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

[Mr_Smee]

for the quick response!!

Now I can use the year to save my money!!

 

[EpcotKilterFan]

I am not sure if anyone has ever posted this.... but I was surfing around the Westin site and found that you can buy a Heavenly Bed!!! And the whole Heavenly Bed ensemble!!!

Here is the link: http://www.westin-hotelsathome.com/

Now there is NO way that I could afford a Heavenly Bed of my own, and go to WDW but there is always something to shoot for.


Debbie

 

[dreamflight99]

We're IN LIKE FLYNN! I finally secured our VERO BEACH ressies this past week, and can take one step forward. The Villa's are the most difficult to reserve, as they are the most scarce. They had PLENTY of the INN ROOMs available. Yet, I have had difficulty reserving all 7 eves in the same type villa. But...a little tenacity goes a long, long way. POOF...we are now all SET.

The next item on the vacation agenda is the RENTAL cars! This is the task I shall conquer this week. So, I've reserved the airline(in Oct.), Dolphin(in Aug), Vero Beach(confirmed in Jan), Portofino(tentative suite), Cruise(in Oct), CR(in Oct). I have the Peabody, rental cars and the Portofino confirmation to go. I feel great about all of it, as I'm pretty far ahead of last years schedule. I just have to $AVE the $PENDING money too!! LOL!

Debbie...Thanks for the site. I posted this on the Original thread...eons ago! It's always a good one, and fun to peruse. I have a S & F (my own heavenly bed) Calif. King set...it's like sleeping on a cloud. Only a year old...and billowy soft, yet firm. We love it. The prices for the Heavenly beds are not too shabby...considering "every day" would be a VACATION sleeping on one of these sets! Wish Starwood would GIVE ONE AWAY in a special promotion!

 

[Mark P.]

I did a quick check, and apologize if this has been mentioned already...

I had originally booked in October for our stay at the Dolphin in May.
Last week I called to make a minor change in our dates, and after receiving the confirmation letter, I noticed that the tax went from 11% to 11.5%, and the Resort Fee from $8 to $10.

The 'tax hike' isn't really a huge deal, but the resort fee change is a bit steep, IMO. Probably going to request it be waived on this trip...

-Mark

 

[Bimmy56]

Refillable Mug Tip

Just came back from a stay at Dolphin. The refillable mugs at Tubbies were not on display, but under the counter. Nor were there any signs up informing you of their existance. You have to ask for it, if you want to buy one. I wonder if this means they will be discontinuing them at some point.

 

[adisneyfan2]

Mark P., we were told the last week of December that resort fees are no longer an option. What I don't understand is why they charge it in addition to CL rates (unless that was a mistake?) Any insight, DF?

 

[dreamflight99]

Very Important NOTE:

CLUB LEVEL status designates the resort fee be "waived" as you are "entitled" to these perks/benefits as a CLUB LEVEL guest. PLEASE, point this out to the associate at the Front desk if you are charged for the resort fee, but are staying on Club Level (either cash/points). No one should be charged the resort fee in "addition" to CL. This has not changed.

There are no plans to terminate the free refill mugs (it took to long to institute this change). They are under the counter, as the associate working was probably tired of answering questions about them! By all means, bring back your mugs and you may obtain free refills on subsequent visits. The mugs are not changing on an annual basis (yet) as they do in the Disney Resorts.

*All resort taxes increased as of the new fiscal year, including Disney owned resorts. This is by way of the Fla. Tax increase for resort/hotel properties (The BREAD & BUTTER of the STATE!). Remember, the resort fee offers you:
*Fab. use of the phone...if you bring a laptop~it's strongly advised to pay the resort fee. You could eat the $10 fee in about 6 minutes without the perk in place.
* unlimited use of the health spa. This place is a GREAT WAY to unwind after a busy day. The SPA is heavenly on aching muscles, great shower/locker room with all sundries for use, and fresh fruit & bottled water too (bring your empties in your gym bag and REFILL-AWAY!). The bottled-water in the park is $2 or more, Each!
*Daily newspaper (usually USA Today). A nice way to keep apprised of the OUTSIDE world, while INSIDE the World of MAGIC!
*FREE COFFEE! This is replenished by the MINI-BAR associates...NOT MOUSEKEEPING! SO...if you need/desire MORE coffee, call the mini-bar/room service office and ASK! They will bring you as much as you need (AND EXTRA CREAMS TOO). This is very important to note, especially if the mini-bar skipped your room due to a DND card on the door. They make their rounds EARLY in the AM. Most persons blame the MK for the lack of coffee-refills, but this is not the case. Just keep this in mind. We always CALL for EXTRA.

