Are you still packing a wireless router?

[JJSWDW]

Just curious, got a trip coming up and deciding if I'm going to pack my wireless router. I know the resorts have all gone wifi, but want to know if anyone is still bringing them?

Why bring it?
- encryption between the wireless computer and the wall
- family's devices already know the SSIDs
- back up in case of a problem with the resort's WIFI

Thoughts ?

 

[drusba]

Since there have now been mixed reports, some saying the new wifi system is fine and some saying it is awful, indicating that Disney might have gone chintzy in access points and signal strength and that location of room could make a difference, I am planning to take my AirPort Express.

 

[twinklebug]

I'd bring it - they only take up the space of 2 decks of cards and weigh a few ounces.

Your post made me realize how ridiculous my family has become with technology though. Maybe it would be nice NOT to connect for a week or so... just go off the grid.

I have a book - kids will have DVDs and music, We have all of WDW as a playground. What else is needed?

 

[MrChris]

We were at SSR from 4-Dec to 10-Dec and the network jacks in our unit seemed to be disabled. I'd planned to use my router, but was not able to. I didn't bother to mention it because I figured they were going exclusively wifi. My XP laptop was able to connect to their wifi and things worked fine, but my wife's vista laptop couldn't connect.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

We were at SSR from 4-Dec to 10-Dec and the network jacks in our unit seemed to be disabled. I'd planned to use my router, but was not able to. I didn't bother to mention it because I figured they were going exclusively wifi. My XP laptop was able to connect to their wifi and things worked fine, but my wife's vista laptop couldn't connect.

But, if the ethernet jacks have been disabled, then a personal router is useless.

That said... Always bring your wireless router. You never know when you might need it. Life is a like box of chocolates.. You never know what you'll get.

 

[JJSWDW]

Yes, technology has gone crazy. Our apple/iOS devices are breeding like rabbits. Sometimes during relaxation time back in the room they're a good distraction. Besides my DS7 needs to watch Brain Pop

Though I do agree it'd be nice to disconnect but we normally save that for the times we can do a cruise.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We had no problems with the wireless at AKV/Kidani this past week, so we brought our router home with us from our Owner's Locker. It didn't take up much room, but it did help to get it out of there.

 

[Brian Noble]

If you *need* to be connected (i.e. for work), I'd bring a backup in case there is a problem with the resort wifi. But, if you could survive with spotty coverage, and could live with not having constant connectivity, it would be just as good to leave it at home.

For what it's worth, I recently switched to a 4G MiFi device as my "backup connectivity"---mine is from Verizon, purchased on a no-contract basis, so I can turn service on and off when I need it. I haven't used it at WDW yet, but so far coverage has been great in Boston, DC, and here in SE Michigan. It's not "free", but if you NEED connectivity for work, it's great to be free of what can often be lousy hotel connectivity. And, if I don't need to work, I can leave the laptop at home and just use my 3G iPad.

 

[VrBchJ]

At BLT last week I couldn't get the Wifi to work so I was glad I had my router. At BWV I had no problem with the Wifi. I think I'll just always bring it.

 

[deerislemaine]

Has anyone had experience at OKW and the tree houses and SSR? We'll be there in January. We have a router in our owner's locker, but I'd just as soon not repack it if it wasn't needed.