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

[Goog]

IIRC, I think that I received 4,000 points the first time I used my SPG Amex card. However, I think the special is now 5,000 points for the first use.

Here are the terms for the current promotion:

You must apply on spg.com between January 31 and February 28, 2003 and be a first-time Cardmember to be eligible for this offer. Please visit https://www66.americanexpress.com/cards/Applyfservlet?csi=6/1163/b/10/0/030111656811/0/n&from=3 for full credit card terms and conditions.

Earn 5,000 bonus Starpoints the first time you use the Card, 2,000 additional Starpoints on your first qualifying stay at any participating Starwood property, plus 1,000 bonus Starpoints for each of your next 3 stays (up to 10,000 Starpoints) during your first 12 months of Cardmembership. Bonuses may credit up to six weeks after qualifying purchase. Not to be combined with other offers or promotions.


Hope that helps!
Donnie

PS....I want a countdown clock, too!!!!!!!

 

[dreamflight99]

Good morning to all! I'm back after a brief sabbatical over the weekend. DD is fine, (thanks for asking), and her friend is still slowly recovering. she visited the hospital on Sat., but was unable to see Kevin. His heart rate was too accelerated (due to previous visitors), and they didn't wish to tax his BP any more than necessary. He is intubated, but is responding by squeezing hands, etc. What a "miracle" this truly is...especially knowing the devastating effects these two arrows "could" have caused. I'll keep you all posted on his progress. Thank you, again, for all your prayers.

DD went to a "club" Sunday eve, to support some of her HS friends and their band. The location was "iffy", so DH informed her she could go...as long as we ALSO accompanied her. She was "okay" with it...and did not balk, etc. Two other classmates parents were at the Pizza place, where the bands play in the basement. The music ranges from alternative to punk. Kids from DD's school seem more conservative than most in attendance. Some kids had mohawks and spiked colored Tresses! LOL. DD wears her hair straight, w/flip at the ends! (Like Roxanne on American Dreams!). Starkly different from most of these subversive kids. Yet, like Teens, they discern no barriers...and all "got along" just fine. We only stayed about an hour...then we were out of there! It was a great experience, and I'm glad we all went. DD was also busy yesterday with a private party gig (her Steel drum band from School), and she had a blast! We also were invited to this event, and had a great time listening to the music. So...we were VERY busy this weeekend!

I have been thinking of all of you EASTERNER'S this weekend. Have been hoping you are not too DEEP under the SNOW! WOW...it truly must have been a sight to see, coming down so fast!. I miss the snow, and still find it one of the most MAGICAL elements on the earth! Hope you are all enjoying the fluff (while it's all fresh & new).

Great trip report, DeadEndKid...sounds as if you had a wonderful time at the Swan. We absolutely LOVE our time at the Dolphin, and nothing could spoil our stay. We take everything in stride, and let the small stuff just "roll off our backs", after all~we're on VACATION! LOL. So happy to read you did the same, and enjoyed the overall experience. Hope you are able to reserve another stay soon.

Anyone DONE with Taxes? I have to begin soon....ugh! TTFN...moi
(*if anyone has the chance...please, make a "snowangel" for me! They are my FAVORITE thing to make/do in the snow...next to snowmen/women & snowballs, snowshoes, snowskis, etc.!)

 

[Troyfus]

DF,
Living in California, I'm sure you've made your fair share of trips to Disneyland, right? Unfortunately, they have no Dolphin or Swan Hotel where my Platinum card & Government discount can treat this budget minded family well. What would you recommend? Hyatt, Marriott, and the Hilton would probably match my Platinum level, right? Of course staying at the Anaheim Sheraton would help me build future Starwood points. Not having been since my honeymoon ten years ago, I have no idea of which hotel to stay at this coming July. Do you have any advice to offer?

 

[dreamflight99]

But we LOVE the Residence Inn Anaheim for our "off-property" stays! It's a GREAT place to stay, with beautiful accomodations, a free shuttle to and from the parks (it's only a block away), and also a wonderful FREE BREAKFAST each day. Also fresh fruit available in the lobby, and tennis, BB, pool w/spa...etc. The rooms, as you are aware, are just great! The Penthouse suite is our choice, as the two-story configuration works well for us. We also love the Fireplace and kitchen (plus two baths).

This is the Penthouse suite

We are planning a trip to DL next month for the current promotion (Two parks for two days for the price of ONE! For all So. Cali residents). We are going to stay at Disney's Grand California Hotel, The Disneyland hotel, and the Anaheim Marriott Hotel (DD's Request!). It's a FABULOUS place, exceptionally CLEAN and prices are great for Gov't, etc.

