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

[RobMax]

Originally posted by hookedup
the rooms? The reason why I am asking is because sometimes when I stay at Starwood properties not all rooms have the "Turbonet" Yet I read you say that you think the Dolphin Club level may be better -- why??? We have a 3 year old ds and I wanted to be closer to Tubbis and the other Dolphin facilities but

The Swan has "all the time" free highspeed access that is better than the Pay service (Wayport) in other Westins - I can't remember if the Dolphin does or not.

Dolphin club is larger - so if you have kids you can sneak off to a corner. The Swan club is nice but small.

DF - mama T is awesome! She is the Swan Club!

There are suites on the Swan club level, but they must be Pres, because they have baby grand pianos in them.

 

[RAV]

Goog,

If your son is a fan of Chip and Dale, the buffet breakfast at Cape May Cafe, located in the Beach Club , is your best bet. It's just a short walk from the Dolphin and the characters spend a considerable amount of time with each table. I would check to see if there have been changes, but in the past, Chip and Dale have always been there. In response to your question, yes they can make the ps for you. Have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[Trekker]

Hey Everybody - All you S&D fans

Just wanted to pop in and say hello from the Swan.

Boy it sure feels good to be "home" again.

Heavenly beds.... are ...... well Heavenly. Gotta love that broadband internet access - Woohoo!

The weather kinda stinks - cloudy - rainy, but it is going to improve daily.......

 

[hookedup]

Do the S/D have "early check out/departure" penalites? I know a lot of Starwood properties have recently implemented this policy.
I have looked on the SPG website but did not see this for the S or D and was wondering if any experts here had first hand knowledge about this policy at these two properties?

 

[LynnB]

Does this sound right?

I booked 4 nights at the Dolphin thru Hotwire at the $81.00 rate. We are celebrating our anniversary as well as DH's birthday on this trip so I am trying to make it extra special. I called The Dolphin and asked if it would be possible to upgrade to a Jr. suite-making clear that I would be willing to pay for the upgrade-wasn't looking for a freebie. Anyway, the rep said that I would have to ask at check in and if there was a Jr suite available it would be an additional $250.00 a nite.

If that is the case so be it.. just wanted to get input from the experts here.

Thanks

 

[happytrails2u]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher
Happytrails ~ Let the magic begin!

Thanks Mouseteacher! I'm starting to get into vacation mode and adjusting the "attitude" accordingly (LOL). I keep thinking of the pool picture DF(?) posted and envisioning the NESTEA PLUNGE w/90 degree FLA sunshine!

Glad to hear the weather will be improving daily, Trekker. Thanks for the update and enjoy your remaining time at the Swan.

Mama T is indeed THE "Swan!"

P.S. Has anybody seen the "Mug Man" post? Fun read...

 

[disnurse]

Hey guys keep those posts from the swan coming, they make me envious and wish i was back already!!!

Keep up the good work baby kirk, mom be ready he sounds like a spirited little guy that was probably have a fiesty personality throughout his life!!!!

 

[Kapp]

The Dolphin said they had started their renovations. Anyone know if this is true and how it looks? Wonder if they going from top to bottom, bottom to top or another schedule? Just so curious!

 

[sherry8253]

Does the Swan allow 5 in a room - 1 adult dad, DD 13, DD 12, DD8 and DS5? thanks

 

[mom23guys2]

Kapp,
When we were at the Dolphin Easter week they had started some of the ronovations. I didn't actually see them going on but I did hear them. There was quite a lot of hammering during the day. We were CL on 14 but the sound seemed to be eminating from the elevator area. I asked the housekeeping staff about all the noise and they said the renovations were starting on the eighth floor. It really sounded only one floor away but maybe the tower configuration amplifies sound. We only noticed the noise one afternoon, never in the morning or evening. It really didn't bother us in the room either but it sure was loud in the elevator.

Our room on CL need renovation, although my friend's room on 8East was lovely. Our room wasn't dirty or anything it just was a mishmosh of furniture, carpet, drapes, and bedspead that didn't match. Theclash of colors was really unpleasant. I looked in other rooms when I passed but none compared to this. I think rather than fix or replace broken or worn items they just replaced them with what was available since the renovations were starting. Stay away from 14056.

