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

[Muffy]

DF, yes I do go on TOT and have sat in the front row many times! It is a thrill but I don't have any hesitation about that ride or RnR, Space and the others. I go on them all! BUT this will be my first year to go on the Hulk and Dueling Dragons (at IOA) with DH and DD. They have gone on w/o me in the past as I am scared of these two rides! DF, if you are saying it is no worse than TOT, I will be all set! I am sure that seeing and hearing the screams as it goes by has something to do with my fear of Hulk and Dueling Dragons! I will be going on it this year though!

Ozzie, Have a great time with your DD in FL. Hope the interview doesn't hold up your plans! Mouseteacher, it sounds like you are right behind Ozzie with your plans for the Dolphin. DF, you MUST be getting excited! I think you have less than 20 days to go! Happy planning everyone!

Muffy

 

[#1hockeymom]

I am trying to remember everything I've read today!

EE nights>> We arrive on a Monday. We'll be able to instantly buy our EE night ticket for Tuesday and Friday? Unless I hear about a rush on the tickets, I think we'll probably just buy Tuesday's tickets and see what happens towards the end of the week. It would be nice to know that we have Tuesday locked in early, though.

RnR advice>>When you get in the "limo" make sure you put your head BACK and RELAX! Love the ride, especially the fact that it really does remind me of the freeways in LA, but it took a margarita (or two?) and three excedrin to stop the headache from my kinked neck! We stayed in the park that day, which I think ultimately helped since the walking helped to ease up the muscles in my neck and shoulders. Second time I went on, I was prepared and had no headache problems what so ever!

Love the TOT!! The theming, the story, the DROPS! I am desperately afraid of heights; had to have my ceiling painted by my mother on quick notice, when she announced years ago that they were moving to Florida. I can't stand on a chair! Yes, this makes being a teacher quite an adventure when I am hanging stuff from the ceiling. If anything, I am getting better. I think it is that "I will "try" to show no fear" factor of the whole thing! Somehow, with the theming and the fact that I know its Disney so I know its safe, I do just fine on this ride.

Mad hatters tea party>> We stay away! DH can't handle the whirling around. We used to take turns on the merry-go-round when the kids were smaller, since neither of us like that standing while protecting child, yet about to fall of ourselves, feeling!

Those pictures of Portofino are gorgeous! We considered that for a day or two, splitting our stay, but finally decided that since the youngest was happy at Disney, this would probably be our last time he would feel that way, so we should stay with our plans. The idea of front of the line passes really intrigues us. How did you find that worked out? Are there too many people with this access?


Its raining here, so what else is new? LOL Have a great Sunday, and please wish our Flint Jackals hockey team luck! Today they have their playoffs!

Debbie

PS I can't find my posts, but to young Mr. Goalie "Howard?"....GOOD LUCK in the draft!!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

ozzie ~ My parents took us on every trip and I guess that's where I learned how important family memories are - my sibs and I often laugh with my dad as we share funny memories of when we were young. I hope my children will do the same someday when they have children of their own.

They are of an age now where college expenses requires them to have a job and increase work hours in the summer to earn more $$. They both have cars which they need to support, too. DS is taking a summer course. Thus, their reluctance to travel. Someday when they are on their own, I know they will rejoin us when they can for vacation time in Disney, of course.

I hope all works out so that you and your DD can get away together.

Muffy ~ I believe I will be there (late July) the same time as DF / she will be at the Dolphin and I at the Swan. I can't get a countdown clock to work. I told you I was technically challenged!

 

[dreamflight99]

Thanks for the wonderful replies (vindicating) with regards to "family" vacations. I too, always accompanied my parents on "summer sojourns", well into my college years. When DH and I visited them for our first summer "together"...we all vacationed in Niagara Falls and Mackinac Island (Grand Hotel). This was before we had DD. After she was born, she accompanied us on virtually every trip (even business!). I have the BEST memories from all these times we shared as a "family". We know TOO many persons whom leave their children behind, and consider this to be natural/fine. It's just not the way we live our lives. "Family", means many things to many people. To us, it is an intricate weave of fibers, a veritable dance of threads coming together to form a colorful tapestry of sorts.