 

[GoofyinNY]

The vast amount of information here is wonderful, and I intend to read it again. Thank you dreamflight99 and all the others.

DH, DS, and I will be staying at the Swan in May. We need a room on a low floor. Is there any particular wing we should ask for or avoid? We have a lakeview room. Unfortunately, I cannot find out any other information about my reservation via SPG because we have the government rate, which is a bulk reservation.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Hi, DF ~ glad to know that all is going well with Kevin and your DD sounds like she is handling things well, too.

It took all morning for DH and DSs to clean up... err... snow blower and shoveling out 20 inches of the white, fluffy "stuff" aka SNOW! DH and DSs take care of clearing out driveways of five elderly residents in our neighborhood. DH is a sight in a bright orange thermal jumpsuit ! DSs love teasing him as he goes about the neighborhood --- difficult not to spot him!

I have spent my time trying new recipes. Guess we will all put on a couple a pounds this week.

 

[Troyfus]

Thanks DF. Unfortunately, Marriott replied that they will not match my Starwood Platinum status. Hyatt and Hilton matched me to their Diamond status though.
Ohhh..... how I long for the simplicity of going to WDW where the Dolphin is a must!

 

[csmommy]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher
csmommy ~

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

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. They will only bump me up to preferred plus. Not quite a gold, but not regular preferred either. Oh, well.

 

[dreamflight99]

How I only WISH we had snow out here...I truly miss the stuff!

Hello, GoofyinNY! WELCOME~so glad to read you enjoy this thread and all the lively, informative banter between us WDW/DOLPHIN/SWAN (& LIFE in GENERAL) LOVERS! The "Lakeview" rooms are all very desirable. I would ask for one on the side facing the boardwalk area. Watching the Friendship boats pass on their way to/from MGM is fun in itself! You should have a wonderful time at the Swan. Are you planning to visit WDW also? May is a great time to see Epcot...there are LOTS of things happening in the SPRING!

Mouseteacher...you made me LOL, picturing DH in the Bright Orange Jumpsuit! MY DF has one just like it, and also clears the drives of indigent neighbors, etc. How philanthropic of your DH, and I'm sure the neighbors appreciate his goodwill. DS's teasing him too...makes for smiles and fun! What exactly, are you trying (recipes)? The rainy days here in So.Cal also seem to propel me to BAKE/COOK, etc.! Thank goodness, these are far & few between! LOL.

Troyfus...sorry about the Marriott (Stinkers!). I recall a good friend posting the same results here a bit back. I still feel the rates are so good, I do not care about the Travel program upgrade/status. I hope you find a nice resort near the park, at an affordable rate. Be sure to stay with a reputable name, as the others are a bit on the "fleabag" side....LOL. Have you investigated the Disneyland Hotel? It's truly a great place, and perhaps you'll be able to use some codes (mousesavers.com) for a great discount. Keep me apprised of your progress...please.

Sorry you were not upgraded to gold, csmommy. Maybe with enough Dolphin/Swan stays, they will bump you to Gold anyway!

TTFN.....

 

[kimmar067]

....of the "white stuff" over here!!!! I should be tanning my self at my Mom's (in sunny 85 degree Puerto Rico!!!: )

 

[GoofyinNY]

We will be at the parks for 5 days and at SeaWorld for 1 day. I can't wait. Thanks for the info regarding the room location for the Swan. Of course, I'm still vascillating (sp?) between the Swan and Dolphin. I suppose I will be doing that up to the moment we arrive.

After 21 inches of snow, my family is looking forward to WDW on May 5th!!

 

[jgates]

We stayed at the Residence Inn in Birmingham and it was very nice. I would not hesitate to stay at one again. (I always thought they were for a different type of traveller than me!) But in the future I will NOT hesitate to stay at one again.

My only complaint with that one was the water was way TOO hot - an experience with a nephew and weeks & weeks in the University Hospital burn center from water heater burns decreases my tolerance for wh's set too high. When I receivd my email survey I told them about this and the manager replied the next day and said they would check it out as they didn't even realize it.

 

[dreamflight99]

I have to agree with you about the water heater issue (sorry for the burns suffered by your nephew... ). Some hotels/resorts simply have no idea! The Disney cruise ship has no "cold" water...only a trickle of a burst when the water first begins to flow...then it's "hot" water from then on! I recall this distinctly, as it usually takes a shower a moment to "warm-up", with a good deal of time of waiting through COLD water. Not these showers....LOL.

