Tidbits
October 2019
Wi Free
10/26/19 Complimentary Wi-Fi continues to roll-out at the Walt Disney World resort. A new Wi-Fi network for Guests has begun to become available on Walt Disney World buses. Disney Transport Guest is the SSID for the new network and is indicated as available by a Wi-Fi symbol near the entrance of the bus. It appears that the new “Character” buses have all be upgraded with the new access, but a formal roll-out schedule has yet to be announced or reported.
An All-Star Refurb
10/26/19 The colloquially named “All-Star McDonalds” at Walt Disney World will soon be closing for a major renovation. The location will close for refurbishment October 30, 2019 re-opening in “2020”. Although the location underwent a major renovation in 2009 replacing its late 90’s cartoonish motif with a contemporary vibe, the current project is reportedly to further modernize the location.
Rocketing Prices
10/26/19 Once the best deal on Walt Disney World property, Fuel Rods will have a new pricing structure next month. Beginning November 1, 2019; Fuel Rods swaps will change from Complimentary to $3.00 each swap. Although this seems to be a wider trend with many Air Ports charging $1.00 per swap, Walt Disney World seems to once again be out pricing its travel industry peers.
Which Way is Up?
10/26/19 Disney’s Animal Kingdom continues to re-tool its newest stage show. UP! A Great Bird Adventure has recently undergone its 2nd makeover since debuting in April 2018. The latest incarnation adds a Wilderness Explorers Troop Leader to the cast (joining Russel and Dug) to add a more comedic tone to the show than its original or September 2018 versions.
Ring In the Refurbs
10/26/19 A pair of refurbs for popular Walt Disney World attractions will ring in 2020. Splash Mountain continues its marathon string of refurbishments during Marathon Week with a closure from January 6 through February 27, 2020. Meanwhile at Epcot, Test Track will have RunDisney participants racing to get in a ride prior to its closure January 13 through February 27, 2020.
Springing-Up
10/26/19 Several new dining locations are on their way to Disney Springs. Beatrix Health Foods has started construction on its new location at the former Bongos Cuban Café site. The new location will feature a Restaurant, Coffeehouse and Grab-‘n’-Go Market. Also on the West Side, the former home to Something Silver (most recently Amazing Pictures Photography Studio) has been confirmed as the new home for Walt Disney World’s second Ample Hills Creamery location.
Figment! aka Jason ºoº
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~It’s what us storytellers do; we restore order with imagination, we instill hope again and again~
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I just want to know the name of the genius that closes headliners during marathon week.
Although I'm not sure wifi on the buses is a priority for me, it is some good "downtime" to check plans, or make the next plans.
Heather aka ibelieveindisneymagic
INTERCOT Staff
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Let’s be clear, the Fuel Rods price increase is due to the Fuel Rods company starting to charge for swap outs in many places not just Disney. It’s not appropriate to take a swipe at Disney for something that is not their doing.
26 years staying at the Polynesian
There's a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of everyday...
Twenty six straight years staying at the Polynesian
Next trip: October 2018
Lose the Up story line and bring back Guano Joe to the bird show.
Dave aka: Altair
"Even though they're graceful when swimmin', it's hard to believe sailors thought they were women" - Manatee area, the Living Seas
Polynesian Dweller wrote: Let’s be clear, the Fuel Rods price increase is due to the Fuel Rods company starting to charge for swap outs in many places not just Disney. It’s not appropriate to take a swipe at Disney for something that is not their doing.
Agreed, hence the bold section below:
Beginning November 1, 2019; Fuel Rods swaps will change from Complimentary to $3.00 each swap. Although this seems to be a wider trend with many Air Ports charging $1.00 per swap, Walt Disney World seems to once again be out pricing its travel industry peers.
I'll check at the air port on my way out, but it seems like Disney is pricing $2 more per swap by their own decision. If not, I'll post an update on my findings. :thumbsup:
Figment! aka Jason ºoº
INTERCOT STAFF
News, Rumours & Imagineering
Dining
Vacations Beyond Disney
~It’s what us storytellers do; we restore order with imagination, we instill hope again and again~
~We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things~
I HATE the new 'UP' themed bird show. I realize the original show (with Guano Joe/Jane) wasn't everyone's cup of tea, but it was hands-down better than this rubbish they're now offering. I'd rather come in and watch a Big Screen TV with a documentary about birds than watch this embarrassingly poor quality show. It was downright painful to sit there and watch the CMs act like they were enjoying their script. The dancing lady is so completely out of place, I could barely watch her. I'm disgusted with the whole fiasco.
Genna
Always Enjoy the
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"Now approaching, Mickey's Star Traders"
If You Can Read This...
...Thank The Phoenicians!
ibelieveindisneymagic;2525612 wrote: Although I'm not sure wifi on the buses is a priority for me, it is some good "downtime" to check plans, or make the next plans.
