Technology on the Road

We’ve been cozied up here at Outdoor Resorts of Orlando for a little over a week. The kids have enjoyed heading over to the clubhouse at their leisure to enjoy the internet and get their daily ‘watching’ fix. Most of the watching they do involves downloading things they pay for through iTunes. Netflix and YouTube is also a close favorite. I couldn’t get the silly cable box the front office gave me to work.

The resorts boasts WiFi but the only available source is at the clubhouse. We cannot get a signal from the RV. Good thing we’re right across the street. I’ve really got to get a handle on this access to WiFi. I have a good amount of gigabytes with our data plan but when the kids stream live video or I download images, it gets used up quickly. We have ten gigs left for about seven days so we’re on conservation mode. I know this can be done, having enough internet access on the road. I follow a blog called Technomadia. They base their entire livelihood on the ability to access the internet while on the road. They are a mecca of technology for nomads and worth checking out.

Before we make the long haul out in June, I’d like to purchase a Tailgater. This is a portable device used to get satellite signals. We have DishNetwork at home so the only additional costs is the tailgater. The kids will be in heaven. They’ll have Disney, Cartoon Network and I’ll have HGTV, nice! But this thing is EXPENSIVE,  So we’ll see if I can fit it in the budget.

Another device that is extremely helpful in getting WiFi signals from routers placed within  RV parks is something called a Wilson Antenna. It’s also helpful for getting signals when using a hotspot in remote locations. If you choose to use this device please be sure to read the disclaimer. This is a snippet:

“Consumer Alert: Before use, you must register this device with your wireless provider and have your provider’s consent. Most wireless providers consent to the use of signal boosters. Although AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon and 90 additional carriers have already given consent for all consumers to use this device, you must still register.”

So that is something that you must take into consideration. The antenna is very low profile and I’ve read about individuals mounting them on flag poles while they’re stationary. Again, the Technomadia folks have some good information on their blog reference this device.

Wilson Antenna

So speaking of technology, I’d like to ask a favor. I’ve recently become an Amazon Affiliate. In order to be accepted into the program, I need to have at least one reader click on the Amazon link to the right and purchase something. The shopping experience is exactly the same as when you shop via the main Amazon page. There is no difference in cost. The only difference is as an Amazon affiliate, I get a small commission. This will allow me to keep the blog up and running and bring you all our adventures on the road. In fact, if you would purchase from my link whenever you shop Amazon, I would REALLY appreciate it.

And if you’d be so kind as to purchase something from the link on my page, can I ask you for just one more eensy weensy favor? If you like my content, could you subscribe to the blog? This way you’ll be notified via e-mail when new content is posted. Oh, and share me with any friends and family who may be interested. I would be very grateful! You see, I’ve been a freelance writer in the past. The only problem is that I was always building up everyone else’s content. Now, I finally have the chance to make it in the world. It’s small, it’s not much but it means a lot to me. Thanks guys!

Since I started writing this post, we’ve moved location. We are now at Thousand Trails Orlando. The atmosphere is different and the park is MUCH larger and 90% RV based. Our last two locations were vice-versa. About 90%  stationary homes (55+ communities) and 10% RV. I have yet to be able to get good enough WiFi signal to ‘purchase’ a weeks worth, ugh. So we’re stuck having to haul it over to the activity center once again for internet access. And it’s at least a 10 minute walk. No convenient location this time. This seems to be a recurring theme. I will be purchasing the Wilson Antenna and doing some research on how many gb’s we really need to be comfortable nomads. Tomorrow it’s off to Animal Kingdom. And did I mention, the spring breakers are GONE! The lines are nearly non-existent and I’m a happy camper! No pun intended :-)!

{HUGS} from the crew!

Current Location = Thousand Trails Orlando, 2110 Thousand Trails Blvd, Clermont, FL 34714.  352-394-7575.

Cost = $33 for 11 nights w/Thousand Trails Southeast Zone Purchase. It’s only costing me $33 because I couldn’t find any 50 amp spots in the regular sites so I paid for a ‘premium’ spot.

My Observations = This is a VERY big, mainly RV based resort. The sites are not all that desirable but who can beat the price? We gave up concrete for dirt but we have big outdoor mats, so no worries. This keeps a barrier between us and the red ants. And yes, we’ve seen numerous red ant holes. The electricity works fine and we have full hook-ups.

*Please Note: If you do not like being handed a map and told to go forage for your spot, THIS PARK IS NOT FOR YOU! And to top it off, there are yellow stars placed randomly throughout the park to let you know where the 50 amp spots are, really?! Once we got settled, we were fine but what a pain in the *$%# that was.

Some of the amenities include:

• 2 pools
• numerous laundry facility
• planned activities
• shuffleboard
• miniature golf
• tennis
• exercise room
• numerous bath houses
• 2 fishing lakes