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

[wld]

disnurse,
Thanks so much for the sunrise post. I've been very concerned about that whole no disney magic thing.
I mean what kind of hotel offers me a discount just because I'm a nurse.
And then offers a $60.00 rate with points (learned how here!) and when I call the Swan she can't transfer it, says call Spg and if they tell me they can't have them call her 3 way and she'll explain how.
Call spg and it's transfered, no cancelling and rebooking at different rate, with refund of old money and taking out of new and on top of that they upgrade me to a resort view instead of standard.
And seeing all the pictures so cleverly posted here.
Who does that?
Yes I'm very concerned but will find out in less than 3 weeks.(now if I only knew how to put a winky smile face right here!!!!

 

[lovingthemouse]

Mouseteacher - you took the words right off of my screen - i was also about to say that with teachers like Piper, our profession is looking very good despite all the other maligning we take! Piper, your student will make it through all the changes because they have you to guide them.

We, too, went through some of the MCAS (Massachusetts state mandated testing for public schools) a few weeks back and the rest will be coming up in 2 weeks.

Good luck on the Wayside School production - loved the books when my kids were younger.

Have a great week everyone! Caroline

 

[#1hockeymom]

I can't wait to be drinking my first cup of coffee while looking at that view! How long of a walk is it to the Boardwalk from the Swan? The Swan to Epcot or MGM? My husband has this habit of coming back to the room in the late afternoon for a rest, which turns into a three hour nap. I think the kids and I will be heading out a lot on our own (have to love the park hopper!).

What grades do all of the "teachers" teach here? I teach 3rd grade at an "Edison partnership" school in the city of Flint. I also teach 5th grade reading during SFA. Between the Edison benchmark tests done monthly, our school district tests and the state tests I sometimes feel as though all I do is test test test! I do love my job, though, and I feel like I do much more good teaching in the inner city than I would in the rural area where we live.

Have a wonderful week everyone! I miss my classroom!

Debbie

 

[RobMax]

Originally posted by #1hockeymom
How long of a walk is it to the Boardwalk from the Swan? The Swan to Epcot or MGM?

What grades do all of the "teachers" teach here? - Debbie

Hi Debbie,

The length between the Swan and MGM and Swan and Epcot are pretty much the same IMO (ofcourse we seemed to pause on the boardwalk every time for some reason). Seems like the normal trek was between 15 and 20 minutes. We beat the boat to Epcot every time. Since it is the last stop, the boat beat us to MGM a few times.

I teach Jr, Sr, and MBA level college courses. Or maybe they teach me!!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

#1hockeymom ~ Yes, indeed, what kind of a resort does all that you described? and... takes care of us nurses and teachers? Why would anyone consider a nonDisney resort is beyond me!

Debbie ~ I was a second grade teacher for many years and I am, currently, the principal of an elementary school. I, too, miss my classroom (but in a different way from you )

RobMax ~ I believe we all are taught by our students no matter what the grade level.

DF ~ Sunrises for a Sunday morning... has a spiritual touch to it. Thanks for the lovely views.

 

[KandK'smom]

Hi everyone,
Our family just got back a couple of weeks ago from WDW. We rented points from a DVCer and stayed at the BCVs. Wonderful place! In our comings and goings by ferry and bus, we kept remarking about how nice the Swan/Dolphin looked. When I was researching our trip, I thought that renting was the best way to go in order to get a deluxe at reasonable prices. It did save us a considerable amount of $, but it was still costly. Both my husband and I are teachers, and now that we have actually seen the Swan/Dolphin up close we wouldn't hesitate to stay there. When we got back and my husband saw on here that we could have stayed there for 129.00 a night (teacher's rate) he couldn't believe it. "Why didn't we stay there?" he in his miserly thinking way said. We didn't think it possible, but maybe with rates like that we could go back again. As I learn more about these resorts, what are the "points" that everyone is talking about? Also, are there any other cost-cutting ways to get an even lower rate? What are the "club rooms"? I am gathering as much info as I can, because we loved WDW SO much and we'd love to go back! Thanks for all of your help!

