The information box on the log in window for Wizard 101 warns about maintenance today with delays for paying players and only "intermittent" access for non-paying players. I have a subscription and so far it took 5 times to log on initially, and then I got booted out trying to switch characters, now I'm back to multiple attempts to connect to the server, so far no luck. Am I somehow lumped into the wrong group for access, or is this considered part of the "delay"? It's been about 20 minutes of trying to log in so far.
Yes, as stated: All players may experience a delay the first time they log a character in to the world today. This is expected and there's no need to submit a bug about this delay.
Once you time-out and get the 'failed to connect' message, try again right away.
If you want the prize, you have to build the ladder rung by rung. There are no shortcuts.