Internet and cable at the fort

[Disneysince1982]

Ok so I just have to vent. I'm at the fort as I "type". Disney advertises cable and internet are now at the fort. Well, they only have a limited amount of cable /internet modems available! We are staying here a week and may not even get one for our stay. So do not count on it. They said it is complimentary but that doesn't mean you will get it.

 

[NewRVLady]

DH and I are discussing this aspect about going several weeks in a RV
Like to pay bills online if we are gone a while?
Do most of you just use service at a Campground?
Is there another way to get it ( like I have on my I pad?)

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

The Meadow pool area and the Settlement area both have Wi-FI, last trip when we needed a signal we just went by the pool and sat on a picnic table. Not the best WI-FI ever but it got the job done. As big as Walt was on technical innovations I think he would be very disappointed that the Fort didnt have reliable WI-FI at all the sites, I know I am.

 

[bama_ed]

I have heard in the past of the Fort running out of modem kits. I'm sorry it happened to the OP.

I plan to use my cell phone to tether to my laptop and access the DIS and internet via the cellular network next visit.

bigdisneydaddy, I was told at the Front desk on a past trip that wifi is not available in the camping loops because the internal busses running the purple, yellow, and orange routes talk to their central computer on the same radio frequencies used by the wifi. That's the reason why the wifi available at the public access points like the Trading Posts, pool, Outpost, and Trails End are low power (so as to not cause interference).

Other Disney resorts don't have Disney busses running through the middle of them. We do.

Bama Ed

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . bigdisneydaddy, I was told at the Front desk on a past trip that wifi is not available in the camping loops because the internal busses running the purple, yellow, and orange routes talk to their central computer on the same radio frequencies used by the wifi. That's the reason why the wifi available at the public access points like the Trading Posts, pool, Outpost, and Trails End are low power (so as to not cause interference . . .

1) That is what we are "instructed" to tell guests.
2) But, there are MANY frequencies-channels-settings one can use for WiFi.
3) We could EASILY get around the "alleged" bus-radio conflicts.
4) Nough Said.

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

Heck, they created a Mouse that can pick your pocket without you even realizing it, I would think they could find a solution to 2 conflicting wireless systems.

 

[2goofycampers]

Heck, they created a Mouse that can pick your pocket without you even realizing it, I would think they could find a solution to 2 conflicting wireless systems.

 

[articfox676]

My magic band does everything? Maybe I can get WIFI on it????

 

[tiggerdad]

Current Wi-Fi at the Fort...

 

[Mmketeer]

1) That is what we are "instructed" to tell guests.
2) But, there are MANY frequencies-channels-settings one can use for WiFi.
3) We could EASILY get around the "alleged" bus-radio conflicts.
4) Nough Said.

Agreed...someone give us the email address to address these concerns. I had to get the "free" modem kit back in November it was horrible. Poor CM's at The Meadow Trading Post they are so tired of hearing us complain about the cable being upgraded, but not the Wi-Fi

PS
Some of us have old laptops with no batteries and they are too clunky to drag to the their hot spot areas. Plus, you shouldn't have to leave the comfort of your own home. On a positive note I have heard some lucky dogs in the 900 loop can access the Wi-Fi from their campers. Too bad I prefer the 800 loop.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . Poor CM's at The Meadow Trading Post they are so tired of hearing us complain about the cable being upgraded, but not the Wi-Fi . . .

1) Youbetcha.
2) We ARE tired of fielding complaints about things for which we have no control.
3) FORTUNATELY, folks complain more at the Trading Post than the Concierge Desk.
4) I get to dodge quite a few bullets (plus, slings-and-arrows of outrageous fortune).

 

[bama_ed]

1) That is what we are "instructed" to tell guests.
2) But, there are MANY frequencies-channels-settings one can use for WiFi.
3) We could EASILY get around the "alleged" bus-radio conflicts.
4) Nough Said.

Scupper,

I'd be careful if I was you. If you let many more cats out the bag, you might find yourself swimmin' with the fiffies at the bottom of Bay Lake.

