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

[disnurse]

Well just finished shoveling- already 10 inches here its still coming down like gangbuster too!! School let out only 1 hour early here. I wish i was in 86degree weather which was orlandos forecast today

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

Dreamflight99,

Hey! I just counted the points from my parents and sisters SPG accounts and we have 13,711 points! I remember you saying that Club Room is 750 which we did last year, how much is an upgrade per night to a junior suite at the Dolphin or a studio at the Swan? I doubt we have enough but we are going for 5 nights only, so just wondering!

I guess we don't need to spend points on a room view upgrade if we "request" nicely like you have said to me the last time I posted

Oh well...options... Swan Studio for $180, Dolphin Junior suite for $200...what to choose!

 

[dreamflight99]

I ENVY all of you in the SNOW! Please, say some secret wishes for me while looking into the magical frozen flakes falling from the heavens. How lucky you are, to be in the midst of such a miracle. Snow...is so mystical.

pkdcoasters...wow, that's a lot of pts! Sometimes it's better to use the pts. for the CL, than the upgrade to a suite. It all depends. For the price...$180, I'd do the Swan Studio. These are heavenly, and save you $20 off the Dolphin Jr. Suite which is comparable. Then, use the pts. for club level and MAMA T. ! "Request" a view, when you make the ressie! I prefer the BW/Epcot view, but to each his/her own. For 3,750 pts...you could be on CL, which is a bargain (and still leaves you just shy of 10,000 pts.). Please, look on the SPG site for the cash/pts. special...as you may be able to snag a FREE eve, or a discount on the 5 eves using pts. It's always worth investigating.

 

[ozziewags]

pkd.......go with what DF said.......upgrades with points to jr. suites are 10,000 pts/night! CL is a better deal. And you will love it!

 

[uwbadger29]

Junior Suite for $200? How did you obtain that rate? We are going after Easter- any suggestions for room locations? Currently have a Junior Suite. First trip for DD-8 and second for DS-9 and DD-12

 

[luckytso]

DF99,

Thanks for the suggestions. I will call Dolphin tomorrow to put in the request.

 

[dreamflight99]

Please, let me know the outcome of the call, and the results.

uwbadger29...welcome to the DIS! Are you staying in the Swan or the Dolphin? What a great place to take your 8 yo DD for her first trip. Let me know some more details, and I'll try to help with locations, etc.

 

[Dalpal]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
I ENVY all of you in the SNOW! Please, say some secret wishes for me while looking into the magical frozen flakes falling from the heavens. How lucky you are, to be in the midst of such a miracle. Snow...is so mystical.

DF99,

I would gladly change locals with you. I normally dont mine the snow, could say I like it most years. This year it has been unending( to much of a good thing) I would LOVE to get some nice WARM spring weather. Maybe see a robin or two

Hey but Im gong to WDW Got a little bit of a wait. It helps just to know Ill be going though.!!

 

[kimmar067]

DITTO!!!! I'm with you....enough is enough already !! And, guess what??? Another 2-3 inches on Tuesday!!!! ARRRRGGHHH!
Sorry, DF, but if you wanna trade places ~ just set the time and place !

 

[Beader7]

Thank you to everyone who posts on this board! I have learned so much!! We are going to WDW for Spring Break, and we are getting the Government Rate at the Swan! I cant wait!! Anyhow--I have gotten a Starwood Perfered Membership and I am racking up the points. I also hot a Starwood AMEX card, and got the promotion for 5000 points after first purchase. So, I guess my question is, what can I do with these points? What are the upgrades all about? We are getting a regular double room. What kind of beenfits does the Club Lounge floor offer? Bigger rooms? I am so new at this and I have no idea!! We are taking 2 teenage daughters, so any ideas on the hotel that would be good for them? Does the Club Floor have a resturant? Is there a place to watch fireworks? Any help and ideas are greatly appreciated!! I cant wait to get to the SWANN!! I have admired that hotel for years and years!!!

Sandy

 

[Shelly]

Does anyone know if a sheraton hotel would let you pay the difference?
For example I have a regular room, I have a certificate using points to get that room free. Could I upgrade to a junior suite and pay the diff.?

 

[dreamflight99]

My folks just returned from FLA to their home in N.Y. (2+ months of being "Snowbirds"), and they are knee-deep in the Fresh fall! They are a bit more accepting, with the SUNSHINE still in their hearts...but they are not "enjoying" the weather. Is there such a thing as "too much of a good thing" when the days are always temperate and the skies are always blue, with clouds and sunshine? I guess not. Today, is another typical S.Cal day, sunny and warm, slight breeze, clear skies. Just a little RAIN now and then proves to be catastrophic (mud slides, accidents and floods). I would give anything to see these palms covered in snow and icicles! LOL.

To get to the SNOW...we have to DRIVE there, with all the other "LOOKIELOOS", and tromp around in our new boots and mittens, tossing sorry snowballs and making slushy angels. Then, we are all wet and pooped. We head to the closest pizza parlor for some hot Pies and cocoa! It's the closest thing to a SNOW Fix I can get...so, I take it! LOL.