 

[DolphinBoy]

Just got back from an excellent trip. Stayed at the Dolphin 6119. Here is a pic of the view from our balcony:

 

[Piper]

Debbie, I taught Pre-K with PreSchool for Children with Disabilities inclusion for many years. I switched back to second grade this year and will remain at that level next year, too. My class will have more special ed kids next year--the administration of my school likes the "caring atmosphere" in my room! Since I have physical disabilities, I tend to look at what the kids CAN do not what they can't!

 

[disnurse]

I too am a teacher, in RI school nurses also have teaching certification. I teach health when my office isn't full of sick little ones or my frequent flyers

So is a dolphin?? should we start that discussion all over again

 

[bigtime]

I am in search of your expert opinions!

I am staying at the Dolphin for 3 nights after the Magic cruise, in-laws treat!, We are reserved for 1 King Deluxe Balcony and 1 Double Deluxe Balcony I called and requested a view of Epcot. I have also read on here about the beautiful King Corner Rooms. Do they have an adjoining room? Must be adjoing for the children!! If not any suggestions on room numbers would be appreciated. This is our 1st time at the Dolphin. I noticed on their reciept that they paid 204. for each room per night. Didn't have the heart to tell them about the GREAT deals they could have found on these boards!!!

Thanks
Dee

 

[Mouseteacher]

KandK'mom ~ points are given when you join Starwood Preferred Guest program (www.spg.com). It's free to join. Join before you reserve at S/D and you will gain points after you stay. You can also apply for the Starwood AMEX cc and start accumulating points as you use the cc. Points may be used for future stays and upgrades. See the website for details.

Club Level is = to concierge level where breakfast and afternoon snacks are served to guests who have Club Level ressies. However, S/D does give complimentary upgrades to Club Level at times.

We stayed at the Dolphin on the teacher rate - best rate for a deluxe in an awesome location! We loved our stay at the WDW Dolphin. Remember it is the WALT DISNEY WORLD Dolphin!

Any more questions on reserving through the teacher rate and comp upgrades... just ask away, there is always lots of help here.

disnurse ~ Dolphin or fish? Who cares - it's awfully cute! (You're pictures are terrific, Keep them coming.)

 

[#1hockeymom]

WOW! Love the picture! I have noticed many pictures with a sandy beach in them. Can you actually swim in the water there? Is this seasonal or all year long?

Thank you for all the relplies concerning my question about teaching assignments, (nursing/teaching too! Over three-quarters of my classroom is special ed, 504'd, or LD. I am so glad the Swan and Dolphin decided to add us to their government employee discount. I feel very at home on this board. Thank you!

Debbie
PS Does anyone have a way to remind their husband that you are staying at the Swan and Dolphin? Not the carp and goose, the flounder and robin, or the crow and catfish? LOL He is getting so good at this I think I am going to be calling it one of these terms at arrival, much to the chagrin of the check in people.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Originally posted by #1hockeymom
WOW! Love the picture! I have noticed many pictures with a sandy beach in them. Can you actually swim in the water there? Is this seasonal or all year long?

Thank you for all the relplies concerning my question about teaching assignments, (nursing/teaching too! Over three-quarters of my classroom is special ed, 504'd, or LD. I am so glad the Swan and Dolphin decided to add us to their government employee discount. I feel very at home on this board. Thank you!

Debbie
PS Does anyone have a way to remind their husband that you are staying at the Swan and Dolphin? Not the carp and goose, the flounder and robin, or the crow and catfish? LOL He is getting so good at this I think I am going to be calling it one of these terms at arrival, much to the chagrin of the check in people.

