone out of town my employees will email me in lieu of calling so that I can answer at my convienence rather than disrupting a family event. But if I wasn't as accessible while gone I would never be able to go away as much.

[DMRick]

While we no longer tote the RV down to Disney (cheaper to fly SW and get a room..if I could figure out how to fly the camper, I would, to have my own bed) we do made 5 or more trips to Disney, as well as camping many weeks and weekends at other times. When I come home at night, I check my auctions and my website sales, as well as answer email from my Desk Top Publishing clients. It's awesome, I get to go away a lot and no one knows I'm gone! For me, the vacation is in not going home to a ton of mail. And, that I'm making money while off having fun. I've been known to find some treasures while at Disney (the charactor store) and put the item up on eBay that night!
We'll be camping this weekend, and I'll be able to Dis (if I so chose) from my campfire.

[rapriebe]

If I have my own built-in NIC and have my own cable, do I need to go to the front desk to get it turned on. If I connect to the Internet at my site, does it automatically charge my bill $9.95. Just wondering how they track it.

[68firebird]

When you check in (or anytime you want it) you go to the outpost (I think) and you pickup the cable modem from them. You have to have this modem to get the high speed access. Then you were billed for a 24hr period.

:)

[johnjohnga]

According to Disney Reservations, you only need the network interface card (NIC) and the appropriate cable. A seperate modem is NOT required.

The way this typically works at other hotels is that you simply connect your laptop to the jack, and when you open your browser, it will automatically open to a page that will allow you to either pay by credit card, or authorize the charge to your room account. Some hotels have a set noon-to-noon period, others give you 24hours from the first logon.

With you built-in NIC and cable, there should be no need to stop by the outpost.

Incidentally, depite some comments about the $9.95 charge for 24 hours being too high,this is more-or-less standard for budget hotels. Internet may be complimentary at higher-end hotels, but let's face it, FW is a terrific bargain, and the extra charge for internet allows FW to continute to offer these low rates.

[68firebird]

They actually told me "You pick up the cable modem". There is not a RJ45 ethernet connection at the sites. These sites have RG6 cable hookups (same as they had before internet). The way cable access works with the internet is by using a cable modem. This same cable hookup at your site carries the internet connection and the tv signal. In order for your computer to translate this to an internet signal you will have to have a cable modem. Where the confusion keeps coming from is where the cable modem comes from. You don't have to bring a cable modem, but you will have to get one from them. There isn't anyway for it to work without a cable modem.

:teacher: (Without getting too technical) :) You have to get the cable modem from THEM because they have to register what is called a MAC address from the modem in order for you to get access. Otherwise anyone could steal the signal without paying for it if they were allowed to hook up their own modem.

The cable hookup there is no different than cable hookups at a residential application. You have to have a modem (from them) to make it work.

[clkelley]

:teacher: (Without getting too technical) :) You have to get the cable modem from THEM because they have to register what is called a MAC address from the modem in order for you to get access. Otherwise anyone could steal the signal without paying for it if they were allowed to hook up their own modem.

The cable hookup there is no different than cable hookups at a residential application. You have to have a modem (from them) to make it work.

Their cable modems must have a permanent MAC address or a router attached with a permanent MAC address, because our cable service at home requires you to call in the MAC address from the computer hooked up to it. In order to hook up multiple computers, we had to get a router and give the cable company the router MAC address.

Carol

[68firebird]

You are correct Carol. Listed on the back of a cable modem is a MAC number. Each site that wants to connect will have to have one of their modems. These modems (and their MAC numbers) are already 'authenticated' with the local cable provider so they will work.

Again this is way more complicated than most people need or want to know.
:confused3

Basically you have to get a cable modem from them to m ake it work. Hope everyone enjoys the high speed connection. I know I will.

[johnjohnga]

Maybe I was overly optimistic in assuming that the reservationist actually knew what she was talking about. She distinctly said that all I needed was a cable; perhaps she was confused with the network connections that are available at other Disney properties. It's hard to imagine that Disney would be willing to invest in all those cable modems. The more typical network setup would seem much more cost-effective.

Has anyone actually USED this internet setup? I'll be there early October and will stop by and check things out, though I can't spend much time doing it or I'll receive a severe reprimand from my other half. (As always, I promised to steer clear of all internet and cable-TV for this trip.)

[68firebird]

It's hard to imagine that Disney would be willing to invest in all those cable modems. The more typical network setup would seem much more cost-effective.

Has anyone actually USED this internet setup?

It would be a major expense to run underground cable for each loop then run fiber optic cable back to a central point to distribute the signal.

Actually they haven't had any expense because the use a 3rd party to provide the cable internet service. It is call SkyNet or something like that. They do all of the support and provide the hardware. When they are being paid $10 a day it doesn't take long to pay off the expense for a modem.

