Free Wi-Fi?!?

[ktulu]

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..."

Ye of little faith. Reminds me of the time at a conference for network geeks, the hotel internet was so slow, the conference network guys had the hotel hook their wifi into the conference network (this conference brings their own), problem was solved.

I'm sure they will have to sort out capacity issues, but bandwidth is cheap these days. Although I'm willing to bet they could do this with a couple gige's. Most usage won't be sustained streaming, but small bursts.

Then again, I don't know anything about the internet.

[TeamUBR]

I wonder the same thing as Goofy1978. What are the chances this is a by product of something for NexGen? When I was down last year, they were piloting a hand held thing (PSP/Nintendo DS) that gave directions/info, let you make dinner reservations and had some games pop up based on where you were. I'm sure this would be easier to manage on WiFi. I'm not sure why they would need to make the WiFi public and open it up other than customer satisfaction. Wouldn't surprise me if they had some survey data that said it wouldn't get used much (how many people really know how to switch their phone from cell data to wifi?) but the marketing side could sell it as a big satisfyer.

And I'll second the bandwidth comments. For the type of usage, especially on mobile devices, you could bring up several thousand users with decent connection speeds pretty easily.

j

[Main Streeter]

I don't know anything about the internet.

LOL I've heard this exact same phrase over & over & over from a Marine I know. :D:

[Goofyernmost]

I don't understand why people would spend the thousands that they say they do to go to WDW and then spend their whole time starring at a screen. Before very long we will have completely lost our ability to communicate with actual people or enjoy our surroundings without the help of some artificial device telling us we should do it.

I know we all spend a lot of time parked in front of a computer on boards, etc., but I personally like to get away from it from time to time. But I'm old and probably just don't understand. Sigh!! :waldorf:

[delsdad]

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.

As a Canadian visiting WDW, this will make a huge difference. Our carriers data roaming plans are so expensive that its not even worth considering unless the boss is paying. Upwards of 15$ a day the way an iphone hits the networks. My solution till now has been to carry a prepaid US Virgin Mobile MiFi hotspot with me. It keeps my group connected and off of the data roaming danger zone. I like to use Lines to see whats going on with wait times across the park, The free wifi will make it much easier! And I wont have the MiFi burning a hole in my pocket. It does get very warm when in use. I will continue to use the MiFi for voice skype, as im sure that the park and resort wifi will not be up to the task.

And for the members of BDOSGT, this will allow us to refresh and update our Beers and Ears app ! Yes there is actually an app all about the beer offerings at WDW. I look forward to verifying its accuracy next time i'm in WDW. Here is the web site : http://beersandears.net/

[NemoRanger]

I was pretty happy to see a WiFi connection in my area today. It always annoyed me when you try and look something up in the afternoon and the connection speed is almost nonexistent because everyone is on their phones in the park.

i am not sure if it was just because its so new and not everyone in the parks realized we had WiFi or if its the new reality but I loved being able to read up on the news while on my lunch break without having to wait 15mins for it to load.

Now if Disney would put some cell phone repeaters down in the tunnels so we could get a signal down there I would be happy a pig in slop.

[hobie16]

Upwards of 15$ a day the way an iphone hits the networks.

If you think that's bad... I called home from Buenos Aires. Ten minute call = $115.

[WEDFan]

Just to clarify, when I was questioning how much of a difference it would make, I was referring to the atmosphere in the parks. I know it will make a big difference to anyone without unlimited data included in their plan, but I was thinking that you'll still see people with their phones out tapping away. There may be some who will do it more if free WiFi is available, but will it really be a lot? Will it make a difference in the atmosphere in the parks?

[delsdad]

If you think that's bad... I called home from Buenos Aires. Ten minute call = $115.

You could get into that kind of trouble with those blue credit card phones that appear in airports all over the Caribbean. Our newspaper recently reported on a reporters family member being dinged $11.49 for a short distance (but not local) call from one of the Bell phones in Toronto. http://www.thestar.com/business/article ... one-lesson

[Darksin]

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!!!

Oh I don't know, I keep my phone on all the time.. even on vacation but mostly for personal reasons.
Answering it? COMPLETELY different matter! Although it can be very satisfying to answer when work calls and your in Orlando because someone forgot to look at the GIANT white board saying who is on vacation. "Sure, I'll work tomorrow but I'm going to need: A Plane ticket out of Orlando International, Rental car once I reach Pittsburgh, Money for Tolls, four hours travel time to the case, A good hotel room for the night, Food/Drink for the 24 hours, Return Airfare for the next morning.. oh an your paying double time correct?" :twisted:

Although sending the asshole "I'm on VACATION" pictures and videos is a great amount of fun! Did you know you can torment Co-workers, friends and family from a thousand miles away with a one minute video of Small World?! It's fun and satisfying! :rimshot:

Personally I go no place without my laptop when on vacation, generally because we always try to plan one or two "down days". Where we'll relax in the room until we figure out what we want to do, it could be just exploring or we'll stumble across something online in the area we want to check out. It's also good for a photo-dump, since in a single weekend I can and will fill up my phone if inspired. There is also good things like weather checking and message checking.. finding out what your friends in the area are upto without constant texting. The only place I really need Wifi is in my hotel, I've never reached my data cap on my smartphone.. even on vacation or traveling with both of them going at once.