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

[zurgswife]

Dream99...another thread talked about a view from the Dolphin that was spectacular...16099....Is there any change that there is an Exec suite that might fall near this room and have a spectacular view????

 

[RobMax]

Man! What a day - I get my Day One Card, a nice note from the S & D, and a bunch of attaboy PMs from people who were irritated by my fore mentioned critic. I needed that coming on the heels of having to threaten my big class (244 students) into expulsion for cheating on multiple assignments. Since there are a bunch of career teachers on this link I must ask, when did cheating get so huge or am I just late to the party. Is this generational? I guess I was never smart enough to figure out the easy way?

Originally posted by dreamflight99
No....That's WAY TOO EASY! So many pictures RACE through my head...(conjuring-up ROADKILL images...UGH), you MUST be more specific. I've tried GATOR, and KANGAROO (Both at the beautiful OUTBACK RESTAURANT in Disney's Wyndham Palace Hotel by the Market place). What an amazing place, with great ambience and food. The GATOR tasted like "Chicken", the Kangaroo...well, ummmm...like....Kangaroo! There are some things I can do without. Not crazy about "Snails" (as they are all over the yard out here), or Calamari. I'll take the REAL THING (Chicken) ANYTIME! LOL.

Squirel is quite good, but a bit hard to eat -- better in a stew. Of course we eat anything and everything outa the water. I can't really thing of anything - wait mammels like dolphin (we do eat the Dolphin fish that resturants now call Mahi Mahi) or whale, but that may because there aren't many around the gulf coast anymore. Gator tail is awesome!!! You gotta eat Conch if you get a chance. And sucking crawfish heads - eyaaaaayeeee

People in oklahoma love lamb fries (testicles) served like fried oysters. My wife will never forgive me for that one -- HE HE HE. That ranks for her right up there with raw octopus salad (Capri, Italy) and steamed squid (Thailand).

But noting is quite as daring as eating a hotdog, especiall a lucky dog in downtown New Orleans ... who knows what is in those things?

 

[Mouseteacher]

RobMax ~ unfortunately, you're right - cheating seems to have become acceptable. I head a K-8 school and have found that even when a teacher has actually observed a student cheating (middle school level), the parents do everything in their power to disclaim the teacher's observation. "My son/daughter DID NOT cheat!" they say indignantly and proceed to spin the story differently. Then, proceed to give the teacher a hard time. We have come to the conclusion that if that is what they want for their child --- then we'll give it to them. By that I mean we won't argue with them. However, we are aware this will probably come back to haunt them someday - character development/moral fiber, etc. If they cheat in school and parent "gets them out of it" the parent will see this same behavior manifest itself in some other aspect of the child's life.

So... to respond to your musing about cheating --- it happens on the elementary/middle school level. Perhaps, that is where it begins.

 

[csmommy]

Originally posted by RobMax

People in oklahoma love lamb fries (testicles) served like fried oysters. My wife will never forgive me for that one -- HE HE HE. That ranks for her right up there with raw octopus salad (Capri, Italy) and steamed squid (Thailand).

GROSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't think I would forgive you either!

 

[RobMax]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher
Then, proceed to give the teacher a hard time. We have come to the conclusion that if that is what they want for their child --- then we'll give it to them. By that I mean we won't argue with them. However, we are aware this will probably come back to haunt them someday - character development/moral fiber, etc. If they cheat in school and parent "gets them out of it" the parent will see this same behavior manifest itself in some other aspect of the child's life.

I typically teach only Jrs and Srs in college 21-23 yrs -- An age at which students deserve to be considered true Adults (not just young adults). Last semester I had a student that was doing poorly, missing class, and blaming me for not being able to communicate. Later in the semester my TA caught that student cheating and I was kind enough to offer the student an option - take a zero on the exam or look for another place to get his/her degree. The following day the student's father called me and tried to start a second had debate about mistreatment of his "Adult?" I immediately stopped him and offered him my father's phone number. He asked me what I thought I was doing and I said - "well since you are [the student's] father, I think its only appropriate that you talk to my father and the two of you try to work this out. When you are done, just let me know!" He then called the Dean. The Dean tried to take the guy seriously, but couldn't, and ended up laughing out loud.

