High Speed internet at campsites!

[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.


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 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?

 

[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.