Final Verdict-Wired Internet Dark?

[WilsonFlyer]

I'm trying to finalize my white paper for posting here for folks concerned about being on the open public WiFi while at WDW (or anywhere for that matter). If you're not concerned, you probably should be. In brief, your security is very much at risk when operating on any "open" public WiFi system.

There are ways to remedy this problem. The easiest way is via a VPN locked tunnel back to your workplace where all of your traffic goes back to there in an ENCRYPTED TUNNEL to get to the internet or anywhere. Unfortunately, many people don't have access to such a server. That's why I'm working on a solution for the "rest of you."

I started this a few months ago but I've really never had much interest in investing the time to finish this because every time I've been recently, the wired connections have still been working. I would like to confirm, once and for all, that the wired connections in the rooms are indeed "dark" (not working anymore).

You guys can help me a lot. If you have been to a DVC resort RECENTLY and KNOW for a FACT that the wired connection in your room was no longer working, please post the following:

Name of the resort.
Approximate date you found the wired internet connection not working.

I appreciate all contributors but it's really unnecessary to re-post a resort once it's confirmed.

I will be posting a TWO ROUTER solution for anyone interested in protecting their information while still using open "public" WiFi systems in the next week or so, but I will only post it when we have confirmed once and for all that the wired internet is finally dark. If you're interested, stay tuned.

Thanks in advance for your help in compiling this data!

 

[kristenrice]

Thanks!

We will be travelling in June. We were hoping for a wired connection so we could hook up dad's router, but that's not looking like it is going to happen. Hopefully the wireless will be adequate...I like to stream Netflix via my iTouch when I go to bed.

 

[vicki_c]

None at OKW (Turtle Pond - building 36 I think) the week before Easter.

None at Beach Club Resort (not DVC I know) club level 5th floor in late January. I was told there that the hard wired connections were all pulled when they installed the wireless.

 

[cpdwiz]

Disconnected at boardwalk it's 5/16/12 and free wifi is horrible

 

[DebbieB]

Didn't work at BWV 2 weeks ago. I brought my router, I plugged it into the wall, it sent the signal but it would not connect, 3 of us tried it.

 

[disneynutz]

Discussed the WDW WiFi with the new vendor back in December and they confirmed that once the WiFi was up, Disney was pulling the contract with the old vendor and the wired connections would go down.

Last month I checked YC, BCV, BWV, and Jambo, all wired internet access was disconnected. The routers were still installed but no internet connection.

Bill

 

[rock_doctor]

Step backwards in my opinion to drop the Ethernet system. WiFi is fine but some of us want a hardwired connection. Remember the internet is part of our "Telecommunications" bill that we pay for in our dues. It is not a gift from Disney. I just don't understand...they have no ability to think ahead or do anything more then what they are specifically told to do.

Would it not make sense to just hook the wired and the WiFi to the same incoming connection and run both? What is it going to cost them, it is not going to increase bandwidth usage...but does cover all bases.

My apologies to the OP, i pulled your thread off target but this whole thing just grinds my gears.

 

[jekjones1558]

I am at Kidani now. No wired.

 

[LisaS]

Kidani in late April. The hardware had been removed from our room.

 

[disneynutz]

Step backwards in my opinion to drop the Ethernet system. WiFi is fine but some of us want a hardwired connection. Remember the internet is part of our "Telecommunications" bill that we pay for in our dues. It is not a gift from Disney. I just don't understand...they have no ability to think ahead or do anything more then what they are specifically told to do.

Would it not make sense to just hook the wired and the WiFi to the same incoming connection and run both? What is it going to cost them, it is not going to increase bandwidth usage...but does cover all bases.

My apologies to the OP, i pulled your thread off target but this whole thing just grinds my gears.

Different vendors plus the system is controlled by Disney Resorts, not the DVC. There are many things that the DVC uses, products and software that are controlled and run by other Disney business units.

Bill

 

[bakenatj]

Wilson,

Have you used Hamachi? Anyone who can follow step-by-step instructions can download this on their home computer and use their home PC. I guess I am assuming they have a home pc. Anyway, it is free and that way they can use a VPN when on public networks. There are other changes you can make like turning off sharing, enable your firewall on your laptop, and use SSL if you don't want to use a VPN.

People should do this anytime they are staying at hotels, not just Disney. Goes for any public hot spot.

 

[rock_doctor]

Different vendors plus the system is controlled by Disney Resorts, not the DVC. There are many things that the DVC uses, products and software that are controlled and run by other Disney business units.

Bill

I understand, it's a new vendor but why not keep both live. I will find a work around for my concerns but should not have too... This is up there next to not having resort specific merchandise.

