Need laptop and internet at Disney

[copcarguyp71]

We leave in 12 days...WHOOOT!

I will need to take a laptop along for business and also need internet access while there. I am thinking I may just bubble wrap my laptop and pack it up to send off via UPS or FedEx rather than carrying it through security or even worse in the checked baggage. I am interested in thoughts to that end from folks. Has anyone done this? I would then need to ship it back home again but if I pack tape to re-seal it before we leave I would think the concierge could help with that.

Additionally I need internet access while there..we are staying at POFQ and I was wondering how to get connected to the internet either from the room or another area of the hotel.

Lastly, I am able to write this trip of as a business expense but need to get to the Orlando Convention Center one day. Would it be better to take a cab or to rent a car?

Sorry for all of these questions but I just know there are members here who will have the answers. Thanks for looking :wave:

 

[Duke of Disney]

In my experience most rooms, if not all by now have internet cables ready to plug into your laptop. Some rooms have computers in them, it's hit and miss. Also you can use the business center, im fairly certain each resort has one. I would just call concierge at the Port and ask, they can also tell you which is the best way to get to the Convention Center. The last time I took my laptop I think I had to pay a fee to connect. However if you have a smartphone, you can tether to your laptop and use your phones internet service, thats what I do now.

Enjoy your stay!

54 days until im there, unless I roadtrip it down for F&W Fest!

 

[Monty]

Internet access in your resort room cost $9.95/24-hour period. If you want to save a bit, log on late the first evening and then earlier the second evening. Then you can reduce the charges to have on payment period cover two days' access so to speak. But since it's a business trip, if your employer is paying it may just be easier to use it when you use it...

I always pack my laptop in my checked baggage. Wrapped in a terry towel, it has always survived comfortably. The only thing is the TSA always opens the bag when it's in there. :shrug:

 

[mattfusf]

As the other replies have stated, there is wired Internet access near the small table in the rooms at POFQ. There is usually an ethernet cable on the clothes hanger in case you don't bring your own.

OCCC is about a 20 minute drive; if you'll only be going off-property that once it may not make sense to rent a car (they charge for parking at the convention center as well) OCCC also has WiFi in most of the conference areas.

Have a nice trip.

Matt

 

[Victoria]

I always carry my laptop through security and onto the plane. I don't trust putting it in my checked bag and I would be too afraid of it getting lost or delayed if I put it in the mail. I don't feel like taking it out of my bag for 3 minutes at the security check is that big of a hassle. :shrug: I have a rolling laptop backpack. I just pop it out, stick it in a bin, stick the bag on the conveyor belt and then walk through the scanner. No big deal to me.

As for internet access, others have covered that. Another option is to get prepaid broadband access from Verizon Wireless. It is pretty reasonable and you only pay for what you need. It should run you around $30 for 1 week. You could probably write it off as a business expense too. http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/mobilebroadband/?page=plans

 

[copcarguyp71]

Thanks for the replies.

I am interested in using my iPhone for internet access. I have to admit I am a bit of a knucklehead with regard to this. Could someone let me know if that is an app or exactly how that works? I could always contact Apple support but would appreciate any advice. Since I am the owner of the business that would mean $9.95/day more in my pocket but if I have to spend it the so be it.

I am still thinking shipping the laptop will be better as having the TSA rifling through my checked luggage which gives me the heebie geebies!

 

[gbruenin]

I done this a number of times. For me, its too risky to pack/ship/checkbaggage my laptop, mostly due to work info on it, so I carry it as my 'personal' carry-on.

As to the car, sure you could taxi to/from the convention center but it could be pricey. There are car rental counters on property if you need a car for a day...the Car Care center near MK parking lot is one location, the Dolphin near Epcot has one as well. I think there is another one, just can't recall for sure.

Hope this helps. Gary

Oh, if you do decide to ship the laptop, there are both UPS and FedEx storefronts on 535 just outside the DTD Hotel Plaza Blvd gates....make a left at the traffic light and go 3-4 blocks...there are two different strip shopping centers on the right side of the street; UPS in one, FedEx is in the other.

Gary

 

[Monty]

Thanks for the replies.

I am interested in using my iPhone for internet access. I have to admit I am a bit of a knucklehead with regard to this. Could someone let me know if that is an app or exactly how that works? I could always contact Apple support but would appreciate any advice. Since I am the owner of the business that would mean $9.95/day more in my pocket but if I have to spend it the so be it.

