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

[csmommy]

KelliR

Wow that was fast! Do I need PS or regular ressies for either? Should I feed my kids before they go? Was it packed?

TIA

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by jaygatz
lol I guess we attorneys are like zebras and can never truly change our stripes

"YUP...just like the LEOPARD, NEVER LOSES IT'S SPOTS!" LOL. Let me know when these post. Make sure to keep emailing and stay on top of it. The BEST way...is to use the email form on the SPG page. The customer service is expedient, and will reply immediately.

Hi, KELLI! Congrats on planning another "getaway" to the Dolphin! How wonderful. Wow...DD begins KG this fall? Have I been on this board that long? LOL.

*CONGRATS to JAY & OZZIE for the splendid TAG job received from the heavenly TAG FAIRY! Hooray!

Sam..Yes, you MUST be sure to pm me with all the details of the trip to Atlantis. It's the true reason for the cruise this summer, (well...okay, I LOVE ANYTHING Disney...and wanted to be on another cruise this summer~~Hope it's not habit-forming!). We're on the four-day Wonder w/full day at sea. But, we may switch to the 3-day Wonder w/o the sea day. It all depends on the sailing dates and which time we wish to cruise. We were originally reserved on the 7-night Eastern...but then I realized they bypass NAUSSAU & "ATLANTIS"! No Way! So...that was OUT for this cruise. I've seen so much of atlantis lately, as they have been filming morning shows and soaps over there. I just love seeing ANYTHING with info on this resort/locale. The YC prior and the Swan as the finale? Perfect. Your DBF will LOVE the Swan, I'm sure. What a great way to end your vacation. We always finish ours at the Dolphin...especially for the LATE check-out. ^_^ Another reason to LOVE the WDW Dolphin/Swan!


TTFN....

 

[RobMax]

has anyone seen my AP rates!?!

 

[dreamflight99]

....But, I'd certainly appreciate checking them out as well!

 

[KelliR]

I would recommend a PS at Shula's and a reservation at the Dolphin Club. Tell them you will be dining at Shula's. It doesn't hurt to be sure!

My DD has been to the Dolphin Club 3 times and it has never been crowded. The 2 people that work there are always very kind and friendly. They will give your child dinner there. (I don't remember the selection exactly ... they can choose from chicken fingers, hot dog, PB & J, etc.). The kids can color, do crafts, watch videos, and they also take them down the hall to the arcade. It is a small club near the Health Club and the exit door to the pool ... just down the hall from the arcade and Tubbi's. As I said, my DD loves it!

That tag fairy has been visiting our thread while I haven't been posting much! I wonder if I'll be tagged?!? Should I believe?

 

[csmommy]

Thanks for all the wonderful info.

And look who just got tagged!!!

 

[Debbie7452]

I made up my own tag! No more Dis Veteran...I also got a custom avatar (unfortunately, customs are broken at the moment) AND a countdown clock that actually works!! I could not do any of this last year. Obviously, I have WAY too much time on my hands.

Jaygatz- if you ever want to file a class action on the behalf of those who send for rebates, you would get my support. About 50% of rebate offers seem to get "lost". You have to keep files with all your records to keep them honest. It is really a shameful situation.

I saw an offer from Wyndam for a free appetizer at Shula's (wyndam) locations with their guest card. Maybe Starwood will get something like that soon.

 

[Mouseteacher]

jgates ~ lucky you - 2 tags!!! I only got 1.

Please do make a ressie at Shula's. I called them directly to be assured of the day and time we wanted. It is very pricey but well worth the treat. My DS is a huge fan of Dan Marino and the Dolphins so he enjoyed the decor very much. DH and I went in to the lounge one evening for cocktails and a time to relax just the two of us. That was very nice, also.

 

[RobMax]

Have any of ya'll used the baby sitters at S and D. We would never do it during the day (camp dolphin) it would make us feel too guilty. After thinking about Shula's, I think a night on our own would be good!

Glenn

 

[csmommy]

Originally posted by RobMax
Have any of ya'll used the baby sitters at S and D. We would never do it during the day (camp dolphin) it would make us feel too guilty. After thinking about Shula's, I think a night on our own would be good!

Glenn

I totally agree! Dinner without the kids while on vacation sounds perfect, but to be without them during the day would make it less magical for us. I wasn't sure how DH would feel about camp Dolphin, but when I explained it to him, he said BOOK IT!

 

[KelliR]

I do believe in TF'S ... I do believe in TF's ...

 

[Mouseteacher]

Kelli ~ 3 Tags!!??!! Wow, TF, I'm feeling left out and I do believe in the magic and fun you bring to the DIS ers.

 

[Mouseteacher]

DF ~ just checked in at the S/D having the same feel as Disney resorts thread. The naysayers seem to be going strong!!! Let's keep the secret going (hehehehe) all us S/D fans.

