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

[dcwesley]

I am quite excited. I have just booked the Swan for three days. We will be leaving in a little under two weeks.

Does anybody have suggestions of "best view" rooms. I booked a balcony.

Thanks!!

 

[dreamflight99]

We are such things as dreams are made of...Ahhh! HAPPY Valentine's Day to everyone! I've had a spectacular day...and it has not ended yet! Here's a glimpse of some of my V~DAY gifts! The FED EX man brought Three to my home this morning, the rest are from DH & DD...tokens of love from my darlings~~~

The pumpkin coach, flowers and miniature "Dew Drop Rose" steiff arrived via fed ex. The Ruby Slippers Zoppini charm, the See's chocolates (I received Godiva Hot Chocolate Kimmar!), were presented to me with the Hallmark teddy...(DD received one too, with two charms and some gift certs)...even starbucks in BED, too! Enjoyed a "prime-rib" lunch at the Hungry Hunter steakhouse...PLUS
We're going to the movies this eve, for some cuddling and popcorn...soda....and US!

*Jgates...you made out very well! So glad to read about all your plans, and the $$ you've saved (to spend elsewhere!). Enjoy the day!

*Kimmar...the STRAWBERRIES are my FAV (covered/dipped in chocolate!)...yummy! I have a heart~charm Tiff Bracelet, & wear it all the time. I'll take ANYTHING Tiffany's...anytime! What a Sweetie your DH is...surprising you yesterday. So good to see you on here posting (I have not made it to the Wilderness thread, yet). Seems like your day is going to be a romantic one indeed....ENJOY!

*Mouseteacher..."Happiness/Love...is a WARM CAR (Especially in those TEMPS!). Your DH is one "thoughful" gentleman. Enjoy this very special day!

*disnurse...Brrrr, just the thought of those temps makes my toes feel cold! LOL. Give my best to the "CAPE" (one fo my fav. places in the world). Have a GREAT HOLIDAY!

*Kathmzh...haven't you heard? ALL CHOCOLATES consumed on St. Valentine's Day have ZERO calories! So...I go ALL-OUT today (then hit the treadmill and pilates tomorrow...LOL). Have a few chocolates, and enjoy the "Food of the God's"!

*Braque...WOW, thanks for the head's-up about Amtrak. We love the train, and hop it for day-trips in Cali. Hey...nearly two weeks at the Dolphin this summer? GREAT JOB! Definitely request an upgrade, and please ask about the possibility of the Jr. Suite comp. If you do not ask...you'll NEVER KNOW!

*dcwesley...WELCOME! Happy Valentine's Day, and Happy "Going to WDW & Swan" Day! Just two weeks to go...hmmm. You booked a balcony room, great start. Now, which view do you desire? Epcot or MGM? These are the things you can be specific about when placing a request for a specific view. The balcony is a "biggie", and with that feat surpassed, the view request should not be a problem (as most of the balcony rooms are VIEW rooms).


Wishing you all the BEST day of LOVE & TOGETHERNESS~!
*LOVE IS THE SUBTLEST FORCE IN THE WORLD*(Mahatma Gandhi

 

[jgates]

DF!!! Those Hallmark bears are SOOOO cuddly!!! One of my girlfriends had one sitting on my desk this morning - it is just the sweetest!

I love.........the Pumpkin Coach!!! Gorgeous.

 

[dreamflight99]

I have to agree, jgates...VERY SOFT and CUDDLY! Thanks for the compliment on the Globe. It is so amazingly beautiful (detailed)...and MAGICAL! It is sure to provide me with whimsey and smiles every time I see it. Be sure to give the Hyatt a call, and just ask them to make a note on your reservation for an "upgrade" to CL, etc., if one is available. Yes, LOL, I recall how timid/shy you are. It's part of your character which makes you so special. After all, the meek shall inherit the earth. TTFN...

 

[Mouseteacher]

Well ... my winter break has finally begun!!! I had to go back to school this morning for a 2 hour budget meeting. That is done and now I can relax and think of nothing but free time for the next week!

DF - love the Cinderella carriage. Lucky you I received chocolates from DH and DSs which I agree do not contain calories! They also gave me the most beautiful cards, too!

Happy Saturday - it's still bitterly cold here in the 'burbs of Boston.

 

[dreamflight99]

Hooray for you on the verge of your "winter" break! Enjoy the calorie-free chocolates, and the sentimental cards. My DH & DD both "Made" me cards...(as I did for them) with hand-written sentiments. DH's was Long, and both made me cry. It's my "favorite" part of the day, exchanging cards.

The past week has been very tough on DD, as a close classmate (only 15) attempted suicide. He is a bright, and jovial young man...4.81 GPA, Tennis, Band, etc. Both his parents are MD's. He's in the Honors program with DD, and she shares three classes with him. She sits next to jim in one, and speaks (jokes, etc.) w/him daily.

