WiFi/Internet

[crocko]

Okay, I posted in a main thread about Internet and saw someone posted that DVC members get Internet for free?

We have yet to take our first trip as DVC members so I am still learning all the quirks & perks.

Is this true? If so, what do I need to do to make sure I can use the Internet from my room on my iPad?

 

[erionm]

The in room internet is wired only. You would need to bring a wireless router to be able to connect your iPad using WiFi.

 

[McCrae]

Free Wifi is generally available only in the public areas of the resorts.

 

[Sheribo]

We always bring a wireless router so we all have access with all our gadgets (laptops, iphones, blackberriy, ipod touchs, nintendo Ds). You still get the payment screen but DVC members staying on points at a DVC resorts don't get charged.

 

[DebbieB]

I'm at BWV right now. I brought my router from home, it works perfect, all I had to do was hook the cable to the back and plug it in.

 

[webcs]

One thing of note is to bring your own Ethernet cable. The one that is in the room is really short and you can't move it around.

Some of the resorts have wifi in the common areas but not all. Make sure to ask before you go.

 

[iluvdisney]

Make sure and check your bill at the end of your stay - I stayed in 2 different resorts last week and each one charged me for internet and I am a member - it was taken off but there's a problem since they upgraded their system - I'm sure they'll fix it soon!

 

[momsully]

Make sure and check your bill at the end of your stay - I stayed in 2 different resorts last week and each one charged me for internet and I am a member - it was taken off but there's a problem since they upgraded their system - I'm sure they'll fix it soon!

I had the same problem last week at AKV. They said it had to do with the system upgrade.

 

[drusba]

As noted if you want wireless in your room you need a wireless router, which can be the one you have at home, but it is worth it to invest in one of the portable wireless routers. I have Apple's Airport Express (cost in the $90s) but there are others that are more in the $50 range, such as D-Link. Once you get it just make sure you set it up at home for access (including any security to avoid strangers from being able to use your connection) to your IPad (and any other computers at home) so you don't have to spend time doing any set up once you get to WDW. They work fine at WDW, plug them in to the electric socket near the ethernet socket in wall and use short ethernet cord provided to hook it into the ethernet outlet. Instant wireless in you room.

 

[erionm]

I purchased a refurbished Apple AirPort Express from apple.com for $69 which is $30 less than a new one. It looks new and works perfectly.

 

[Chuck S]

Also remember the free internet applies to DVC reservations at DVC resorts. It does not apply to point reservations at non-DVC resorts, and does not apply to RCI incoming trades, even if the RCI owner is also a DVC owner. Nor does it apply to cash reservations at DVC resorts, unless it is a "member cash" reservation made through DVC Member Services, not reservations made through the regular Disney reservaton system.

 

[iluvdisney]

Chuck - I am a member and was staying on my membership points when I ran into the charges for the internet and it has not happened before to me - Disney CM admitted that the problem has to do with the upgrade and they will be happy when all is fixed.

 

[Chuck S]

As I stated, point stays at DVC resorts and cash DVC stays booked through Member Services should receive free internet. If you are charged, go to the front desk to chave the charge removed.

But stays at non-DVC resorts, RCI trades, or cash stays booked through the regular Disney reservation system are not entitled to free internet, even for DVC members. That has always been the official policy.

 

[Anna114]

I purchased a refurbished Apple AirPort Express from apple.com for $69 which is $30 less than a new one. It looks new and works perfectly.

That's exactly what I did and keep it in our owner's locker. It worked perfectly.

 

[Cap]

The in room internet is wired only. You would need to bring a wireless router to be able to connect your iPad using WiFi.

At DVC Hilton Head and DVC Vero Beach, the Internet is Wi-Fi. You just have to open Safari and put in the access code they give you on the little card from when you check in. I know that the Internet at DVC Orlando locations has been wired only in the rooms, as many posters have stated. I have not stayed at DVC California or Hawaii, so don't know what they are doing there.

Don't expect great speed either way, particularly at times many others may be online using the bandwidth.

 

[DVCBrian]

As others have posted - watch your bill at checkout. "Free internet" was billed to us at BLT. We had to have the charges removed at the front desk.

 

[LJM721]

I always travel with a spare ethernet cable packed. You never know when they're going to forget to leave one in the room.