TV at resorts - why so few channels?

[Funkyzeit mit Bruno]

The selection of TV channels available at Disney resorts is abysmal. No HBO? Even Motel 6 has HBO. Disney doesn't even have the Food Network! Would it cost them much to have a few decent cable channels? I, and many other people, go to sleep late and there simply isn't much to do at WDW after midnight or 1:00 am.

 

[ADisneygirl]

I agree Funkyzeit mit Bruno. Does anyone here know why this is? Maybe a CM here would know. Tyler??

 

[Nicoal13]

I agree that the channel selection is not the best. There could be a few more channels.

But I don't go to Disney to watch tv. If I'm up that late at night when I'm there, its because I'm at PI enjoying the clubs.

I suppose they figure it doesn't pay to have that many channels since people are in the parks most of the time.

 

[Tikiman]

I was thinking the same thing. I don't go to Disney or any other vacation to watch TV. There are even resorts in Hawaii and Tahiti that have no TV, phone or even a clock.

For the little bit of TV I watch when I am there I feel there are plenty of channels. If I am up that late I am out at PI also and after a long day at the parks I can't see not being able to go right to sleep when I get back to the room.

 

[goofy4tink]

Well, I for one am hoping to be able to catch at least some of the Olympics this summer from WDW. We check in on opening day!!!

 

[ILUVDXL]

W're not on our room long enought to watch TV and when we are there it's to sleep so it doesn't matter much to us.

 

[Poohlovr]

Well, if you really want tv channels, the Swan and Dolphin have lots more.

(Just a small commercial break. Thank you for your time.)

 

[BrianD]

I'd say it's pretty obvious as to why there is no HBO at WDW.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Right! I think they WANT you out spending money doing things, not watching tv!

 

[stinkerbelle]

Originally posted by BrianD
I'd say it's pretty obvious as to why there is no HBO at WDW.

or skinemax...I mean cinemax.


We usually have the weather channel/news on in the morning, and DH likes to watch whatever weird late night TV he can find (usually ESPN!)

 

[rahwest]

i've wondered that too!!

maybe this will help explain to some of you "why do you need tv at wdw" posters --
the only reason i personally wouldn't mind more channels is because we are always awake for a while after we put our kids down (3 and 1) -- but we can't really go far ... so that leaves tv as the entertainment of choice
that's the only reason a little variety would be nice ... late nite tv sucks!

 

[sugermouse]

Walt Disney wanted to build a place where people could laugh and play and learn together. And I don't think he had TV in mind...

 

[Jestocost]

Don't forget that Disney also owns the ABC network, plus cable channels like ESPN, A&E, E!, Lifetime and the History Channel. They're not likely to put competing channels in their rooms; especially when they'd be paying money to run channels that would keep some people in their rooms more (and not spending money in the parks).

The main network coverage of the Olympics should be available as they do offerall of the local affiliates.

 

[Funkyzeit mit Bruno]

I respect that some people like to avoid TV watching, but I enjoy it, as do many others. And on any given day you have to figure some guests will be confined to their rooms due to illness. Don't they deserve a decent movie channel? Given today's technology I don't think it would be too difficult or expensive to block certain stations on request. Also, I don't think Disney is really worried that Fox News or the Food Network will keep people away from the parks.

I think when disney offers something to its guests it should be as good or better than the average of what's available off-site. I'd even accept ALMOST as good. Disney resorts have the worst TV I've ever seen in any hotel chain, bar none. A company like Disney falling flat in a comparison to Motel 6? That's a shame.

 

[Muushka]

I so agree with all who think WDW has the WORST TV channels.
I understand why they offer the channels that they have a vested interest in, but it is just so annoying. Maybe we should write and complain. Maybe next time I go down I will tell the hotel manager. I guess if enough people complained maybe they would do something. But then again, probably not..... .

 

[Deb & Bill]

You can watch the networks at WDW (local Orlando stations).

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by Jestocost
Don't forget that Disney also owns the ABC network, plus cable channels like ESPN, A&E, E!, Lifetime and the History Channel. They're not likely to put competing channels in their rooms; especially when they'd be paying money to run channels that would keep some people in their rooms more (and not spending money in the parks).

The main network coverage of the Olympics should be available as they do offerall of the local affiliates.

Exactly, basically Disney shows the channels they own or have affiliation with. Except for the major networks, they do allow NBC and CBS, but as to Cable, you will be limited to their market.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I think it's wrong to assume that all people that travel there will be going non-stop outside of their rooms. Part of our vacation IS getting to lay in bed and watch tv some... since that's not something we get to enjoy each day at home. Also, we've been stuck in our rooms before napping, being ill, or injured. Often, families take a day out to chill at the resort.

I noticed how limited it was the last time we were there... frustrating. Great news was, we transferred to the Royal Pacific at Universal and they don't seem to mind giving you some decent channels =)

 

[Deb & Bill]

You can watch the DVC channel, the Parks channel, the Disney Cruiseline channel, (in English, Spanish, Japanese, etc).

 

[Pinnie]

I agree with the OP. After 11:00 all I see at my DVC "home" on TV is Family Auto Mart, Appliance Direct and Holly from Lexus Of Orlando!




pinnie