I am still thinking shipping the laptop will be better as having the TSA rifling through my checked luggage which gives me the heebie geebies!

In theory, you can get internet tethering from AT&T, but it's not cheap:

http://www.wireless.att.com/answer-center/main.jsp?solutionId=KB111130&t=solutionTab

You have to have the 2GB Data Pro plan and add on $20/month for tethering.

Your other, cheaper option is to do whatever you need to do on your iPhone using your data plan and leave the laptop at home. Depends on what you need to do.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

In my experience most rooms, if not all by now have internet cables ready to plug into your laptop. Some rooms have computers in them, it's hit and miss. Also you can use the business center, im fairly certain each resort has one. I would just call concierge at the Port and ask, they can also tell you which is the best way to get to the Convention Center. The last time I took my laptop I think I had to pay a fee to connect. However if you have a smartphone, you can tether to your laptop and use your phones internet service, thats what I do now.

Enjoy your stay!

54 days until im there, unless I roadtrip it down for F&W Fest!

The only computers I was ever aware of provided in the resort rooms with internet access were at the Contemporary. We loved 'em! Unfortunately, they discontinued this and have removed them from the rooms. Now it's up to the guests to bring a computer, plug in the ethernet cable, and pay for the access.

I done this a number of times. For me, its too risky to pack/ship/checkbaggage my laptop, mostly due to work info on it, so I carry it as my 'personal' carry-on.

As to the car, sure you could taxi to/from the convention center but it could be pricey. There are car rental counters on property if you need a car for a day...the Car Care center near MK parking lot is one location, the Dolphin near Epcot has one as well. I think there is another one, just can't recall for sure.

Hope this helps. Gary

Oh, if you do decide to ship the laptop, there are both UPS and FedEx storefronts on 535 just outside the DTD Hotel Plaza Blvd gates....make a left at the traffic light and go 3-4 blocks...there are two different strip shopping centers on the right side of the street; UPS in one, FedEx is in the other.

Gary

For return shipping of the laptop you can use either FedEx or UPS from the deluxe resorts. I can't tell you 100% for the moderates & values. I've never shipped boxes from those when we've stayed at Pop & POFQ. I imagine they probably could. We got the impression this past January that each resort has their own "account" set up thru whatever company they prefer. Prior to that last trip we thought we could only ship from the business centers at the convention center resorts. In the past we've taken all our souvenirs to one of those resorts to ship home because the business centers have all sorts of business services such as shipping supplies & services, fax, computer rental, some supplies, etc. Twice we did this when we stayed at the Contemporary to ship FedEx. Our previous stay at POFQ we took a taxi with all our junk over to the same location at the Contemporary & shipped. This past January when we stayed at AKL the hubby happened to ask the KC concierge (we stayed club level). They gave him some boxes and tape to box up our junk. We took the boxes down to the front desk in the lobby and they shipped via UPS Ground for us the evening prior to our departure morning. The shipping bill was added to our room charge. I was amazed at how inexpensive the shipping was compared to when we've used FedEx from the business center. The CM told us they did all their shipping thru UPS so what we were paying was what they pay using their account discount.

Coincidentally, we've learned NOT to ship things to ourselves from the different stores around Walt Disney World unless it's a super fragile something that we don't want to chance damaging in transit (either by WDW's delivery or us carrying) back to our resort. It's MUCH cheaper to get everything together and ship just once. Shipping from the individual shops can get crazy!

To the OP, my only concern & warning would be to have back-ups of your hard drive and/or all files you need. That way just in case something happens to your laptop when you ship you aren't totally up a creek. Also, make sure to insure your package for what it would cost to replace your laptop.

Transportation to the convention center..... I wish I could help. The taxi fare would have to be an awful lot to offset a car rental + parking at the center. Even if paying for transportation is a little more $$, unless you're familiar with the area it may be worth the few bucks to not have the stress of trying to navigate unfamiliar territory. Maybe get some quotes for a town car service. That would be a nice way to maintain a little "magic" with some relaxing service. :wave:

 

[sweetpee_1993]

In theory, you can get internet tethering from AT&T, but it's not cheap:

http://www.wireless.att.com/answer-center/main.jsp?solutionId=KB111130&t=solutionTab

You have to have the 2GB Data Pro plan and add on $20/month for tethering.

Your other, cheaper option is to do whatever you need to do on your iPhone using your data plan and leave the laptop at home. Depends on what you need to do.

