Free wifi?!?!?!?!

[grimghost999]

Yes, the rumor that has been dicussed multiple times in the past has come up once again, this time at a WDW Radio live brodcast... free wifi at all the WDW resorts.

I think that this SHOULD and WILL happen sometime in the near future. Everytime I go, i always have to plug in a laptop to use the internet (cost isnt a problem for me, concidering the fact i'm a DVC member)

So i was wondering, has anyone else heard or confirmed any info on this EVER happening and what you think about it.

 

[thehowiet]

I think the biggest factor for Disney is if they think providing free wifi will be too costly. Not the expense of installing and maintaining the network, but the expense of guests spending more time in their room on the Internet instead of in the park spending money.

For example, at the Borgata in Atlantic City they only allow you to bring one six pack of beer per person up to their room. However, they have no problem handing you unlimited free drinks until well after the sun comes up and you're down on the casino floor. It's not because they only want each person to drink no more than six beers, it's because they don't want you spending too much time up in your room. I think Disney faces the same challenge.

 

[Disaddict]

...but the expense of guests spending more time in their room on the Internet instead of in the park spending money.

That is completely ridiculous. :lol: Who in their right mind would spend that money for a Disney trip then sit in their rooms. LOL If someone is that stupid then fine, they should stay in their rooms. I don't want them in the parks near me anyway.

I think the wifi should be installed so those of us that like to sit by the pools (We're going to be there anyway regardless of wifi) and surf the net or get on at night when we get back to the rooms.

 

[britdaw]

Personally, I'm shocked that it isn't already free. You'd think a place like WDW, that already makes SO much money off their guests, would have already made this yet another amenity at their resorts.
I hope it happens soon... There's no reason Disney as a company can't afford to strike up some sort of contract deal with one of the many internet companies out there to offer this to their guests.

 

[WDW1974]

If you heard it on WDW Radio, then you should take it to the bank ... it's almost like an official arm of WDW Social Media.

~GFC~

 

[Clever Name]

There's no reason Disney as a company can't afford to strike up some sort of contract deal with one of the many internet companies out there to offer this to their guests.

There is a good reason. WDW has an exclusive contract with Smart City Telecom for all of their phone system and ISP. :wave:

 

[Disaddict]

There is a good reason. WDW has an exclusive contract with Smart City Telecom for all of their phone system and ISP. :wave:

Ahhhhhhhhhh. The light dawns now. LOL Now I see what the hold up is. They are committed to a contract. Any idea when it is up for renewal? That may be when it happens, if it happens at all.

 

[Zummi Gummi]

I think the biggest factor for Disney is if they think providing free wifi will be too costly. Not the expense of installing and maintaining the network, but the expense of guests spending more time in their room on the Internet instead of in the park spending money.

For example, at the Borgata in Atlantic City they only allow you to bring one six pack of beer per person up to their room. However, they have no problem handing you unlimited free drinks until well after the sun comes up and you're down on the casino floor. It's not because they only want each person to drink no more than six beers, it's because they don't want you spending too much time up in your room. I think Disney faces the same challenge.

Who's going to go to WDW only to sit in their room on the internet? If that's what you want, go down I-Drive to Starbucks where the wifi is always free.

I can't imagine would really not go out to the parks simply because the wifi is free. That's absurd.

 

[Clever Name]

Ahhhhhhhhhh. The light dawns now. LOL Now I see what the hold up is. They are committed to a contract. Any idea when it is up for renewal? That may be when it happens, if it happens at all.

All WDW can do is negotiate terms of the contract. They can't switch to another service because the phone exchange is located in Lake Buena Vista. It's the old Vista-United Telecommunications Company that Smart City bought back in 2001.

Back in March of this year, Smart City ended free WiFi in downtown Orlando after a four year deal. They lost money on the deal and pulled out. :wave:

 

[britdaw]

Ahhhhhhhhhh. The light dawns now. LOL Now I see what the hold up is. They are committed to a contract. Any idea when it is up for renewal? That may be when it happens, if it happens at all.

Does Smart City Telecom not offer internet services?? Or maybe their current contract with them doesn't allow for changes, such as a good deal on WiFi.

 

[Disaddict]

All WDW can do is negotiate terms of the contract. They can't switch to another service because the phone exchange is located in Lake Buena Vista. It's the old Vista-United Telecommunications Company that Smart City bought back in 2001.

Back in March of this year, Smart City ended free WiFi in downtown Orlando after a four year deal. They lost money on the deal and pulled out. :wave:

Cool. Thanks for the info.

 

[Clever Name]

Smart City is already providing free WiFi at select WDW resorts on a test basis. The CR has free WiFi in the lobby, the main pool area and the convention center. The CSR has a few areas that offer free WiFI as does the GFR. WDW could have Smart City provide free WiFi to all the resorts if they desired.

WDW does not provide anything for free. Someone will end up paying for this service. :wave:

 

[raiden]

I know it's not the same but VBR has free wifi for members on points. They charge a fee for cash guests.

 

[Cosmic Commando]

Honestly, I think Disney is doing it right holding out against free wi-fi as long as they can. People may gripe about it now from time to time, but they will raise hell when they get their free internet but it's not as fast as they want it to be. :brick:

 

[COProgressFan]

If you heard it on WDW Radio, then you should take it to the bank ... it's almost like an official arm of WDW Social Media.

~GFC~

Pretty much. I went to the site, and saw a quick snippet of that video blog. That guy has a perfect face for radio! :ROFLOL:

Anyway, this is an issue across the hotel industry. Generally, the more expensive the hotel brand the more likely it is that the resort will charge for access, essentially because guests will pay it. This is why the JW Marriott will charge, and a Courtyard Marriott will not. They tend to think of it as an added amenity, much like a continental breakfast would be.

However, given that it is 2011, whether it is a Disney resort or not it is just ridiculous that internet access isn't available in rooms, and wi-fi at lobby areas, pools, etc. at the very least.

 

[TomHendricks]

I just pack a Router with me and set up my own WiFi.

 

[Disaddict]

I just pack a Router with me and set up my own WiFi.

But you're still paying for that wired connection.

 

[Master Yoda]

Here is the thing about "free" wifi, 9 times out of 10 I have found that it borders on useless because every person in range with a smart phone, tablet or a laptop is connected into it simply because they can. I would love to see WDW expand their wifi signal but keep it as a paid service with decent quality.

 

[scottnj1966]

For the high cost of staying on site wifi should be free of charge.

If most of the low cost hotels can do it for free, Disney can let that happen.

 

[Master Yoda]

For the high cost of staying on site wifi should be free of charge.

If most of the low cost hotels can do it for free, Disney can let that happen.

Many of the low cost hotels throw a $50 router onto an existing DSL line and then advertise free wifi.