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

[MOM POPPINS]

Dreamflight, Your family will be in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.... It's still amazes me that our daily post to each other can make us apart of all our daily lives....

Ozziwags, your yorkie is a sweetie! I have 2, Punky and Spanky both yorkies!

All is going pretty well here, We went for a 2nd. opinion today and it was the same. I have accepted this diagnosis the best I can and I am going to try and return to my normal self.... and be there for not only Rachel but the rest of my family. I felt the newest little bundle move for the first time last night. Makes it all seem so real, This really is going to happen!

Best Wishes again to you Dreamflight...

 

[ozziewags]

Good to hear from everyone....mompoppins and DF, we will keep you and yours in our prayers....pixiedust to you.
All you guys going to the S/D soon, keep us posted as to what is going on there. I read that the wings at the Swan have all been renovated. Heavenly beds.....ahhhhh.

 

[ozziewags]

Good to hear from everyone....mompoppins and DF, we will keep you and yours in our prayers....pixiedust to you.
All you guys going to the S/D soon, keep us posted as to what is going on there. I read that the wings at the Swan have all been renovated. Heavenly beds.....ahhhhh.

 

[lovingthemouse]

DF - our most sincere sympathy on the death of your father-in-law. My late dad was the "light of my life" and although there are five kids, he made each one of us feel so special and loved. My mom is now 91 and is most incredible, We have been blessed to have her so lively and "on the go!"

MomPoppins - congratulations, this is the first of many kicks - a wonderful feeling, isn't it?


We will be at the Dolphin in a little more than 2 weeks, looking forward to being back. Hope you all have a wonderful Friday.
Caroline

 

[disnurse]

lovingthemouse when you get there would you mind getting the "nitty-gritty" about dolphin renovations. hearing good stuff about swan renovations but so far nothing about the dolphin.

 

[Mitla96]

Dream Flight-
So sorry to hear about your loss. I lost my mom when she was 69, my dad when he was 70 (both heart attacks-gulp!-doesn't bode too well for me!)-it IS way too young! You just have to appreciate people when you have them-you never know. I visited my mom 4 days before she died and was so glad I had.

Disnurse and Gillian-
I'm a nurse too! I'll be at the Swan Feb 14-17 and would LOVE to talk nursing!

Everybody,

So, should I enter on the SPG website 4 days before arrival that I would adore heavenly beds and Club level even though I am booked for a standard room??!! I did enter the Starwood club

We are arriving so late on Feb 14 I fear all upgrades will be gone It will be interesting...

Janet in Michigan

 

[dreamflight99]

Your kind words and continued support are extremely comforting. DH called just a while ago, all the arrangements were made today, and the service will be tomorrow at 4:00 pm. I know this is very hard on him, yet he acts so strong and calm. I asked again, if he wished for DD & I to fly in this eve, and he reiterated in was not necessary. I'm relieved and glad for this, as DD needs the continuity of school, etc. His dad will be flown here for another service and burial (in SB). We will all be reunited then, and have the closure we all need. Again, I thank each and every one of you for the supportive words and kind, generous prayers.

*On a good note...my DM & DD are vacationing in Melbourne Beach (absolutely hopeless SNOWBIRDS). DH is going to drive over and visit them early Saturday morning. This will be so good for him, a change of scenery and pace. They absolutely adore him, and are elated at the chance to see him and spend some time together. Every cloud, has a silver lining. DH seemed so upbeat when he talked about seeing them, and he actually used the words "other father" when he mentioned them (made me a bit sad to hear him say these words under the present circumstances).

MOM POPPINS...you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I will add some extra this eve, for the baby boy and Rachel. All will be better with time, and you are consigned to do the best you possibly can for her...as I've said before, both of you are equally blessed to have one another. I LOVE watching the seconds peel-away on the MATERNITY CLOCK at the bottom of your post! Any ideas for a "name" yet? Would you welcome any suggestions from the peanut gallery? (US!!).

Caroline!! TWO WEEKS! Wow, the time has FLOWN past. Be sure to scope out the place and take notice of any/all improvements while there (please). What a lovely time of year to visit. The weather is cool, and not humid at all. I would love to visit this time of year, but w DD in school...it's not feasible. Thanks for the nice note on your folks. I can relate to everything you wrote. I feel the same for my own DP's. Wow...your mom is a TRUE YANKEE! Three cheers for longevity! May it run true to form for you as well.

