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

[lovingthemouse]

Minniemom, we always leave "mousekeeping envelopes" when we stay at the Dolphin. Over the past few years, we have received some cute little notes in return. We are sure they are appreciated. Caroline

 

[dreamflight99]

disnurse...Ohh, (LOL) The DIET VANILLA COKE is amazing! If they had a frozen version, I would be re-filling all the time!

ozzie...thanks for the kind words! YES, it is very nicely decorated at "Chez DF" ! I have had the top of the line Mavica for eons, and the Sony Cyber shot (4.0 w/sound movie feature too!). I use all these cams and more on my ventures. I have a Sony Digital view cam too, and an Olympus...etc. Cameras up the wazoot!
YET..I haven't had the time to figure out the "transfer" thingie. I do make albums on AOL. Someday, I'll try. Maybe this week!! NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT. Maybe RAY could give me lessons and PM me! HeHe...He's REALLY Good at this stuff!

Minniemom...they do not mind being called mousekeepers! Just go ahead and do the Disney envelopes. After all...it's mostly what's INSIDE the envelopes which count!

lvs_eeyore...YES. The Boardwalk is a great place, and close to your resort. You may even be able to view them from your room...depending on where you are located in the resort. The Boardwalk is fab...and you can just stroll over the bridge to your room! Enjoy!!

 

[Muffy]

DF, I agree with Ozziewags, your decorations sound spectacular! Would love to see a digital pic of your rooftop/yard! We have our purple tree up (live) and DD loves it (we do too)! DD helped put up a smaller tree in the kitchen (faux). Since we leave 12/30 for WDW I'm going to be satified with just 2 trees and a few wreaths. They have to be taken down well before 12/30 and put away. It seems putting away the ornament and lights is a chore that goes to mom (me). Can't wait to top off Christmas with a visit to the Dolphin! I know it will be magical with PLat status! Merry Christmas everyone!

Muffy

 

[Debbie7452]

I have bad news DF...I saw a special on TV about the Icee "frozen slushie" company. The spokesperson said that Diet Icee/Slushie is not possible because the mixture would not freeze properly without the sugar. Hopefully some smart inventor will find a solution to this problem someday! Icee's are a particular weakness for me and I would really love a diet version.

I did not know they were at the Dolphin, either. Do you have to ask for them or are they self-serve? Next time I will buy the mug and see if they will let me have refills of those too.

 

[grimgrinnin]

I will be transfereing from the Dolphin to BCV - will the Dolphin staff move my luggage, or will I have to do it myself?


Thanks,
grim

 

[minniemmom]

lovingthemouse & dreamflight99~ Thanks so much for your expertise! I knew I could count on you experts for an answer! We'll go ahead and spread that Disney magic at the Dolphin as well! Thanks again!!!!!

 

[jgates]

Yeah, nutra-sweet/aspartame does NOT freeze well. Normally it loses all sweetness. I kind of like the diet Vanilla coke too - but one weekend and I haven't seen diet Cherry or diet Vanilla since. I think our local distrubutor may have dumped it already.

I would love it if slushies showed up as being ok too (for DD).

 

[dreamflight99]

...of DIET SLUSHIES! Yumm! Debbie...The slush machine is self-serve, and near the end of the food line. You can't miss it!

Thanks Muffy...your decorations sound beautiful too (Ahh..a PURPLE TREE!). I'm positive you'll have a great time being PLATINUM at the Dolphin. You have nothing to worry about...it's like flying first class. Relax and enjoy the time you have at home during the Holiday Season.

Grim...since you are SO CLOSE to the BCV, you will almost positively be able to work something out. Either the Dolphin will transport it to the BCV, or you may call/visit the BCV Bellman and ask them to pick-up your luggage at the Dolphin for the transfer. The Epcot resorts all try to work together symbiotically!

minniemouse~thanks! I agree w/Caroline about the mousekeeping envelopes, and am glad you will use them while there. How kind and thoughtful of you to prepare in advance. We passed the housekeeper while leaving the Lake Arrowhead resort last week, and my DD handed her a Crisp $20 for the four eves we stayed. She was "thrilled" and thanked us repeatedly. We tipped the room service $20 also, and he acted as if we gave him a thousand. (Bill was about $70...which included a small resort fee/tip already). Hey...it's the Holiday Season...so we share and give a bit more.

jgates...sorry for your local shortage of D.Vanilla Coke and D. Cherry coke...they are in plentiful supply in our local stores. I buy them in the convenient 24-can cube. There would be a "revolt" here in Cali if they removed these items! LOL!

Well...back to the TAMALE making! I'm making them this eve (began yesterday with cooking the Boston Butt Roasts). Whew, it's not work for the weak, etc. I also have to get to wrapping. I have SO many things to wrap. I always go ALL-OUT for Christmas, which leaves me with numerous packages to wrap. I collect Steiffs, (among other items), and have purchased all the Disney ones available this year (including the Teddy Bear and Doll convention Steiffs from this weekend, etc.~Richard and Marguerite).

