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

[3D Disney]

We are looking forward to returning to the Dolphin for a vacation in March 04. This will be third stay at the Dolphin and we love it.

Just wondering if anyone knows if they have started renovations at the Dolphin, and if so when they are expected to be complete?

Thanks.

3D Disney

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by RobMax
What are chances for an upgrade looking like for this month? (I'm platinum)

If you were going to ask for a studio with a view in the Swan but could only have one or the other - which would you choose???

View (what view would you ask for?) or Studio?

Glenn...PLATINUM (like moi), will have BOTH! As MUFFY wrote, you will receive the best view AND an upgrade to a standard (JR) suite~! Platinum SPG is the most elite level, and therefore is offered the most perks. You will also receive comp. Health club, late check-out, newspaper, etc.--so you do NOT pay the $10 daily resort fee. If you see this on your folio, it's an error. Simply call the FD and have it removed Muffy--make sure DS does this too).

madge...I could not use the FT package, as we are PAP holders. Therefore, I would not need the UPH ticks. It's not a bad deal, yet I still prefer to reserve the room-only, and then purchase the PAP, etc. With this in mind, the only other DISNEY-OWNED resort we are reserved in this summer @ WDW (besides VERO BEACH on the Coast) is the CR for five eves. We are booked in the 1BR suite on the 14th Floor, Concierge level. There are NO discounts available on this floor, so the FT package would not even apply! DARN!!! P.S. I too, dislike the "packed" atmosphere and crowds. This is why I avoid the parks during the "day", and only enter after 5 pm! LOL. Staying as long as we do, makes this feasible and insures we still see everything we wish. Besides..."sleeping-in" each morning is a BIG part of our summer vacation strategy!

3D Disney...I have "heard" they began the renovations, and should be completed by the end of the summer...but believe it will be closer to the end of the year.

 

[RobMax]

So where should I ask the suite be? Specifically, we are in the Swan so what floor and what wing or direction?

Is floor Epcot view what I need to say? Above Palio? ???

 

[madge]

madge...I could not use the FT package, as we are PAP holders. Therefore, I would not need the UPH ticks. It's not a bad deal, yet I still prefer to reserve the room-only, and then purchase the PAP, etc
--->we are seriously kicking around the AP again--we had them in 2000/2001 and had a blast with them! I earned them on one of the now extinct internet rewards programs...ah, the good old days My favorite AP trip was probably the last one we took before my daughter was born, in Sept 2001. We had plans to go to the Smoky Mountains right after school was out, but the weather here (and there) was just dreary--cold, rainy, definitely NOT June weather. We needed sunshine!!! I booked a CL room at the Swan (literally as we are leaving the house, LOL) and we were off to FL 5 days of hanging out at the grotto pool by day, world showcase by night...it was fabulous and sooo relaxing

Like I said, I mainly booked it for the poly concierge. I am almost 99% sure I won't keep the package, though. the UPH just doesn't work for us--we need that down time, especially with the (almost a toddler) baby. We just love that split stay, and corny as it sounds....hopelessly devoted to the Dolphin I imagine this is how our trip will work out:

• September 27, Check in Dolphin Resort...hang out at pool, recover from our travels
• Stay at Dolphin for 6 nights
• October 3--Check in Contemporary Resort, North Garden Wing via Shades of Green...attend Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
• October 4-recover from the late night....hang out at Contemporary...enjoy the resort, rest for trip home
• Oct 5--head back to KY

our dates are still up in the air--waiting for airfare to come down ::crossed fingers::

wow, this got kind of long, LOL...sorry!

Madge--->listening to monorail spiel on live365.com (magic trips radio)

 

[dreamflight99]

Sorry, Glenn. I do not recall the room # we had at the Swan for the Jr. suite and view of Epcot. BUT you are correct in your location. You DO want to be over (above Palios) in that general area for the BEST views, rooms.

madge...Oh, I agree 100%. AP are the best value, and offer the most "bang for your buck" (as I can use them on more than one visit, as opposed to UPH, or LOS passes).

Your plan sounds WONDERFUL! Wish I could stay at the CR "shades of Green" $$! What a fabulous bargain that is, at a remarkable resort. We love these two resorts (Dolphin & CR) best in all of the WORLD. I would love to visit during the "not so scary Halloween party" as well. Smokey mountains are a "treasure", one my folks visit each year (they could probably live there!).

What is: "listening to monorail spiel on live365.com (magic trips radio)", and how do I access this?

Thanks!

 

[madge]

www.live365.com

you have to register at the site (it's free) and in the search engine type Walt Disney World. You will get two choices--Mouse World Radio and FL project radio (formerly Magic Trips Radio). Before you can listen, you'll have to do a qucik and painless download....then let the magic begin

We LOVE the whole SoG setup--one of the best perks of working for the DoD...can't wait until they get the resort renovated!

 

[bigsis1970]

Hi Madge - see you are in KY .. I am traveling from MCO to Bowling green by car with kids ages 9 and 6 .. Am I insane.. ??
according to yahoo.maps its about 11.5 hours .. do you have any expericence driving?? Thanks Michelle

 

[madge]

Hi Madge - see you are in KY .. I am traveling from MCO to Bowling green by car with kids ages 9 and 6 .. Am I insane.. ??

yes...in all my trips, we have only flown 3 times, we usually drive. The drive isn't bad at all, but we are used to it. 11.5 hours to Bowling Green is about right--I live an hour north of Bowling Green. The travel time depends on two things--Atlanta and Nashville. They are necessary evils, no way to avoid them. Plan to travel in off-peak times, and you should be fine.

