cost of internet access at OLCC?

[senorak]

I've been reading previous threads and the reviews...and while some mention internet access (dial-up in rooms; internet cafe in West Village area)......I couldn't find any specific cost. We usually bring a laptop when we travel, and DH will need to check in w/ his realty business, and I will need to check in for our flight home. We do not plan to use the dial up (too slow). However, several of the posts mentioned the "expense" of the internet cafe. Is this the only place at OLCC to get high speed? And, does anyone know the cost (if you have your own laptop)? We are trying to pack as little as possible, so need to decide if we are bringing the laptop.

Thanks.

DEB

 

[timetraveler]

you can use you laptop in our internet cafe's. pricing is per hour, day or for the entire week. I know plans start as low as $6

We have 2 of them. One at RI and one at the West Village Clubhouse.

 

[gjw007]

I believe the cost is $48 for the week but if you don't mind a little drive, on 192 on the right hand side as you are driving toward Highway 27 (it is in the shopping center with a Publix next to Summer Bay) is a library where you can use the Internet for free. Also, if you aren't aware of it, if you take a right on 27 (heading north), at the first stop light on 27, take a right and you will see a Wal Mart which also has a large grocery section.

 

[luv2vacation]

We used the library when we were at OLCC. It wasn't far at all.

 

[ajsmithtx]

I just left OLCC this past Fri. I rode my motorcycle to OLCC, so I decided not to bring my laptop, I used the three day $36.00 plan. My plan started on Monday at 9:45am and ended at 9:45am on Thursday. I used my smartphone during the weekend for e-mail. The cost is $70.00 for the entire week, $5.50 per half hour, I believe the cost per day is $16.00. I did not check the prices for using a personal laptop.

 

[Stu]

Why so high? Ask your Board.

I'm an owner and Director over at Cypress Pointe Resort just down the road. The WFi there works in all units, the Clubhouse, Pool area, and will also work in the new recreation and picnic area now under construcion. The charge is $4.95/day or $19.95/week. And it's only remained at that level to help cover continued upgrades and new service equipment. Plug in Ethernet bridges are also available upon request for owners without WIFi cards.

If I were an owner at Orange Lake, I'd inquire with their Board of Directors why service is so expensive. Maybe they can justify it but you won't know if you don't ask.

Best regards, Stu Schwartz

 

[senorak]

Yikes!!! Wasn't expecting such a high price! That is utterly ridiculous! Not sure if we will bring the laptop now....doesn't seem worth it. Maybe we will have to take the TS tour....just to be able to have $$ to pay the internet cost.

Okay....what else will I be "nickeled and dimed" for? Please tell me the mini-golf is still "pay one price for the week"? My kids LOVED that activity the last time we visited....and I think it was only around $30 for the week. If it is now "pay as you play", that will definitely limit their time w/ golf. And the tubes for the Lazy River....I know, $7 or so per day.....is there a weekly fee? Family fee?

DEB

 

[wise one]

Why do resorts feel they have to charge for wi-fi? And when they do, why is it so high. I only pay about $35 a month for my roadrunner service including wi-fi at home.

We have a resort in TN that has wi-fi in the member's clubhouse and it carries outside by the pool. The cost is $0.00 per hour/day/week. It is covered in the maintenance fees.

We also have a resort in FL that has a computer in the lobby to use for free.

When we stayed at Fairfield Glade in 2006, there was free wi-fi in the registration area and free in the shopping area.

Most motels that I go to include wi-fi at no extra cost in the room rate.

WHY do our resorts feel they have to charge?

 

[ira g]

We were ripped off for $9.95 per day at Shell Starr Pass

It was $9.95 per 24 hour period directly with a company called wayport. To me this was excessive.

 

[timeos2]

In 5 more years ir may be like TV is now. Included in the annual fees

Why do resorts feel they have to charge for wi-fi? And when they do, why is it so high. I only pay about $35 a month for my roadrunner service including wi-fi at home.

We have a resort in TN that has wi-fi in the member's clubhouse and it carries outside by the pool. The cost is $0.00 per hour/day/week. It is covered in the maintenance fees.

We also have a resort in FL that has a computer in the lobby to use for free.

When we stayed at Fairfield Glade in 2006, there was free wi-fi in the registration area and free in the shopping area.

Most motels that I go to include wi-fi at no extra cost in the room rate.

WHY do our resorts feel they have to charge?

There is an ongoing and very legitimate debate at most resorts about Internet access and the cost (if any) to owners and guests. One school (and I am most definitely an alumni) says people expect it to be available and at low or no cost. Others say resorts are for vacations and you'd be nuts to bring a laptop or use a PC rather than "getting away from it all". I see the view but I don't subscribe.

Once the decision is made to offer Internet then the question becomes what if any charge. 5 years ago when Cypress Pointe was one of (and possible THE first) timeshare to offer high speed internet in the rooms there was no question that the service would cost money for those that used it. It wasn't like a phone or TV that was an expected part of the annual fee for all owners - the only way it can be "free" at a timeshare (the owners pay the bills).

