iPhone 3G coverage at WDW

[alexb]

I'm not sure where to post this on the boards so I'm trying here since I have seen many iPhone threads here. I have an iPhone 3G and will be at the WDW parks & resorts in February and I have been wondering if the 3G coverage is very good or spotty? It's been my experience that even though a service coverage map from AT&T may say there is 3G service, it may not be very strong and I end up with Edge service.

If this should go somewhere else I can try to move it.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I have no trouble with 3G service when I am outside at WDW. There is some signal degradation when indoors.

 

[OKW Lover]

We've had good coverage at WDW. As Kevin noted, you can expect a degraded signal (or none at all) if you are deep inside a show building. That's true with any phone and carrier.

I'm a bit annoyed when at WDW, but the frequent pop-ups that ask if I want to join the WDW private wifi network. There seem to be a bunch of them with slightly different names which I believe are used for the wireless point of sale registers at the various carts/kiosks.

 

[alexb]

Thank you both. Yes.....now I can easily keep up with the DIS with 3G service while waiting in line for attractions!! I also experience a degradation in service when I go inside larger buildings but that's a challenge with all cellular service. The wifi pop-up window is a good tip/warning, I guess I'll just turn wifi off while I'm there since I don't plan on using wifi service.

 

[Jacksmom99]

Yes, but there is a FREE wi-fi spot in and around the animation building at the studios.

 

[Demosthenes]

I'm a bit annoyed when at WDW, but the frequent pop-ups that ask if I want to join the WDW private wifi network. There seem to be a bunch of them with slightly different names which I believe are used for the wireless point of sale registers at the various carts/kiosks.

I've started turning off wifi when I'm in the parks for that reason. It just kills the battery anyway.

 

[MM32830]

Yes, but there is a FREE wi-fi spot in and around the animation building at the studios.

And if you happen to be at Disney's Wide World of Sports, the entire area has free wifi.

____________
Armand

 

[Lstockma]

Since I am sure many people here have used their iPhones at WDW, I thought you may have a suggestion. I have all of our confirmation codes as well as several apps on my phone for our upcoming trip. Since my battery doesn't stay charged all day, I was considering purchasing one of the back-up batteries. Does anyone one have a suggestion of a good one to try? I don't want to lose access to my information (let alone the ability to contact my husband while in the park) half-way through the day! Thanks in advance!

Lisa

 

[k5jm]

There are some hard dead spots in the World Showcase at EPCOT. Also note that if you are using Eticket, for some reason near the International Gateway, the GPS signal gets skewed and shows you up on the main road. This happened to both mine and OKWlover's phones on ETICKET when we were there in December. Other than that, 3G is very good at 95% of the Resort.

 

[3guysandagal]

Thank you both. Yes.....now I can easily keep up with the DIS with 3G service while waiting in line for attractions!! I also experience a degradation in service when I go inside larger buildings but that's a challenge with all cellular service. The wifi pop-up window is a good tip/warning, I guess I'll just turn wifi off while I'm there since I don't plan on using wifi service.

Even easier with Eticket!

 

[eticketapp]

Eticket 1.30 solves the GPS problem by relying on new tracking code. The app is always looking for your current position and will home in on your exact location in about 10 seconds.

Now if you happen to stand in a black hole or gps warp zone, we can't help you there.

 

[vincev33]

I bought a back up battery for our upcoming trip. Best Buy has it. It is a case that you flip on when your phone battery starts to run low. It then chrges your phone. You can also synch with the case on while it charges the extra battery. Works great!!!!

 

[tlcoke]

I'm a bit annoyed when at WDW, but the frequent pop-ups that ask if I want to join the WDW private wifi network. There seem to be a bunch of them with slightly different names which I believe are used for the wireless point of sale registers at the various carts/kiosks.

I too, found these pop-up's annoying. I had not major problems with my Iphone at WDW, just inside some buildings as already indicated.

 

[Sphyrna]

I have my iPhone set not to prompt to join wifi networks. If I want/need to connect to wifi then I'll go in to the wifi and search for networks.

 

[Golf4food]

As has been said, if you are in an area you know will not have free Wi-Fi (WDW, work maybe, etc.) it is a better idea to turn off Wi-Fi in the settings so it will not be actively searching for a wi-fi signal and wasting battery power, especially if you can't recharge any time soon and want to have the phone last all day in the parks. And turn down your brightness setting as far as you can tolerate - both of those things will extend your battery life.

And if you want to get hardcore and are inside a building where you will get zero signal anyway you can set your phone to Airplane mode and save even more battery life...

 

[bkoehl]

Since I am sure many people here have used their iPhones at WDW, I thought you may have a suggestion. I have all of our confirmation codes as well as several apps on my phone for our upcoming trip. Since my battery doesn't stay charged all day, I was considering purchasing one of the back-up batteries. Does anyone one have a suggestion of a good one to try? I don't want to lose access to my information (let alone the ability to contact my husband while in the park) half-way through the day! Thanks in advance!

Lisa

Just got back from a trip over Easter. My DH bought me Mophie from Apple store. Worked GREAT! I did TONS of posting for Lines, FB and the usual texting and email and I could go all day if both phone and Mophie fully charged. Made the phone a little longer and heavier but still easily kept in my deeper pockets without falling out. Actually feels weird to be back to my slim case! Would definitely recommend!