Monty, I don't know all the in's & out's but don't you have to "jailbreak" the iPhones to tether? I am clueless. LOL! Love my iPhone 4, tho. So glad you posted those pics in your report. I also took the plunge & bought my 1st Mac. I feel like I've arrived in the present day....finally! LOL!

I'm "grandfathered" with the unlimited data. Hubby is stuck with the 2GB. If there's a way for me to tether with my iPhone 4 I'd love to know about it. Gimme a holler if you have any tips. But be patient, I'm not a tech-minded gal.

 

[Duke of Disney]

Thanks for the replies.

I am interested in using my iPhone for internet access. I have to admit I am a bit of a knucklehead with regard to this. Could someone let me know if that is an app or exactly how that works? I could always contact Apple support but would appreciate any advice. Since I am the owner of the business that would mean $9.95/day more in my pocket but if I have to spend it the so be it.

I am still thinking shipping the laptop will be better as having the TSA rifling through my checked luggage which gives me the heebie geebies!

I'm not sure with the iPhone - Im on a Droid and it was very easy, using 3G i am able to carry on video chats on my MacBook Pro while going 80mph down the interstate! (riding, of course)

I would Google iPhone Tethering + your current phones version, lots of great info out there.

Best of Luck!

 

[Monty]

Monty, I don't know all the in's & out's but don't you have to "jailbreak" the iPhones to tether? I am clueless. LOL! Love my iPhone 4, tho. So glad you posted those pics in your report. I also took the plunge & bought my 1st Mac. I feel like I've arrived in the present day....finally! LOL!

I'm "grandfathered" with the unlimited data. Hubby is stuck with the 2GB. If there's a way for me to tether with my iPhone 4 I'd love to know about it. Gimme a holler if you have any tips. But be patient, I'm not a tech-minded gal.

The link I posted has step-by-step instructions to set up tethering on your iPhone. The trouble is AT&T will only let you tether if you give up your unlimited data plan and switch to their "Data Pro" plan which has a data cap of 2GB/month. And then they'll charge you an additional $20/month for tethering. Here in Canada, Rogers charges ridiculous rates for data, but tethering is free so long as you have a 1GB or higher data plan.

I don't have tethering any more because I got a CAN/US data plan that is limited to 500MB/month. Morgan tethers on his iPhone and at his most active he used 3GB in a month, normally he doesn't get close to 2GB. So getting their Data Pro plan would likely be enough for the vast majority. I surf and email a lot, but I don't download unless I'm at home and can access via wifi and I never exceed the 500MB limit I'm currently on.

I don't know it you can tether cheaper with a jailbreak, I've never bothered with jailbreaking [too much extra stuff to pay attention to].

 

[Monty]

Here's the package from AT&T's site:

Please note: A data plan is required for the life of your iPhone service and cannot be removed in the future.
DataPro 2GB for iPhone with Tethering (requires iOS 4)

$45.00/month


iOS 4 required for iPhone Tethering. i0S 4 will work with iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G.
Need web access on the go? Designed for iPhone users who stream music, download videos, files, and apps; plus send email, surf the web and more. Includes 2 GB of data to share between your phone and your laptop or netbook, unlimited usage with AT&T Wi-Fi Basic access, and Visual Voicemail to listen to voicemail messages in any order you choose.
Is it the right amount of data for you? Try the AT&T Data Usage Calculator tool to estimate how much data you use every month. How do I use AT&T Wi-Fi Basic? iPhone has Wi-Fi built in! You can connect quickly and seamlessly to your home wireless network or to more than 20,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots in the U.S at no additional charge. Find an AT&T Hot Spot near you. A Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See www.attwifi.com for additional services details and locations. What if I go over 2 GB? DataPro 2 GB for iPhone includes 2 GB of data for use in the U.S. If 2 GB is exceeded, an additional 1 GB is automatically provided at a rate of $10 for each additional 1 GB. All data allowances, including overages, must be used in the billing period in which the allowance is provided. For more details on Data Plans, go to www.att.com/dataplans.
Please note: AT&T is Apple's exclusive carrier partner for iPhone in the United States. An eligible data plan for iPhone is required. If AT&T determines that you are using an iPhone on your account without an eligible data plan, AT&T reserves the right to add an eligible data plan to your account and bill the appropriate monthly fee.

 

[Phonedave]

Why don't you want to carry on your laptop.

When I travel for work I always carry on my laptop. In fact we are required to. Company policy is not to check our laptops (Sensitive information - it's is safer being carried).