 

[DebbieB]

Last time I was there, they had both at Disneyland. Some upscale hotels have free wi-fi but if you want wired, you have to pay.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Step backwards in my opinion to drop the Ethernet system. WiFi is fine but some of us want a hardwired connection. Remember the internet is part of our "Telecommunications" bill that we pay for in our dues. It is not a gift from Disney. I just don't understand...they have no ability to think ahead or do anything more then what they are specifically told to do.

Would it not make sense to just hook the wired and the WiFi to the same incoming connection and run both? What is it going to cost them, it is not going to increase bandwidth usage...but does cover all bases.

My apologies to the OP, i pulled your thread off target but this whole thing just grinds my gears.

NP and I agree with you. Problem is, it's gone now. the infrastructure was all in place and all they had to do was to maintain it. This is what happens when you outsource things like this. Apparently, the new guys (offshore as I understand it) low-balled the wireless stuff and significantly increased their bid if required to keep the wired up and running. I'm sure some of the wired stuff was owned by the PRIOR contractor and that there was a significant "penalty" to keep their hardware in place after they were gone.

Doesn't matter. At the end of the day, it's gone.

Relax. What I'm doing will give you your wired connection BACK. Give me a week or so.

Wilson,

Have you used Hamachi? Anyone who can follow step-by-step instructions can download this on their home computer and use their home PC. I guess I am assuming they have a home pc. Anyway, it is free and that way they can use a VPN when on public networks. There are other changes you can make like turning off sharing, enable your firewall on your laptop, and use SSL if you don't want to use a VPN.

People should do this anytime they are staying at hotels, not just Disney. Goes for any public hot spot.

Himachi is a great little product from my limited testing, but it only supports a small but growing subset of clients. It also requires a piece running at a remote location (Disinterested/TRUSTED third-party). What I'm working on will solve the problem for anyone with a wired OR wireless device (ANY) and will require no "server" running at a remote location.

Last time I was there, they had both at Disneyland. Some upscale hotels have free wi-fi but if you want wired, you have to pay.

Disney, arguably, should have at LEAST done this, but they didn't. That ship has sailed. It's not likely we'll ever get wired internet back at the WDW resorts, IMO.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

I guess, much to my regret, the verdict is in.

I'll try to finalize my solution and get something posted before I leave for my next trip in a couple of weeks.

Thanks!

-bob

 

[Alexander]

Grrrr! I have an old Dell laptop that I keep in my Owner's Locker that does not have wireless (yes, it is that old). I keep it there so I don't have to bring one with me from home. Fudge! Guess I'll have to bring the mini with me.

 

[rock_doctor]

Grrrr! I have an old Dell laptop that I keep in my Owner's Locker that does not have wireless (yes, it is that old). I keep it there so I don't have to bring one with me from home. Fudge! Guess I'll have to bring the mini with me.

Naw, just keep an eye out for a usb WiFi dongle. Last one i bought cost me $9... Just plug it into a usb port and install the software. Done.

This is the one i got for $9 on sale.

this is another one from the same company. Any manufacturer will work i just picked this one for no real reason. I also have a DLink one that works great.

 

[Norm1]

Stayed at BLT April 26th. WIFI was spotty, Asked for an ethernet cable they did not have one in the room. They brought one the next day and left it on the table. Lots of good it did, it didn't work. You would think they could have just told me it wouldn't connect.

 

[crewmatt]

WilsonFlyer - I work in technology and am def into network security (and have plenty of hardware sitting here if you want me to test some configurations), let me know if you need any help setting up some stuff.

How are you going to secure your communications without setting up some sort of VPN to somewhere (assuming most folks here will be taking their laptop and wont have a desktop or other setup running back at their own house).

For anyone who isn't very technically minded, most WiFi setups at hotels and restaurants are like being in a crowded room, you can listen to anyone's conversation that you want. For the most part if you use legitimate banks and other sites, you'll notice your browser says https for your connection - which means its encrypted - no one else should be able to understand your conversation. If you get any kind of error about a certificate from your browser you should choose not to continue.

If people are willing to pay, there are services that basically give you a VPN (it makes all of your communications encrypted to the VPN provider, who then contacts the websites you want for you and sends you back the info). Also if you have an internet service that blocks certain features like Vonage/etc, this will get you around that.

http://www.hotspotvpn.com/ is one of them, and I believe they offer one week packages.

 

[tjkraz]

NP and I agree with you. Problem is, it's gone now. the infrastructure was all in place and all they had to do was to maintain it.

Therein lies the problem. The in-room equipment saw a lot of abuse over its lifespan. Reliably maintaining redundant service to 30,000 hotel rooms is no small feat. And ultimately only a very small number of people would bother to use it.