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

[tkyes]

HI everyone!

I'm new to the swan/dolphin phenomenon!

We have no plans as of right now to head to WDW but I'm dreaming and crossing my fingers that my husband will have to take a business trip to the World soon


Anway - he is in the process of racking up points on his Starwood Preferred card.

Can anyone tell me what they use their points for? The website says you can earn free nights but I've read a few things about using them for upgrades. Can you upgrade to the concierge level? Is there a way to know how many points something like that would require?

I just didn't have the time to read all 120 some pages of this thread (wow, by the way) and was hoping someone could help me this.

Thanks

Tamie

 

[jaygatz]

Anyone have any info on a Swan Studio? What is the size? Location? etc? thanks in advance

 

[WDW2000]

JayGatz - I have some great pictures of the Swan Studio (inside the room & views from all the windows) Send me you e-mail address and I will forward them to you.

JamezG@aol.com

 

[jaygatz]

is the swan studio on club level? I just modified my reservation to be in the studio and will appreciate any tips!

WDW2000--

I sent my address to your email Thanks so much!

 

[happytrails2u]

Originally posted by jaygatz
Anyone have any info on a Swan Studio? What is the size? Location? etc? thanks in advance

Jaygatz, here is a diagram and some photos of a Swan Studio. We stayed in one during Christmas-time and enjoyed it. Size-wise, it's approx. 500 sq. ft. There are several studios with balconys too. They've also been recently refurbished (Heavenly Beds!). I believe the studios are located at the corners of the building (hence the L-shape). I do not believe any of the Studios w/balconys face Epcot, although some w/out balconys may. You might confirm with Swan's front desk. Good luck.

 

[WDWMaria]

Originally posted by happytrails2u
Jaygatz, here is a diagram and some photos of a Swan Studio.

Hmm......my girlfriends stayed in a room exactly like this in December and were told they were "upgraded to a Junior Suite." So a Swan Studio is also called a Junior Suite by management it seems.

 

[ozziewags]

Swan Studio.....great pictures. A renovated room too! Wow.

We were in a studio(jr suite) at Christmas on the 12th floor, club level and it was not L shaped like the rest. The Swan told me that it was the only one on the 12th floor. It was one huge room, with a hallway to a huge bathroom. The wet bar went all the way across the back wall, and had some storage there too. There was a table with 4 chairs, a king bed and a sofa bed. We got a roll away, since there were 4 of us and kids are college age. There was plenty of room. And club level was lovely. No balcony. View was of MGM, boardwalk, downtown disney, part of world showcase. I would really like to see that room, now that it has been renovated!

 

[jaygatz]

Wow, thanks for the pictures, plans and descriptions I am sooo excited!!

 

[kimmar067]

....happytrails2u, those heavenly beds sure DO look heavenly!!!

 

[pewing]

Originally posted by Beader7
Wow!! Just got to work (had to battle bad roads - its SNOWING here) and turned out my computer, logged into SPG, and low and behold - the points arrived!! I Screamed!! Luckily no one was around yet!! (LOL) So, the moral of the story is- yes, the points can arrived in your account expediently!!

Next question- and this is important - Do I aks for the UPGRADE to CLub Level with points NOW, or when we check in?????

Thanks you guys! This would have never, ever happenend without all of your help.

(I even DREAMED about DISNEY last nite)

Sandy

Yeah Beader!!

Good for you! So glad it worked out...and you are SO close I called AMEX again last night the supervisor that I spoke with said that I had not gotten my points b/c I don't get them until 6-8 weeks after the promotion is over...which is in JULY! Didn't have the energy to argue. Sigh....

I'm counting on the comp upgrade...and dreaming of Disney too

 

[happytrails2u]

Originally posted by kimmar067
....happytrails2u, those heavenly beds sure DO look heavenly!!!

Indeed they do Kimmar. Can't wait for the Dolphin to start/complete their renovations. And as the Tag Fairy has confirmed, "you don't know Heaven until you've slept in a Heavenly Bed!"

 

[dreamflight99]

...GREAT PICS! I think this suite is beautiful, and appreciate you posting these photos. It certainly looks COZY & CONTEMPORARY...and the view is picturesque (understatement). The schematic is also well-received, and lends more info on this accomodation. Thanks again!

 

[dreamflight99]

"WHY DO WE HAVE TO GROW UP? I know more adults who have the children's approach to life. They're the people who don't give a hang what the Joneses do. You see them at Disneyland every time you go there. They are NOT AFRAID to be delighted with simple pleasures, and they have a degree of contentment with what life has brought-sometimes it isn't much, either." Walt Disney

"CHILDISHNESS? I think it's the equivalent of never losing your sense of humor. I mean, there's a certain something that you retain. It's the equivalent of not getting SO STUFFY that you can't laugh at others, or especially, yourself." Walt Disney

"CROWDED CLASSROOMS AND HALF DAY SESSIONS ARE A TRAGIC WASTE of our greatest resource-the MINDS of our CHILDREN." Walt Disney

"LAUGHTER IS AMERICA'S MOST IMPORTANT EXPORT." Walt Disney

"IN BAD TIMES AND GOOD, I HAVE NEVER LOST MY SENSE OF ZEST FOR LIFE." Walt Disney


For those of you traveling to the WDW DOLPHIN & SWAN...and also spending glorious fun/sun-filled days in the KINGDOM of the MOUSE, please remember the one man who made it ALL POSSIBLE. Walt himself. With all that is currently going on in the world, I shudder to think where WE would all be...without this MAGICAL KINGDOM to "escape" to...and cherish. ENJOY!

 

[The Pluto People]

Just in case this is "news"....the cash and points promotion is now available at the S/D until July 31st...$60 and 4000 points for one night - a great deal!