Ah the advantages of being in higher ed sometimes (actually almost always) outweigh the disadvantages. Reguardless, the countdown to the Swan will take all that away for a while!

 

[RobMax]

Originally posted by csmommy
GROSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't think I would forgive you either!

Yeah - I ordered them and she was digging in so I didn't have the nerve to ruin the rest of the meal. I figured I would tell her later that night and then forgot. Two weeks later she was talking to a friend about how she ate the wonderful Lamb Fries at Cattleman's. Her friend turned green and asked here if she knew what they were, the gig was up - enter the dog house!

Hey DF - can you get LF at Shula's?

 

[Mouseteacher]

RobMax ~ LOL! I was sitting at my desk reading your post about calling your father and I chuckled out loud! No one heard me. That is an advantage you have over us at the lower level!! Wish I could use some of those tatics.

Yes, indeed, the Swan and WDW will wash all of THAT away. Wish I were going...

I've eaten at Shula's and I don't believe (hopefully) they serve LF!!!! LOL

 

[kimmar067]

...great story; yes, I, too, wish that I can do this with some of MY students!! (although I sometimes wonder, who is the adult and who is the student in some of our childrens' homes??!?!?)

 

[Mouseteacher]

Exactly, kimmar, good point.

 

[dreamflight99]

YES! I'm not sure of the #'s for the Exec. suites, but am aware there are some VERY nice ones on CL, near the # you posted. Please, call the resort directly, and just inquire about the location of the suites (execs) in proximity to the # posted (#16099).

RobMax...OKAY....(cough, Gag, choke)...that's enough detail! Boy..."LF", go figure. I never even knew these existed. Yet...around these parts, folks eat "TURKEY NUTS" (YUP...just like it says!) and SWEET BREAD (Cattle Testicles), both BREADED & DEEP FRIED! UGH. I offered DD $100 to try some, and she adamently refused (she could NEVER be a contestant on FEAR FACTOR...LOL). I've had Gator Tail (Chowder and breaded/fried), and Conch (one of my favs...like abalone), prepared the same. My last bowl of conch chowder was at Margaritaville in Key West last summer (7-night Disney Magic Western Cruise...ahhhh). Yes...I've sucked the crawfish heads too. The hot dog is a challenge (not like the Cony I. Kosher dog), but ever eat SOUL FOOD, or FILIPINO FOOD?!? DEfinitely NO LF @ Shula's!

As for the "cheating problem", absolutely drives DD mad. She studied tenaciously for her mid-terms, and then told me of a boy in her Honors Bio class whom attempted to "cheat" off of her test paper. She said he was coughing and looking around. Then he would "lean" and try to see her paper. Finally, when he could not bogart any answers from her...he loudly "smacked" his forehead (no lie) and said, "GOD"! NOT GOOD in a Catholic school. The teacher asked him to be quiet, and stay after class. She proceeded to watch him a bit more after his outburst. Ouch. DD said he never wrote any answers on his paper...he just "sat" there the entire 90 minutes! CRAZY! What upset me even more, is the fact he was "distracting" DD from her TEST, by forcing her to conscientiously COVER her paper. Terrible. So, it happens in EVERY facet of education. BTW...WHAT is this student doing in an HONORS class!?

Anyone read the posts on this thread? How Does the Dolphin Compare to Disney Deluxe Resorts? I actually "enjoy" the negative ones! Because...it leaves MORE room/occupancy for US! LOL. If EVERYONE loved it...it would become too crowded, etc. This is why I chuckle...and "Thank" the heavens above for the Naysayers!

 

[Mouseteacher]

DF ~ Gotta love those naysayers!!!

 

[RobMax]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
Margaritaville in Key West last summer (7-night Disney Magic Western Cruise...ahhhh).

Love the Keys - the (my) family owns a little place on a small key between marathon and Islamorada. Hummm - must be getting near fishing time!

As for the "cheating problem", absolutely drives DD mad.

Let her know there are people like me that refuse to be made a fool of and will take people like that lad down. I figure we all need convience store clerks - great job for cheaters! High risk!!!

