NEW...DOLPHIN/SWAN..."questions and answers"...tips and hints!

[Mouseteacher]

I hope that they don't increase the teacher rate in 2003. We are planning an August trip and I'd hate to see the rate climb any higher.

Muffy and Troyfus have a great time - I'm green (lime green that is) with envy! Please post when you can all the details!

We just finished watching the Patriots beat the Dolphins! A heart stopper game! Now, we are looking for the Jets to lose! Go Green Bay!

 

[lovingthemouse]

Hope that you all have the most magical trips!!! Happy New Year. Caroline

 

[ddawg]

Yikes! That is a lot of points! Have a wonderful time Muffy. I am sure you will have a great view, and if not, you can ask them to move you.

 

[dreamflight99]

Have a GREAT TRIP Muffy! I prefer the far East wing, even w/DD (when she was little). I believe it is quieter, and more "out of the way" of all the activity. It's beautiful...and offers some of the BEST views of the world. We've stayed on the West wing once, and faced the west side another. Never again, I just prefer the unobscured, private view the FAR EAST wing offers. JMOHO!! By all means...be Pushy! Platinum status is not easily attained, and should be properly recognized. Enjoy every blessed moment! (I want to meet you and Troyfus TOO!...wish I were going).
P.S. You'll recoup 10,000 pts. w/the vistana tour! Please, be sure to email me all the info. I'll call the associate (get #) and plan this for us as well! Not a bad deal...like $$ in the bank.

Disnurse...now, that's what I call a NIGHTMARE! I was LOL as I read your post. Poor kid, you must have been a mess when you awoke. Until you realized it was all a bad dream....just your subconscious working O/T!

Mouseteacher...I thought of you today as I watched the PATS win!! I could almost hear you cheering! LOL.

Caroline...HAPPY NEW YEAR! Are you planning anything special?

 

[disnurse]

mpuseteacher- any advice as to the places to leave our car at/near logan for 8 days in april?

 

[Mouseteacher]

Disnurse...We parked in the main/central garage. It was a little pricey - around $120 for 6 days we were gone. However, it was very welcome since we arrived home late on our return day (we sat on the runway at Orlando for 90 min. due to a thunderstorm) and we were all very tired to say the least. To just be able to get our car and head home was worth every penny! I find traveling on the Delta Express flights stressful... very tight quarters!!!! I am very happy to get off the plane and not have to do any more shuttling or waiting for transportation. I hope this is helpful and have a wonderful, magical trip!

 

[WolfpackFan]

Originally posted by RobMax
Anyone picked up a new teacher or govt rate for 2003? Time to start planning again.

We have govt rate for June 2003 - $129 at Dolphin.

 

[mom23guys2]

I have a Teacher rate for Easter 2003, $129 plus tax and resort fee.


I have a question about the Junior Suite at the Dolphin, is it a separate bedroom or is it just a larger room divided into area?

How can you go about upgrading to Club level from a standard room with SPG points? Can this be guaranteed or is it just if it's available upon check-in? Is it possible to upgrade from a standard room to a junior suite with SPG points?
Sorry to have so many questions but last year dreamflight was such a help to me on my first visit to the Swan that even without any point on my first use of the SPG card I was given a room with a balcony and a view of the boat dock. Now I'm going to get adventuresome. I'm applying for a SPG Amex card and already have two January Sheraton stay booked for family visits.
Thanks for your past and future help.

 

[dreamflight99]

Mouseteacher...wow, ce n'est pas for the parking fees! At the Westin St. Francis in San Fran, I paid $39.00 eve eve (x5)=OUCH!
So, $20 per day at Logan is pretty nice (for moi). It's more at LAX, but they also have vouchers and coupons which reduce the price some. I must agree with you...about the EXPRESS flights. In fact, I do not like any flight where I must walk out to the tarmac and board the plane climbing the metal stairs carrying my own bags!

Did this last June, in Detroit (to NYC). It's been SO long since I had to take a connecting flight--I forgot the routine. I was laughing, and the pilot dipped down and grabbed my laptop for me (not so much as a courtesy, but to speed things up a bit--as I was the last person to board, because I was "Juaned" by the wands and checked by the checkers!) It was a bit of a white-knuckle flight too...bumping, etc.