 

[mom23guys2]

DF
I forgot to compliment you on the goose. We once had a baby duck for about a month. My son had rescured an infant duck while he was a college his last two weeks of the semester. When we went to pick him up he said," Where do you want me to put the DUCK?" After I got over the shock it was really cute and interesting. It really liked guys better that girls(the dorm was a male dorm.) It also followed my son around like he was its mother and quacked like crazy when he was leaving.

We finally found a relative of a friend who took the duck to her farm to be with her other ducks. Well, the duck thought it was human. It jumped into the pond and splashed around like wild driving all the other duck away. They named her Taz because she was just so crazy.( It had to be those first few weeks at college. How you going to keep them down on the farm and all that?

 

[Disbug]

Goog,
You might also want to try the Garden Grill at Epcot in "The Land". I know for a fact they have Chip and Dale. It is a good family style meal, all you can eat for one price. I do not think they have breakfast. Just lunch and dinner. We're been and it was very fun!

 

[Athena]

Good morning! Anyone have any problems renting a car from the National desk in the Dolphin? Some of the threads on the Transporation board are freaking me out, so I thought I'd ask the S/D experts here and see what you had to say!

Thanks!

 

[Debbie7452]

Just had to share my excitement. I had mentioned my plans to visit San Antonio and stay at the Westin La Cantera (my first introduction to the "Heavenly Bed"). We are going next week. I requested only a club level room w/balcony (we are Plat.) I found out 2 days ago they gave us a suite with an exceptionally large balcony!! Since we have 3 kids the extra space will really make out trip. We promptly added a second night .

We are using cash and points so I was not going to even ASK for a suite upgrade. I've heard their club lounge has comp. margarita's in the evening. I think I feel a hangover coming on,LOL

My husband started making jokes about the balcony, referring to that Dolphin Balcony Hanky-Panky thread .


What about that ROBMAX seen anything scandalous going on? Do they still have hot snacks in the evening at the Swan CL?

 

[dreamflight99]

mom23guys2...We actually made a slight error in the classification of this little fella. It is an "African Grey", as the beak is black (as opposed to orange in the Toulouse). Still as cute as ever! The geese/ducks we have raised in the past (and released into sanctuaries) have exhibited no problems in acclimating with other geese/ducks. I loved the story of "TAZ" (reminds me of the duck in the sitcom "FRIENDS" (Joey and Chandler's apt).

Goog...what an endearing POST! Thanks for the heart-warming details. With regards to "CHIP & DALE", (since you asked, Donnie), I would highly recommend the "GARDEN GRILL" (as Disbug mentntioned) in the LAND PAVILLION of Epcot! It's fabulous...and the entire circular dining area literally rotates (the scenery is fascinating). Request a BOOTH, on the lower level, for the best experience. Chip & Dale (among other characters), will visit the booth, sit down with you, take photos and sign autographs. They are dressed in FARMING attire...truly adorable! Your DS should make memories to last a lifetime. We always dine here more than once during our visits. Enjoy...and WELCOME to the DIS and our THREAD!

RobMax...So glad you are having a fab. time in the WORLD! I have to agree with you about MAMA T! She's #1.
LOL....Sneaking off to a corner of the Dolphin CL lounge w/wee ones!(Have I SEEN you in there before?!?). As for the suites on the Swan CL, are they "Hospitality" suites? I'm only asking, as the PBH has these types of suites, and many have pianos in them.

TREKKER! "SOLO TRIP"...sans the CLAN? Where is everyone?!? Are you located in CL? Have you run into RobMax?!

LynnB...this very well may be the price to upgrade, as upgrades with this special HOTWIRE promo are usually not permitted (resort policy). It's always worth a try to ASK at check-in. The Ent/AP rate for a Junior suite is $292.50. I would not pay MORE than this amount. Also, the suites are negotiable in price, so...try to obtain the "lowest available rate" for an upgrade to a Jr. Suite (using your hotwire reservation). Bon Chance!

happytrails...Funny indeed! Love the MUGMAN post...LOL. Are you aware of the Tics special @ US? 5 days for the price of 2? ($89 per person). Buy these online, and merely pick-up at the will-call window of either park! They are good for UCW, IOA & US...unlimited access. A true bargain. Just thought I'd toss this in there, as I know you're visiting my beloved slice of ITALIANO!


sherry8253....Absolutely! There is plenty of room with a rollaway.