He went home on the 3rd, and ingested more than 100 Tylenol Caps. He then loaded a Crossbow (compound), and shot himself in the head. His older brother heard some crashing sounds (probably him falling) and ran into his brother's room. He then went to summon his parents, and during this time...Kevin somehow fired a second arrow into his skull. Yes, he shot himself twice with the bow/arrow. The scene must have been horrific.

He was rushed to the E-room, where he has been in a Coma since. Yet, just yesterday we learned he is stable (vitals) and responding to stimuli, etc. He is slowly recovering. DD and friends collected $240 from generous classmates to purchase flowers and balloons. They brought these to the hospital and were well-received by the family. They were not permitted to see Kevin, yet felt better after the visit.

I am constantly struggling to answer all the questions DD drops on me...such as~"Why would he do such a thing? He was always laughing and so happy?" and, "What is to stop him from doing this again after he recovers?" The answers are not easily accessible, and I go with the common sense replies over the gut emotion. I explained he may have had some underlying medical condition which was undiagnosed (bipolar, depression, illness, etc.). I also explained intensive psychotherapy and medication may prevent another attempt, yet it is nearly impossible to stop someone intent on harming/killing themselves. Very sad situation.

Time to clean the house (darned maid...she's lying down on the job~I need to terminate her employment...LOL), and do some chores!

Hope you all have a great weekend. Sorry to post the story of Kevin, it's just been weighing heavily on my mind...and I thought sharing it with all of you may help ease some of the strain. You are always (all of you) so caring and thoughtful, and quick to offer support, prayers and advice. All three are more than welcome under these cirsumstances. Thanks. TTFN....

 

[ozziewags]

DF.......pixie dust and prayers coming your way for you and DD. Such a difficult time. We had two classmates die in a car accident when they were just 16 and my son was close to the boy. It is sooo hard when they are so young and when the answers are really no where to be found. I know that your gems of wisdom will get your DD through. Kids have to grow up so fast these days. Good luck.

 

[Mouseteacher]

DF ~ {{{{{{{{hugs))))))))) to you and DD. It is always so difficult to try to explain the unexplainable. Our young are under many stressors today and we never know how things can and may affect them. Your love and support for your DD is what will get her through and the reassurances that he will receive the best medical and psychological treatments.

 

[ozziewags]

Look what I found today, surfing some disney sites. This is an Alaska Airlines plane that flies from Seattle to Disneyland! How cool. It was posted on www.mouseplanet.com

www.mouseplanet.com

 

[WolfpackFan]

DF99 - I was so sorry to hear about your daughter's friend. Suicide is such a terrible thing and when I read about it with a teenager, it just breaks my heart. I can't even imagine what that family must be going thru right now. My prayers are with the family and with your daughter.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Cool plane!

 

[sunsets]

Dreamflight, I will certainly lift up Kevin and his family in my prayers. Prayer is very powerful and God can bring good out of something so awful. They are in my thoughts.

 

[zurgswife]

Has anybody reserved a suite using points....I've been told that when I reserve I can't do it for a specific suite and that all suites were the same amount of points...doesn't make sense...but this is what 2 people have told me....

I need either the Exec. or Grand Suites as a minimum....what has been your experience with reserving either of these types using points....

 

[BettyCv]

Hi everyone,

Someone suggested the AAA site for S/D rates, and I was VERY surprised to see a room a the Dolphin for $147.50. I thought that $162.50 (the Entertainment Book rate) was the best I was going to be able to get. (Since we don't qualify for the teacher/nurse/govt employee discounts).

The only problem is, the room description does not specifically say "non-smoking." Descriptions of other rooms on the AAA website DO include that phrase. The description for the $147.50 room does say "varied view" or something like that, which I know means a lousy view, but that doesn't matter much to me. However, I DO want a "non-smoking room."

My question is, do you think this means that all the AAA non-smoking rooms are already booked, or do you think I can book it and then ask (and get!) a non-smoking room??

No one ever seems to mention the AAA discount. I was very surprised that it was better than the Ent. book, and the agreement says we can cancel within 7 days (I did not book yet). Are there other drawbacks I need to know about?

BettyC

 

[csmommy]

Originally posted by BettyCv
Hi everyone,

Someone suggested the AAA site for S/D rates, and I was VERY surprised to see a room a the Dolphin for $147.50. I thought that $162.50 (the Entertainment Book rate) was the best I was going to be able to get. (Since we don't qualify for the teacher/nurse/govt employee discounts).

