Disney World Goes 802.11b

LighthouseJ writes "Over at CNN they report that Disney World in Florida has a 47-square mile 802.11b wireless LAN through the park with 200 access points. The move comes after visitors complaints that they couldn't use credit cards at every place in the park. Plus, it allows "cast members" to offer guests goods and services anywhere, not restricted to where the credit card machine is at. The man responsible, Murshid S. Khan, Director of Telecommunications and Technology Support sees this as a valuable technology, citing mobility and flexibility as the main reasons for the switch. Khan goes on to say that the system is protected by a 128-bit encryption scheme and software installed to detect intrusions. When he was asked if visitors will have access to the wireless network, CNN quotes him to say: 'We need you to come to the park and enjoy the park,' he said. 'If we start opening Internet cafes, you won't do that.' He's a smart man." So, running AirSnort wouldn't probably be the best idea? *grin*

Comments

I want to know...

[nll8802]

How long before that network is comprimised. In a matter of days People will probablly know what websites Mickey has been to (www.nakedmice.com) or what Mickey purchases online. (Probablly Real Dolls )

Things the visitor can do besides surf the web

[pres]

There are things the user could use besides surf the web. For instance, a little app on your wireless device that let you check the length of lines at the rides, the reservations at a restaurant etc.
Still, just as is, it is cool.

Re:Things the visitor can do besides surf the web

[Mondrames]

A realatively inexpensive device (solar maybe) for the kids' shirt. You lose your kid? Go to the security desk, and they can find what AP your kid is closest too.

Also could be used to collect better metrics on which Guests prefer which attractions. Like Slot Club cards at casinos. Maybe you can get perks if you blow a lot of money in the gift stores (Glass Castle anyone?)

I'm sure there's other uses too.

The first thing I thought of...

[pi radians]

Not another wireless mouse!

Ba-dum-pa-chi! Thanks folks, I'll be here all night!

Good reason why they'll never offer 'Net access...

[Jason Levine]

While on my honeymoon in DisneyWorld this year, my wife and I took quite a few of their Behind the Scenes tours. On the Epcot one, we found out why Disney will most likely never let people have 'Net access in their parks. (At least not in public places.)

Our tour guide said that they actually did have a kiosk there a few years back that let people browse the web and check their web-based e-mail. He checked on the kiosk once and found that some pervert had left up a XXX e-mail and changed the wallpaper. He wouldn't elaborate on what it was, but he said it shocked even him.

Luckily for them, they were able to remove the offensive material before anyone noticed. Still, as a place that bills itself as "family-friendly," they simply can't take the risk that it would happen again (and more high profile).

Our tour guide kept the possibility open that they would resume 'Net access with some types of safeguards against this, but no safeguard is 100%. Public Internet access is just not a high-priority item for Disney. (Believe me, there's so much to do at Disney World, that you won't have time to browse the Net.) The PR risks of another abuse far outweigh any customer gains.

CNN lies, it's not a 47 square mile cloud

[SkywalkerOS8]

Only about 35% of the 47 square miles owned by The Walt Disney Company in Central Florida is developed. I highly doubt they went through the expense of creating a WLAN cloud that covers marshland. I doubt that even the hotel resort properties are covered either. It probably only the 4 theme parks, the 3 water parks, Downtown Disney and maybe Fort Wilderness near Pioneer Hall. That drops the square mileage significantly. Even with the hotel areas its only a fraction of 47 square miles. I really hate bad reporting.

Hack Disneyworld

[Bonker]

By definition, any given network is crackable. It's just a matter of time, right?

Here are some exploits that we can be sure of seeing in the future:

1. 'It's a Small World' animatronic dolls reprogrammed via wireless network to share their cultural feelings via a massive animatronic orgy of all nations.

2. Michael Jackson's "Captain Eo 3D" video replaced with low-quality MPEG of a video taken of what really happened at Macaully Caulkin's last birthday party.

3. Ride Space Mountain during DDOS season? Only if you're feeling suicidal. You never know when that modified Nimda worm is going to kick in.
4. Parade of Lights all flash in sequence to spell out "L33+ X1DD135 OWNZ JOO DIZNY"

5. Animatronic Abe Lincoln now shouts, "Beefcake. BEEFCAKE!!!!"