As far as traveling with a 9 and 6 year old--we've done it, more than once. My boys are good car riders, always have been. They have game boys, books, and other goodies to keep them busy while we drive. We always make a point of stopping at the rest areas so they can get out and run around for a few minutes. We also have a DVD player for the car, but don't really use it that often.

hope that helps! You aren't crazy for making the trip--good luck!

 

[AllieBrooke]

... but I'm kind-of new around here, and I can't figure out what AP stands for?? Thanks!

 

[AllieBrooke]

Oops -- I think I may have just thought of what it means. Is it Annual Pass?

 

[RobMax]

Annual Passport

 

[madge]

madge...Oh, I agree 100%. AP are the best value, and offer the most "bang for your buck" (as I can use them on more than one visit, as opposed to UPH, or LOS passes).

the determining factor for us with APs this year will be the timing if this trip--the scenario I laid out may actually happen a week later (Oct 2-11) and if that is the case then we will most likely get the AP and take our Fall 2004 trip in late September before Anna turns the magic ($$) age of 3....we can also sneak in another one of those fun hang out at the pool weeks at the Dolphin to celebrate my oldest son's 8th grade graduation

see, this package isn't sounding so good anymore, LOL.....

 

[Piper]

My solo trip to the Dolphin just turned into a Mama and Son trip. My adult son's wife died unexpectedly last June and he has been having a rough time------sooooo-----he is meeting me at the Dolphin and then moving back to Houston. I just spent a couple of hours rearranging PS's etc.

Now for my question-----does anyone know if the couch in the accessible rooms makes into a bed? I know they don't have anything but king size beds--no doubles available in accessible---and we can manage if we need to -- but would both be more comfortable if there were two beds!

 

[dreamflight99]

madge...we should all be listening to this channel! Thanks again. You are indeed fortunate. The new SOG resort will tout the largest (SF) rooms of any onsite Disney Resort.

The Oct2-11 sounds the BEST (especially with Anna turning 3 before AP expire in 2004!...big savings!). Oh, I do love the "hang-out" at the pool weeks, as we celebrated DD's 8th grade graduation the same manner. Yes...the FT package will not work for us at all, unless we extend "past" the expiration date of our current PAP's (PAP=Premium Annual Passports ).

Piper...so sorry to hear about your DS's loss. I'm glad to hear he will be with you for a spell at the Dolphin, and is also moving back to Houston. Hopefully, the magic of Disney will lift his spirits. Cetainly, spending quality time with you...will benefit even more.

As for the sofa, in the accessible rooms...hmmm. That's a Great question. I know they would "arrange" for a sofa bed to be in your room upon request...at no additional charge. Please, call the hotel and ask to speak with the "room division manager", and explain the situation. You should not incur any problem with this request. Let me know what happens, and if you need any assistance.

 

[Piper]

DF--Thanks for the idea. I will give them a call Friday during business hours--I will be at school very late tomorrow--summer school registration.

 

[Mouseteacher]

I feel a little out of loop / so I've been catching up on posts.

madge - your trip plan looks wonderful. My two fav resorts - Dolphin and CR. A dream trip, IMHO!

The FT package looks tempting but the UPH offers some things I wouldn't use i.e., BB and TL - I am not a fan of waterparks. I am much more a laze-around-the-grotto pool type. LOL Disney Quest is not something I would use either. I have doen thatonce with DSs and once is enough. I agree, DF, I much prefer to book my trip parts separately. The teacher rate S/D is one that can't be beat. Although, I do think Disney has put forth a great deal.

Piper - do call the FD. I am sure they will provide you with a rollaway and I bet you receive it gratis! It seems that time in WDW and with mom is just what your son might need - Prayers and PD for him.

 

[jaygatz]

if anyone was still wondering what exactly these two upgrades mean, I finally received a comprehensible answer from the Starwood Lurker at Flyertalk today. According to him, the Specialty 1--1000 pt. upgrade is Club Level access, and the Specialty 2 @ the Swan is a Jr. Suite....I don't know if anyone was still confused like me, but now I think I understand

 

[madge]

madge...we should all be listening to this channel! Thanks again


not a problem...I love that live365 website....makes my trip seem like it sooner than it really is

The Oct2-11 sounds the BEST (especially with Anna turning 3 before AP expire in 2004!...big savings!). Oh, I do love the "hang-out" at the pool weeks, as we celebrated DD's 8th grade graduation the same manner.

that's the week I am hoping for, but it is a little too soon to tell. I already have the kid's school schedules for next year, but I have to wait for that blasted airfare. as long as we get the 2004 trip started before October 1, we'll be fine.

I forgot to mention in the plans that the first week we will be celebrating our daughter's 2nd birthday

it really is a toss up as to which week works....so lucky to have a choice to make!

 

[Mouseteacher]

jaygatz ~ The mystery surrounding the points needed to upgrade finally solved?! Yay! Someone needs to inform the S/D reservation and/or front desk staff to get them out of the dark and confused state they are in LOL. 1000 points for CL is what we assumed all along! Does this mean some were overcharged by the resort? I hope not.

 

[jaygatz]

Mouseteacher...

Yes, I think the next task is to educate the poor souls working the desks at the S/D....I am beginning to feel Sisyphus's pain, LOL. Although, I could think of a great deal of things less pleasant than planning how to convince a resort to give me an upgrade