Janet...so sorry for your losses. Both of my folks have battled heart trouble in the past. They are both in such GREAT shape physically (exterior), and walk every day (2-4 miles). They are slim/trim , and look much younger than their years. Yet, I too worry about them all the time. DD just turned 73 last week, and DM turns 73 in April. I LOVE them more than all the stars in the heavens. I want them to live forever, as each child wishes for their parents. I also wish we didn't live so far apart (they live in NY) and miss them every day. Thanks for the reminders, about appreciating people, and cherishing the moments we share. We should each "Live each day as if it were your last....because, someday--it will be."

**My sister is an RN!! Does this make me part of the NURSE group too? I can "TALK NURSING" fluently (LOL): SHOT...I.V., BEDPAN...OXYGEN...SHOT...!!

**Let's LIST the DOLPHIN DOGGIES each of us has! We know there are YORKIES in the group. We have a big, Tiger-looking dog, (Cross between a dane/bull dog/?) named MAC. I'll post a picture of him soon. He's a BIG BABY, a real LICKIE-LICKIE (kissie-kissie) dog! Today, he was my emotional salvation after talking with DH in the morning. He instinctively knows when I feel down...and sits on top of my feet...facing (looking) the same direction I am. Every once in a while, he "glances" out of the corner of his eye at me. It's hysterical, and he appears so Stoic and serious, as we sit in the silence together. Animals...where would we be without them?

 

[Gilligan]

So - any nurses going to be at the Dolphin at Easter? I'll be there 14-22 April with DH, DS (9) and DD (5). I think British & American nursing is quite different. But I speak fluent American medicalese, thanks to E.R.!!

DF99 - thoughts are with you. My Mum died aged 68 2yrs ago, 2 days after my birthday. A week later a rose bush arrived from her that she'd ordered for my birthday. It was surreal at the time, but now it's got a special place in my garden and it's where I feel closest to her. (and she's probably looking down in despair at my lack of green fingers!)

One day I'll work out how to put in one of those countdown markers on my posts!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Dolphin Doggies

I have an Airedale Terrier "Reilly" whom I believe was the Queen of England in another life! She is soooooo spoiled - even sleeps with DH and me. I keep saying she doesn't know that she is a dog.

Mitla96 - I would suggest you e mail the Dolphin directly requesting consideration for an upgrade - it worked for me. I didn't go through spg site - I went through S/D site.

 

[ozziewags]

Gilligan...that is surreal about your mum and the rose bush..isn't that weird how things like that happen?
As for the countdown marker, go to the tech thread at the bottom of the discussion main page and you can get a counter there and all the help you need.

 

[luckytso]

DF99,


Thanks for the info. I just called Starwood and was told that the only upgrade with points have to be done within 5 days of arrival, Dolphin reservation said that they could not do the upgrade at check-in with points. The point requirement is 1,000 points. Does this sound right?

I am so sorry with your loss. It is hard to deal with this, and they just happen more and more frequently as we get older around the people we love.

I also have a dog, a 11-year-old golden retriever, Lucky. He just had one of his front legs amputated due to cancer and is undergoing chemo currently. I was told that he can only live another 8 months to a year. It is really really hard to deal with it. However, he is in such good spirit. Sometimes I wish I can learn from him, so upbeat and forward looking!!!

 

[Muffy]

Gillian,
How wonderful to recieve such a gift from your Mom after she passed! I would treasure that rose bush too! I know you will have a magical time at the Dolphin! Welcome to the DIS!

Luckyso, give your dog a hug for me! I can't imagine what your dog has gone through! Treasure the time you have left. You are correct that SPG has increased the amount of points needed to upgrade from 750 to 1000. You can call S/D directly and ask for a possible upgrade 1 407 934 4000. Others have had some luck calling and some have luck emailing! Good luck to you!

Muffy

 

[scoggs]

Just have to say that I found this thread yesterday, and thought I was doing good to read through the first 10 pages - until I found out there were 60! So, if I repeat a question that has already been asked, I'm very sorry!

I want to tell DF99 that I am sorry for the loss of your FIL....I too have been there. As an only child I lost my mother at 28 and my father at 31. It's been almost 3 years since my father died, and although time does help heal the sorrow of losing a parent, it's so hard to get over the unfairness of losing parents when they (and you) are so young. My dad would be so excited to see me planning a trip to WDW!!