Also, if you want MORE of ANYTHING, please call the appropriate department and BE SPECIFIC. If you need more shampoo, ask for X-# of bottles! The same goes for oatmeal soap. Ask for 10 extra bars. They will Deliver this to your room, no questions asked. Leave a note for mousekeeping, if you do not wish to call. Please, leave it in a place they are sure to see it...on the vanity near the soap basket, or on the bed. If you want extra pillows, or feather vs. foam, CALL and ASK. I love LOTS of Pillows, and always call as soon as I'm in the room. They come with arm-loads of them down the hall...LOL! I also give a little $ to the delivery person for their time/consideration. It's appreciated MORE than you know.

 

[Troyfus]

Wow, what a trip. We were truly blessed in all the helpful hints we received from this board.

Our journey to the Dolphin went as smooth as anyone could ever hope. None of our bags had to be opened and searched, and there were no delays. DW was wanded though; she forgot about her hair beret and big metal buttons on her overalls. Hehe She was beeping all over!

We were the first check ins for the New Year. A couple right before us had just finished their check in when the New Year hit. Needless to say, we had to wait a minute or two for the sound level to fall enough to process our own. It was great.

Our check in went flawlessly. We were “congratulated” on our 10th wedding anniversary, and given room 12-043/041. It is a Jr. Suite on Club Level facing the Swan. From this room you can see the Tower of Terror, Boardwalk, and Downtown Disney off in the Distance. We had asked for unobstructed views of Epcot, but chose to be happy with our assignment. It was late, the boys (and us) were crashing, and we did not want to ruin the first moments of magic by complaining. All in all, we spent little time in the room looking out the window anyway. We opted for the 500 points as our Platinum perk. Other than the greeting, there was no other acknowledgment of our anniversary. In this I was a little disappointed, but since nothing was promised, I did not complain nor did I lose any sleep over it. I was too tired to lose sleep over anything at this point.

The Dolphin is awesome in its beauty. It was so fun to explore between park trips. My son and I quickly mastered the layout and knew where to go to get from one place to another. My better half on the other hand… “No, honey, your other left….” Hehehe. The closeness to Epcot and MGM prompted two walking trips to these parks; and the bus trips to AK & the MK were shorter than the estimated times we had seen in various tips. The wait for these buses were never extensive either.

Mousekeeping kept our room clean, and at no time came knocking while were in the room. Uh, we were at the parks most of the time anyway. One sad note: only one bar of oatmeal soap was in the entire suite when we checked in (even though there is a restroom in each room). Each day, a new bar was left in the opposite room than the day before. The last two days, none were left. I chose not to complain. I figured it would be better for my family to cherish the great aspects of our adventure, rather than dim it by appearing upset before them. The extra soap the boys would not miss, a complaining dad they would remember. As stated by DF, I am positive that MK would have brought more if asked. The Dolphin was so accommodating in everything. They even made sure my boys got the “Straight A” caps for showing their report cards, when the front desk was out. They magically appeared in our room while we were in the parks one day.

AZ made the Club Level room special for my boys. One evening we stopped by after they had put away the nightly snacks; she offered to bring them out some cookies. They loved the chocolate ones so much! The next night the MK was closing at 7pm and the boys were disappointed in the early closing. Well, we made it back to the Dolphin by 6:45pm. Frowns grew into smiles as they quickly realized they could get some cookies from Az. We went picture snapping around the Dolphin afterwards.

Checking out was like saying goodbye to a friend you can’t wait to see again. Despite the minor disappointments, the whole of our trip was very MAGICAL!

 

[dreamflight99]

"What an uplifting and inspiring POST"! You have MADE MY DAY, and brought a smile/memories to my face/mind. Thanks, tons & tons.

So glad you chose not to dampen the trip with the minor things you deemed unimportant/inconsequential to the quality of your stay. Your wisdom is refreshing ("I chose not to complain. The extra soap the boys would not miss, a complaining dad they would remember"), and a great reminder to all. While we do indulge ourselves in the pleasures of these trips to WDW, when we are traveling w/young offspring~it's BEST to keep their presence in mind. They are, after all, VERY mindful of each and every action taken by US~the "Role" models! Therefore, try to set a great example, one you can be PROUD of if they choose to follow. Whining and complaining over every minor detail is not only unsettling, it totally detracts from the "precious memories" of the journey/stay.
Kudos to you, for your steadfast and intelligent reasoning.