DD swears she will still want to travel with us while in College, and does not want to "miss-out" on any trips! (LOL). At least she will know the offer always stands, and she is free to join us should she wish. I'm sure the boys will rejoin you once they are through with their present priorities, and vacations become the focus of their journey. They certainly seem to make life truly enjoyable (we LIVE for our sojourns...and treasure the experiences we share).

LOL..."Are you going THERE again?" Is this the infinite question of ALL TIME? We get this more than you could "shake a stick at", and always laugh at the person making the statement. Most all have NEVER been there...so they can not offer any advice based upon experience. We DO visit other places throughout the year, but our *summers* belong to Orlando...and DISNEY.

Muffy...you will have no problem on the Coasters at IOA. GO FOR IT!

 

[The Pluto People]

My DS is an "only" also and we would never leave him behind to go on vacation. However, he just informed me he may not want to go to WDW next April (for spring break when he is a senior in high school) !!! I just bought APs thinking we could use them for our trip to the Dolphin in a few weeks and next year! Hope he changes his mind...

 

[RAV]

I too have one child. We are often asked if we are bringing a friend along for our son. I always laugh when asked if he gets bored at WDW or at the resorts. Perhaps it sounds selfish, but I look forward to our time as a family and don't enjoy sharing our vacation time.

 

[Mouseteacher]

I get that all the time, too. Usually from people who have never been or went and that was enough for them. I, too, just laugh and say it is my idiosyncrasy and I'm darn proud of it!

Rav ~ I agree about "family" time. Our DSs are independent, well adjusted young men and are "on the go" throughout the school year. So, when summer comes and they are home more often we take advantage of our family time, i.e., family dinners, family outings and family celebrations that happen during the summer.

 

[ozziewags]

Tonight at 8pm CT the Food Network Channel has a program: "Unwrapped: Walt Disney World"!

Description:
62 FOOD: Sunday, June 8 8:00 PM
Special, Entertainment, Travel, Documentary

Secrets behind the food and fun at Disney World.


This is one I haven't seen yet! And Sunday night tv(esp. after they took "The Practice" off of Sun) is yuck! Enjoy....my two favorite things: food and fun!

 

[disnurse]

Well mouseteacher what do you think another weekend with rain!! just checked our weatherbug it so far its june 9th and we have had 3.05inches of rain this month, and about 5 minutes of sun. I still have 12 more school days to go, do you think i'm counting!

Babykirk hope you're still gaining at a good pace , my youngest is a june baby.

dreamflight i pm'ed you and i hope you're preparing yourself for dd's college departure but not to worry we'll help you thru the rough spots.

 

[workin4vacation]

Just checked this thread ~ hope all you "disney friends" don't mind a newbie joining in....

Thanks Debbie, it is goalie "Howard". We shall see what the future holds!

To clarify my roller coaster experiences, I absolutely adore Space Mountain, TMRailroad & Splash Mountain. Just can't handle the thrill rides at IOA.

Too bad for my thrill seeking sister.... We had originally booked this trip for November 2003. Needed to make some changes when my sister learned she was pregnant, due November 8!
So, now at the end of her fourth month, she really, really wants to go on TMRailroad. I've told her "Not advisable" for Space Mountain & Splash Mountain. Her OB hasn't offered up much advice, just to be careful w/the heat & drink lots of water and use common sense when it comes to rides. We'll make sure she takes it easy. (I'll be able to pamper my baby sister for a week). This is her very first visit to Disney!

Will TMRailroad be too bumpy? What does everybody think? Will there be signs posted against pregnant women riding?

Thanks for any insight!

p.s. Ozzie: thanks for the heads up w/the unwrap Disney ~ it's 8:00 p.m. now, gotta catch the show!

 

[hookedup]

Thanks for the heads up ozziewags!

okay DF - that's 6:00 pm for us West Coasters (I think it repeats again at 9:00)

I really want to drop 10 lbs before our WDW trip so maybe that will motivate me!
LOL!

 

[jgates]

Actually Ozziewags- I'm leaving in the morning! Talk about last minute! We did a hold on the Fairfield Inn in Fairview Hts for M,T&W nites and a hold on the Fairfield at St Charles for T & F. So I'll probably just go with those. If we get in early enough tomorrow nite, I will check the Sheraton though - we have to be at the Fairfield by 6 pm if we don't call and guarantee. (We've stayed at that one before so I know how to get there easily.)