The only problem is, the room description does not specifically say "non-smoking." Descriptions of other rooms on the AAA website DO include that phrase. The description for the $147.50 room does say "varied view" or something like that, which I know means a lousy view, but that doesn't matter much to me. However, I DO want a "non-smoking room."

My question is, do you think this means that all the AAA non-smoking rooms are already booked, or do you think I can book it and then ask (and get!) a non-smoking room??

No one ever seems to mention the AAA discount. I was very surprised that it was better than the Ent. book, and the agreement says we can cancel within 7 days (I did not book yet). Are there other drawbacks I need to know about?

BettyC

Which AAA site? Could you provide the link?

Thanks!

 

[dreamflight99]

I too, can not stop thinking about the parents, (Susan and Stephan), and what they are going through each moment. I can not even imagine, and do my best to say a prayer whenever they slip into my mind (many times per day). I also believe Prayer is a formidable force, never to be overlooked. Thank you, again.

Wow, Ozzie~CUTE PLANE! Wish it was on DELTA bound for Orlando.

zurgswife...never used points for an exec. suite, but would definitely "request" a VIEW with one of these suites. Explain you are there for PLEASURE as opposed to business, and NEED the VIEW! These suites are wonderful, but some do not have a resort view. Insure your intentions are clearly stated. Everyone is able to place a request. Do this as soon as possible.

csmommy...I never heard of the rates posted/available on a AAA site! Wow! I would grab the room at that rate, and then request a (ANY) non-smoking room upon arrival. I do not feel they would fret over a non-smoking request. That's a FABULOUS rate for S/D...to make up for the savings, you could even EXTEND your stay a day/two! LOL. Great find...please post the link to the site for all the AAA members. Thanks!

 

[csmommy]

csmommy...I never heard of the rates posted/available on a AAA site! Wow! I would grab the room at that rate, and then request a (ANY) non-smoking room upon arrival. I do not feel they would fret over a non-smoking request. That's a FABULOUS rate for S/D...to make up for the savings, you could even EXTEND your stay a day/two! LOL. Great find...please post the link to the site for all the AAA members. Thanks! [/B][/QUOTE]

Actually this is not my find. I found this:
SPECIAL WDW SWAN AND DOLPHIN HOTEL OFFER
FOR ALL EARS NET READERS!!


The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is currently offering ALL EARS NET Readers a Standard View room for only $182.50 (1/16/03 - 4/30/03) and only $162.50 (5/1/03 - 12/26/03), based on rate schedule availability. CALL 1-888-828-8850

Ask for rate code "ALLEARS"!
http://www.wdwig.com/faq_swan.htm

Then someone said they had lowered the rate, tomorrow AM I am calling to see if I can get the lowered rate applied to my ressies!
Wish me luck!

 

[BettyCv]

Okay, here's the link:

http://www.aaa.com

HOWEVER, I'm going to attach the link with the rate printed on it, but I don't know if it will work, since I had to become an on-line member (free, I already belong to AAA) and then enter my password, etc.

The $147.50 rate no longer shows for the dates I had put in originally, but I put 10/1/03 to 10/9/03 and it worked for those dates!

http://www.aaa.com/scripts/WebObjec.../Qpq21sJgq8fO2tK6AVQ5Ot59Geu/49.WOMetaRefresh

Okay, I went back and checked the above link. It takes you to the point where I have already entered all the information below in my "path" list. You just need to click on "check availability" and hopefully the rate will show up!

Here's the path I followed:

from aaa.com, click on "Travel Services"
Then click on "Reserve a Room"
Make sure "no preference" is marked for diamond rating.
For city name, enter "Orlando, FL" exactly as I put that in, because otherwise it doesn't seem to work. Make sure to put a check in the box called "Include Surrounding Areas"
On that same page, type "Disney" in the Property Name Box.

The S/D will be the last hotel listed.

If someone tries this and it doesn't work, post here and I'll retrace my steps to make sure I've included everything.

Good luck!

Another edit: To make things even more confusing, I just went back and checked again, and realized that when I click on the rate of $147.50, it shows as being the SWAN, not the Dolphin - and the Swan wouldn't work for us, because we have three kids. I'm surprised it even pulled it up, since it asks how many children... How very confusing! But some of you may prefer the Swan...

BettyC

 

[jgates]

Nice rate!! Sometimes AAA has good deals!

Saying a prayer for the teen & family too DF. Very bad situation!

 

[mom23guys2]

Hi all,
No questions, I'm just snowbound and dreaming of my upcoming trip at Easter. Two months-I can't wait.
We have a ton of snow here and more on the way. Living by the ocean we don't usually get too much but we have 16" on the ground with 3-6" more expected unless we get sleet or freezing rain.YUCK! I'd rather have the snow. Well at least the landscape looks beautiful.
Just reading about the S/D make me feel warmer. Good luck to all those riding out this storm.