Anyone read the posts on this thread? How Does the Dolphin Compare to Disney Deluxe Resorts? I actually "enjoy" the negative ones! Because...it leaves MORE room/occupancy for US! LOL. If EVERYONE loved it...it would become too crowded, etc. This is why I chuckle...and "Thank" the heavens above for the Naysayers!

and you are making a good case for the S & D as well. But becareful ... the "how dare you say" witch hunt may be building as we speak.

 

[pewing]

My countdown counter is ticking away I am preparing for my 'assault' on checkin...and request for a wonderful upgrade if available. What are some good rooms to ask for specifically? Any other suggestions? Thanks!

 

[Mouseteacher]

pewing ~ 31 days - you're getting close. I would love for you to write a trip report about your experience going solo. It is an idea that I find intriguing and would love your take on it.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher
DF ~ Gotta love those naysayers!!!

DITTO!!

RobMax...SO, "WHERE" exactly do we MEET at the Familia's house in the Keys?

Convenience store clerks...Too funny! Maybe TOLL operators too. LOL. "TAKE PEOPLE LIKE THAT LAD DOWN" literally had me ROTFL!

AS for the "How dare you say" crowd (& probable witch hunt)...."Let 'em eat cake"...a good gooey chocolate Dolphin's Bakery Cake! I'll even Don my Witch Hat for the occasion. Each to his/her own...including opinions! I LOVE them all...but simply ADORE the neg. posts on this subject. Makes me feel all secure and cozy inside. I too, am entitled to my opinion...and two cents!

Pewing...I SECOND the motion on the notion of the REPORT when you return from your Solo trip. I could go Solo too...(Heck, I could LIVE there!), and would love to read your take/perspective on this idea. As for the rooms (& prospective "assault" on the FD), I still prefer the FAR EAST WING rooms, upper floors, exterior arm (#5019, 5017, 5015, and 6019, 6017, and so forth...all the way to the TOP 9th floor). All these offer views of EPCOT, most all are "unobstructed", and you can still have CL perks! GREAT ROOMS/VIEWS! 5015 is a CORNER KING room, with a double-balcony (TURRET) and Sofa...PERFECT for a SOLO TRIP! Try for one of the CORNER KING ROOMS!

 

[WDWMaria]

Hi there! Since this is the neverending Swan/Dolphin thread, I thought I'd post something I just found out on another board.

If you are a Jaguar owner, yes the car, when you register at myjaguar.com, you will have access to special offers JUST for Jaguar owners. One of the perks is you can sign up for Starwood Preferred and are automatically Gold status. You just give them the code from the site.

You do need your VIN# to register at Jaguar.

 

[pewing]

Thanks for all the help (as always ). It's not truly a 'solo' trip as in by myself. I fear I have planted confusion...as always . 'Solo' as in...without my kids And solo...as in my DH will be involved in a technology trade show all day every day. So my days are totally solo...and my evenings are solo without DS 1 & 2.

 

[csmommy]

Originally posted by pewing
Thanks for all the help (as always ). It's not truly a 'solo' trip as in by myself. I fear I have planted confusion...as always . 'Solo' as in...without my kids And solo...as in my DH will be involved in a technology trade show all day every day. So my days are totally solo...and my evenings are solo without DS 1 & 2.

Boy, does that sound like heaven or what! (Can you tell its been WAY too long since DH & I had some time alone! )

Have a wonderful time.

 

[kimmar067]

...can I be "solo" with you (LOL)???!?!? (mom of 3 DS's here!)

 

[dreamflight99]

"Solo" can be defined in many ways! You are certainly going to be SOLO on much of your trip, Pewing. Ahhh...it's really a TREASURE, especially when you have two toddlers (both in diapers?). Wow...Now I am really pushing for you to get the CORNER KING w/TURRET. It's like a "HONEYMOON SUITE" (LOL), since you'll be alone...together. ENJOY your time, and be sure to post a trip report upon your return. Of course...you could always bring a laptop...and post during any lonely times (Yea--RIGHT) you may experience!

WDWMaria...thanks for the tip! My GF drives a JAG, and would be pleased to know this factoid. GOLD SPG...She'll LOVE the sound of that. Thanks, again.