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

[Debbie7452]

Mouseteacher & MomPoppins..oops sorry about the mixup on my part. I was so intent on getting the picture thing to work (yeayy!) that I didn't congratulate the correct person, but thank you for accepting congrats anyway. Yesterday, I was just not feeling "alert"




And...Congrats to the current Mom-of-a-son-to-be MomPoppins. I am very happy for you and your family (even when I am feeling confused and foggy).

 

[kathmzh]

Ozziewags, sorry to be a nuisance but I just got my confirmation by by mail for the swan studio and I had asked them to include a floorplan of the room, which they did. the thing is, the floorplan they sent me is of a distinctly "L-shaped" room, which does not look from your (great!) pics to match your room. Is the studio on the 12th floor different from the other studios, do you know? Thanks for whatever help ypu, or anyone else, can give on the matter.

 

[ozziewags]

Kath...no bother at all. I had the same problem as you before I left. All the pics and floor plans I got were the L shaped rooms. But, yes, the one on the 12th floor is not L shaped, just one huge room and bathroom. And it is the only one on the floor. It is in the corner opposite the Club Level room. When I made the reservation, it was blocked, and every time I called to check on the room I was told it was blocked for me, so that was nice to know, even though I considered changing to the Dolphin for the two room jr suite. Enjoy! And don't hesitate to ask any more questions!

 

[chucknrita]

Please help me! Okay, do I sound desperate enough?
We stayed at the Poly concierge last month but visited the Boardwalk area and my husband liked it there better because of the proximity to ESPN Club and other "fun-looking" things to do. We can get the $129/night rate for a standard room using the gov't/military discount, but if I book that room what are the chances of getting a CL upgrade through points? I'm a Starwood Gold member and currently have 11,000 Starpoints and should have more by the time our trip comes around (December 2003). I figured I might as well try to use up the points since we won't be going back to WDW again for a while after this December trip. What does the Gold card get me as far as complimentary upgrades? I'd rather not pay more for a certain room or view if I can get it complimentary or through points. Also, is Swan or Dolphin better for us (me, DH and DS 3)? Thanks for all your help!

 

[ozziewags]

Chucknrita......welcome. Not sure what to tell you about upgrades for gold. Many people have received them just by asking. Don't know when in Dec. you are going or how busy it will be. It always depends on availability. If you really want CL, you can use your points just by calling. If you want to take your chances by asking you might wait til it gets closer. If you do a search through these threads you will find more than enough info about these resorts. I have been to the Swan one time and we chose it because it is smaller and the beds are larger. (Q compared to D) I think I would be happy at either resort. Read through these posts, then decide what your priorities are and even views. Then call the S/D and make your wishes known. They will put it on your reservation. Good luck and keep us posted. When DF gets back from her trip, she can help you even more.(a few days only this time!)

 

[dreamflight99]

Hello all...just a quick note to say "HELLO", and report the beach & weather here is fantastic! We arrived yesterday about 3 pm, and received a beautiful, private corner deluxe second-story room-with an astounding view of the ocean from every window/balcony. It is PURE HEAVEN. I sat watching the Cali surfers, actually interact with a pod of Dolphin, the dolphin were playfully "bumping" their surfboards. They were all pacific bottlenose. I also saw some harbor seals and Cali Sea Lions this am, down by the shore. I got soaked by the waves, and contemplated a wetsuit, but it wasn't too bad. We played in the surf for hours, also peeked into the "tide pools", DD's favorite thing to do together besides feeding flocks of gulls (which we also did)! Our windows/door were open all eve, with the sounds/scents of the pacific coast filling our heads. The weather's absolutely incredible, clear~warm and sunny.

Dining at Mclintocks last night was great, as always. DD ordered Filet and Lobster, (10 oz each), as it was her "celebratory" meal after FINALS week in school. I had a porterhouse, and DH had the giant grilled prime rib with bone-in (all tunny style...which is 2 giant shrimp/three asparagus spears/bernaise sauce topped over the beef selections). We enjoyed the fresh onion rings and famous salsa, and all the other fixings as well. Could not talk anyone into trying the Turkey nuts or sweet bread though!! LOL.

The drive-in theater in SLO is a blast from the past. The sound is played on the radio-frequency (specific channel), so no window boxes. The commercials are straight out of the 50's, and just adorbale! DD and I always sing along, as DH is procuring the popcorn and bevs during intermission! LOL. We saw "National security" and "Just married"~ Both Fun, silly pictures. We are enjoying a wonderful time here, and shopped all afternoon today (after the surf-fun). We just returned from dining at the Applefarm, where my favorite item remains the BAKED APPLE (dessert!). Ahhh...tradition.

