Mobile phones, internet access, etc?

[Sundancer UK]

First trip abroad so I'm a total newb

My husband and I both have iphones and I'm wondering what we're going to do with them (if anything) when in WDW.
Obviously the internet will cost a bomb unless we find some wifi.
I know that the resorts are supposed to have wifi that you can pay to use, I'd guess that there might be some random free wifi too somewhere.

But I'm mostly thinking about apps and cost.

If we use a line waits app then we're going to need internet for it to work, right? So either we leave our internet roaming off, or we do something else.
It has been suggested to me that we could buy a PAYG chip from Walmart and use it in one of our phones, but I'm not sure if it's worth it. Maybe we should just do without?

Also, phonecalls - if we split for some reason it would be good to be able to call each other. Is this going to cost a small fortune also?
And how do text messages work out?

 

[wayneg]

Where are you staying? Onsite internet is $9.95 for 24 hours access but its wired(I take a wireless router) offsite many hotels offer free access, some wired most wireless.

Turn off roaming, costs a fortune. This obviously limits app use but it the only way unless you get a US sim, others will have to help with that, I have no idea.

Which network you on?
I am on 3 Network, recieving a call costs me 99p/min, sending a text 35p(free to recieve) calls to within US or back to UK £1.40/min.
So to call and recieve each other in the parks would cost us £2.39/min(99p+£1.40) we use texts instead at 35p each, 99% are received imediately but the odd time the can take a while.

Some buy local phones from Walmart, we don't use enough to be bothered.

If going with Virgin Holidays they are just introducing a new service but it will be a few weeks before we get reviews. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2676147

Hope that helps to give you a start.

 

[Sundancer UK]

Thanks We're staying at the All Star Music resort.

For some reason it never occured to me that internet access would be wired! I'm so used to wifi now.
We're both with Orange, and yes, we are traveling through Virgin so I'll pass that link along to my husband and see what he thinks. I'm not sure we'll try it though, we should be ok as we are I reckon.

I don't think we'll bother with getting a phone or chip over there, I'm just gonna stock up on books to read in the evening and keep calls and texts to each other to a minimum, we'll probably all be together most of the time anyway.

Thanks again for your help I hate being new to everything and still trying to make it as perfect as possible!

 

[wayneg]

Its about time Disney updated their system. Wired and slow, although last month we stayed at Holiday Inn, it was wireless but slowest service we have ever had.

 

[torsie24]

So Wayne - is it really just a simple as if I have "Data Roaming - OFF" (is normally anyway) and I'll be fine?

I've not taken my iPhone abroad yet....

 

[wayneg]

So Wayne - is it really just a simple as if I have "Data Roaming - OFF" (is normally anyway) and I'll be fine?

I've not taken my iPhone abroad yet....

I have an android not iphone, I just went into settings, mobile network settings and unticked Data roaming, I would expect something similar on iphone.

 

[BethEJo]

So Wayne - is it really just a simple as if I have "Data Roaming - OFF" (is normally anyway) and I'll be fine?

I've not taken my iPhone abroad yet....

That's pretty much it yes

 

[mollies_mum]

Can you just keep your iphone on airplane mode? My husband thinks that this will stop the roaming charges but I'm not sure

 

[torsie24]

Can you just keep your iphone on airplane mode? My husband thinks that this will stop the roaming charges but I'm not sure

You could. But you wouldn't get any texts. And I have 20 people out with me who will need to text me.

So data roaming off is the way to go.

 

[wayneg]

Can you just keep your iphone on airplane mode? My husband thinks that this will stop the roaming charges but I'm not sure

Airplane mode stops all data roaming, calls and texts doesn't it? would be no point in taking it if leaving on Airplane mode.

 

[Zeebs]

So I guess if it costs a fortune to use, there is no reason to talk my hubby into letting me get an iphone so we can use the line waiting time applications. Rats.

Kirsten

 

[torsie24]

You can use it from your hotel! What I am planning on doing on days we don't know what to do. Then we can decide which park looks best.

Also the Disney dining app doesn't need a connection and it's great!

Same with the hidden mickey app!!!

I also plan on using FaceTime to talk with friends and family back home for free. And I show them the weather/our room/view and to make them jealous. Mwah ha ha!

 

[Sundancer UK]

How can you use it from your room if it's wired access?

 

[wayneg]

How can you use it from your room if it's wired access?

We take a little travel wireless router, a recent thread here. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2653263&highlight=router

Turns your wired hotel room into wireless