LOL...on the "beeping" DW was subjected to at the AP. Remember moi last summer? Juan...wanded me, again and again?!? Very humorous.

CONGRATULATIONS on your 10 year wedding anniversary! Hope you too enjoyed the time together, and made it special.
Your Suite sounds lovely, and the view is not too shabby up there, either. Thrilled to read the kids LOVED CL and the cookies! (me too!). How nice of you to always find a way to brighten even the smallest of disappointments (MK closed early..."Frowns grew into smiles as they quickly realized they could get some cookies from Az"). The story of the straight-A club caps also made me smile.

You enjoyed everything from transportation to the layout of the Resort. Your positive attitude and sunny disposition helped you maintain a truly healthy perspective. I can't stress how important this is while ON a vacation. Most things, are never so important that they can not be amended later, quietly, away from your trip & family (If necessary). I try to never permit things to get in the way of our enjoyment...especially while in the MIDST of it! Time, is just too valuable/precious a factor...and most things CAN wait. I prefer to take care of things later, and just make notes (names, times, etc.) for future reference. Also, I try to remember to "Expect Nothing", this way I'm ALWAYS surprised, and never disappointed.

You handled the entire trip like a seasoned PRO. You have reaped the rewards as well, which are MUCH more valuable than the SPG points or the memories. You have your good health as a result of the "laid-back" nature you exhibited in the face of minor setbacks/disappointments (LESS STRESS than COMPLAINING), and you have the ADMIRATION and RESPECT of your DW & boys...which, to put it bluntly, IS PRICELESS!

 

[Piper]

I am having a new adventure--my first solo trip to WDW! I will be staying at the Dolphin and ----thanks to this thread---I got the Starwood card. I am not sure how many points I can get, but I'll be happy for each and every one. Who knows, after this trip, I may want more and more solo adventures!

 

[dreamflight99]

Hello, PIPER! Glad to read about your upcoming SOLO trip to WDW and the beautiful DOLPHIN RESORT! I could easily do the Dolphin & WDW Solo, as I LOVE the thrill and adventure I experience there. So happy you have obtained the SPG card, and are looking forward to "accumulating points" (Spending IS the key here!). When is this adventure going to begin?

 

[jgates]

Ah Troyfus.... what a wonderful trip.

I was pretty mellow on our vacation too. I tried not to let things stress me out (and believe me - there wasn't much that even had me thinking twice about it). The worst thing was when my son was not allowed to pick up his package (that he purchased & paid for) from the front desk. He felt the gal was a little rude to him. But next time I will just make sure that his name is added to the room somehow. It was under mine so they wanted me to come and pick it up that day. (All other days he was allowed to pick up!) It was just sooo funny to me because after they let him pick up all my packages they wouldn't let him pick up his own!! So instead of that irritating me - I tried to think of it as amusing.

I am going to try to remember for my next trip to ask for those robes though! I never even thought about it the entire time we were there this year.

DF - I'm going to have to be a little more bold in the future. I felt so guilty asking for anything!!! I don't think my mind is set at Club Level - I'm usually at Motel 6 level!!!! But next time it will be robes and a few extra soaps (I do have the extras in our closet but I don't think they will last till this trip counter gets to zero!!!!!)

However, I did manage to have enough guts to ask at Comfort Inn on NYE for a room upgrade (if you are a card member there you get a free upgrade if available). We did get a room with a fold-out sofa & fridge/micro. Isn't that bad though- I feel guilty asking for upgrades I am entitled to!!!!

 

[Troyfus]

Robes......
I did remember to ask. I casually mentioned that my wife and I were celebrating our 10th anniversary and that we were interested in obtaining a souvenier with the Dolphin name on it. I asked how much (my mistake) the robes would cost. The front desk CM made the inquiry. $75.00 each He said he would check on getting a discount, but we never heard back. Alas! The robes stayed behind. The Dolphin resort pins were sold out too. The CM at Daisy's said they have been out for many months.

 

[dreamflight99]

I sure hope you were able to obtain a couple free DOLPHIN pens and note paper. I asked the HK for some extra note paper, and she gave me a TON! I also took a stack from the phone area, as there is always AMPLE there (I asked the desk...and they said "Help yourself") ! I have it here in my office, and it's GREAT note paper!