So...It's always a good idea to "test" the shower by turning it on, and standing outside of the tub. Just slip your fingers under the stream...if it's too hot~call the front desk and alert management and maintenance. Thanks so much jgates for the "heads-up" on this issue! It is an invaluable concern.

 

[kimmar067]

....just noticed your countdown clock ~ 127 days till WDW!!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

csmommy ~ if you have a Starwood AMEX card, I would think they would upgrade to gold. It worked for me - I joined spg in mid July and shortly thereafter I applied and received the AMEX. I then called spg and was upgraded to gold because of the AMEX card. I would call again and get a different rep - it might work. I have read that you can get a different response when you try again.

DF ~ I was trying two recipes I saw on the foodnetwork and went on the website to get the recipes. The one I tried was a delicious roast chicken. However, I have been sidelined! I was going down the stairs to tell my DH I was going out to do errands. I somehow lost my footing on the steps and slid down hard. I am nursing a swollen left ankle and hobbling around very gingerly. I feel so ridiculous that such a freak thing happened. But, boy, does it hurt.

 

[poohbear7]

I thought you have to be an Amex Platinum card holder to get upgraded to Gold status. It has a high annual fee.

The SPG Amex Platinum has a low fee and I don't think this qualifies.

Anyone shed light on this as I was told I need to be Amex Platinum to qualify.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by kimmar067
....just noticed your countdown clock ~ 127 days till WDW!!!

YES.....FOUR MONTHS and ONE WEEK, KIMMAR!
I'm counting every minute....and still planning lots of adventures!

Mouseteacher...so sorry to read about your ankle. I've tripped on the spiral stairs, and done the same thing. It swells quickly, and is more than likely a sprain. Hopefully, it's nothing worse. So much for the food network recipes...you could always ORDER-IN (and give the cook a well-deserved rest!).

poohbear7..."technically" YES, but as the associates at SPG do not check, and rarely ask any specific questions~most everyone is upgraded by simply calling and saying, "I have a platinum American Express account, and was informed I could receive an upgrade to SPG gold Status with this card". VOILA...you'll be as GOOD AS GOLD. I have EVERY AMERICAN EXPRESS account available, in fact...my DH and I each have our OWN accounts (we pay through the nose!). So...I actually over-qualify. But, I have NO QUALMS about others calling and requesting to be upgraded. It's like the military..."don't ask-don't tell" policy. If they fail to ASK, you are not obligated to TELL! After all...the SPG AMEX is "PLATINUM" in color! LOL.

 

[csmommy]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher
csmommy ~ if you have a Starwood AMEX card, I would think they would upgrade to gold. It worked for me - I joined spg in mid July and shortly thereafter I applied and received the AMEX. I then called spg and was upgraded to gold because of the AMEX card. I would call again and get a different rep - it might work. I have read that you can get a different response when you try again.

DF ~ I was trying two recipes I saw on the foodnetwork and went on the website to get the recipes. The one I tried was a delicious roast chicken. However, I have been sidelined! I was going down the stairs to tell my DH I was going out to do errands. I somehow lost my footing on the steps and slid down hard. I am nursing a swollen left ankle and hobbling around very gingerly. I feel so ridiculous that such a freak thing happened. But, boy, does it hurt.

Sorry about your ankle, I know how much those hurt!

I'll try the Gold thing again. It won't hurt to ask I suppose.

Hope your ankle heals soon.

 

[csmommy]

This is the second time I've heard this, so I guess this is their new policy. With ANY Amex Platinum card you will be upgraded to Preferred Plus. Two points per $ spent, instead of three(gold), or one regular Preferred, but, according to CSR, everything else is the same as the Gold.

So how much luck have people had in using their points for an upgrade 5 days before check-in? I really want that club room!

 

[Mitla96]

Hi, you all, I am BACK (2/14-2/18) and had a wonderful time! I LOVED the Swan-what a location! I will post a trip report, probably on Sunday-I am working long shifts tomorrow and Friday to pay for what I live for (my trips!)

Mouseteacher, I hope your ankle is okay. Get the ice on it, elevate it, if you can't bear weight on it or rotate your foot, you probably need an Xray (call the ER first).

Dreamflight99-my DH ordered Fudge Fatale to arrive Feb13 since we were leaving early on Feb14, it didn't arrive before we left, so he described what I was supposed to get to me on the plane! (The trip was enough, anyway).

Chaddie was so glad to see us (my DH had come home on Monday, so Darling Dog was home) that he ran around the house 10 times wild dog, then collapsed on his side with tongue akimbo.

Any questions, I'll try to answer before I post my long report.

Janet, a little tanner and a whole lot happier, in Michigan