I much prefer the large, non-stop commercial flights. This is how we fly to Orlando, and it's the only way to go. My sister was flying into an area in NY, which required a "connecting express" flight. She asked for my assistance, and I re-routed her into Syracuse on a non-stop from LAX. She then had to drive 90 minutes to her destination...but was much more pleased with the entire process.

mom23guys2...so glad to see you back here, and read you are planning another trip to WDW and the Dolphin! Yes, the Jr. suite is divided into two separate rooms. It's very nice.

YES...to both of your next questions. You may upgrade to CL privs using your SPG points, and also to a Jr. Suite using pts. Both of these can be guaranteed, in advance, (5-days prior to arrival). I have never heard/read of anyone being refused upgrades using points.

I'm so happy to hear you have applied for the SPG AMEX card, and of the two trips in Jan (more pts!). Starwood preferred guest program is what makes the WDW Dolphin and Swan EXTRA-MAGICAL! You actually EARN pts. for upgrades/future stays while you stay/pay! It's the best thing since sliced bread. I'm pleased you enjoyed your last stay at the Swan, and the upgrades to the balcony room w/view. Hope this helps you some.

Happy Holidays...still enjoying "sleeping-in" while DD is out of school!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Of course, that rate was this past August... rates have probably gone up knowing Massport. The flights from Boston to MCO are Delta Express and American - both 737s - which translates to claustrophobic. Although, I understand American has made more space on these flights by removing some seats. Since the flight time is 2 and 1/2 hours from Boston to Orlando, it is not worth paying much more than what these airlines charge roundtrip.

 

[lovingthemouse]

Hi DF - we will have my 91 yr young mom with us, so that makes the new year very special !!! In a little more than 6 weeks, we'll be back in the magic again.
Then in early March- my super-duper trip to Disney with 41 middle school kids who will have waited for this magic for a long time. They are sooo excited. Teaching in an urban school means lots of fundraising, sacrificing -one student is being sponsored by a wonderful woman whom i have never even met! The most wonderfully magical things have been happening for this trip, i know it is meant to be a really special one, and the most incredible thing is that these kids will never know all the "behind the scene" things that have occurred.
Isn't that one of the beauties of life? I always feel that seeing their faces as the round the Emporium store on Main St and getting their first glimpse of Cinderella's castle is the ultimate joy for me!!! I am the lucky one to be with them!!
A most Happy New Year to everyone! Caroline

 

[Troyfus]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
(I want to meet you and Troyfus TOO!...wish I were going).

By all means DF, meet us there! My wife would love to meet you. She is used to hearing DF said this or DF said that, and is by now anxious to see the person who so graciously gave of her time that others could better enjoy theirs. Without your advice, we'd be in a standard room with a minimal view and no sense to hope for better. Not any more!!

A little more than a day till check in. It'll be a toss up if we make it before midnight or not. Wouldn't it be wild to be the FIRST guests for 2003.

 

[dreamflight99]

"How much you ALL brighten my days" (with your HAPPY posts and lavish praise ) I am fortunate to be able to assist you in any way possible. I am HAPPY...when you are HAPPY!

Mouseteacher...I hear you there (rates increasing) for parking fees. I love Logan...and have fond memories of the airport. I would LOVE to fly the 2+ hours to Orlando (instead of 4+ from LAX)...but prefer the spacious 767 we fly with Delta. I understand the angst associated with the smaller cabin/seating arrangement. I am truly blessed to be able to fly first class, and appreciate the extra room and amenities more than you know. I never take these pleasures for granted. Yet, my daughter, ever the philanthropic child, always feels disheartened for those in coach. She thinks everyone should be treated the same, with the same consideration (roomy seats, food, etc.), and pay the same price. She is God's way of reminding me of the inequities of life. She should consider politics!