I also bought a new DELL w/20" Flat screen, and BOSE surround sound system (we love the Wave Stereo system we have), and some other unique and desirable TOYS! LOL. We are all kids at heart here...and have more toys than you can imagine. I began shopping in January! We have Three Sony Aibo's now, and they are fully autonomous (self-charge on their own docks). Yep...it's never a dull minute around here. DD has her big white pekin duck in the house at the moment...and he's eating his fav. snack ~P.Farm Goldfish crackers!. I'm going to go wrap some more corn husks, and prepare for AMERICAN DREAMS! Enjoy the Eve...TTFN.

 

[adisneyfan2]

(First of many more, I'm sure)

As the getting-closer-and-I'm-not-ready-yet panic sets in, I was wondering if anyone has seen an all-in-one-place guideline for tipping at the resorts. Never thought about making envelopes ahead of time either. (Except for the cruise -- they actually suggest it in the pre-trip materials!) Do you tip every day, periodically, or just at the end?

Wish me luck! I'm going to call the Dolphin today again to check on our room requests..... (Oooh! I can't wait to check out the S/D!)

 

[Mouseteacher]

DF ~
Your house and grounds sound wonderful! We are all done decorating, too. Stiil have gifts to buy and all wrapping to do. However, I'm sending DH out on Wednesday to do some things the DSs want.

I bought myself two wonderful Hallmark Disney ornaments yesterday - Beast's Castle that lights up and TinkerBell. It's the liitle things that thrill me.

Last night, I couldn't resist watching the "Nancy Drew" movie. She was my all time favorite read as a young girl. My favorite Christmas gift was receiving Nancy Drew books - usually I received 5 of them and read them all over the vacation week!!!

adisneyfan2 - you'll love the S/D!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher
I bought myself two wonderful Hallmark Disney ornaments yesterday - Beast's Castle that lights up and TinkerBell. It's the liitle things that thrill me.

Last night, I couldn't resist watching the "Nancy Drew" movie. She was my all time favorite read as a young girl. My favorite Christmas gift was receiving Nancy Drew books - usually I received 5 of them and read them all over the vacation week!!!

Thanks for the nice compliments on my decorations! wish I could paste some pics for you to see.

ME TOO (the little things!). I have those 2 ornaments (LOVE TINK)...and the Hallmark Castle which has the little ballerina dancer in it, and she spins when you open the front drawer. It says " For every princess, a castle" on the back! It is my #1 favorite for the year...and plays the Nutcracker suite!

I TOO LOVE N.D., and read the entire series as a young girl. Also loved anything by Marguerite Henry & Mark Twain!

The Tamales are Delicious. The Frango Chocolates are a BIG hit with everyone whom stops by, as well as the cookies, the Godiva 2lb. Ballotin, and the Hershey treats abound! (I still adore a HERSHEY KISS!)

adisneyfan2...I always tip at the end of my stay, (as we stay so long), but most tip daily. If you have the same housekeepers the majority of the time (which @ S/D you do...as they are assigned to certain rooms, during certain shifts/times (Day/evening). So, just speak with your housekeeper and insure she is taking care of your room the entire time. If you feel better tipping at the end, this will give you the freedom to do so. You will have a wonderful time!

The high winds were here earlier, with a couple of sprinkles! The deer are all lying on their sides...as if felled by hunters. My DD laughed when she just came home from school...and said we would have to perform CPR and revive them! They are all standing now...after many laughs and folly in the front yard! Winter escapades! LOL...TTFN....

 

[auntsue]

We will be going to WDW next Nov. We are interested in staying at either the Swan or Dolphin for just one night. Value rate doesn't start until Nov 2, so we need a room for just one night, Nov 1. That date is listed on the discount dates at the beginning of this thread.

I am a teacher. We will be staying at BWV for the next 7 nights and my sister will be at the YC.

I read through about five pages of FAQ's and couldn't bring myself to go through 29 more pages, so I hope you won't mind me asking some questions that you've probably answered a dozen times already.

My questions are these:
#1 Can I get two rooms on my teacher card?
#2 Does the room sleep five? She has three children who will be 15, 17 & 21 next Nov.
#3 Are children extra?
#4 What is the cost of the additional "adult" in the room?
#5 Do I call the hotel directly?
#6 Is there a reason to choose one hotel over the other?
#7 Will they transport our luggage, or will we pretty much have to drag it to the next hotel ourselves?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[lovingthemouse]

Well, i can answer a few of your questions...
1. yes, you can reserve up to three rooms at the teacher discount
2. the standard rooms will not sleep 5
3. call the hotel directly
4. as for the hotel preference - that is an individual decision - both are wonderful - having stayed at both i can say that with certainty! The Dolphin is larger and taller - the Swan is smaller, quieter. Your choice!

for the most complete information - do refer back to the Swan/Dolphin faqs that Glo has posted on the resort message page - it is worth the reading and may answer more of your questions. Caroline

 

[dreamflight99]

#1 Can I get two rooms on my teacher card?

I believe you are able to register at least "2" rooms, if not three. I know many have done this in the past, and two rooms should not be a problem.