Here are my questions:

Stay at the Dolphin or Swan? Which do you guys prefer?? I have 2 children (ages 7 and 4 when we go...)

Is there refrigerator rental? (I know there is a minibar available in the rooms, but I've heard they are not as cold as getting a fridge...) What do you think? I really want to try to save $$ on food, and this is one way I know I can do it! Of course, this is along with getting the teacher discount...

These are my 2 most pressing questions right now, although I'm sure I will come up with more as my planning goes on...

Also- to jetsetter90...you mentioned in a previous post that you were there over Thanksgiving 2002. We also are going the week of Thanksgiving this year... How were the crowds and temps? Any advice??

Thanks everyone so much for the valuable information you provide!!

Dana

 

[Mouseteacher]

Welcome scoggs

Either the Swan or the Dolphin would be fine. It comes to preference - double beds at D / queen beds at S. Quieter samller atmosphere at S / larger at D. The bufferteria Tubbi's is at the Dolphin. We stayed at the Dolphin on the teacher rate and were very pleased. I liked having Tubbi's and the ice cream parlor right in the resort I was staying in rather than leaving and walking over (although it is a very short walk from the S to the D). What ever you choose - I believe you will be happy.

I have stayed WDW during the Thanksgiving week. We arrived the Sat. before and it was relatively quiet until Tuesday. By Wednesday and Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after - it was very, very busy but manageable. However, I always work the crowds and realize that WDW is popular so I try not to let crowds spoil my time. Plan wisely!

 

[dreamflight99]

You all help me to maintain a healthy and open-minded perspective. Reading all the stories of "loss", makes me feel more connected to the universe at large, and assured we are all part of a force much greater than ourselves.

Welcome, Scoggs...(Dana) My DD is an only child too. I'm sorry for the loss you have suffered at such a young age. My DM's own Mom passed when she was only 26. Too early to experience the loss of a parent. Thank goodness both of your parents experienced (at least your DM saw your 7yo) the joy of Grandchildren prior to passing. I'm thankful for the relationship DD nurtured with her Grandpa, (whom adored her so...). She was fortunate to have 15 years with him in her life, and is dealing with his passing very well. We have suffered numerous loss with pets (also considered family members for us), and she has learned to deal with death through these blessed animals.

My dad would be so excited to see me planning a trip to WDW!!

"HE IS."

With regards to your query...I prefer the Dolphin, especially with two small children (atmosphere is more bright and whimsical). Yet, either resort is HEAVENLY.

Yes, you are able to rent a fridge for your room. Visit the www.swandolphin.com website for details. Don't worry about the crowds...they are HEAVY in the summer when we visit--yet WDW is such a LARGE property, with numerous theme parks, crowds rarely pose a problem. To avoid crowds, avoid the parks which offer early entry (check days on the monitor available upon check-in.

P.S. Lansing? My DD's family is dispersed throughout Michigan...Grand Blanc, Muskegon, Birmingham, Torch Lake, Twin Lakes, Deer park, etc.! I still have some of the beautiful Pitoski (Sp?) stones collected from Torch Lake.

Gilligan...Wow, what a moving story you shared (the rose bush). It Truly touched my heart. I'll bet the bush blooms the SWEETEST most FRAGRANT Roses! Thanks for posting the details of this magical event, as these are the threads in the tapestry of life.

Mouseteacher...Our neighbor has an Airedale! What a spectacular breed of Terrior. Love the coat, coloring and temperment of this breed. Fiercely loyal, and seemingly protective (sounds like the QUEEN of ENGLAND! LOL).

luckytso...you are welcome, glad I was able to help. Sorry for the BIG increase in SPG points for the upgrade. It never hurts to email using the form through the S/D (AS mouseteacher suggested) and ASK for an upgrade. You may receive this as a FREE upgrade, as many have in the past. Thanks for your kind words. Please, give LUCKY a Big hug and kiss from me! What a fortunate dog, having you as a family member. Your level of enlightenment is astounding. I too, attempt to learn from the animals which surround me. All the wisdom and secrets of the world are hidden on the other side of those "mirrors to the soul."