Thank you for the lovely photos- How did you know Ted Drewes was one of the top items on my to-do list? Nummy! (Along with the Steak N Shake that is one exit away from Fairview Heights.....)

I really wanted to try for the Hyatt @ Union Station with priceline, but I didn't have the guts......

 

[dreamflight99]

The Pluto People & RAV....thanks for the great posts on the "only child" situation. I've also received the "Does your DD bring along a friend?" question too! It's as if "one child" is not complete/whole or comfortable enough to travel alone with their "family" (US!). LOL...DD is the "same", whether she's with friends or us. She does not feel the "need" to be with friends, or other people constantly. She is content to be alone, reading, writing, painting...etc. She is very introspective and enlightened.

AS mouseteacher posted, in agreement with RAV...I too, must be selfish. As we do not like the thought of "sharing" our vacation time. We enjoy our little TRIO, and have more laughs and memorable times than most could imagine. Our vacation time is our "special" time to "reconnect" away from home and the REAL WORLD (and all that entails!).

disnurse...I PM'd you also! Thanks again. Your post about DD/College nearly brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for your support...and offer to "help me through the rough spots". I'm sure I'll "cash-in" on this one. Thanks again.

workin4vacation...WELCOME NEWBIE! Congratulations on the news of the Nov. arrival of your niece/nephew. Ohh....TMR is VERY BUMPY. I do not think I would "brave" this one at 4 months pregnant. Yet, I'd be "extra-cautious" in this situation...as you can not ask the "baby" if it wishes to ride! (LOL). I would not advise to ride this one...but of course, it's up to your DS. What does everyone else think? There are SO MANY wonderful attractions at WDW she would be able to enjoy...and she could always ride this later (After the baby arrives...safe & healthy). YES..there will DEFINITELY be signs posted warning expectent mothers to bypass the ride.

ozziewags...thanks SO much for the notice about the show. I missed it, as we were hosting a BBQ with friends, and the last ones left about 20 minutes ago (10:30 pm). It began at noon! Fun party...great laughs/food. The MUD PIE was the BEST treat! Is this show going to be aired again any time soon? What did they showcase? Thanks again. Wish I could have watched/taped this one.

hookedup...I missed this one...wah, wah. Thanks for reminding me of the time diff.

jgates...have a FAB time! Please take pics...(are you bringing the laptop?). Sounds wonderful. I LOVE S&S (Steak 'n Shake), as we have ZERO out here. We discovered these in Orlando. Yummy shakes and incredible "steak" burgers. DD dips the skinny fries in her shake, DH too. Not me. Pass the ketchup, please.

Enjoy the new week. I'm going to get out the luggage tomorrow. Also, has anyone heard drinking "pineapple juice" prior to having your wisdom teeth extracted will help reduce the swelling? Two persons have told my daughter to begin drinking some each day about a week in advance. Any truth to this? Thanks.

 

[Mouseteacher]

workin4... ~ Welcome Please join in whenever you can. I, too, would advise against BTM - I believe there is a posting warning about pregnancy, back and neck problems, etc.

disnurse - I can't even talk about our weather! This week is it! 5 days left for the students.

 

[EiLuvCinderella]

I just wanted to let you know that this coming Sunday (June 8) the Food Network will be doing a feature on Walt Disney World. The show is called "Unwrapped", and it will go behind the scenes of Disney dining in both the restaurants and the parks. The host, Marc Summers, will talk to guests at the park, chefs, and Disney employees about the food. It will show how the food is created and how Disney food can be fun snacks to anything but ordinary. The first airing will be on June 8 at 10 p.m. and it will reprise on: June 9 at 1 a.m., June 16 at 10 p.m., June 17 at 1 a.m., June 22 at 5 p.m., and finally June 28 at 11 p.m. Just thought I would share this magical tidbit.

 

[workin4vacation]

My son and I watched "unwrapped" last night

16 days until we can both chomp on a savory turkey leg!

My mother (70 years old) is making her first trip w/us, I think we must take her to the Prime Time Cafe. Seeing all the memorabilia from the 50's looks like something she would really enjoy ~ and even the meatloaf looked good.....

We FINALLY had some sunshine yesterday! Pool's 70 degrees ~ us northerners swam anyway. Supposed to rain again today, we all look like a bunch of coneys going south for some sunshine!

