Setting up a Wireless Router at WDW

[idratherbeinwdw]

I am going to be at WDW with my DD in about 8 weeks, and we both would like to be able to use our laptops. I also like the idea of having wireless ability even when I am solo. Right now I have a really long ethernet cord in my Owner's locker. It works fine, but it's pain to move the laptop around with the wire on it, and it won't reach the balcony off the bedroom.

So here is my question for those in the know: how hard is it to set up a wireless router at WDW? What do i need to do? At home the router has a code on it that I can easily enter to enable our laptops to work off that router. Is it any different at WDW? Any and all help/advice greatly appreciated, TiA!

[TimK]

If you are bringing your router with you from home, chances are you can just plug it into the ethernet cable and it will work.

That said, there is always a chance that you will have to re-configure the router to work at WDW. There may be settings required for your home Internet provider which are not compatible with the WDW provider.

If you plug the router in and it doesn't quickly connect, the simplest alternative is to go through the new setup wizard all over again. All routers have a way to reset them to their manufacturer's default settings. It's usually one of those little buttons in the back that you need a paper clip to press. Then you'll have to repeat the setup process.

Personally I would recommend just buying a new (cheap) router to keep in your Owner's Locker. Since you are bringing a full laptop, don't even bother trying to set it up before you arrive. (Advice would be different if you were using something like an iPad which cannot typically be used to do the first time setup on a wireless router.)

Once you're there, spend a few minutes walking through the instructions. Shouldn't take long to get it working. And on subsequent trips it should just be plug & play. I took down an old router about 3-4 years ago and just plugging it in always gets me up and running at any WDW resort. Still, make sure you keep all of the documentation just in case you have to do a reset in the future.

[idratherbeinwdw]

I appreciate the quick reply. I am really a novice at this. I would be buying a router to keep in my OL, that is the plan. The one I have at home was originally installed by FIOS, so I never did the initial set up. I have only added laptops, and when I have done that the laptops prompted me as to what to do.

So I am not sure of how to do the original set up. You refer to a set up wizard. How and where will I see this? Or since I am bringing a new router will it work by just plugging it into the HSIA port? Thanks again Tim!
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[KNWVIKING 2.0]

Mar, if all efforts fail, just offer some kid a Mountain Dew to set it up for you. Shouldn't take him/her more than 3 minutes to have run up and running.

[TimK]

There will be a disk and instructions in the box. You will have to plug everything in and temporarily connect your laptop to the router using a cable. The inclosed CD should walk you through the initial setup, including turning on the wireless functions.

The main part of the wireless setup involves choosing an SSID or unique name for your wireless access point. You could use something like "marbwv". Then you will also pick a password to keep the access secure.

On your laptop, it will tell you that several wireless access points have been found including "marbwv". Select that one and enter then enter your password.

On subsequent trips, plug the router in and give it a couple minutes to power up. Then you should again connect to "marbwv" with the same password.

[idratherbeinwdw]

I am pretty comfortable doing this stuff as along as have instructions. Thanks Tim, it sounds ez.

Any opinions on this router? I use newegg for most of my computer purchases and find them reliable. This is the least pricey router that looked decent and has good reviews. Free shipping too. Any reason I shouldn't order it? Anyone have a better suggestion?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833166064

p.s.--I just noticed: When i read the ad for the above there is something called a wireless adaptor that is an add on. What is that? Do I need that or is the item going to work wireless without it?

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

Mar, Iknow nothing about that brand, I tend to stick with Cisco routers. Spec wise, it most likely will do everything you need it to do, provided you don't plan on streaming video. Music should be ok though.

[sharonuk]

Well I have taken the advice of the Apple store staff and switched off everything they recommended - I can access Internet using wifi no problem, BUT unable to use as a phone as 'no service' permanently!
Need to visit another Apple store somewhere over here for further advice!

[Minne's Friend]

Well bought a new router for the house - old router still works think it should be great at WDW. Since all the computers are already set up for it.

[denlo]

Well bought a new router for the house - old router still works think it should be great at WDW. Since all the computers are already set up for it.

I would still take the instruction booklet or CD for set on the old router with you to WDW, just in case your internet provider at home has an unusual configuration. Then you can reinstall the router for WDW if need be.