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

Mitla96 · Feb 13, 2003

Hi everyone-

Well, we are leaving tomorrow morning. Thanks to everyone for all the advice and good wishes. I will be sure to report on our return!

Dreamflight, Chaddie is doing well-I think he actually has gained weight on the soft food! He loves the kennel we take himto; they have group play and he gets to run with the big dogs. The manager laughs because Chaddie always tries to be top dog, even with German Shepards and Dobermans. He will be done with his antibiotics tomorrow, so that worked out well.

My only worry on our upgrade is that we won't get into Orlando until 7:30-8pm. However, I am feeling VERY good about this room in general-we already have a room with a view, at a very good price.

Thanks again,

Janet, freezing in Michigan, soon to be walking the Boardwalk!

kathmzh · Feb 13, 2003

Have a great time! Wishing low crowds and great weather for you. Looking forward to your posts when you get back.

Muffy · Feb 13, 2003

Mitla96,
Have a great time at the Dolphin! You will love the beach theme, the grotto pool, access to the Boardwalk, Epcot, and MGM. Glad to hear Chaddie is on the mend! Have a safe trip to FL and back to MI!

Muffy

kimmar067 · Feb 13, 2003

...jgates, NancyIl, ozziewags, lovingthemouse, (and anyone else I missed!

) I haven't been on DF's thread for quite a while, but I'm still thinkin' bout y'all!! Have a terrific Valentine's Day and make sure to SMOOCH yer HONEY!

WolfpackFan · Feb 13, 2003

A question - I am booked in June for a week at the Dolphin at the $129 rate. I have the SPG AmEx card and am now SPG Gold. I had hoped to accumulate enough points to upgrade to the next level on points only. But then they raised the points to 1000/night. I currently have about 5000 points, which is short of the 7000 I would need for the week. I can't forsee us being able to get the additional 2000. What are you all recommendations? Should I just forget points and hope that my SPG Gold will get me sometype of upgrade at checkin? Can you upgrade for just 5 nights only for a 7 night stay? What I really want is CL priviledges but really don't care about the room as much? Could I upgrade to CL for just 5 nights and not have the piviledges for 2 nights? I need some advice on this. Thanks.

Mouseteacher · Feb 13, 2003

Mitla ~ Have a great time - wish I were there! If you don't get an upgrade, don't fret. You will enjoy the resort. All the rooms are terrific. We had a lousy view even though we were upgraded to CL - didn't bother us. We loved the resort and all its amenities.

Glad Chaddie is on the mend and that he loves his pet care facility.

Mouseteacher · Feb 13, 2003

Wolfpack ~ I received comp upgrade to CL on my teacher rate. I am gold spg and have the starwood Amex (I had no pints at the time to use). You probably won't know about a comp upgrade until shortly before arrival or at check-in. Have you requested a comp upgrade? However, I do believe that at check-in if the comp doesn't work you then use your points. They should give you CL privleges 5 of the 7 nights. Hopefully, will give you the last 2 days as a comp. Good Luck!

csmommy · Feb 13, 2003

Mouseteacher, I'm sure this question is answered somewhere, but without the search function I have not found it. How does one become a gold spg? I already have the Amex, just got it today, & was wondering after seeing your post, how to become gold.

TIA

Mouseteacher · Feb 13, 2003

csmommy ~ call spg directly and let them know you have the platinum AMEX (they may ask you for your card # for verification)and that you like to be a gold level member. The AMEX card should do it - did for me! Oh, and make sure they give you your new gold level spg #.

csmommy · Feb 13, 2003

Mouseteacher..........thanks I will!!

Mouseteacher · Feb 13, 2003

csmommy ~

Let me know how you made out - hope you are GOLD!

dreamflight99 · Feb 13, 2003

Mom Poppins...So glad to see the DOUBLE TIMER ticking away on your post! Your plans are all in place, and you can call directly to the resort and BOOK/RESERVE your Feb. 2004 plans now! You really had me laughing, Robin, as I pictured all of you "strolling" around the theme parks (church too!).

So glad to read everything is going so well. Happy Valentine's day to you!

pbhunt...a DELUGE down here is more like it! LOL. We were drenched yesterday, and things are finally slowing down a bit. Ugh....Thank goodness I have a 4X4 to drive in this stuff, makes me feel a bit safer. You know as well as I do, folks out here do not fare well driving in the rain.

I love the Jazz festival, and have heard nothing but great things about it. We have friends in Sacramento (Delta), and they always attend. Have a wonderful time! I have to agree w/you in regards to the SPG & Gov't rates! Makes WDW all the more FUN! Happy Valentine's day!

sunsets...I'm thrilled you have selected the WDW Dolphin. Thank you for all the kind words and compliments, too. Believe it or not...years back, I was a "die-hard" Disney DELUXE resort fanatic...until we took a "peek" (like you) one day inside the Dolphin. The next visit, we paid full price, and stayed in a deluxe room w/balcony and resort view (room # 5019~Great room!). And so began the legacy of our Dolphin association. We slowly discovered things like the AP/ENT rate, and the SPG (old Sheraton previously) frequent travel program...etc. Presently, I still LOVE the Disney-owned resorts, and frequent these each summer...but I cringe to think of all the $$ I'm spending, and NOT making any points...etc.! LOL.

The reservation associate informed you correctly. To insure a balcony/resort view...you must reserve it in advance (unless you are plat. SPG). Otherwise, you may take your chance in obtaining a FREE Upgrade at the time of Check-in. It's always a truly good probability. So, have her note the ressie, then check for a FREE upgrade when you check-in. If not available (based upon occupancy %), just pay the points...and you're in! You will LOVE the Dolphin..just as your DD's have already attested! Keep me posted on your progress. Happy Valentine's Day!

Mitla96...Janet!! Bon Voyage~Have a WONDERFUL TIME~! I too have a VERY GOOD FEELING about your room/trip. Enjoy every moment...I look forward to your trip report when you return. Glad to hear about Chaddie. Is he a Pembroke or a Welsh? He is absolutely the CUTEST! I'll HAVE to post a pic of Mac (aroni!) for you to see. Again, Have a great time...and a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY in WDW!

KIMMAR!!!! So good to see you on here! I'm going to post a sentiment on your thread too...I've missed you! HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY O' WILD~ERNESS ONE!

Wolfpack...as Mouseteacher correctly wrote, you should "request" a comp upgrade to CL. Explain in your request you are short of the points needed due to the recent increase for upgrades. I know for a fact they will be able to "upgrade" you at the time of check-in for the 5 eves in CL (Privs) if they are unable to obtain a free upgrade. Please, also note in your upgrade request of your GOLD SPG level.

Happy Valentine's Day!

csmommy....I too HOPE you obtain GOLD! You are that much closer to PLAT! Happy Valentine's Day!

Also, jgates...Muffy....Mouseteacher...kathmzh...Nancy...Lovingthemouse(Caroline), Happytrails....and all else~"HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

dreamflight99 · Feb 13, 2003