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

[m.pots]

Just remembered...
Does anyone know how the rennovations are going for the Dolphin? Are there any parts done more than others? Is the Dolphin getting the bed that are like the Heavenly Beds? I'd love to get a room that has that!!!!!
Steph.

 

[mickeyx2]

Hi,
We'll be arriving at the Swan on May 9th for 8 nights. We just have a standard room booked. Can someone please tell me if ALL the rooms are done with the heavenly beds?? I've read that they will be finished in May and others have said they are done now. Anyone have a difinitive yes????? Thanks for the help!

 

[RobMax]

Of course - I'm a "Disney" marketing professor!


http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=3383066#post3383066


The "character chaser" and I have a truck in the front yard here in OK. I'm ready to move on - but as usual there is a very empty feeling.

I had some students ask me today before my semester evals if I would ever come back to OU. Thats a hard question. I know many of the teachers on this site deal with that question. As always the answer is maybe ... which sucks for college students building a brand name.

It is a hard move on when you can find 61 students to take your 7:30 AM logistics class (math based MKT) when the normal count is below 20. I love these young adults!

But I will be building a program - a program that will be fantastic!

My web in changing - give me feedback - thanks Glenn

http://www.ou.edu/richey/

 

[jaw62901]

My reservation for my Dec 26 to Jan 3 trip is most of the way done. I went through DreamRES (part of Dreams Unlimited) who was offering AP holders a rate of 236.95 a night for the Club room at the Swan. The only down side, is that I could only make the revation for the first five days Dec 26 to Dec 31 because they won't get there allotment of rooms for 2004 until atleast August.

I did however, ask for a note or remark to be put on my reservation stating that I need the reservation to be increased from Dec 26 - Dec 31 to Dec 26 - Jan 3 when the rooms do become available. I guess I am just worried that they will become available and I will miss out on getting what I wanted or that they won't become available at all and I will be stuck. I am trying to put together a vacation that I will remember for a long time and don't want to run into any problems

I guess Worse case seniero is that I have to directly through Westin directly and get stuck paying $409 a night for the last three nights. I might do this anyways after I hear back from DreamsRES about my reservation. Worse case, I have to pay and additional $409 for a deposit and the rates come out and I put it towards my room.

Any feed back would be great

 

[jaygatz]

From behind, she appeared to be about 5 (a scene I actually witnessed with her at this age).

DF99, my DD is 5 at present and I know exactly what you are talking about when you write of the joy of watching the magic through the lens of your child. It is good to hear that you have such a close bond with your DD.


With AP rates released yesterday, we upgraded our view at the WL this summer for no additional money How cool is that? I can't wait--a week at the WL, 3 nights at the Swan, a week at the AKL, and then 4 more nights at the Swan before heading over to the Gulf Coast for the 4th. AHHHH Can anyone tell that I'm a smidge excited?

jaw62901,

have you ever thought about getting the Starwood AMEX? If you could, you would receive a voucher for 50% off a five night stay. That is, you could book your final nights cheaper than your first few nights. Just a thought. Oh yes, don't sweat the planning Any room at the SWAN at the time of year that you are planning to arrive will be magical! Just make sure that you plan for the crowds--have parkhoppers, be prepared to leave one park in favor of another if it gets too crowded, and most importantly, take a break and return to your hotel every day. Oh yeah, maybe this is most important--have fun

 

[jaw62901]

This will be my first trip to WDW since 1980 when I was 6 and for the deal that I got through Westin and DreamsRES for 236.95 a night in club room concierge level at the Swan Dec 26 to Jan 3, I could not pass it up. Even though I will have to wait until atleast August to get Dec 31 to Jan 3 reserved, I think that it will be worth it. However, to get this deal, I will have to get an AP which is ok since I will probably go back in April or May of 04 when the prices are a little less expensive and stay at AKL (?).

Here are a few questions I need info on:

1. What is turn down service exactly?

2. What do you get with Concierge service?

3. When does the AP date start, when you buy it or activate it at the park.?

Any information would be great.

 

[csmommy]

Does anyone still have a copy of the information regarding the bonus 5000 points from Amex to starwood. They are now telling me that it will take 8-12 weeks not 6-8 which is what I thought the offer said.

Thanks!

 

[laurieny]

HI all. Just back from our 10 days at the Dolphin and to thank you all for the wonderful tips. Had an 8th floor balcony room with club level privledges. Used points for the first 5 days and was comped the last 5 days. We absolutely loved the hotel. It was very quiet the first half of the week but it really picked up towards the end. The club room was extremely crowded in the morning. Bought our mugs at tubbies and definitely got our moneys worth with all the soda we drank. I am very jealous of all the people who are going soon. What a special place!

 

[anne60]

I just checked my reservation on the SPG website, and it now says :

Beds: 1 King
Room Features: Traditional Non-Smoking, Hollywood Bath, Limited View, Armoire/Tv/Stocked Minibar, Down/Feather Pillows, Whimsical Themed Room With Limited Non-Designated View.

I had requested a balcony or special view, so I am thinking this is an upgrade from what I had??? What is a hollywood bath???
Thanks

 

[BCVNovember]

I have a couple of questions about concierge service at the Swan.

1) Is the size of the room or decor any different than a regular Swan room?