#2 Does the room sleep five? She has three children who will be 15, 17 & 21 next Nov.

Yes, the rooms sleep "5" with the additional use of a daybed using the following guidelines:
*Rooms accommodate four adults or two adults and three children, cots and cribs are available, so are adjoining rooms.

#3 Are children extra? Yes, over the age of 18.

#4 What is the cost of the additional "adult" in the room?


Rates are for single/double accommodations / additional adults — $25.00 per person, per night *Sometimes, this fee is "waived" at the desk upon check-in (especially for SPG members and discounted rate specials such as TEACHERS!). Please ask about the fee being "waived" when you check-in. ALSO, please go to www.SPG.com and sign-up for the FREE membership in the starwood preferred guest program. Even one eve will net you some points and privs.

#5 Do I call the hotel directly?

It helps, especially with the Teachers rate promo. The resort seems to have more access to the availability of the rooms for these special discounts than the 800 number.

Contact Information :


Dolphin Wing
Reservations
Phone Numbers:
Swan Wing (407) 934-3000/ FAX(407) 934-4099
Dolphin Wing (407) 934-4000/(407) 934-4099
RESERVATIONS: (888) 828-8850 /Direct: (407) 934-4710

#6 Is there a reason to choose one hotel over the other?

All a matter of preference. The Dolphin is much larger, and more whimsical in design/decor. The Swan is smaller, more refined and understated.

#7 Will they transport our luggage, or will we pretty much have to drag it to the next hotel ourselves?

"grim" just asked this question down on this page! Here's my answer: "Grim...since you are SO CLOSE to the BCV, you will almost positively be able to work something out. Either the Dolphin will transport it to the BCV, or you may call/visit the BCV Bellman and ask them to pick-up your luggage at the Dolphin for the transfer. The Epcot resorts all try to work together symbiotically!"

Hope this helps you some! TTFN...

 

[onceuponadream]

Hi all!

I've enjoyed reading many of the pages of tips and hints. Can you help me with a couple of questions? Can you buy a pizza or quick meal to bring back to the room at the Swan? Is there a "food court" that is fairly reasonable (chicken strips, salads, burgers). How about quick breakfast foods? Is the "food court" area a long walk from the Swan? We would like to stay in a remodeled room as the "heavenly beds" sound irresistable. The Dolphin won't be done by June correct? Thanks so much for any help!

 

[jgates]

Not really a food court - but Tubbi's Buffeteria is at the Swan. This is where you can buy the refillable mugs (around $10) and refill during your stay with soda/coffee. They are open 24 hours a day. They have EXCELLENT pizza. My ds ate it multiple times while we were there. I considered the pizza a very good value. I normally had a tuna salad sandwich & a side of fruit -normally cantelope. (get one flavor of fruit - if you get a mixed the price goes up dramatically.) Tubbi's is about 5 minutes from Swan. Very nice walk - especially in the evening when its cooling down outside. You will also walk past the Dolphin fountain on the way in there with other 'desert' selections.

 

[dreamflight99]

jgates...you mean "Tubbi's buffeteria is at the DOLPHIN" ( as you said it is a short walk from the Swan!)

As jgates stated...the PIZZA is excellent! The price of a large pizza (w/20% Disney Club discount) is about $8.00. It is delectible, hot~fresh~cheesy! Yumm. Also, the chicken strips at the Dolphin Fountain (at the bottom of the escalators) are all breast meat and extremely good. They also serve a "Chicken Ceaser" salad to die for! There are hamburgers (big, fresh-grilled and juicy) and any other food item you can think of. Breakfast items include everything from eggs to Krispy Kreme donuts! You may order just about anything, even if it's not on the menu. The chef made me a three-cheese grilled sandwich with fresh hot chicken noodle soup for less than $5 one eve. They also grilled me a NY steak with Fresh mushrooms and a baked pot. w/fresh broccoli for $12. Both were scrumptious. Do not be afraid/shy to "ask" for something you desire. The staff at Tubbi's are friendly, flexible, and aim to please.

 

[Iowan]

I got my reply concerning my application for SPG amex card in mail yesterday -- it was denied as they cannot issue this card to residents of Iowa !!

So am I totally out of luck trying to get Gold PSG any easy way?

Three Christmas parties at our house the last three days, one more on Thursday, then maybe I can think about getting ready to leave on 24th ! LOL

 

[gschmerl]

Hi Auntsue,
I had better luck getting the teacher's rate at the Dolphin by going through www.dreamsunlimited.com (sponser of these boards). When I called the hotel directly, they told me they didn't even have any rooms for our dates, let alone the discounted rate! DreamsUnlimited was able to get me a room and two of our five nights at the teacher's rate.

 

[lovingthemouse]

I agree with the previous poster about Dreams Unlimited - but since you have a good amount of time until you leave - try for the night by calling the hotel. If you are not successful, be persistent and keep trying. The hotel appears to put all unused rooms back into their computer system on Fridays - if you call after noon, they may just have what you need. Caroline