Since then the system at CPR was upgraded to WiFi in 2004 and just this past month to a totally new fiber optic based infrastructure and high power WiFi throughout the resort. Those upgrades cost owners over $100,000! So when the question came up again about pricing (Free or charge) the Board had to weigh all factors into the decision. It was decided that in room access is still not at the level of phone or tv where every owner has to pay if they use it or not. A reasonable fee structure ($4/95/day OR $19.95/week) would help recover the large capital outlay made and put the costs on those that actually use the service. While that may not be the perfect answer nor will everyone agree with it the approach seems fair to all. We are also installing a new business center area in the Clubhouse which has PC's, printers & fax services (there are charges for use) for those who don't want to bring a laptop along but need at least some access.

That $100,000 number was for a small (by Orlando standards) resort with a relatively compact footprint to cover. I cannot even hazard a guess what a service at that level would cost to install at a mega resort like OLCC or Wastegate. On the other hand since they do have such limited areas that offer service I also would question fees as high as those quoted. Seems like someone is making big money off a service that should be offered to owners/guests at or near cost.

 

[gjw007]

I left OLCC a little over a week ago. I don't remember seeing $70 for the week but it was $6 or $7 for one hour, $16 for the day, and $48 for the week. I only glanced at the price so my memory may not correct. Either way, it is still too high in my opinion. As a comparison, these fees were consistent with what most other resorts had charged, give or take a little here, such as DVC. In March, DVC no longer charges owners for the use of Internet when staying at a DVC resort. I did like staying at the Hilton GVC where there was no fee and for resorts where there was a fee (Summer Bay building 5 as an example), I use the library.

I do agree that there are two schools of thought; One is to keep costs down for the owners so why should owners pay for something that they don't use and the other is that the amenities sell the resort and are expected when guest check in therefore the resort should have these. Internet access falls into the first category whereas large screen TVs, DVRs, etc. fall into the second category. For OLCC, the rental of tubes for River Island is done using the first category but it really is in the second category.

The key cost is probably not the equipment as that is a fixed cost and can probably be done reasonably inexpensively especially if everything is WiFi but the cost of a service provider is an uncertainty and what they wish to charge can get prohibitive. If they see a resort with 2600 units and want revenue from the 2600 units, then the cost can rise very quickly. Because of this, many resorts will let a third party come in, install the Internet connections, and set up a rate with the resorts getting a fee. It is probably the least expensive and the least risky route for the resort but the most expensive route for those who use the service. For the resort, it now has the ability to provide Internet access, avoids high outlays of cash, and doesn't need the technical staff to maintain the equipment.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Gary, are exchangers at DVC going to continue to pay for internet service? I think it should be included in the $95 we pay. Rick and I have annual passes, so the free parking in the parks is not a savings for us, and we rent a car, so we don't use their transportation, even from the airport. I wish they would stop charging for internet because it is excessive.

If it is $48 for a week at OLCC, I think that is reasonable. Our good friend and his mom are staying at OLCC River Island in October, and I know internet access is very important to him because he is a computer geek. He won't mind paying the money for the week.

 

[timeos2]

Gary, are exchangers at DVC going to continue to pay for internet service? I think it should be included in the $95 we pay. Rick and I have annual passes, so the free parking in the parks is not a savings for us, and we rent a car, so we don't use their transportation, even from the airport. I wish they would stop charging for internet because it is excessive.

If it is $48 for a week at OLCC, I think that is reasonable. Our good friend and his mom are staying at OLCC River Island in October, and I know internet access is very important to him because he is a computer geek. He won't mind paying the money for the week.

Cindy - Your idea of reasonable is much higher than mine especially when that isn't in the unit but at limited locations around the resort. I balk at $29/week (although I have paid it for in unit service) but anything above that I look for alternatives. In fact I have 3G service now on my Verizon Treo for $59/month unlimited which means I get high speed service using that almost anyplace I go. While it is a tad more convenient to simply connect using Wifi rather than the tether to the phone not at a cost like that.

 

[jbuzzy11]

I also go to the Library about 3 min down the road on 192, I never brought my laptop with me but now you can and hook it up without waiting for a computer to open up. I go to checkin on Southwest and when it was time to check in (24hrs in advance) the computers were all taken so I called my mother in NY and she checked me in online and I just printed it out when available. so bring your laptop and use it in the library!

 

[ajsmithtx]

Gary

$70.00 is for use of OLCC's PCs for the week, which was the same as last year. The $48.00 fee might be for individuals using their personal laptops. Again, I am not sure, since I did not bring my laptop.

At The Shearwater in Hawaii, we have access to WIFI, but I am sure the cost is included in our MX fees.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Tony, that is true at Shearwater, and exchangers don't pay either, which is nice. Although unit 102 didn't have much of a signal, I was still able to connect with my laptop on occasion.