 

[dreamflight99]

"It's Getting HOT in THERE" (same feel as Disney resorts thread)...LOL (The ROOF is on FIRE!). I AGREE w/you Mouseteacher. It's DISNEY-ENOUGH for US...that's what matters.

Speaking of the WDW Dolphin/Swan, I saw a discounted price for the rooms during the summer on www.wdwig.com, not sure if it was better than the 50% off for AP/Ent. Rate. Every discount is worth a look-see! I'd LOVE to see the Discounts DISNEY cooks up for the Summer, in light of the present economic woes our nation is facing (W/war costs, oil..gas~$2.17 per gallon here ). It'll mean a little LESS spending on the PINS (Wahhh), and other trinkets. Geeze...maybe I won't have to buy another suit case to pack all my souvies in. Nahh...wishful thinking. I say I'll cut back every year, and never do.

In fact...last summer, the very day we were leaving the WDW DOLPHIN resort (literally...DH & DD in the rental w/all luggage~heading for MCO), I took the motorola radio and headed for Epcot. I had radio contact with DD & DH...as they DROVE to the front of Epcot park. I hoofed it around world showcase to Germany, where I bought a Special anniversary STEIFF (Big Blue Bear & two more smaller ones) I put-off purchasing...and a few more pins for the road! LOL. DD & DH picked me up in the front of the park...and I carried the Disney Bag onto our Delta Flight. YEP...DISNEY-ITIS to the LAST DROP!

 

[jgates]

Hard to say.....MSN has a link on home page to supposed 40% off Disney vacations. (Remove link if not allowed)

http://www.expedia.com/daily/promos/vacations/DisneyWorld_DreamMaker/default.asp

I did a price search from Madison in June for 6 nights, 7 day passes. Came up ranging from $2062 for 2A, 1C for All Stars, $2498 for AK, $2195 for PO Riverside or Coronado. I think that was W/O car rental. I don't know if this is good or not - too tired to price it out individually.


Since it is an Expedia/Dis promo nothing listed for S/D.

 

[Muffy]

I agree that the S/D are disney enough for me too! Those negitive post don't bother me one bit either. WE know where the fun is! We will be back at the Dolphin in Dec. for 16 days. This time we may not split our stay, not sure yet. We did love the extra room and perks at the Dolphin. This time I know the ropes! I will try harder to get the far east wing!

DF, you are my kind of shopper! I LOVE the story of your DH and DD waiting in the rental car at Epcot while you buy more souvies! DD and I love pin trading/collecting. My DD is the school band too! She plays alto sax in the school band and plays piano in the school jazz band. I think it is very important for schools to have good music programs! Her school has a talent show coming up and she is playing Avril's pop song "Complicated" on the piano and singing it. Your DD sounds like a wonderful girl with wonderful hobbies and interest! I was in a marching band as a child and have the best memories of that activity!

Happy planning to all folks headed to WDW and the S/D!

Muffy

 

[deb5c]

Hi Everyone!

Thought I should thank you all for all your hints about the Dolphin. I have been reading for over 6 months and have learned a lot. We returned last night from six days at the Dolphin. I booked at the teacher's rate. The best rate I've ever had at Disney. I had booked a CL room and then changed my mind. I was traveling with my two teenage sons and realized CL would never keep them full. So I did the cheap CL! I had Tiffany stop at Walgreens and purchased pop, water, peanut butter and jelly, cereal, two gallons of milk, chips, salsa, granola bars, etc. Cost about sixty dollars(plus some cold medicine for sick son!).

I had purchased a freezer bag at Sam's club which folded up and fit in my suitcase ($6). The boys filled ziplock bags with ice every morning and evening and we had full tummys all week. No mean feat with teenagers!

I also took your advice and respectfully requested a balcony-no go, but we were offered a patio room which worked out great.

We were very happy with the Dolphin and would stay again especially at the teacher rate! Might try the Swan the next time- but Tubbi's was nice for emergency Chicken soup!

We walked from MGM twice and to and from Epcot. Beat the boat every time!

Thanks for all your help-we had a great time!

Deb

 

[kimmar067]

(well, deb5c, that's what MY students would say to me!! )

(seriously, I LOVED the teachers' rate[Nov 2001]; it's nice to be appreciated, even in a small way like that! )

 

[Mouseteacher]

Deb ~ happy that your experience with the Dolphin was positive! So was ours - our first visit last August with the teacher rate. I agree - the best rate for a deluxe at Disney! But, shhhhhhhhh we're trying to keep a secret.

 

[Debbie7452]

As far as keeping the Dolphin to ourselves...

You know it just occurred to me that some of the "trays not picked up from the hallways" posts might be planted by S/D lovers who want to keep the secret! Anyone want to "fess up"?

I have another odd dilema...where to park our 48 ft. race trailer while we are at the Swan. We are visiting in between weekend race events. I'm guessing the S/D wouldn't have room for it in the parking lot. I have contacted the WDW Speedway to see about parking it over there but I'm not too optimistic about that option.

Kind of a weird problem, I know.