 

[Beader7]

Dreamflight:

Thank you so much for those Walt Disney quotes. I "feel" like a child each and every time I plant my feeet on Disney property. I am sure I enjoy WDW the most of our entire family! I was 21 the FIRST time I was at Disneyland and I remember feeling like 5 again!!
Thanks so much for your good wishes and I, for one will enjoy and relish in EACH and EVERY single second I am on WDW property!! I will post a link to my WEBSHOTS album when I get there. I will be downloading nightly while I am there!!!!

Hope to see all you Swan/Dolphin Dis members in the CL!!!!!!

Sandy

 

[disnurse]

beader7 are you staying at the swan or dolphin, We check-in on sunday at the dolphin We arrive late saturday night and are staying near the airport. We will use the hotel shuttle and pick-up our rental car first thing sunday morning and away we go. Last year we were checked into our room by 11am, hope for the same this year!!!
Praying for sunshine, we got more snow yesterday and its getting pretty yucky here right about now.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Thanks, DF, for the quotes from Walt. I first saw the quote, "Our greatest national resource is the minds of our children" on the wall in the lobby of the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot. I have used this quote numerous times when I present at professional seminars, workshops with my faculty and staff and in some of my professional letters. The first time I saw the quote, I had goosebumps since it speaks so clearly to me as an educator.

Re: Walt's thought of keeping the child alive in us, it is a part of the reason that I find my love of all things Disney. Disney represents to me a simpler time; a time of pleasure, exploration and learning. A visit to DL or WDW brings out feelings that are hard to describe - but you all know what I mean because you are Disney addicts! A visit to Disney = smiles and laughter.

Our everyday life is about being grown-up and with all the requisite responsibilities and stressors. How wonderful to drop out of that everyday life for a short time with a trip to Disney to be a child again... if only for a bit. A ride on Peter Pan's Flight does it for me!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher
Thanks, DF, for the quotes from Walt. I first saw the quote, "Our greatest national resource is the minds of our children" on the wall in the lobby of the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot. I have used this quote numerous times when I present at professional seminars, workshops with my faculty and staff and in some of my professional letters. The first time I saw the quote, I had goosebumps since it speaks so clearly to me as an educator.

Re: Walt's thought of keeping the child alive in us, it is a part of the reason that I find my love of all things Disney. Disney represents to me a simpler time; a time of pleasure, exploration and learning. A visit to DL or WDW brings out feelings that are hard to describe - but you all know what I mean because you are Disney addicts! A visit to Disney = smiles and laughter.

Our everyday life is about being grown-up and with all the requisite responsibilities and stressors. How wonderful to drop out of that everyday life for a short time with a trip to Disney to be a child again... if only for a bit. A ride on Peter Pan's Flight does it for me!

My blessings to you, and all educators, whom feel so much responsibility in the reading those "ten simple words". You are the essence of youth, the eternal springs of "curiosity" from which all children sprout and flourish. Educators...nourish the soul & spirit of our children. May God hold you and keep you well.

I too, cherish the "feelings" I have for all things "Disney", especially a trip to the center of the WORLD. It's a strange phenomena...one which seems to change my psyche. I revert, magically, and view the entire scape through my "childhood eyes". Where everything is mystical and fairy tales do come TRUE.
It is definitely the "feeling" I had as a safe & secure young being, in the midst of the love and nurturing environment of my family. I only had to "experience and enjoy" the MAGIC of the entire world, including Disney. No mortgage, no profession, no vehicle, etc. Ahhh...the world at my feet. I was footloose and fancyfree! LOL. Shucking the cloak of "adulthood", if only for a moment, is the consummate joie de vivre! Thank you, again and again Walt, for building us such a dreamscape. Because of Walt, I am able to never relinquish the "hand of imagination", nor the "heart of the child" within.

Peter Pan's Flight...nearly makes me cry. I especially relish the lifelike scenes of "Nana" barking down below as I FLY overhead! DD and I always ride this together...holding hands and leaning close. She adores this story as much as I, and we both LOVE sharing the magic of Disney...together. It's comforting to know there are others out there (you...), whom feel the same glee and giddiness over the consummation of one man's tireless dedication and life efforts.

I only wish...he could have lived long enough to see the "Spaceship Earth", at night, through the WINDOWS of the WDW DOLPHIN/SWAN!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Wow, DF, we are waxing poetic this evening! LOL It must be the need to keep the magic alive and well in these difficult and scary times.

Thank you for your kind words about my profession. I truly love being a teacher. My years in the classroom (2nd grade) were a time of joy and fulfillment for me. Now, I believe that I am having impact on my profession through another venue - as a principal leading a school to be the best it can be! It can be frustrating work at times but I have had more successes than failures and I am very proud to be at the helm of an outstanding elementary school. I know that, as in all professions, there are the good, the bad and the ugly but I see more good teachers than the other kind.

With that said, it is such a wonderful thing that the S/D recognizes teachers (and nurses) by giving us that terrific rate. I don't know of any other business that recognizes us and gives us such a perk. Thanks, S/D!

 

[Emme]

Well we are leaving in 2 days!! Beader7 and DisNurse I hope to see you all there, we will be at the Swan April 11-18...

I am both excited and a wee bit nervous...It's a very long drive from NY to FL and these are such crazy uncertain times we live in

But I KNOW it will be wonderful and I can't wait to stay at the Swan (my very first visit)! I can't wait to see my room and hopefully (fingers crossed) we have a lovely view! I just want to feel the warm sun (snowed again today) and r-e-l-a-x!
Please keep my family and I in your thoughts as we head down and back and a big THANK YOU to everyone on this thread for all the help and encouragement!

Blessings,
Emmy