An unofficial Walt Disney World news and trip planning guide!

Walt Disney World Internet Access

Disney now provide FREE WiFi internet access across all Disney-owned resorts as well as in the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios! Other parks are expected to get free WiFi over the coming months.

Disney now offer wireless internet access at all their resorts. This service is completely free and is accessible directly from guest rooms as well as most public areas around the resorts. Speeds of the internet access tend to vary depending on where you are and how busy the resort is, however generally it is fast enough for web browsing. WDWFans ran tests in August 2012 at the Yach and Beach Club resorts and found that special services such as FaceTime do work, however were a little temperamental in resort rooms. In public areas however the connection speeds were greatly improved. 

Disney do restrict access to questionable content or online services that may cause the network to slow down for all guests. You can however still upload photographs, use instant messaging, etc. Both FaceTime and Skype video calls work.

Disney do still offer wired internet access too. This is the older network, but it comes at a cost of $9.95 per 24 hours usage. Wired internet access in Walt Disney World Resorts is provided via a standard Local Area Network (RJ45) cable. A cable is provided in every room along with a point to plug into, usually on a desk or table. This is compatible with all modern laptop computers with a standard network port. Technical support for the wired internet access is available by touching '56' on your in-room phone or any resort phone.

Dial-up Internet Access

Disney Resorts do still support Dial-Up internet access via a data port on the in-room phone, however this is generally very expensive and requires you to use your own Dial-Up provider.

Disney's Vero Beach Resort & Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort Internet Access

In-Room High Speed Internet Access is offered at both resorts at a charge of $5.00 per 30 minute period.

Use of Mobile Inteternet via Smartphones and USB Modems

Many people successfully tether their smartphone to their laptop to use its internet connection, or use 3G USB modems plugged into their laptops.

We strongly advise not to try using a smartphone or USB modem from abroad as the costs will be phenomenal, however you can pick up a pay as you go USB modem from a local WalMart or Target. These can be pre-filled with $30 or $60 credit to use, usually giving you 1gb of internet access. Verizon Wireless sell a pre-paid mobile broadband package. For a 3G modem they charge $15 per day (100mb), $30 per week (300mb) or $50 per month (1gb). On top of this is the cost of the 3G modem, which are usually very expensive, however if you own a tablet such as an iPad, you can usually use the sim card in that. Its always best to check with a representative from one of their stores however.

Virgin Mobile do also offer a pre-pay package, charging $79.99 for the 3G modem, and $10 for 10 days of internet access. Visit the Virgin Mobile USA website for full details.

Internet Access in the Parks

In 2012 Disney started rolling out their 'NextGen' system. This includes complete park-wide Wifi for free. As of September 2012, Wifi is enabled at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. The speeds are generally very fast considering how many people will be using the system. Speeds average between 3mbps and 10mbps depending on where you are in the parks. Disney have said that access to internet from inside attractions may be patchy as it is designed for use when walking around the parks only. 

As part of the 'NextGen' internet system, Disney offer an iPhone and Android application called 'My Disney Experience'. With the app you can check ride wait times and view basic restaurant and attraction information. If however you wish to view full restaurant menus, we recommend downloading our application (also for both iPhone/iPad and Android) called 'Disney World Dining Planner'. View all of our mobile applications.