Look out for yourself, man!

Try a disguise.

Watch out for the MIB.

Bama Ed

 

[serenitygr]

We stayed in the Big Bear/Little Bear loop- 1400's- I had perfect wifi anytime I sat outside the motorhome at our picnic table. Inside was a little unreliable, but I never had any trouble outside at all. Could be because we were right across the path from the sing along spot? So not far from the pool either....

 

[zaccaglin]

The reason why they have limited modems is because some people just don't return them or people damage them. As for wifi, they have a lot of ground to "cover" with all the trees, shrubs, and heavily insulated motor homes/trailers I can see lots of interference issues.

 

[Mmketeer]

1) Youbetcha.
2) We ARE tired of fielding complaints about things for which we have no control.
3) FORTUNATELY, folks complain more at the Trading Post than the Concierge Desk.
4) I get to dodge quite a few bullets (plus, slings-and-arrows of outrageous fortune).

3.) LOL! Why do you think they moved pick up from the front desk to you guys! At least ya'll take more time to explain everything then the front desk use to do.

FYI: to anyone out there at the Fort that picks up the hardwire Internet kit, be sure to get your paper back that they file with your name and CC on it. Cause' I was told if it was left in the book that they file your info in you could be charged for not returning that ugly thing even though you really did!

Now...where is the email to voice concerns? I mean come on Disney these lesser expensive campgrounds around Florida (whom also have trees and are large properties) can offer free W-FI to their campers even though they don't even offer cable tv.

 

[jbrostek]

3 years ago I would say wifi at the fort was really a challenge and a dream. But in the last year Cisco and other vendors have really innovated and improved on the Wifi-Mesh systems. IF and only IF they have the proper infrastructure in place they can now cover the loops with wifi at reasonable speeds. The whole color coded router is really nothing new, you just set each one on a different channel far enough apart to avoid interference then they will work together. But newer WIFI deployments can have a guest SSID while maintaining multiple internal IDs as well on the same AP. Some of the higher end AP can use different channels/antenna per SSID.

However, after looking at the latest offerings in working on a RFP for work, I see that if the fort has the actual communications infrastructure it can be done leveraging todays wifi mesh technology. But it would require a mesh host or two to be installed at each comfort station hardwired back to the main network hub. Then due to vegetation I would expect they would need a mesh AP every 3-500 feet apart. With most loops that still keeps the mesh limit in best practice areas, but some loops are long and would need a solution to avoid too many mesh hops from the hard wired source.

If would be something I would have a blast engineering but even with trying to keep costs at a reasonable rate, I would expect covering at least the loops and common areas with wifi would not be cheap by any means. However, they have done exactly that in most hotels, and even getting there with the parks. It would be awesome to see them take it a step farther.

 

[rav4lcrv]

Which Pet Loop has the best WIFI

 

[staceyrhood]

Which Pet Loop has the best WIFI

Wifi is only available by the pool and at the settlement. The loops do not have wifi.

 

[Disneysince1982]

1) Youbetcha.
2) We ARE tired of fielding complaints about things for which we have no control.
3) FORTUNATELY, folks complain more at the Trading Post than the Concierge Desk.
4) I get to dodge quite a few bullets (plus, slings-and-arrows of outrageous fortune).

The front desk says that they have nothing to do with the internet and cable. The concierge people just say "that's strange". The Meadow Trading Post people say they just don't have enough and they will put your name on a list. I love Disney, been here hundreds of time, but if they advertise that you will have internet and cable at your site if you pick up the box at the Meadows Trading Post, then they should have enough for every site.

 

[Disneysince1982]

The reason why they have limited modems is because some people just don't return them or people damage them. As for wifi, they have a lot of ground to "cover" with all the trees, shrubs, and heavily insulated motor homes/trailers I can see lots of interference issues.

They charge $250 to you if you do not return or damage them. They can take that and purchase more. I was told that they just don't have enough for everyone.