Computers at Resort Hotels

cap396 · Post by **cap396** » Feb Wed 13, 2008 5:49 am

Do the hotels at the WDW resort have computers (with internet) available for guests? Not just wireless for those with their own laptops, but actual computers for those without a laptop?

nancynohorse · Post by **nancynohorse** » Feb Wed 13, 2008 8:19 am

I wouldn't want to bother with my e-mail or anything while on vacation at WDW.

I have no idea whether or not the resorts have them. Last time I was there, the internet wasn't as "big" yet as it is now.

SeasDiver · Post by **SeasDiver** » Feb Wed 13, 2008 8:58 am

I do not believe that they currently have laptops available to rent.

However, I recall an article several months back (I do not remember where) suggesting that some of the deluxe resorts were considering adding computers to rooms in upcoming renovations.

At Old Key West, there are several public access computers in the Community Hall, but I think they may be somewhat limited in terms of programs and/or internet access in order to make them kid safe.

yodiwan1 · Post by **yodiwan1** » Feb Wed 13, 2008 3:03 pm

do you have to pay for the wirelss in the rooms? i want to bring my laptop just to lsiten to subsonic when im in the room on m ynext trip.

SeasDiver · Post by **SeasDiver** » Feb Wed 13, 2008 5:54 pm

Currently, they do charge for internet access in the rooms. At least for OKW, it is wired access, not wireless. I heard that they are supposed to be changing the policy so DVC members do not pay for internet access. I do not know what the timeframe is on that.

Is it just me or is it always the more expensive hotels that charge for internet access while the cheap ones include it for free? Is that backwards or what?

meticulus9 · Post by **meticulus9** » Feb Wed 13, 2008 7:47 pm

all stars are wired. 9.95/day for access

Post by **js3901** » Feb Wed 13, 2008 10:46 pm

I usually just bring my laptop and use my cell phone as a modem. I have a broadband-capable phone, and can hook up up through the USB port. works great.

as far as other access if you don;t bring your own computer, I haven;t been able to find anything. I know some of the hotels on I-Drive have business centers in them with computers, or I think there's at least 1 FedEx/Kinko's in the area which usually have computers you can use for a small fee.

jcodirewolf · Post by **jcodirewolf** » Feb Thu 14, 2008 11:00 am

There is always the iPhone option. But seriously, I think most of the resorts have a business center in them. But I don't see what "gear" is at them. And the one time I had to use the business center at the resort it was closed.

I know the ones at Marriott's are very nice with computers, and software, xerox machines, and just about everything you'd need. But then that is Marrott's nitch

johno

Post by **rdeacon** » Feb Thu 14, 2008 11:07 am

I always bring my laptop. I just purchased a new one with mobile broadband in it, to resolve this type of issue.

I have used the wired connection in past stays. I will say it was very quick. If you place a credit card on your room account, just connect and launch IE. In a min you will be surfing away.

Rich

Post by **Dr. Ravenscroft** » Feb Thu 14, 2008 1:09 pm

rdeacon wrote: If you place a credit card on your room account, just connect and launch IE. In a min you will be surfing away.

Thats what my brother and I do all the time. Of course this time I am going to try to use my Archos 605 to get on the net.......since I finally figured out how to..

.....took me long enough. I haven't been able to find an open wifi connection in any of the parks yet BUT I am working with some really tech savvy guys, they see it as a challenge.

But your best bet is to just use the wired connection, faster and more reliable, and just deal with the cost. From personal experience I don't use the connection everyday I usually only use it about half of the time.

DisBeamer · Post by **DisBeamer** » Feb Sat 16, 2008 10:23 pm

When we stayed at the Contemporary in December, they were doing a test run of Online Concierge, and there were computers in all of the rooms. During the trial they were also giving free wired connections in the rooms (since you could just use the Online Concierge computer anyway). I don't know how successful that trial will be or how likely it is they'll move the idea to other resorts, however.

I bring my laptop otherwise, and don't have a problem using the wired connection when I need it. I would suggest bringing a cable lock or some other means of securing your computer when you're not around if you do that, though. Most of the safes in the moderates/value resorts won't fit them. Mine did fit no problem in the Contemporary safe; I imagine the other deluxe safes are similar. Safety first!

AKLRULZ · Post by **AKLRULZ** » Feb Sun 17, 2008 8:16 am

That test run of the computers at the Contemporary resort has been going on for a few months now - I'll be interested in hearing how the results pan out.

I always bring my laptop when I travel. If you're interested in wireless capabilities and the resort doesn't have it you might consider an air card.

TheCheshireStitch · Post by **TheCheshireStitch** » Feb Wed 20, 2008 1:49 am

we're going in may and are staying at AKLV and the poly. at the AK villas, we will be using points from our dvc to stay-- so i really hope that they have that policy changed by then! i just think it's sort of ridiculous that of all places, walt disney world charges so much for internet access per night at such a fee. i mean, wdw is supposed to be known for it's technology and hospitality. especially for the deluxe resort guests-- i think it should be free. i mean even most marriott courtyards offer free internet...and many have computers for use in their lobbies.

we always bring out laptop and pay. although, my hubby did wire up something with his phone on our last trip. i forget how that turned out.

anyone know when the dvc policy will change or have any info?

DisBeamer · Post by **DisBeamer** » Feb Wed 20, 2008 3:01 pm

AKLRULZ wrote:That test run of the computers at the Contemporary resort has been going on for a few months now - I'll be interested in hearing how the results pan out.

It was certainly an interesting surprise to walk into the room and see it there. My husband appreciated having internet access while I was hogging my laptop, and I think if we'd been staying there more than a couple of nights we would have made use of it for what it was intended for (reserving things, etc). They did have quite a filter on it though. It was blocking all images from photobucket, for instance. Didn't really surprise me (I'm sure there's a whooooole lot of the internet you can't access from Disney-owned/provided computers; we didn't try to test it

), but it might limit people using it for business applications too, depending on what's blocked, I dunno.

I managed to log in here from it though, so at least that worked.