LOL regarding DH terms for the resort! This is a great place to be. Everyone is so kind and friendly and helpful. Thanks to Dreamflight who keeps us going... and going... and going! I believe this is our third evolution since I've been on board.

 

[#1hockeymom]

I have seen that the Swan/Dolphin have character meals. Since I know these change frequently, does anyone know what the current locations and days are? We have eaten at the castle for lunch, but lucked out and had a visit from Cinderella! My daughter was 15 at the time and she was in total heaven! The only true character meal we have gone to was at Hollywood and Vine during our last trip. I don't know who enjoyed it more the adults or the children!

I am trying to get all my questions out before life turns upside down starting tomorrow!

Debbie
(who has one more post to go before she gets to be something other than a welcomed guest!)

 

[LiLPrincess]

Can I move to your district and have you all teach my son! I'm so frustrated I don't know where to begin. It's a long story, much too long and off topic to post here. He's in 10th grade, but academically around 3rd grade. He has many learning disabilities and I'm having trouble getting help for him in school. The LD department has asked if I can give them information on learning disabilities so they can educate themselves.

He's such a neat kid! A hard worker and always ready to help others. It breaks my heart to see how hard he has to work at reading and writing.

I had a surprise trip planned for his 16th birthday last June. We were going to stay at the Dolphin. That fell through near the end because of finances, but it's looking as if it's going to happen in June 2004! I'm so excited!

So, expect to see lots of questions from me! You'll be saying "please, let it be June, 2004 soon so she'll stop asking so many questions!"

 

[dreamflight99]

IT's a DOLPHIN~FISH! LOL.

#1hockeymom...ROTFL! "Debbie,
P.S. Does anyone have a way to remind their husband that you are staying at the Swan and Dolphin? Not the carp and goose, the flounder and robin, or the crow and catfish? LOL He is getting so good at this I think I am going to be calling it one of these terms at arrival, much to the chagrin of the check in people." TOO FUNNY! I would LOVE to be next to you at the check-in counter!

Mouseteacher...thanks for the praise. Yes..it's our third or fourth...I've lost count. I hope Trekker has "linked" the others to the first page, as he's done in the past. So "proud" to have you onboard with me here, and all the other DEDICATED TEACHERS and Dis-addicts!

 

[csmommy]

psst................

come over here!.......

don't tell anyone

one of my best friends just came back from 6 nights at BC Concierge, & 1 night at the Swan, standard room . she tells me(looks around to make sure no one else is listening) the Swan was the best night of all!!!!

Those heavenly beds, the wonderful staff, what luxury. She NOW tells me I was right, imagine that .

And definitely NO disney magic!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jgates]

SHHHHH!!!! csmommy..... we aren't supposed to tell!

I can't believe I leave you guys alone for a week and a half or so and you start a whole new thread on me. Anyone have a quick link to the old one so I can at least finish reading it?

Hopefully I am home now for a couple of weeks - one weekend in Galena, another in Watertown....My own bed is gonna feel real nice tonite!

Dreamflight - I didn't break down and book - I just don't dare do anything for this summer. With one co-worker headed to maternity leave and another possibly doing that liver transplant donation plus one selling her house and retiring I don't even know if I will get a vacation!

But if I don't then extra time for next summer - I'll leave early and spend a few days at Royal Pacific/Universal!

Oh Tag Fairy, do you have any left over spring colors after you got done painting easter eggs? I'd love a spring/summer color tag.

I know........quit whining...............

PS guys- thank you for the wonderful photos.

 

[snels]

Hi everyone,
Thanks for all of your tips on the Swan and Dolphin. I look forward to our stay at the Swan in a few weeks.
Does anyone remember where the bus stops at the parks are for the Swan/Dolphin?
We are used to walking to the last bus stops. Most of our stays have been at POR.
We are hoping we will be alittle closer to the front of the line!
Thanks,
Sandy

 

[gschmerl]

snels,
You're going to be VERY happy . Swan/Dolphin bus stops are FIRST!