Get a semi-decent laptop bag and stick it in there. You can put all your other work stuff in the bag too (pens, pads, notes, etc)

-dave

 

[sweetpee_1993]

We usually carry laptops, too. I carry mine (always) plus my external drive. The youngest kiddo carries his laptop or a handheld game device (he has 3 different ones, if I recall). Since I'm always the one paired up with the youngest it turns into quite a ballet of sorts when getting thru security but we manage just fine without holding up the rest of the world. Carrying your laptop thru security isn't so bad. There's ways of making it easier. Just think the procedures thru (ie. taking off the shoes, removing belts, unloading the laptop, etc.) and you'll think of ways to shorten the whole process. I generally wear slip-on shoes, wear something I don't need a belt, open the bag & unzip the sleeve so I can whip the laptop & external drive out quickly, etc. And by keeping my son in front of me, as I'm going thru the motions with all my stuff I'm steadily guiding him with instructions. It works out. Not so bad at all. :wave:

 

[copcarguyp71]

Why don't you want to carry on your laptop.

When I travel for work I always carry on my laptop. In fact we are required to. Company policy is not to check our laptops (Sensitive information - it's is safer being carried).

Get a semi-decent laptop bag and stick it in there. You can put all your other work stuff in the bag too (pens, pads, notes, etc)

-dave

Honestly I usually pack most of my clothes in my carry-on that way if my bags are lost or delayed I am not inconvenienced in any way by having to replace things or do stop-gap shopping.

I guess I could always use the laptop as my daughters carry-on though. With Southwest Airlines she pays full fare so she gets a carry-on also...hmm this might just work. Feeling kinda dumb that I did not think of this before. Not sure what to do about internet access yet but I know the Verizon suggestion sounded the best so far. How is Verizon signal/coverage from POFQ?

 

[Victoria]

Honestly I usually pack most of my clothes in my carry-on that way if my bags are lost or delayed I am not inconvenienced in any way by having to replace things or do stop-gap shopping.

I guess I could always use the laptop as my daughters carry-on though. With Southwest Airlines she pays full fare so she gets a carry-on also...hmm this might just work. Feeling kinda dumb that I did not think of this before. Not sure what to do about internet access yet but I know the Verizon suggestion sounded the best so far. How is Verizon signal/coverage from POFQ?

I've never had any Verizon issues anywhere on property. I've used my phone extensively all over property. I've also used my Verizon broadband device many resorts. I believe I used it at POFQ on one of my trips last year.

 

[Monorail Lime]

Honestly I usually pack most of my clothes in my carry-on that way if my bags are lost or delayed I am not inconvenienced in any way by having to replace things or do stop-gap shopping.

I guess I could always use the laptop as my daughters carry-on though. With Southwest Airlines she pays full fare so she gets a carry-on also...hmm this might just work.

Southwest allows one carry-on bag PLUS one smaller personal item per ticketed passenger. Your laptop can count as your personal item if your laptop bag is of a reasonable size.

 

[copcarguyp71]

I might go out and get a smaller laptop bag to be sure. I really wish I could just leave the $#*&!* thing home but when you are the boss email is a neccesary lifeline to the office and customers. Why is it that so many people think being self employed is such a lark?

In looking at AT&T it does seem as though they really stick it to ya with thethering and their data plan. Verizon is an awesome alternative with the 7-days for $30 option. I will stop by there this week for more info. I am wondering how they determine one week. In other words do you have it set up to operate on certain dates or does it simply take one 24 hour period when you log on and then if you log on again at say the 25th hour does that start another 24 hour day? I will let everyone here know once I get the answer as I really appreciate all the advice. Thanks again for all the info!:wave:

 

[Monty]

I might go out and get a smaller laptop bag to be sure. I really wish I could just leave the $#*&!* thing home but when you are the boss email is a neccesary lifeline to the office and customers. Why is it that so many people think being self employed is such a lark?

In looking at AT&T it does seem as though they really stick it to ya with thethering and their data plan. Verizon is an awesome alternative with the 7-days for $30 option. I will stop by there this week for more info. I am wondering how they determine one week. In other words do you have it set up to operate on certain dates or does it simply take one 24 hour period when you log on and then if you log on again at say the 25th hour does that start another 24 hour day? I will let everyone here know once I get the answer as I really appreciate all the advice. Thanks again for all the info!:wave:

If all you need is email, you can get it in real time on your iPhone. No need for tethering, just a data plan.