We'll be looking for the "pregnant women shouldn't ride" posts. Sister's gonna love "It's a small world" best anyway. That's always been my favorite!

Have a great day all!

 

[ozziewags]

I forget that some things we get used to are not found just anywhere! I assumed Steak n Shake was everywhere! I do remember when I first went to Cracker Barrel.....they were only in the South. They have slowly moved northerly. Does anyone know about Maid Rite? They are 'loose meat' sandwiches. Find them in central/NW Illinois.

Watched 'Unwrapped'......will get you in the mood for lots of the 'good stuff' at Disney! Especially Mickey Bars...didn't know that was Hagen Daas ice cream! "Unwrapped" will be repeated a few times this week.....don't forget the time changes!

 

[disfanRN]

HI everyone~ I am sitting here dreaming of vacation, I should be
cleaning my house, but it is more fun to have magical thoughts!

We also bring our only little lady everywhere we go and enjoy it always, I think she was the only child who did not enjoy the Castaway Club on the Disney cruise! She wanted to be with us instead and that was more than fine!

I am sooo glad to see others posting re family and friends looking at you with disbelief "you are going there AGAIN?" They just don't get it. Even those who have been, and truthfully, I feel sorry for them that they didn't find the same magic as us! My SIL talks as if it was sheer torture to be there for her 9 day vacation at AKL, she complained about all the marketing bombardment she felt.
I was amazed. To be there for 9 days and walk away with only that to me is sad. Ah well, less crowded for the rest of us who are truly in love!

We are hoping to upgrade to CL with Starwood pts (20,000 and counting!) at the Dolphin. I got the room at the nurse rate, and with Starwood Gold am wondering if they will upgrade on top of the points? DF and other experts... do you have any suggestions for specific room requests for epcot view? We have never stayed here before, so I am unfamiliar with what to request. any suggestions will be appeciated.

Chilly day here, for June, hoping it will warm up soon! My DD8 is leaving for camp in 2 weeks, it will be the first time away from us for this long, 6 days!! I am nervous/ excited for her, I am sure she will have a great time, but I will miss her. I know I have to let go a little!

Speaking of that~ let me ask you all this: my DH wants to go away while she is at camp, I keep saying no because I don't feel safe going hours away in case she needs us. He says she will be fine and we have family/friends that can cover for us until we can get there. It still makes me uncomfortable, tho I think he is dying to get away, just the two of us while we have an opportunity, because we never would otherwise. What do you think??

Happy Monday everyone!

 

[hookedup]

disfanRN- I can understand how you feel - I too would be nervous to leave homebase while my little one was away. Do you have a cellphone or even a contact number (friend or relative) that she can call if you are needed and that person can call you while your away? You can even call that person while you are on the road to check in just to make sure she hasn't called. I would do that - it would just make me feel better and then I could enjoy taking a mini vacation while she is at camp. You should try to get away and take a break since she is gone anyway. It's not like you will have guilt gut thinking about her at home while you are on vacation - I am sure she will be plenty busy having a ball at camp.

I will know the answer to your question above in August as I hope to upgrade to CL with points (I have plenty so I will be bummed if I cant use them) we are using the teacher rate - and then I am also SPG gold so hopefully we will also get a good resort view room too. I know everything is subject to availability so keep fingers crossed!

 

[hookedup]

Okay my expert friends -

Since I have never visited the S/D before I need some experienced help here -

DH wants to buy beer while we are there - a 6 pack of an import (he is a beer snob) to enjoy in our room. Does the Dolphin have a spot onsite to buy a 6 pack - is it grossly over priced? The reason why I am wondering is because we found last summer that the CBR sold six packs much cheaper at their convenience store than at the Poly or at DTD. We won't have a car so this is an issue we would like to know more about ahead of time.

Last year we stayed at the CBR and then moved over to GF for 5 nights. DH kicked himself the whole time that he did not buy the beer at CBR because he figured they would have something similar at GF - wrong! They don't even sell beer in bottles there. We took the monorail over to the Poly and they did sell it there but it was over $9 bucks for a six pack - my bargain hunter dh would not buy it on principal.

So last night he was asking me if the Dolphin had a spot to buy a six pack there and I told him I did not know but I knew who would! LOL!