Disney t.v.

[bbn1122]

We noticed the lack of channels too.

Who doesn't like to lie in bed after a long day at the parks and watch some good television? I know I do!

Funny on DCL they have a lot of Disney channels, plus tons of movies running continuously all day and night. It took us 6 viewing to see the whole Blind Side.

 

[Conan the Librarian]

If the TV in the room will let you, try getting to channel 98. That is the Disney Cartoon channel.

The problem may be the TVs, not, the management.

And there is always the free DVD library that DVC provides.

 

[Hunclemarco]

I was also going to mention the free DVD rentals. It's not the same as your normal tv watching like at home, but it does allow for some variety. Stacey is on in our room a lot.

 

[Tinker74]

Wasn't there a thread that talked about this a little while back?

Someone mentioned that too good of a channel line-up might lead to more people sitting in there rooms, not spending money.

I come from the Uk...so LOVE getting some american tv when Iam over!
Is Nancy Grace still on the Disney TV?...and will Soapnet still be on in July?

 

[tjkraz]

Jim Lewis said they were going to look into the TV offerings back in 2009 at the members meeting.

DVC did a follow-up at the 2010 meeting and--like Chuck said--basically told us that it's out of their hands. The cable TV agreements are made at a much higher level and until/unless WDW management sees fit to add more channels, there's really nothing DVC or the individual resorts can do about it.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

DVC did a follow-up at the 2010 meeting and--like Chuck said--basically told us that it's out of their hands. The cable TV agreements are made at a much higher level and until/unless WDW management sees fit to add more channels, there's really nothing DVC or the individual resorts can do about it.

But I've also read that the individual resorts do select their channels. For example BCV did not have TBS (I believe) when we wanted to watch some baseball playoffs. But both AKV Jambo and BWV had it 6 months and 1 year earlier. The explanation was what I had read - individual resorts select their line up. And that's why a few of the resorts still had the channel running the disney shorts and others didn't.

 

[BeesKnees]

We never use their channels anymore outside of getting some news. We have a wireless router in our OL and we take a Netfix streaming device (we take Roku because it is so small) and we have all the TV and movies we could ever want.

No commercials and 20k selections in their catalog. The quality is less than we get at home (because the speed in the room is only so-so) but it is better than the alternative.

Most of these players also have digital picture viewers (converting your TV into a digital picture frame) and several music options like Pandora. It is nice to have Christmas pictures being displayed when down there for the holidays with some Christmas music going in the background.

 

[DVC Jen]

so what channels are available? Are the basic local channels available? ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX?

 

[DVC Grandpa]

so what channels are available? Are the basic local channels available? ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX?

Yes, but on the local level. They do not carry any of the FOX cable channels. I think that they carry all the other NBC cable offerings.

 

[Chuck S]

The questions still don't really apply to DVC, as the WDW based DVC resorts receive their cable service from the WDW resort cable system. DVC is not going to negotiate privately with the other cable stations for use at DVC resorts. It would not be practical from a cost standpoint.

Simple as that.

For almpst any missing cable channels, I do what I do at home as I have only basic cable...I use the internet and watch shows on sites such as Hulu, or the websites of the respective network. Since DVCers receive free internet service at DVC resorts, it seems like a great solution. And has the advantage of watching it at your convenience, rather than when it is broadcast.

 

[tjkraz]

For almpst any missing cable channels, I do what I do at home as I have only basic cable...I use the internet and watch shows on sites such as Hulu, or the websites of the respective network. Since DVCers receive free internet service at DVC resorts, it seems like a great solution. And has the advantage of watching it at your convenience, rather than when it is broadcast.

Hulu, Slingbox, broadcaster websites, streaming apps...there really are many solutions these days if it's a priority.

Hardest part is probably sports since those events aren't typically streamed for free. But most of the major sports leagues do have live streaming products for a fee.

I have a TV tuner card attached to my Mac and it allows me to stream live TV to my iPhone and iPad. I've tested it on a limited basis and it appears to work well. Guess I'll find out how well when we go to DL in a few weeks.

 

[BeesKnees]

Hulu, Slingbox, broadcaster websites, streaming apps...there really are many solutions these days if it's a priority.

Hardest part is probably sports since those events aren't typically streamed for free. But most of the major sports leagues do have live streaming products for a fee.

I have a TV tuner card attached to my Mac and it allows me to stream live TV to my iPhone and iPad. I've tested it on a limited basis and it appears to work well. Guess I'll find out how well when we go to DL in a few weeks.

Some of the sports are starting to show up as streaming options like MLB and NHL.

For us streaming is a priority not because we watch that much but what little we do watch is too annoying to leave to Disney.

 

[pkitty]

I find it very difficult to handle the tv stations at WDW.....I feel encapsulated to the point of distress. I would be nice if you could at least get BBC News World or CBC News so that you could at least know what is happening outside of the US. There are millions of international visitors every year who would likely appreciate this. My DD was in Cuba on March Break and was able to watch coverage of the Japanese tsunami disaster all day.....this in a communist country....so what gives? I find tv watching at WDW way to over stimulating after a day at the parks. Feels like one big barking infomercial....and as far as the tv evangelists go....don't get me started....

 

[hakepb]

I find it very difficult to handle the tv stations at WDW.....I feel encapsulated to the point of distress. I would be nice if you could at least get BBC News World or CBC News so that you could at least know what is happening outside of the US. There are millions of international visitors every year who would likely appreciate this. My DD was in Cuba on March Break and was able to watch coverage of the Japanese tsunami disaster all day.....this in a communist country....so what gives? I find tv watching at WDW way to over stimulating after a day at the parks. Feels like one big barking infomercial....and as far as the tv evangelists go....don't get me started....

There are (or were) several international channels at the higher numbers of the lineups (German, Asian...) Although I have no idea how comprehensive their news services are)

 

[BeesKnees]

I find it very difficult to handle the tv stations at WDW.....I feel encapsulated to the point of distress. I would be nice if you could at least get BBC News World or CBC News so that you could at least know what is happening outside of the US. There are millions of international visitors every year who would likely appreciate this. My DD was in Cuba on March Break and was able to watch coverage of the Japanese tsunami disaster all day.....this in a communist country....so what gives? I find tv watching at WDW way to over stimulating after a day at the parks. Feels like one big barking infomercial....and as far as the tv evangelists go....don't get me started....

The Roku offers many many international news feed channels.