Troyfus...sorry about the robes, and the pins too. I have pins, magnets and pens from the Dolphin. I love the Robes, and had no problem getting these complimentary when I called housekeeping" to inquire. She merely said, "by all means, feel free to take one for each of you. I'll send up two more to use during your stay." This is her reply to my inquiry about our anniversary...and how much we love the robes, etc. I never asked at the Front desk. I never even asked her the cost of them, just expressed how much I like them...and would enjoy these at home as a reminder of our stay at the Dolphin. This was a couple of years back. I have robes from the Peabody, Portofino Bay Hotel, Westin St. Francis, Cottage Inn, the NY Plaza, the Ritz and the MGM Grand, etc. All of them were "complimentary" after asking/calling the housekeeper on duty if I could take them home. I was never charged for any of them. In each instance, I expected nothing, and was always thrilled/surprised when they approved my wish. Guess I have been fortunate, and have enough robes to cover us for eons.

jgates...you did pretty good asking for the upgrade. Even though you're entitled...they usually never offer unless you ask. At other resort properties...make sure to always ask for a FREE UPGRADE to Club level (where available). Most resorts will make a note in your reservation and "waitlist" you based upon availability the day you arrive. Be very clear about this, and always specify your exact needs/desires. I come right out and "ask" for something. I never feel uncomfortable, as these are things others are also asking for as well. It's not deceitful, or dishonest, in fact...quite the contrary. The worst thing they can say is "no", and then you are right back where you were before you asked! Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

While at Vero a couple summers ago, I noticed the "mouse pads" they were using at the terminals during check-in. They are absolutely adorable, with Mickey and Minnie in lounge chairs on the beach, the resort in the background, ocean and sea turtle in the foreground. I asked if they sell these in the gift shop. She told me they do not, and they are only for the resort use, etc. Well, another associate heard me as well, and smiled...agreeing they were adorable.

Later, when I returned to my villa...there was a MOUSEPAD in plastic, sipper cups, hats and some note cards all with the same logo, placed upon the kitchen island. There was a note from the gentleman whom overheard my interest/desire for the mousepad. It simply said, "The best things in Life are FREE. Enjoy!" What a SURPRISE! I wrote him a little note, and placed a gift certificate from the Vero Beach Mall inside. I always recognize a good deed with a gift. He sent me some candies, and another card "thanking" me for the card and gift! We could around and around with this, I wrote on my last card! LOL!!! So...random queries are often rewarded with the objects of desire. I expected NOTHING in this case, and was immensely SURPRISED! As Bueller said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop to look around once in a while--you may just miss it." So, take time to smell the roses, and ask for the ones seemingly out of reach. you'll be surprised at the bouquets you receive just by "asking". After all..."ASK, AND YE SHALL RECEIVE" (In most cases).

 

[NancyIL]

Welcome back, Troyfus! I'm glad you had a wonderful stay at the Dolphin! I was thinking about you, and hoping everything went well for you and your family.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Welcome back Troyfus and Happy Anniversary! I am so glad you too, like me, enjoyed your stay at the Dolphin. I am also of the same mind that I'm on vacation - and in WDW to boot! - that I don't want to spend my time frustrated and complaining unless it is something monumental. I find that it does affect the entire family and we all then just start feeling cranky instead of happy.

I agree with DF that I expect nothing than what I reserved or paid for and if we get something extra -how magical!

I find every trip I am able to make to Disney is a thrill for me and my family. Our stay at the Dolphin was wonderful and all went smoothly for us too. I agree - "checking out was like saying good-bye to a friend you can't wait to see again" - well said. I hope see our "friend" again at the end of August!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher
. I agree with DF that I expect nothing than what I reserved or paid for and if we get something extra-how magical!

(W/Emphasis on the word "MAGICAL" )

 

[jgates]

Ah mouseteacher.... I hope you get to go in August too!

I can't hardly wait till 2004 - I sat here last nite pretending it was 2003 and checking airfares. I found out I can go this July for $175 per person from Milwaukee. That's acceptable! But I can't afford 2 years in a row! Hopefully the rates will be as acceptable 7/04!

Plus - my DS who wasn't going to go with in '04 started asking if I would consider postponing till August in case he wanted to do a summer session at college! Thats both good and bad! I may need to check with my Swan friend and see if I can change our ressie date. (I only did this about 4 times on our last trip!!!).

 

[mom23guys2]

jgates,
Hope your son gets to go. It's so special when a college age child still wants to vacation with parents. The memories from earlier trips must be magical. When mine said he really missed going with us last year I was thrilled. I know the extra expense is really my birthday present to me.

 

[ozziewags]

We have two in college and they didn't want to miss it! Hope this wasn't our last visit together, but it gets harder as they get older. Oh well, maybe we can all go together when we have our kids and their kids!!!! There were so many grandparents with their kids and grandkids at Christmas. Ahhhh.