What's with no wireless internet?

[minniecarousel]

We're currently at SSR and can only get internet in the Master bedroom. We thought we were able to get online at the kitchen table last Dec. Why is there no wireless internet here. I believe we get wireless at the Boardwalk - right?!

 

[vicki_c]

There is no wireless in ANY Disney resort room AT WALT DISNEY WORLD.

 

[Lenc324]

There is wireless in the rooms at Vero Beach.

 

[tjkraz]

We're currently at SSR and can only get internet in the Master bedroom. We thought we were able to get online at the kitchen table last Dec. Why is there no wireless internet here. I believe we get wireless at the Boardwalk - right?!

Grand Californian also has wi-fi and I think HHI may, too.

Best thing to do is buy your own wireless access point. For $50...problem solved. I keep one in my Owner's Locker strictly for Disney trips.

Wireless service is available at common areas of some resorts including the BoardWalk, but that service is not free even to DVC members.

From what I've been able to piece together, about 3-4 years ago they contracted with an outside firm to wire all of the Walt Disney World resorts. Rumor is Disney paid very little up front and in return the ISP receives the bulk of the fees for the duration of the contract.

I suspect Disney dreamt of eventually outfitting rooms with some form of computer terminal or set-top box to deliver park-related content via the Internet framework. That's probably why they wanted the CAT-5 outlets in place rather than just adding a few more wireless Access Points.

 

[rlovew]

Soon after they were adding it in- we stayed in a Contemporary Tower room that had a computer in it- it said they were testing providing computers in the room- so I would have to agree with the PP - that very well might have been what they had thought about doing.

 

[McCrae]

Grand Californian also has wi-fi and I think HHI may, too.


Wireless service is available at common areas of some resorts including the BoardWalk, but that service is not free even to DVC members.

.

At BLT wireless is free in the common areas. A message appears when you try to logon referring to a charge, but this charge is not applied to DVC members.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Best thing to do is buy your own wireless access point. For $50...problem solved. I keep one in my Owner's Locker strictly for Disney trips.

Wireless service is available at common areas of some resorts including the BoardWalk, but that service is not free even to DVC members.

From what I've been able to piece together, about 3-4 years ago they contracted with an outside firm to wire all of the Walt Disney World resorts. Rumor is Disney paid very little up front and in return the ISP receives the bulk of the fees for the duration of the contract.

But for those of us who are computer-challenged, we're afraid we'd never figure out that option. I saw a man using wireless internet in the BC lobby last week, but I don't know how/why. I just love the wireless at HHI and pray for it here at WDW.

 

[DebbieB]

I think they chose wired internet because it's faster and more secure. Seems though that the installation costs would have been much less for wireless.

 

[n2mm]

THis is why we purchased a small wireless router to take on our trips.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

THis is why we purchased a small wireless router to take on our trips.

Actually I just "retired" my home router when I upgraded to Wireless N so all of my devices already know how to connect to it (no fuss setup when I go down).

Aulani is going to have wireless.

 

[CandyMandy]

I travel regularly on business and as anyone else who does can tell you, free in-room wireless has pretty much become the norm at every major moderate and up hotel chain.

Which is why I heard nothing but endless complaints from my peers about the lack of that when we were at a conference at the Yacht Club last May.

And which is why I'm frankly quite surprised to see discussion that implies the archaic 1990s approach Disney still takes (requiring people who must have in-room wireless to bring along and connect their own "retro-fit" technical fix) is perfectly acceptable when paying premum prices for supposedly deluxe properties.

But then again, maybe the same dynamic is at play when I see others on the DIS defending the fact balcony smoking is banned at Disney resorts...but still allowed on Disney ships.

 

[tjkraz]

And which is why I'm frankly quite surprised to see discussion that implies the archaic 1990s approach Disney still takes (requiring people who must have in-room wireless to bring along and connect their own "retro-fit" technical fix) is perfectly acceptable when paying premum prices for supposedly deluxe properties.

I don't see anyone claiming that Disney's setup is "perfectly acceptable". Most of the replies here are giving advice on how to best deal with the hand that we've been dealt. Seems a bit more productive than simply complaining for the sake of complaining.

Yes, Disney SHOULD have wi-fi. But there's nothing you or I can do to make that happen.

In the meantime I'm content to use the old router that was otherwise sitting on a shelf in my basement, and I would recommend that anyone else do the same.

 

[Chuck S]

While I'd prefer wireless, as long as non-Members are paying $10 per day for the wired service and I'm getting it free, I wouldn't complain too loudly about needing to take a router.

If wireless were available to non-Members free, then I may complain.

 

[Candlelady]

Our last trip, we were able to utilize the laptop in the living room @ BCV. I understand that some rooms it's only available in the bedroom and that would be inconvienient. I don't even know what a router looks like, but could someone advise a brand and model to purchase and leave in my OL? I will also need a simple lesson to install please.
We leave for BCV next week!

Thank you!

 

[daisyduck123]

While I'd prefer wireless, as long as non-Members are paying $10 per day for the wired service and I'm getting it free, I wouldn't complain too loudly about needing to take a router.

If wireless were available to non-Members free, then I may complain.

Yep

 

[Chuck S]

Our last trip, we were able to utilize the laptop in the living room @ BCV. I understand that some rooms it's only available in the bedroom and that would be inconvienient. I don't even know what a router looks like, but could someone advise a brand and model to purchase and leave in my OL? I will also need a simple lesson to install please.
We leave for BCV next week!

Thank you!

Do you use a router at home for your laptop, or do you have a wired connection at home? I just take the router I use at home.

As far as brands, most any will do. I did find the set up programming for my new Cisco Valet to be very easy. Basically I plugged in the router, turned on the laptop, and then had to plug a flash drive into the laptop. which did most of the initial set up for me. Directions were easy to follow.

Many recommend the Airport Express router from Apple.

 

[Candlelady]

I have a wired connection so I don't have a clue about routers. I'm so behind when it comes to anything technical. I've only had tech problems at work, and a call to IT will fix the issue.
I will look for the Cisco Valet and ask the sales person to show me how to install.

Thank you for the information.

 

[erionm]

I purchased a refurbished AirPort Express from the on-line Apple store for $69. It was very easy to setup using the included CD.

Regardless of which you do purchase, make sure to setup it up at home first.

 

[joxer1014]

I agree with all of the lack of what would be called up to date technology in the rooms at Disney. My god even the cheapest motel in the country advertise wireless and Disney with all its might and their touted advanced technology on the rides and attractions, they cant even offer something as simple as wireless internet in their hotels? Also why do they have to charge non members $10 a day for what is free in most other hotels and motels. You want to know why? MONEY!!!!! If Disney can make money on it they will charge for it and you know it.

I also want to address which ever poster said they only got access in their bedroom. I have been a DVC member for ten years and I was there when they were actually installing the hardware in the rooms and I have never been restricted to only the bedroom. In fact, I wanted to get online while in bed and couldn't find an outlet. Now I won't have to worry because I finally broke down and bought a wireless router for our upcoming trip.

 

[JimC]

We also purchased an inexpensive wireless router to use on our DVC vacations. Installation was a matter of following the on-screen prompts from the installation disk. Took only a few minutes to set up.

I find a mix of wired and wireless, pay and free in my travels. Often all four in the same property with elite members not paying extra while others pay anywhere from $10 to $20 per night. It all depends on the brand and how long since they made their last major technology refurbishment.