What about internet access at Beach Club?

[perd]

I'm planning to take my laptop and WORK part of the time I am on vacation (it'll be the week of Christmas; I figure it won't be too busy). I know there are data ports - I am assuming this is dial up? And if so, is internet access considered a "phone call" from the room and will I be charged 75 cents each time I call out? I use a cable modem (Road Runner) but they do have dial-up to use when traveling - I don't know if it will work at DW, though!

Can someone who has taken their laptop to DW explain to me how it works - logging on to your ISP, etc., and the charges involved when using the data ports in the room.

As much as I HATE AOL, this is the one reason it would be good to have because I'm sure you'd have access to it just about anywhere.

 

[TeresaNJ]

Hi. We were at the BCV in July and used our laptop, well, mostly the kids did. The data ports are in the phones (sorry if I sound silly, I'm never very computer literate), and we have AOL. It cost .75 every time we called out, so we just left the computer on for most of the day. We didn't worry about not having access to our room phone, as we all had our cell phones with us. Since we have AOL with unlimited use, we just used a local dial-up connection, so that didn't cost us anything. Hope this helps.

 

[perd]

Thanks, Teresa! I guess maybe I will sign on with AOL before we go just for the convenience of it.

We you worried about leaving the room all day with your laptop sitting there hooked up to the data port? I would HOPE no one working for Disney would steal it, but did it worry you at all?

 

[TeresaNJ]

Actually, I never gave it a thought about someone stealing the laptop. I guess I'm overly (is that a word??) trusting. Anyway, no, I didn't worry about it. We just left it hooked up and signed on to AOL. This way we didn't have to keep paying 75 cents to call out. Once in a while the kids would forget and turn it off, though. Have a great time. We're going Dec 3-10 and can't wait to see all the Christmas decorations.

 

[Kermit]

I would suggest that you try the dial-up service your regular ISP provides, and make sure they have a number that will be local from the hotel, before you go. If everything checks out, you should be fine.

If not, then get an Internet calling card. I think we got ours from Sprint or one of the big long distance companies. You'll get a disk so that you can install their software that allows you to connect, and you'll get a card that allows you a certain amount of minutes. As with all calling cards, the per minute charge is lower if you buy more minutes. It's much cheaper than subscribing to a service like AOL, and you won't have to install a huge Internet program that doesn't even work right all the time on your computer. If you travel enough that you think you'd be okay with a monthly charge, go with a smaller, world-wide ISP that just uses whatever Internet browser you have. I think AT&T's service is about $14/month.

BTW, we just leave our laptop in our suitcase. No one has ever bothered it. It would probably be safe if we left it out, but I'd rather not tempt fate. You do have to pay $.75 every time you connect, but you probably won't need to connect more than once or twice a day. DH and I just always make sure to ask each other if the other person has anything they need to do online before we disconnect.

 

[hookedup]

If Roadrunner has a local dial up for Orlando (and they may - check online with them) that would be your best bet.
If not you can try Earthlink and get a free 30 trial membership. I did this and had free service when were were there - local call to access and only paid the .75 for the outgoing call.
I also have AOL for travel too but Earthlink was way better and I am glad I used this option. I ended up keeping my account with them and using a special plan they offer that is only 9.95 per month. AOL also has local numbers for Orlando too.