Wi-fi at Disney

[caperguy]

Hi!
I just came across the fact that there is wi-fi at the parks. (We're staying off-site.) It looked like only certain carriers are able to connect?

We're from Canada and have either Bell or Virgin (Bell's low-cost carrier). We're considering buying a US data package to ensure we have connectivity in the parks.

How is connectivity in MK or Studios and do you think we'd be able to connect?

thanks!

 

[kj2mom]

I am not familiar with the data package info but last month I found the Wifi worked very well for me. I get 2GB a month and when my cycle reset before my trip I turned off my cell data so I could save all of my data for the trip. I used my phone a fair amount and I would say 95% of the time I was connected to Wifi. When I got home I had used only 1GB and most of that was while driving around while off site.

 

[goNsoon2WDW]

I don't think that it should matter which carrier you have service through if you are accessing the Internet through WiFi. It works off of the host's WiFi network, not your carrier's 3G, LTE, or 4G cellular network. A lot of carriers can also have WiFi calling capabilities. I can't speak to the coverage or compatibility with international phones or the service you will get off of the WiFi. When we traveled to Vancouver we had no issues with our Sprint coverage. Maybe someone else can provide more details about the providers you specifically mentioned.
Good luck!

 

[Joltin Joe IV]

Cellular and WiFi are two very different things. You can turn your phone on Airplane Mode (or similar) and it will not connect to your Cellular Network or charge you for roaming. But you can turn WiFi on (while Airplane Mode is still activated) and be able to connect and surf the Internet. Things like iMessages (maybe not SMS), Skype (maybe not actual voice calls), Facebook, MDE app, and other Internet things will work. I was very impressed with how strong the WiFi signal was in the parks.

 

[HulkBuster]

yeah wifi has nothing to do with who you get cellular from that doesnt matter

 

[FishyMom]

We're also Canadians with Bell and I've used my cell phone both through WiFi or my cell data package (added the US travel package) and all worked perfectly fine.

 

[Accident]

Hi!
I just came across the fact that there is wi-fi at the parks. (We're staying off-site.) It looked like only certain carriers are able to connect?

We're from Canada and have either Bell or Virgin (Bell's low-cost carrier). We're considering buying a US data package to ensure we have connectivity in the parks.

How is connectivity in MK or Studios and do you think we'd be able to connect?

It's regular wifi, you don't need to use your data plan for it. It works, can be spotty at times but usually returns to normal fast. It's more than adequate for the disney app to work and make reservations, adjustments, fastpasses, look up things like wait times.

You're staying off site but the resort wifi has been good enough to watch internet videos/tv shows with no problem on past trips

 

[KeroKero]

I'm from Canada as well (Telus) and always add a US data package as well as use the wi-fi in the parks, which at times can be spotty, but does the trick.

 

[Mickey's Best Girl]

Cellular and WiFi are two very different things. You can turn your phone on Airplane Mode (or similar) and it will not connect to your Cellular Network or charge you for roaming. But you can turn WiFi on (while Airplane Mode is still activated) and be able to connect and surf the Internet. Things like iMessages (maybe not SMS), Skype (maybe not actual voice calls), Facebook, MDE app, and other Internet things will work. I was very impressed with how strong the WiFi signal was in the parks.

THIS ^
Another Candian here. I am with Virgin Mobile.

As others have mentioned the wifi in the parks is ok - not the speed we have at home but we were still able to FaceTime my parents during the Osborne Lights last November so they could enjoy the lights along with us - although who am I kidding, the view from an iPad screen on their end hardly does the lights justice (we FaceTimed from an iPhone on our end - don't freak out people! )

And make sure you put your phone on airplane mode - very important. As soon as soon as my butt lands in the seat on plane I switch to airplane mode.
Coming home to a U.S. Roaming bill would be terrible!

 

[Robo]

We were in all parks, all over the parks, in Jan. 2015.

WiFi was in a range of "Fine" to "OK" to "Unusable" at various times and locations.

Spent a LOT of time switching back and forth between WiFi and Data Plan on my iPhone.

 

[MrKnight]

Here is a useful resource from the official WDW website that explains WiFi access at WDW parks:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/internet-access/

 

[caperguy]

THIS ^
Another Candian here. I am with Virgin Mobile.

As others have mentioned the wifi in the parks is ok - not the speed we have at home but we were still able to FaceTime my parents during the Osborne Lights last November so they could enjoy the lights along with us - although who am I kidding, the view from an iPad screen on their end hardly does the lights justice (we FaceTimed from an iPhone on our end - don't freak out people! )

And make sure you put your phone on airplane mode - very important. As soon as soon as my butt lands in the seat on plane I switch to airplane mode.
Coming home to a U.S. Roaming bill would be terrible!

great! thanks to you and others for the replies....

if you have a US data/phone plan added to your phone, do you still put on 'airplane mode'? I will on my phone because it's only my wife who will get the plan. She'll turn off her data of course when using the local wifi there.

 

[Robo]

great! thanks to you and others for the replies....

if you have a US data/phone plan added to your phone, do you still put on 'airplane mode'? I will on my phone because it's only my wife who will get the plan. She'll turn off her data of course when using the local wifi there.

Keep in mind that if the phone is switched to "airplane mode" it will not be able to originate or receive any telephone calls.

 

[kj2mom]

When I went to Canada I turned my cell data off on my phone when I crossed the border. I could still talk and text and use wifi when available but also not have to worry about any surprise charges (random notifications for example).

 

[d-train]

I was able to connect to the wifi in all four parks on a trip in April and in July this year very well. Had a good signal in almost all areas of the park. Inside buildings is a different story. Some buildings are made with more steel and concrete than others, including ride lines... Be sure to bring one of those portable battery blocks, you will use your battery faster than you will be prepared for since MDE has so much info to use all day long to improve your experience. I used the wifi on a trip in April 2013 as well, and noticed a significant improvement in connectivity and signal strength this year. Enjoy your trip! And be sure to be familiar with MDE before you arrive...

 

[Joltin Joe IV]

@Robo , it is true that you can not make or receive traditional voice calls, but things like Skype, FaceTime (including FaceTime Audio), etc. work perfectly over WiFi (pending signal strength).

 

[CAS239]

@Robo , it is true that you can not make or receive traditional voice calls, but things like Skype, FaceTime (including FaceTime Audio), etc. work perfectly over WiFi (pending signal strength).

Yes as long as you're connected to wifi. Airplane mode essentially cuts off your data/lte usage

 

[BobC]

You can connect to DIS WiFi using any WiFi enabled device on any carrier....doesn't matter.

If you have an iPad from Japan it'd connect.

 

[BudgieMama]

Traveling from the UK, no problems with the WDW Wi-Fi which we used extensively. It was occasionally a little slow (but being used by lots of people) and there were on the odd black spots (on rides- like Carousel of Progress, when I could have done with the extra entertainment!! ) but generally we were pretty impressed.

 

[CanadianPaco]

Very helpful thread! Thanks everyone!