2) If we won't make much use of the food is it worth it? I expect that if we were to stay concierge that we might participate in the breakfasts a little bit, but I'm planning for 2-3 Character breakfasts (out of the 6 mornings we'll be there). We will likely be back at the hotel in the afternoon for naps/pool breaks, but they don't offer much then and we'll most likely be at the parks in the evenings when the food is out again (from 5-7pm)? So I'm thinking concierge might be a waste of money for us (me, my dad, and 3 young daughters (2, 5 and 7 years old).

Is there anything else "special" about concierge services that I'm missing?

 

[csmommy]

anne60

I think hollwood bath is a sink outside the potty area!

HTH

 

[Athena]

Can anyone tell me what the online request form is for the S/D? I know it's in this thread somewhere, but I can't seem to find it!

Thanks!

 

[dreamflight99]

Jay...thanks for the kind reinforcement, and emotional support. These angels grow so quickly, right before our very eyes. Yet, in the glimpses and shadows of their form, let me assure you, they remain an eternal "5" or younger in the loving eyes of a mother. May you and your DD continue forward together, and weave a bond of everlasting closeness.

laurieny...(Shhh), We don't want the SECRET to get out about this "NON-DISNEY" resort! You can feel FREE to tell us about your TRUE EXPERIENCE. Did you miss the MAGIC? Did you feel left-out of all the DISNEY fun (by not staying in a Disney-owned resort?) So glad to read your post. Amazing COMP you received. Thanks for sharing.

anne60...csmommy is indeed correct, the "Hollywood bath" is an additional exterior sink/vanity area outside the bathroom housing the shower/commode. Certainly sounds as if you may be getting a "renovated" room. Enjoy!

BCVNovember...I can not fully answer #1, but I do not believe it's much different. Concierge services include "Priority seating reservations" made by the concierge. This is a very nice perk. Also, Concierge includes full use of the Club Level lounge, which is a wonderful area to view the fireworks in the late eve, enjoy a wonderful breakfast spread, and a late afternoon snack including a hot selection. MAMA T would probably spoil your three young precious daughters, and they would "look forward" to telling her all about the adventures of each day. She is an invaluable and MAGICAL asset to the Swan/WDW, and her presence/acquaintance alone...is well worth the money expended (& the experience).

RobMax...LOL~Love your "AP" thread! Enjoy your time and give my best to the other "Character Stalker" (AKA: better half!).

 

[MOM POPPINS]

I finally got home last night, I have been in the hospital since March 17th. (5 weeks) The new babies fluid went critically low, and have been hospitalized what seems like forever. I am at home now with home health care and twice a day monitoring of baby and sonograms at the hospital twice a week, but I cannot tell you how nice it is to be home with my 4 DD and my DH! I have lots to catch up on, at home now on bedrest will keep me close to the computer and WDW! I missed you all, Robin

 

[kimmar067]

...so glad to have you back!!! Hope you and new baby are on your way to a FULL RECOVERY really soon!!! (sending Pixie Dust ~**~**~**~~**~**~ your way ! )

DF99 -
Sent you a pm !!

 

[ozziewags]

Mompoppins........have been wondering about you. So glad you are well enough to be home. Take it easy and do whatever it takes to keep yourself and that little guy 'fluid-filled'!!! 83 days....do you have to be on bedrest that long? Keep joining us when you can........we have been having some fun on this board, keeping each other entertained, while others have been posting from the MAGIC!!!!
Welcome back!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Robin ~ stay well and rest! 5 weeks is a long time but the end result - a beautiful new baby - is worth it as you well know. I'll add to kimmar's PD ***********************************

DF ~ what a beautiful dream. Having a close relationship with one's children no matter the age is a blessed thing! You are certainly blessed. I had a close, loving relationship with my mother and father and DH and I have worked hard on establishing the same with our DSs. I guess we have accomplished our goal since they still like being with us despite the fact they are considered young adults (20 and 18).

To all who are headed to the Mouse's House - I hope you enjoy a magical trip.

Rob Max ~ enjoyed seeing your OU website. In the late 80's, I took two workshops at Disney called "Communicating Disney Style" and "Disney Marketing and Public Relations". Both were geared for school administrators to help improve schools cutomer relations (parents and students are customers, too) by learning about Disney business principles. They were wonderful workshops and I learned a lot. I was able to receive 6 grad credit from the FSU. I have given mini seminars on this topic to many aspiring principals since what I learned oh so many years ago was and still is of such value to me.

anne60 ~ that description looks like a standard room/no balcony. "Limited view" is the key phrasing.

 

[Piper]

Robin--Hang in there---sending Pixie Dust----don't have to say it will be worth it--you already know that *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

 

[disnurse]

mompoppins welcome home and glad you are back with us. Hope you are not overextending yourself!!! You absolutely need to get plenty of rest but hope you can still check in and let us know how the little one is growing!!!

 

[pbhunt]

5 Weeeks in the hospital MOMPOPPINS, oh my goodness! I hope that you and the baby are doing OK now. We missed you, and hope that little Disney is fine We are looking forward to our next trip to the Swan and WDW.

OK. I believe, I believe I believe, that there are Tag Fairies out there. somewhere, and really wishing for one