Rick had "words" with the gal at KEK's clubhouse because we went over there to pick up a box that was supposed to boost the signal if the computer was plugged into it, and it didn't help. Rick said that was unacceptable that we had no signal, and she insisted that we don't pay for it. Rick said we absolutely do pay for it. She said, "No, it's complimentary." Yeah, Wyndham is just giving it to the owners.

Twin Rivers' wireless internet was weak in some units, so an expert is going to the resort to make sure it works in every unit. That will be free to owners and exchangers, and I think that is the only way to do things as a timeshare resort. I wish OLCC would provide free Wireless Internet, but they just don't, and only the HOA can do anything about it, as Stu pointed out in an earlier post.

 

[gjw007]

Gary, are exchangers at DVC going to continue to pay for internet service? I think it should be included in the $95 we pay. Rick and I have annual passes, so the free parking in the parks is not a savings for us, and we rent a car, so we don't use their transportation, even from the airport. I wish they would stop charging for internet because it is excessive.

If it is $48 for a week at OLCC, I think that is reasonable. Our good friend and his mom are staying at OLCC River Island in October, and I know internet access is very important to him because he is a computer geek. He won't mind paying the money for the week.

Cindy,

This is from the DVC member site so you know as much as I.

Daily Internet charge to be discontinued effective May 4, 2008

Based on Member feedback, the daily charge for wired high-speed Internet access for Members staying at Disney Vacation Club Resorts at the Walt Disney World® Resort will be discontinued effective May 4, 2008. Guests renting Disney Vacation Club accommodations will continue to pay the daily rate for access, and high-speed Internet access charges still apply to Members staying at non-Disney Vacation Club Resorts.

​

There is no mention of exchangers in this briefing. As far as the Internet at River Island, I did use my laptop and the wireless but at times it was very weak. If your son enjoys gaming (I have coworker who all he talks about is gaming), he should bring an ethernet cable as well to make sure that he has a good connection in case his wireless Internet connection is less than desirable.

 

[gjw007]

Gary

$70.00 is for use of OLCC's PCs for the week, which was the same as last year. The $48.00 fee might be for individuals using their personal laptops. Again, I am not sure, since I did not bring my laptop.

At The Shearwater in Hawaii, we have access to WIFI, but I am sure the cost is included in our MX fees.

Thanks Tony. I bring my laptop and don't use the resorts computers. I did not check the cost when using OLCC's computers.

 

[ajsmithtx]

Tony, that is true at Shearwater, and exchangers don't pay either, which is nice. Although unit 102 didn't have much of a signal, I was still able to connect with my laptop on occasion.

Cindy, the signal in unit 110 wasn't the greatest either. We will at The Shearwater this Thursday,:whoopie: in unit 109.

I believe it depends on what type of wireless setup the resort has, whether that is OLCC or anyplace else. The Shearwater's router sits on a high ledge in the clubhouse, and I am not sure what system or router type that it is.

At OLCC I noticed people sitting around the West Village and RI "connections" area with their laptops, I am assuming their signal acquisition, was a lot better near the "connection" areas.

We have an N1 router at our house, you can be a good distance anyway from it, and still get a good signal.

 

[gjw007]

You can use the wireless in the West Village Clubhouse almost anywhere I think and get a good signal. This is mostly true for RI as well. This past stay was the first time I have had problems with a weak signal. I'm wondering if it wasn't because I was in a first floor unit that may have had some obstacle blocking the signal. I have stayed on the 2nd and 3rd floor in roughly the same area without any issues before. I never did have a problem when I took the laptop to the pool area getting a strong signal.

 

[slabeaume]

Don't forget---if you choose to go with dial up and think you'll save that way, you pay $.75 per local call.

 

[Vodo]

Public Library Has Moved . . .

I'm at Summer Bay now and wi-fi is $39.99 for 7 days, $34.99 for 5 days, and there are other increment options that I don't recall right now. I bit the bullet and paid the 5-day rate since we'll be leaving a little early this visit. The library that we've all so happily used in the past has moved from the Publix strip center next door. It's now located on Highway 27 just across the street from the Super Wal-Mart. That's just a little bit more of a trek than I'm willing to make with any frequency, thus my choice to pay the wi-fi fee.

 

[snippet]

Internet access at OLCC is too expensive for me. I think it was $6 for an hour with our own laptop. I don't understand why they charge so much. I asked at check in about wifi access in the units, but was told it wasn't available at all. I tried to find a signal in my unit (golf villa) and couldn't find anything.

Deb/senorak: as for the other fees you need to be aware of.... putt putt golf is either by the week or game. I bought a pass for both courses (West and River Island) for $54.00 for a family of 8. It was worth it to us. We also played on the lake with paddle boats and boats, and that also is extra.

 

[Kozman]

Cost of Internet

Perhaps I'm wrong, but I think some resorts contract the internet service out to a private company and that's why it's so expensive.

Since I travel so often to timeshares, I too subscribed to Verizon Wireless Broadband for approx. $60 per month. It has worked at all the resorts I've visited in the past three months and works 'in the room' and most other locations.

 

[myip]

Does OLCC has internet access inside the villa?