Beader7...So happy you enjoy these posts, Sandy, and have found them to be helpful in your planning/selection. The Club Lounge floor has easier access to the Lounge area. There is no restaurant there, but the lounge serves as a comfortable and exclusive place to enjoy the provisions/offerings supplied by the concierge staff. All are complimentary if you are on CL, or using CL privs. To upgrade to the CL, you will need 750 pts. per eve. This means with the 5000 bonus, you could use the points for 6 nights, and only need another 250 pts. to make it 7 nights. You are welcome to watch the fireworks from either the lounge area, or your room (if you have the Epcot View). You will LOVE the Swan. It's a great place to stay while at WDW!

Shelly...I have no idea, but I would urge you to TRY. Anything is possible, and they may permit you to use the certificate for the cost of the room, and merely pay the difference for the suite. I would not see why this would be a problem. I would call them as soon as possible and inquire. Please, post your results on this thread. There are numerous others whom have received complimentary and/or discount certificates for SPG stays, and the answer may benefit many. Thank you!

 

[Shelly]

Anyone here going for there spring break? I've been seriously considering bumping my trip up from May. Don't get me wrong I love May. Our spring break is the firstweek of April.
It would mean we would get to go sooner to the warmth, and the kids wouldn't miss as much school.
However,the crowds are a little concern. I have never been at that time.
I just can't decide should we go, or wait?

 

[Mouseteacher]

Ditto on anyone who wants take our snow! There are predictions for more snow on Tuesday. Also, when you take the snow you can take the freezing temps, too.

Shelly -Spring Vacation for the Boston area is April 21-25. Perhaps that early in April won't be as crowded. I have been to WDW during our spring break and it is wall-to-wall people. However, the humidity hasn't kicked in yet and the temps were wonderful!

Sandy - Welcome! I, too, learned so much from everyone here. Our trip to the Dolphin last summer was extra magical - we were upgraded to CL. This is thanks to everyone on these boards. Have fun on your trip!

 

[disnurse]

Our spring break is the week before easter 13th-20th. Hoping this break is split up a bit so less people will be there. Easter is generally very crowded.

 

[Mitla96]

DF-LOL on the mystical snow! It is only mystical in December-now I'm ready for the crocuses.

I'll be interested to hear how crowded WDW is over the April breaks. I had been warned that President's Day weekend was notoriously busy and Epcot was, to me, deserted. We walked onto every ride. I'm wondering if the world situation will keep people away in April.

 

[dreamflight99]

These posts must have burned her ears, (LOL) as she called today about all the SNOW they are receiving! She is not too thrilled about it either, as it creates lots of work for her & dad. Anyhow...just thought you would all get a kick out of it, as she LAUGHED when I asked her to make me a SNOWANGEL and TOSS some snowballs in the "Mystical" fluff! She said, "By tomorrow, it won't be so mystical...with all the soot and dirt from the road/vehicles." LOL.... (One man's "misery" is another man's "mystical"!).

Mouseteacher...what a nice comment about the boards, and the assistance you have received here. We truly are ONE BIG (symbiotic) FAMILY~! BTW...DD just tripped on the stairs at the theater w/me yesterday, and has the same symptoms w/ankle as you. Any tips? (She wore a brace today to school, but there is considerable swelling and bruising...She does NOT want to go to the Dr., but may have NO CHOICE! Ahem!).

I too..wish to hear about the CROWDS during the Spring Break. I have heard "mixed reviews" about this time of year. Is it MORE crowded than the summer? It always seems to be most crowded in July, then wanes in August. Yet, it appears the weather would be very nice in the spring, thus draw more folks. Any input/past experience?

 

[ozziewags]

DF.....tell your daughter for sprains it is RICE...... Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. It takes awhile, but will heal faster if you do it, rather than walking on it! Right, nurses?

 

[mom23guys2]

Spring break is crowded but the weather is terrific. Being a teacher I have only been to the world when schools are off so I really can't compare the crowds to off season. It may be slightly more crowded than the summer months but not as bad as Christmas, but as I said the weather more than makes up for the crowds. Standing in lines in August is a killer as a matter of fact just walking can sometimes seem unbearable. We usually changed clothes at least 3 times a day when we went in the summer. Then we discovered Easter and the lower humidity. Warm days slightly cooler nights. (I'm not fond of sweat.) I have also been to Disney every Easter for the past 12 years so I guess that proves it can't be that bad. Also since I've visited so many times if something is very crowded we don't get upset we just come back later. My boys(men) had all the words to the rides down by heart and even as little ones could say the monrail spiel in Spanish but they still love Disney. My two youngest are even coming with us this year although their time is limited due to college and work. I can't wait.(Guess I'm going on a little but six more weeks still seems too long.)

 

[mom23guys2]

Oh I had another question. As I said we're going at Easter and I've requested a comp upgrade to CL with SPG Gold. A dear friend is also going to be there at the same time. If I don't get the comp upgrade(pixie dust ) I have enough points to pay for it on my account. If I do get that upgrade could I pay for her to upgrade with my points? She just has the SPG first level and doesn't have too many points. It would be fantastic if we could both get that upgrade. Of course If I have to use points for my room I won't have enough for both of us. Either way we'll be happy at the Dolphin.