Free Wi-Fi coming to all Disney World parks by 2013, report says
Disney plans to provide free Wi-Fi in all four of its Disney World theme parks as well as Downtown Disney by early 2013, according to report on Inside the Magic.
Guests had already been able to get free service at its resorts and yesterday Disney activated the free Wi-Fi at the Magic Kingdom. Eventually it will include Epcot, Hollywood Studios Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World spokesperson Laura Spencer told the website.
With the proliferation of the Disney mobile app which provides wait times and FastPass return times as well as the push for social media and other interactions at the park, there is a need for faster connectivity.
There may come a day when all you need to get around in the parks is a smartphone and a Disney app. Some of what I suggest below is happening, but could this be your future Disney experience?
The Future Disney Visit (just a thought)
Prior to heading to the park, you make all of your food reservations on your mobile app. You purchase your tickets on your smartphone as well.
When you get to the entrance you scan your phone and then download a FastPass to a popular ride. While the map on your phone tells you the wait times for all the other rides and where you can find the characters to get pictures taken.
As you walk past Disney stores, you get texts of the deals of the day and new items. You can even input in your phone for items you want to buy and you will get a flag when the store matches what you want.
Getting a snack. Pay for it using your phone as it gives off a code from the dining plan you purchased.
While waiting in line you can interact with characters and other items to make the wait go faster.
Who needs a special device for the Agent P World Showcase Adventure, use the phone. And who needs interactive cards for the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, use the phone.
With the camera on your phone, you’ll be able to photograph an area and it will help you find the Hidden Mickeys.
Do you like the photo capturing you texting while water pours over you as you come down Splash Mountain, don’t worry. Input a code and you’ll be able to pay for it and have it posted to Facebook in a matter of seconds.
As I said before, some of this you can do now, and some could be coming soon. As Walt Disney said when opening Disneyland: “Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future.”