I agree. I'm not seeing the importance of offering free wifi on the busses. Honestly, who comes up with the expenditure idea? I'm confident that everyone in the sane world could offer better advice on where to use the money. :confused:
Genna
Always Enjoy the
¸.•*¨)¸.•*¨)¸.•*¨Magic¸.•*¨)¸.•*¨)¸.•*¨
"Now approaching, Mickey's Star Traders"
If You Can Read This...
...Thank The Phoenicians!
Omg...the Up bird show was terrible!
Too many trips to keep track of now! Vacation WDW twice a year so any questions ask freely ☺️
Update on the Fuel Rods... Disney actually sets the prices, not FuelRod, so this jacking of the price to $3 was all on Disney, they get the blame... And they wonder why they are the face of American corporate greed??? Nickle and dime their guests to death... Sad really...
However, Disney has in fact reversed course... For now, they are NOT going to charge $3... But, with Chapek the Clown, expect that $3 to take affect sooner than later... This is a save face move, nothing more... But with Chapek the Crook in charge, yea ripping off will continue...
#FIRECHAPEK
You're dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway.
- Walt Disney
magicofdisney;2525620 wrote: I agree. I'm not seeing the importance of offering free wifi on the busses. Honestly, who comes up with the expenditure idea? I'm confident that everyone in the sane world could offer better advice on where to use the money. :confused:
Although I can agree that there are many ways to use that expenditure differently, I can see the Disney standpoint on this as well.
Understand that they are constantly sinking money into upgrading/updating/expanding WiFi all over the property - as demanded by guests - and the addition of WiFi repeaters in the buses is actually a very small cost out of their IT budget. Most new vehicles come equipped with WiFi repeaters from the factory now, and I am sure that the new buses do as well. It is just a matter of activating them and adding their 'addresses' to the system.
That said, I don't know if I, personally, am going to like the ride back to the resort at closing time with the entire bus lit up with cell phone displays!!! Isn't that why they turn the lights out on the ride -- to let people sleep! LOL
"The game never ends
When your whole world depends
On the Turn of a Friendly Card"
magicofdisney;2525620 wrote: I agree. I'm not seeing the importance of offering free wifi on the busses. Honestly, who comes up with the expenditure idea? I'm confident that everyone in the sane world could offer better advice on where to use the money. :confused:
The Disney of today makes you stare at your smart phone in order to maximize their profits, I mean your trip... Wifi on the buses is essential in this... Now families tired from a long day at spending their child's college fund on a 1 foot long hot dog and a cupcake, can now look at the dreadful and depressing world news... Or go onto My Disney Experience to check their fast passes or dining reservations... and soon, that new app Disney Genie which will work oh so well cause Disney is TOPS in IT will allow guests to figure out how to part ways with even more money.. Cause Disney is really really hurting for cash...
But seriously though, wifi is really needed, and a strong wifi signal is needed most...
You're dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway.
- Walt Disney
I turn off wifi when I'm at Disney because it ***** the life out of my battery. When I'm not using their wifi, I get through the entire day not having to recharge my phone AND, I still have a decent amount of charge to make it back to the room or my vehicle if I'm only doing a day trip. Perhaps others don't experience battery drainage from Disney's wifi. I'm currently using an iPhone SE and AT&T is my provider.
Genna
Always Enjoy the
¸.•*¨)¸.•*¨)¸.•*¨Magic¸.•*¨)¸.•*¨)¸.•*¨
"Now approaching, Mickey's Star Traders"
If You Can Read This...
...Thank The Phoenicians!
There's no question that a phone that has wifi turned on at Disney will eat up more battery - as you move around the parks and resort, it will constantly search for wifi for you. It can eat up some battery.....
Hence the FuelRod (or equivalent) business today! Most people prefer to do their online stuff on wifi and not eat into their data plans - so a portable recharging option in a backpack or pocket fits the bill for a phone that won't last all day! I'm not surprised Disney is putting wifi on their buses. It's part of today's world of providing so many things online - and it's Disney's way of providing an outlet for you to get online to their app via wifi. Wifi access and charging stations are part of today's 'needs' for many folks. It's why they're also providing charging options on these new buses, as well as wifi - at least I think I read that.....
I understand that wifi is a necessity in today's world. I'm not anti-tech by any stretch of the imagination. I actually have wifi in my personal vehicle. Why? Initially, it was to have for long family trips. I just don't see anyone being on a bus long enough that using personal wifi will be detrimental to their data plan.
Genna
Always Enjoy the
¸.•*¨)¸.•*¨)¸.•*¨Magic¸.•*¨)¸.•*¨)¸.•*¨
"Now approaching, Mickey's Star Traders"
If You Can Read This...
...Thank The Phoenicians!