Enjoy the weekend~HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL!~DF99

 

[Rpsemont]

I, too am new to this thread and have a couple questions for all you experts. I tried to peruse some of the pages, but didn't really get a chance to read them all, so if I ask what's already been asked, please forgive me for being redundant.
I just won the dolphin on priceline for three nights in Feb. I called and "attached' my spg number to the reservation and asked for 2 double as opposed to a king. (we are three adults and one child DD-8) I noticed in my perusing references to upgrades with points and gold status, so I call spg and found out my point balance was 256 (LOL!) and that I was about to be cancelled for inactivity. Anyway, I was reactivated and I mention upgrading to gold beause I hold and AMEX Optima Platinum card and VOILA - she said I'm upgraded to Gold! So, my first question is - what if anything can or should I expect at checkin? My second question is should I put in any special requests? Or if I request a location am I possibly going to bouce myself out of an upgrade.Last time we were there, I think we in the Triangle tower area. We had a great view, but it was our 2nd trip to WDW and we were never in the room. The downside to that location was it was a long walk to the pool. With DD, I prefer to be somewhere where it's easy access to the pool - but I had the loose the view or the upgrade. SO>>>>any ideas? Anything else I should be aware of? Thanks

 

[Mitla96]

luckytso,

We had a Cardigan Welsh Corgi that was a breast cancer survivor (X2 operations). I got her the pink ribbon and put it on her collar. WE always joked she was the reincarnation of Cleopatra-she had black markings rimming her eyes like Elizabeth Taylor in the movie and also a queenly manner. After 2 good years post operation, she was in a lot of pain, and I had to put her to sleep. I held her, and after the doctor said "She's gone" I started to sob, and Amber stirred and licked my hand! It was incrediably moving-the doctor said she used her last bit of life to reassure me.

We have a nutso Corgi now named Chaddie, he is a blue merle-black, gray and tan with blue eyes. If I ever figure out my digital camera, I will attempt to send you all a picture.

Gillian, I firmly believe in signs. After my mom died, I was standing in our yard and a hummingbird came and hovered right next to me-I've never seen one before or since. It was comforting-strange, huh, how a little thing like that can comfort.


I'm sad none of you all is going in February! I will attempt emailing a humble request for an upgrade through the Swan site 4 days prior.

 

[pbhunt]

Mitla, don't wait until 4 days before your visit to e-mail your request. Send e-mail AT LEAST 2 weeks before and then follow up 5 days or so before your visit. Assuming you have followed all the other tips on this thread and glo's, I would also call the hotel directly, and ask nicely about the possibility of a complimentary upgrade.

 

[m.pots]

Hi everyone! I was hoping you could help me.
I was just wondering if anyone knew how many floors the Dolphin has. I requested a high floor. I know that CL is on a high floor. What floor is CL on? Does anyone know what is on the different floors?
Are all the restaurants/Tubbis on the first floor?

Thanks and

Steph

PS I love reading about and seeing pics of the pups! My DD has the sweetest and cutest maltese thus her name "sweetie pie". I have to learn how to post pics so I can share her sweetness with you.

 

[Mouseteacher]

m.potts ~ CL is on the 12 floor. Tubbi is on the ground level along with the ice cream parlor and Coral Cafe. Shula's is on the lobby level. We stayed on the CL level floor and I know the walk to the pool was a bit of a distance but I love walking through this beautiful resort and observing the sights and sounds as I pass to my destination. These little things are a part of my Disney magic. These are the feelings that stay with me upon my return home. I can see in my mind right now my path from my room to the pool - ahhh to be back!

DF ~ Reilly is my second Airedale and she is a decendant of my former one. Her breeder breeds wonderful Airedales - sweet, loving and great with children. Her one problem is that she thinks everyone is her friend and would let anyone come into the house with her enthusiastic and happy greeting. Not exactly the best watch dog - that's why we also have a house security system! LOL

I guess we Dolphin?Swan lovers are also nuts about our Dolphin dogs! I say people who love thier dogs or a re animal lovers in general are the best.

Mitla96~ tears sprung to my eyes as I read your post - when I had to put my other Airedale down I felt as if someone had ripped my heart right out of my chest. The pain of her loss was overwhelming! I vowed then to my family that was it - no more dogs - we couldn't go through this again. 3 Months later Reilly came home! Famous last words, huh? I guess I just can't be without a dog as hard as it is knowing that awful day will come again. The years of love and joy in owning one takes over.

Have a nice weekend everyone!