I'm always amazed by the mesmerizing effects of the ocean, and just sitting together and watching the waves evokes long sentences of family philosophy! We are fortunate to be so close to this little piece of heaven, and share such times with one another. We could stay here forever...but then, we would miss our planned summer at WDW and the DOLPHIN! We would not wish for that, not for any beach in the world!! TTFN....

 

[pbhunt]

Mclintocks is great, and wonderful filets and lobster. Do the waiters still do the water and ice tea pouring thing from on top of chairs?? Great fun and quite the entertaining sort of place!

 

[Piper]

I just noticed that the DU ad on the side of the boards for Swan and Dolphin teacher/nurse/govt rate now says $139. Did they go up in price? Maybe I just made my reservation at just the right time. I'm glad I didn't take longer to think about it!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by pbhunt
Mclintocks is great, and wonderful filets and lobster. Do the waiters still do the water and ice tea pouring thing from on top of chairs?? Great fun and quite the entertaining sort of place!

YEP! DD held the empty glass atop her head, and the waiter climbed into the seat of the empty chair, blindfolded himself with a napkin, and "felt" the glass before pouring. We had to tell him when to stop! Everyone around the table clapped and laughed, and DD was a little "Wet" on top! LOL! Loads of Fun!

 

[lovingthemouse]

Ok DF - i am into visualizing...
"We played in the surf for hours," "Our windows/door were open " "The weather's absolutely incredible, clear~warm and sunny. "
The only surf i can picture now is a big surf and turf platter at the Red Lobster.
If our windows/doors were open, my house would be one giant ice castle - the temperature is now -4 yup, a whopping -4!
Yes, the sun was shining earlier today, frigid temps hung around, and snow showers are expected for late morning and early afternoon on Sunday.

...but i can dream. I am so glad I can live vicariously through you. What does that old commercial say " Calgon, take me away?" Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. Good to hear from you. Caroline

 

[kathmzh]

DF, That trip sounds absolutely wonderful...like many, I am staying inside with frigid temps outside!!
Ozziwags, thanks again for the info. You have been so helpful in making my decision.

 

[Mouseteacher]

DF ~ 4 degrees this morning as I went out to grocery shop!

I just now checked the DIS and saw your beach report and was transported mentally to your beach! I can hear the sound of the waves and feel the warm breezes! LOL... or is that because I am in the family room with the fireplace blazing.

 

[poohgomez]

Originally posted by Samsma
I just called the Dolphin Reservations, and they said that this rate is good for the night of your birthday, ending Feb. 28, 2003. I've been wanting to know this myself for trip planned in June for DH's birthday. Too bad for me. Hope you can take advantage.

Thanks Samsma

Unfortunately we will be there in May, so we won't be able to benefit . Luckily my husband works for the county so we are getting that wonderful government rate anyway.

 

[sm4987]

Piper: When we called the Swan reservations, it is still $129 a night. The $139 they have posted is because you can no longer cancel the $10 fee. It is mandatory and will not be waived. So they have just included it as the teacher/gov/nurse rate.

 

[Piper]

Originally posted by sm4987
Piper: When we called the Swan reservations, it is still $129 a night. The $139 they have posted is because you can no longer cancel the $10 fee. It is mandatory and will not be waived. So they have just included it as the teacher/gov/nurse rate.

Thanks for clearing that up! I was hoping they hadn't raised the rate!

 

[jgates]

If Club level isn't a requirement, I think I would wait and give a complimentary upgrade a shot. Otherwise, (guessing w/o checking) I think the upgrades are between 750 & 1100 a nite for room or Club.

If you are lucking enough to not use your points, remember there are a couple of gift cards you can redeem for also.

 

[dreamflight99]

Okay...here's the picture from our window at the Beach! SEE? All windows are open...and the weather is sunny, clear and "NBO" (Nothing but OCEAN) for miles! I finally followed the instructions of Ozzie...and it worked! Thanks!! ENJOY...and DREAM of SUNSHINE and BEACHES! DF99

 

[Mouseteacher]

DF...
Thanks for fueling my dreams of sun and beach!

Great pix.

 

[Piper]

Wow, what a beautiful view. It really looks peaceful and relaxing!

 

[ozziewags]

Hey, DF.....way to go. Now we can live your vacations, virtually through your pics. You must post pics of all your cool suites and your holiday decs, etc. Isn't this fun?! Fabulous view....love the ocean and the sounds. So relaxing and soothing.