I have read on some other posts and forums that have confirmed that all you have to do is pick up the modem from the check in place. They pretty much bill your $9.95 per 24hr period until you turn the modem back in.

I have to wait until the end of October before I can check it out myself.

Can't wait to check out FW.

[johnjohnga]

When I pressed for details, the Disney reservationist connected me with FW front desk, and they confirmed that the cable modem and all req'd cables are included in the cable package. This is, in fact, different that what is offered at other Disney resorts, hence the confusion.

Either way, I'm STILL not allowed to indulge my technophilia while camping.

sigh

[68firebird]

Just got back from Fort Wilderness and I used the internet access in loop 500. When you pick up the equipment they give you everything you need except for the computer and the network adaptor.

They also charge you $125 for the deposit on the equipment. As mentioned before it is $9.95 a day for the access. We had some troubles the first few days and my access didn't work. They sent out a tech and he was able to trace down the faulty wiring and fix the problem.

At the front desk they didn't charge me except for the days that I was able to use the service. They were very understanding and were very fair.

ONE IMPORTANT NOTE... If you use the express checkout then you need to read your bill carefully. They left the $125 charge on my credit card for the deposit. When I went to the desk to get this removed they appologized and said it was a bug their system regarding people who use express checkout and have the internet service.

Just FYI.

Also the Fort was great. Everything about it was great except for the Electric light parade that was cranked up way too loud and 9:50 each evening and was loud enough to wake my kids up several times. Trails end was awesome and we loved the Haunted Hayride also.

[musicmama]

And have you tried to use it at Ft. W?

Hubby has the Verizon Aircard - also called "National Access" or "Broadband Access" that is basically an antenna in a laptop card. Kind of like connecting your cellphone except that it's a different monthly charge.

He's allowed a limited amount of time over vacation - as am I (or I would spend late nites on the DIS doing "live from WDW"). So, we'd much rather use this which we already pay for than spending another 9.95/day plus deposit.

Anyone?

[68firebird]

Yes I did try it and once the wiring trouble was resolvd it worked fine.

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Did you and your family have a good time? I don't know if we ever crossed paths :confused3 We ended up being in a cabin in the 2800 loop and enjoyed it immensely! Went to the campfire the night they showed Monsters Inc (can't remember the date right now). Hope y'all had a great time! :)

It looked to me like the camping loops were pretty full. The cabins were VERY full the first weekend of our trip as it seemed many people evacuated from south Florida to Disney! That Monday though it cleared out a lot.

[68firebird]

Yeah we had a great time. We ended up being in loop 500. It was very crowded until Sunday and they atarted pulling out. We hit the campfire most bights. We also trick or treated on hollowwen in the campground. Loved the place. Best campground we have ever been to. Also went to the MNSSHP on the 28th and really loved it.

We rode our bikes around the campground alot also and I think we went through your loop.

Another thing we enjoyed was the haunted hayride on halloween night. I thought it was well done.

Trails end was a great place to eat also.

[stillh2o]

I have a ? I see a lot of people going to MNSSHP. What is the MNSSHP?

[ndelaware]

I have a ? I see a lot of people going to MNSSHP. Want is the MNSSHP?
Mickey's
Not
So
Scary
Halloween
Party

[clkelley]

And have you tried to use it at Ft. W?

Hubby has the Verizon Aircard - also called "National Access" or "Broadband Access" that is basically an antenna in a laptop card. Kind of like connecting your cellphone except that it's a different monthly charge.

He's allowed a limited amount of time over vacation - as am I (or I would spend late nites on the DIS doing "live from WDW"). So, we'd much rather use this which we already pay for than spending another 9.95/day plus deposit.

Anyone?

My office provides Verizon aircards to managers for travel. I have borrowed my manager's card for my December Ft. Wilderness trips.

It works pretty well. Kindof slow, but it does get a decent signal at Ft. Wilderness.

Carol

[djcruz4fun]

Could I take my wireless router and network for Me and DW?

[68firebird]

Could I take my wireless router and network for Me and DW?

Yes I did this and I was able to get it to work no problem.

[musicmama]

Yes I did this and I was able to get it to work no problem.

Were you in a campsite? What did you hookup the wireless modem to for your initial connection? :confused:

[68firebird]

I had a wireless router.

I hooked the cable modem directly to the wireless router. Then I could distribute the nework signal (and internet signal) via a hard wire or the wireless connection. Worked no problem.

Each day you still had to go to your browser to accept the connection to the Disney Resort Internet Service, but it could be done from any of the connections on your network in your RV.

Hope this helps.

[Florida_Mom]

Just got back from a 3 day camping trip to Ft. Wilderness over Veteran's Day weekend. I took advantage of the internet access at the campsite, since I have to stay in touch with my job and email each day. It worked great for me, although, the funny part came when a pine cone from a very tall pine tree came crashing down on my head as I was typing on my laptop! Ow! Guess it serves me right for having to work while camping. :rotfl: