Free Wifi Coming to Epcot

For those of us who don't own a Smart Phone (mine, in fact, is beyond stupid), but do, in fact, own an iPod Touch or iPad (check and check), this is going to be great news. For the first time ever, free wifi will be available in Epcot, in conjunction with the Brave-inspired "Highland Games Tournament" that start today and will run through July 8. I'm not sure exactly how wifi fits into this particular event, or if the free wifi might possibly extend beyond this event (please, oh please!), but I see this as a great sign for things to come!

Wifi Reaches Value Resorts

It's official: all the Walt Disney World Resorts--including the Value Resorts!--now have complimentary wifi. Woohoo! Wifi is available in guest rooms and public areas that include lobbies, pools, and restaurants.

This is a huge improvement, in my opinion. Sure, lots of folks have iPhones (I don't; my husband does) or iPads (not me; but, yep, my husband does) to access the web, but I still find it easier to fire up my laptop and return emails or even do a quick blog post from the World. It will be so nice to be able to do that from my room without any extra gadgets (such as a broadband card that, again, my husband provides) on our next trip.

Rumors...Let's Hope They're True

I have two juicy tidbits. One is all-but-confirmed (just waiting on an official announement/date), while the other is largely speculation but seems likely enough to post. Here are the two totally unrelated bits of info:

• Free wifi is coming to the Value Resorts! Considering some folks have been reporting that they already have been able to log on for free at Pop Century, it's very likely only a matter of time before the All-Star Resorts are also on board. And I would certainly expect Art of Animation to offer free wifi at opening. Expect a c0mpletion date to be posted soon.


• I am reading that Avatar Land may be nixed before Disney every breaks ground on the project. Rumor has it that James Cameron and Disney are having a few...um..."creative differences" on certain attraction ideas. Making matters worse, both sequels to the blockbuster movie are rumored to be behind schedule and not likely to get back on track, given Cameron's reputation as a perfectionist. Did I mention this is a rumor? Still...without the new material and cross-marketing potential, and factoring in the public's negative--or apathetic, at best--attitude toward the whole project, it's possible we might see Disney quietly shelve this project. That said, I have also read just the opposite--that this rumor is completely false. Still, we can hope, right?

That's all my speculation for today. I'll let you know if/when any of this comes to fruition.

 

Free Wifi Expands to Include More Resorts

I told you in this post about Disney first testing free wifi in public areas of the Contemporary. Then, the free wifi offerings expanded to include a building at Coronado Springs and also the Grand Floridian. (Incidentally, I forgot to even attempt to log on to test it out while I was there in September.) Now, Disney is finally offering free in-room wifi at a variety of resorts. As you can see, the list mostly includes Deluxe Resorts and DVC properties at this point, but we can hope that Disney plans to eventually make free wifi the standard at all Resorts. Here's where you can find free wifi for now:

Animal Kingdom Lodge
Beach Club 
BoardWalk 
Contemporary Resort
Coronado Springs 
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Old Key West Resort
Polynesian Resort
Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Wilderness Lodge
Yacht Club

Free Wifi Program Expands

You may have read this post about Disney offering free wifi (finally!) at specific locations around the Contemporary Resort. Lucky for us, they are expanding this program to include the Grand Floridian and Coronado Springs. There is no word on whether the free wifi will last, but we can hope!

Currently, you can find free wifi at these locations at Walt Disney World:

• Coronado Springs, in Casitas Building One


• Grand Floridian, in the Sugarloaf Building 


• Contemporary, in the main lobby, main pool area, The Wave restaurant, and the Convention Center common areas


• At the McDonald's near the All-Star Resorts

Free Wifi, Finally?

Well, not exactly. But it looks like Disney is running a test of a new wireless/cell phone configuration at the Contemporary Resort. For the next 30 days, guests can access free wireless service in the main lobby, main pool area, The Wave restaurant and lounge, and the Convention Center areas.

Access the sytem by clicking on the "Guest--Access (unsecured)" option. You'll be asked to accept the terms, etc., and then you'll be surfing the net for free. All other areas not specified will still be charged the standard $9.95/day for wireless access. (Wired internet access is available in guest rooms for $14.95/day.)

Here's hoping this is an indication that free wifi might eventually make its way to the Disney Parks & Resorts!

(Note: Free wifi is also available on Disney property at the McDonald's near the All-Star Resorts.)