I'm in the RAIN here in So. Cal...flooding, mudslides and tons of water which has nowhere to go!! LOL. The ground out here is not conducive (or porous!) to "drinking water" like Florida! It seems to become a "hardened surface" with the water just coursing over the top. A true recipe for disaster. And, to top it all off...no one out here knows how to drive in the rain...LOL. You Easterner's would all be laughing 'till you doubled over!
bamboozled...you have a VERY nice room. This is an upgrade over the "standard w/linited view" usually offered by the resort. This is the "Queen bedroom" of a grand/exec. suite. Which means, you have a suite room (minus the parlor). Perhaps...they'll "open" the parlor for you upon arrival. Ask if they would "include" the parlor if no one else is reserved in this area? I've had this happen at other properties, and it's always...always...always worth ASKING for such an upgrade. Hard to tell if it has a heavenly bed...you'll know when you arrive. You're sitting "pretty" right now~!
P.S. I have relatives in Grand Rapids and Muskegon!
Janet...please, keep us apprised of your progress on the upgrade status...wow, already a RESORT VIEW!! Good Job!
How's Chaddie? Is he feeling much better? Do you have him all set in a kennel for boarding? Just wondering, and thinking of the little fella.
Muffy....Loews Platinum is like every other frequent guest program level and must be "achieved" each year...although, there is a "way" around this. If you have SPG Plat., you call Loews and they "upgrade" your status. Then, when SPG expires, you do the same, and they "upgrade" you based upon your Loews Plat. status. This could go back and forth indefinitely! LOL.
csmommy...the Hollywood Bath refers to the "exterior vanity with sink" (which is for the "stars" of your party!).
With this description you "could" have a view of Epcot. If you desire such a view, make sure to especially "stress" this upon check-in, and arrive as early as possible to the resort. Also, do not be insistent upon "checking-in" to the room immediately if your desired view is not available. Inform the front desk associate you are willing to "wait" for the best room possible. This way, housekeeping can clean late check-outs, and you can either "store" your luggage in the bell-room, or leave it in your car, etc. Go and get a bite to eat, walk to the Boardwalk, or even hit a park. They will work to get you the BEST room available if they are not "pressured" to do so right then. This is especially helpful if there are "no" such rooms open upon arrival. I also use this tactic at the "Rose and Crown" (among others) restaurant. I make reservations, but when I arrive, I tell the associates at the podium I'm in "no rush/hurry", and will gladly wait for the best available seating. I casually walk around the pavillion, and relax. I usually never wait more than 10 minutes, and get seated on the bottom/top level balcony! It works EVERY time, and has never failed me! It's a "psychological" tactic, where if the "pressure" is removed, folks are more likely to assist you. Especially when you are "happy, smiling and cheerful" (carefree!). After all, WDW should induce this behavior (mood).
jgates...you should be able to obtain an upgrade at the Hyatt, even with full occupancy. Call again, and ask if they have Club level service available. If you follow the tips listed above, you should have no problem. Think "positive" and be happy. Of course, it never hurts to bring a small token of appreciation to the front desk associates when you check-in. This works for every resort I've ever visited, not just the Swan/Dolphin. The front desk associates are the folks whom have the power to make/break the magic. It's not so much a bribe, as it is being thoughtful and considerate of persons working in a position of service. I also enjoy the opportunity to teach my DD the grace of "giving" freely, just for the sake of being kind. I began doing this years ago, and it is ALWAYS well-received by the entire staff.
I brought some Pepperidge farm "Pirouette" cookies in the sealed tins (both chocolate hazelnut and french vanilla~$5 each) when I traveled to the Cottage Inn. These cookies are "delectible" and travel well. I placed them inside a little box, and tied curled ribbon over the side. I wrote a little card of thanks, and included it in the box. I was upgraded to the Deluxe Ocean view from a Standard Garden view without even asking. She accepted the cookies graciously, and then looked for the "best room available" (aloud). A little kindness...goes a long, long way. She also sent a thank-you card to our room with some fresh fruit (strawberries, etc.). Giving, is contagious.
Got that bounce in our step now that we are days away from a much needed WDW magical break. Will let you all know what's happening at the Dolphin and how our request to CLub goes (using points).
Oh well, my turn is coming.