Athena...NEVER! I've read so many disparaging things on that board...and not ONE of them has ever transpired in my experience. This is why I "believe none of what I HEAR, half of what I SEE/READ!" LOL...W.R. Hearst built an empire on the aphorism: "It does not matter whether it's TRUE or NOT, only that it is BELIEVED." So...take it all into account, and make up your OWN MIND on these matters.

You do need to make the ressie by phoning, 1-800-car-rent. This actually makes it MUCH easier than walking up to the desk and ASKING for a car. Use any discounts you may have (Disney Club is the best with a 20% discount) at the time you call. I have even done this on a "spur of the moment" from my Dolphin room. I then walk downstairs, and obtain the vehicle. Also, it's wise to rent the "smallest" vehicle class to accomodate your needs, and ASK NICELY for a "upgrade" to a car in a bigger class. I usually ALWAYS receive something nicer/larger. The persons working this desk are wonderful, and have been there for years! Enjoy.

Debbie7452...LOL! Hanky panky on the balconies! I forgot about that thread. TREKKER & ROBMAX...ANY NEWS TO REPORT on this MATTER?

Wonderful NEWS about the San Antonio Westin. Yummm...Comp. Margarita's in CL? Is this TRUE happytrails?! I hope you have a fabulous time there...please take pics and post details when you return.

HAPPY MEMORIAL WEEKEND to ALL!

 

[happytrails2u]

We're off everybody. Although we will not be stayiing at the Dolphin this time around, (Portofino Bay & OKW), we'll try to post some news and pics live from WDW during the week.

Thanks for the US/IOA tix tip DF - nice deal indeed!

See you all "real" soon.

 

[jaw62901]

As many of you know from my posts, I got really sick during the week and after a couple of doctors visits I have a very bad respitory infection and got very dehydrated because I couldn't keep anything down . Since I had to see the doctor, I will probably have to pay $500-$1000 of doctor bills and will need to make reservations someplace else that is cheaper.

However, when I called to check on a price for just a regular standard room, the lady must not of understood what I said, because she offered me a Jr. Suite for $273 a night. I left the reservations alone and said no thanks, since I was afraid that it would be messed up before I found another place to stay.

I was just wondering if she was wrong or do the Jr. Suites actually go for $273 a night during the x-mas week.

If noone knows, that's ok, but I was just wondering.

Thanks,

 

[dreamflight99]

Have a SAFE & RELAXING Journey! I look forward to your posts from INSIDE the MAGIC. Until again, mon ami...ENJOY!

Just remember one of my FAV little ditties (okay, a few words changed)...

"As I welcome you back from your Dreamflight,
The fantasy flight of your life.
Once you've taken a Dreamflight,
The Earth's an inspiring sight.
There's adventure,
There is romance,
Sailing the sky so blue,
A Dreamflight is the best chance for a passport to dreams old and new.
For you have just taken a Dreamflight,
The most wonderful flight of your life,
So hop aboard a Dreamflight,
And see dreams in a different light."

Blue skies and clouds over FLORIDA!

 

[luckytso]

It was a great stay. We love the decor and the services. Housekeeping arranged my kids' stuff animals in funny ways when they did the turndown. The staff bent backwards for their guests, and Mama T and Thabo were the best at the CL lounge. The hotel was packed for most of our stay there with conference people.

However, I would love to stay at Dolphin Club Level once their rooms get renovated. I love Dolphin's location, its lobby, Tubbi's and self service laundry are right downstairs, and it is closer to the pools. Does anyone know when these rooms would be completed?

The staff at check-in was great too. There is absolutely nothing we can complain about the hotel. Everything was great.

We stayed on the 12th floor at the club level. It was much more convenient to get to the lounge. I was debating initially if I wanted a room with a balcony on a different floor, but was happy that I did not do that. It was way too hot to sit on the balcony.

The heavenly beds are absolutely wonderful too.

Would definately stay there again.

 

[Mouseteacher]

DF ~ love the poem - was that from the Delta (I believe) Airlines attraction in Tommorrowland of a few years ago?

Happytrails ~ can't wait to see your posts and pix. Enjoy and be safe.

Jason ~ so sorry you were ill - I assume you are on the mend now. I am not sure about that rate. I'm sure someone else will know definitively.

lucky ~ so glad to hear everything was magical for you at the Swan. How were the lines in the parks?

Happy Memorial Day weekend - Boston is in a damp, chilly, cloudy, rainy pattern since Friday and going into Tuesday .