Oh, Caroline...you've warmed my heart more than you know. Your mom is with you...at 91! She should be celebrated in style! Just goes to show, age is but a state of mind. My Grandma lived to be 99, and my great aunt on my mom's side 100. Both lived alone until their passing, and took care of themselves with strong souls and sharp minds. Longevity is something I greatly revere. Both of my parents are nearing 73...and celebrated 50 years of marriage this past June. Keep her secrets...and you'll make it past the centennial mark too.
The story of the kids...(which I think about often), truly makes me smile. You are receiving by giving. As for the Castle...tell them "Some things have to be believed with the heart...to be SEEN" (God...LOVE...and the Magic of Disney, just to name three).
You are such a special woman, and there's a wonderful place awaiting you on the other side (many, many years from now!). You must be surrounded with Angels and spirits...someone so giving and caring. Rest assured, when you see the smiles on their faces, and the magic in their hearts...I am seeing it too. For you will be on my mind every moment you are there with these kids. May God bless you and keep you happy, healthy and always growing/learning/teaching throughout the New Year, and every year to come.

Troyfus...you are the true epitomy of the aphorism "knowledge is power" (and using it is a true reflection of WISDOM!). The "more you know" the better equipped you are to obtain the upgrades and amenities available (at the Dolphin/Swan!).

I would be so HONORED to meet you and your DW, and truly wish I could be there! Thanks for the kind and receptive invite. We would have a great time chatting about all things "Dolphin/Dis/Disney" and of course, LIFE in general!
I am confident you are armed with all the info needed to insure a wonderful stay. Please, contact us from the Dolphin if possible (laptop?) and keep us apprised of your activities and insight regarding this trip. Your posts are always enjoyable! Have a SAFE & HAPPY trip, and a breezy check-in! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

 

[Troyfus]

Laptop? What is that? Wait a minute... is that one of those computers you can take anywhere?
I would need major pixie dust to land one of those. Being a luxury "Want" it is not very high on the "to purchase soon" list. My mail carrier income just manages to pay the bills and a few smaller perks, such as my DSL line. DSL --->
I will have to post about my Dolphin experience when I get back home.

One final question though: Being a near midnight check-in on New Years Eve/Day, what room would you try for (Platinum status and all)?One final question though:

 

[Troyfus]

Yikes! One more question!

My wife wants to know if we need to pack hangers, or does the Dolphin have hangers available? I can live out of a suitcase, but my honey prefers to have things hung.

Hairdryers are there too, right?

 

[disnurse]

troyfus- e are a few hangers, about 10. Yes there are hairdryers, ironing board and iron too!

 

[Mouseteacher]

I wholeheartedly agree with Troyfus regarding the invaluable help DF has been. Our first stay at the Dolphin was all the more magical upon receiving the comp CL due to the advice I read here previous to our trip. I was a "lurker" during July and August (discovered these Boards accidently while trying to research information on the S/D resort) just soaking in the info and then acting on it. Finally, I came on board to thank everyone for their help particularly DF!

 

[Jodi1980]

I can't seem to get an answer to the following question: Does the Swan have guest rooms on the first and second floors? I just wanted to know why they started re-doing the rooms on the third floor first.

 

[disnurse]

just wishing everyone a very happy and healthy new year!!!

 

[dreamflight99]

It is a luxury..indeed. And like a cellphone, it can be a nuisance too. Enjoy your stay...and write when you return (I'll be anxiously awaiting your posts!). Tell your wife there are PLENTY of hangers available through housekeeping. If she needs/requires more than are in the closet...have her phone HK to bring some more (it's a little-known fact!). Yes...there is also a hairdryer on the wall, and if it is not sufficient enough to dry your hair...call housekeeping and they will bring another (independent) product! Everything you desire is at your fingertips (phone) so DO NOT FORGET to ASK/CALL! Platinum Status should land you a Jr. Suite upgrade with a Theme park view (I prefer Epcot), and all the extra perks! This includes the resort fee WAIVED, Free Club Level, and a bunch of other things (like your choice of a check-in reward...if not offered...PLEASE ASK!). Enjoy this trip...we'll be here when you return.

Thanks, Mouseteacher. Your kind words are greatly appreciated. I'm so happy to read you found my tidbits of advice/info to be helpful/useful. It's my pleasure to offer any/all assistance to make anyone's journey/stay a memorable and pleasurable occasion. Thank you, again.

JODI...there is no RHYME or REASON to the schedule. Yes, there are rooms on these floors...but why they selected the third to begin is anyone's guess!

Disnurse...HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU...and EVERYONE!