iPad

[AppleSister1]

Hi all! I'm getting an iPad so I don't have to lug my laptop around to stay connected to work while travelling. Question: will it work at the resorts? I know they don't have wi-fi, but....

 

[amy-momofthree]

You can use the 3G network but I had problems with it at Disney last month. It was sloooooooow. Also you have to have the iPad that is equipped to use the 3G network and not just wifi.

**you may want to wait a few weeks. The iPad 2 is rumored to be coming out soon. So the originals *may* go on sale or the next generation may have more stuff???

 

[Lynne M]

Unless you have the 3G iPad, and have the 3G service activated, you'll need to connect to wi-fi in order to access the internet.

Wi-fi is hard to find at WDW; it's most reliably found in the public areas of the convention resorts (YC, BWI, GF, CR, Swan, Dolphin, CSR). There's a $9.95/24 hour period charge.

I believe there's also wi-fi available in the McDonalds' over by the All-Stars.

 

[AppleSister1]

Thanks, all. I am going 3G since I travel so much, but worried about WDW because the 3G is AT&T, and my sis and bil had trouble with their AT&T phone while we were there. We are staying AKL, and since I'll have to check in at work in the mornings and evenings, guess I'm lugging the laptop.

Wish the Dis Resorts would go wireless already!!!

 

[jey]

We were at WL and no problems with our IPad. We have 3G for it and it was not slow.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I live about 15 miles from WDW and have used my 3G iPad all over Disney property without issue.

 

[seetheworld]

Can I ask an iPad question? I just got one and did not get the 3G one. I am thinking now that I should have. For those of you that have 3G, how much does it cost you for the service and is it worth it? I have an iPhone, so I figured I didn't need the 3G iPad, but now I cannot seem to connect very many places. Also, do most airlines have WiFi on the planes now? Will I also be able to connect [for a fee] at the resort? Thank you for any help.

 

[Best Aunt]

I thought the procedure was: buy a router at home. Set it up at home with your computer. Make sure your iPad can use the router at home. Take router and iPad on your trip. Plug router into broadband outlet in hotel room. Use iPad with router anywhere in your hotel room.

I think you have to make sure it works at home, because you have to set up the router with a computer; you can't set up the router with just an iPad.

I'm not a techie, so I'm not sure I've got this exactly right.

It's discussed all the time over on the DVC boards.

 

[beccasmom]

Some folks do bring their routers. I have found that using my mobile hotspot works best for me. There are several out there - -Apple sells one and so does Virgin - but I have the Verizon MIFI 2200. I can testify that it works very well with the WIFI iPad. Mine is very portable and was very easy to set up. The Verizon model is versatile in that it can be used for up to 5 things at one -- iPad, iPod, laptop, etc. That comes in handy too!

 

[BridetobeDisney]

I have the mobile hotspot through verizon too on my Palm Pre. It's free for palm users but everyone else pays a fee. It works great with my iPad. I used it this summer with my ipod touch at Disney. So the iPad should work the same.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I used my iPad last month all over WDW with no problems. Mine is 3G from AT&T. I wasn't able to find any free wifi anywhere convenient

 

[vicki_c]

I thought the procedure was: buy a router at home. Set it up at home with your computer. Make sure your iPad can use the router at home. Take router and iPad on your trip. Plug router into broadband outlet in hotel room. Use iPad with router anywhere in your hotel room.

I think you have to make sure it works at home, because you have to set up the router with a computer; you can't set up the router with just an iPad.

I'm not a techie, so I'm not sure I've got this exactly right.

It's discussed all the time over on the DVC boards.

That's correct but if the person is not a DVC member, they will still have to pay $9.95/day to do that. If you already have 3G service with your iPad, you don't have to pay the resort - it's just like using your phone.

 

[bethclayton]

I used mine in Dec at the GF and the Poly, using 3G, and it was great.