Free Wi-Fi?!?

[Zazu]

Okay, free Wi-Fi in the hotels I like. No more explaining why Disney's Deluxe Resports didn't have all the ameneties of a Motel 6.

Expand that to the pool areas, some recreation areas, sure. Downtown Disney? Of course!

But now they have installed free Wi-Fi in the Magic Kingdom. All I can think is the same question Jay Leno asked Hugh Grant after he was caught cheating on Elizabeth Hurley with a drag prostitute:

"What were you thinking?!?"

As if we didn't have enough safety problems caused by SGs on cell phones, ipads, overinflated self-worth, and various pharmaceuticals. Now we'll have to argue about them using their laptop on rides as well!

Next, imagine the outrage from half the guests when they discover the other half is watching porn!

Some days I wonder if maybe it's a good thing I haven't made it into GR.

[avengador1]

I ask myself the same thing. What where they thinking and will the advantages of this being available outweight the disadvantages? I can see people using this to make restaurant reservations or to kill time in lines, but this might also add to wait times if they aren't paying attention to the line movement. This also will cause more foot traffic congestion as many can't walk and surf at the same time. ;)

[Shorty82]

What the hell?! When visiting the parks you're supposed to be leaving the real world behind, hence there being no newspapers, TVs, etc. in the parks.

[shilohmm]

But now they have installed free Wi-Fi in the Magic Kingdom.

:dropmouth

The world is confusing sometimes.

[Darksin]

LOL You don't seriously think this is going to work do you? That many people, with smartphones trying to hook into a single network, even one as big as Magic Kingdom? That thing will be slower then trying to use a dial-up modem. They'd be better off just using their own plan then trying to connect to wifi during the busy time!

Besides, I'm sure Guest Services is just going to LOVE this...
"Your WiFi doesn't work, I can't connect..."

[PatchOBlack]

Here is my take on this:

I must admit, I never thought about folks wanting to be on-line while on an attraction, but I've read enough tales here to know that some folks lack the common sense that would let them know that is a bad idea.

Still, having free WiFi does make sense, as I know I would appreciate it. Perhaps it is a matter of smart implementation. Say, having the "hot spots" set up so that folks in restaurants, or in wait areas, can access it, but the attractions themselves are outside of the WiFi's coverage. Maybe in some cases even having a line to show where the signal more or less cuts out.

[goofy1978]

I had thought that all of this wi-fi was due to the NexGen project? They have announced a new app that will replace Disney's Mobile Magic next month, and people are supposedly going to be able to grab FastPasses for certain rides without going to a FastPass machine with it. At least that is the scuttlebutt.

I wholeheartedly agree that it is a BAD idea to offer free wi-fi in the parks. I guess you'll have to train all your GS people on how to connect every type of phone/tablet/notebook to the system, lest some idiot not be able to get his fastpass when he wants it, and it ruins his entire vacation. :dope:

For me, when we are there, no laptops, no tablets, and phones are on vibrate. No surfing, no email, no phone calls. You're on VACATION!!!

[TechieSidhe]

Besides, I'm sure Guest Services is just going to LOVE this...
"Your WiFi doesn't work, I can't connect..."

Maybe they need to put that disclaimer on the ticket...."Disney is not responsible if you can't figure out how to connect your random wireless capable device to the public network. No refund will be given if the wireless is down."

I work tech support, and we have docs that bring their newly bought device in and expect tech support to figure out how to connect, because gods forbid they read the manual. I can hear the whining now... "The park wireless is down...you ruined my vacation!"

[WEDFan]

When in disguise as a tourist, I am basically a Luddite. I do carry a cell phone when vacationing with a group, and I will grudgingly admit that it can be very convenient. That being said, I ask this question of the more wired of you (in the technology sense -- not in the Beverage Committee sense): How much of a difference outwardly do you think free WiFi will really make? It seems to me like it will mostly be used by people to connect up their Smartphones. They have them today, and they certainly use them freely in the parks, but it's just on their data plan at this point.

I agree with Darksin that performance is likely to, well, suck, and people will probably continue to use their own data plan in many cases. If it is used for FastPasses, that will be really interesting. I also think goofy1978 makes an excellent point about technical support. Not a job I'd want. I've done support before.

[TechieSidhe]

How much of a difference outwardly do you think free WiFi will really make? It seems to me like it will mostly be used by people to connect up their Smartphones. They have them today, and they certainly use them freely in the parks, but it's just on their data plan at this point.

I agree with Darksin that performance is likely to, well, suck, and people will probably continue to use their own data plan in many cases. If it is used for FastPasses, that will be really interesting. I also think goofy1978 makes an excellent point about technical support. Not a job I'd want. I've done support before.

With some phones, you use less battery on a wifi vs using your data plan. I would use it with my smartphone myself, as would most people. I could see it being used by iPads to show kids videos or keep them calm during waits. That would be good. I am not sure the performance is going to be all that good, and I would imagine that Disney would be smart enough to set up a firewall and website blocking to ensure that Junior does not accidentally sit next to someone watching porn or other inappropriate content. (Then again....) When you have 20,000 people trying to access it, the latency is going to suck and blow. Although I am sure Disney has the cash to build an epic infrastructure.

I would NOT want to be the tech support rep dealing with that. Not even the promise of an unlimited bar tab afterwards.