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

[Kapp]

Curiuous to hear about specific rooms at the S/D that you feel were the best rooms ever! Needs to be more than just "good view" or something like that. I can't add one as we are going for the first time in Nov. but would love to hear from others!

Best wishes!

Kapp

 

[Kapp]

ever been to Hermann, MO? That is where I was born and raised!

 

[happytrails2u]

Originally posted by workin4vacation
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...

Through our many travels to MGM, last week was the first time we actually stepped foot into the "Prime Time." What a great place! Loved all the nostalgia - mock kitchens, TV's/Radios, etc.

A little R&R anyone?

Always look "up" at MGM!

One evening, we had appetizers and snacks around 5:30 and took the last dinner reservation (9:00) at the Brown Derby. There were two other families in the restaurant when we arrived. By the time our entree was served, we had the entire place to ourselves! If you look real close - lol, you can see dw waving from the corner booth just under one of the Derby's Wall of Fame ensemble of caricatures. We even asked our waitress if we could re-enact the Lucille Ball and Jack Haley flying dinner roll duel, but we were denied (LOL) as that item had just been "removed" from the menu.

Not familiar with Maid Rite Ozzie, but often hear dw speak of Steak and Shake. Finally got to one last year in Merritt Island and had the best shake! Mmmm, was that good! BTW, dw is also a big Cards fan!

DF, is your French hat on re: the French horn? LOL. je ne suis pas familier avec le klaxon Francais. Qu'est-ce que c'est? Est il aiment un croissant?

 

[ww52]

happytrails:
Enjoyed the MGM pictures - our favorite park overall. Haven't been on RnR yet and really looking forward to it.

Haven't been on the board for a few days and just saw your comments on Chicago (the city and the and the band). They were my favorite band from about '69 through '75 or so (when the power ballads started). A friend of mine played with Lee in their HS band at St. Mel's. Yes, Demon Dogs is still there but the CTA wants the land as you said. My oldest son is a junior at DePaul and goes by there often. He gave me tickets for Chicago last year at Father's Day. Brought back great memoires for my wife and I (we saw them perform several times when we were dating back in our college years). The band now plays a great mix of songs - maybe a bit too polished - even the solos lack the raw enegy, but hey - they're all near 60 now. The horn section is still "one set of lungs" as Jimi Hendrix once said.

Proving you're never too old or too cool for Disney, my oldest said this year he wanted to stay home from the family vacation until we decided on WDW. He balked at our choice of the Swan (he wanted BC) but from the info on this thread and pictures I think he is convinced. With the teacher discount we can afford two rooms and we'll be on CL, so I think we're in for a great vacation. Less than eight weeks to go!

 

[madge]

if they don't have the beer you are looing for at the Dolphin, I would imagine that they have it at the store on the boardwalk--they had lots of snacks and drinks for the people staying at the villas--quite a variety!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Boy, do I ever need a turkey leg now! What were we thinking? All those trips, and not one turkey leg eaten!

Croissants? where? My DS and I are now croissant junkies. We especially like the chocolate croissants with brie! Unfortunately, I have yet to find a decent brie in the states. I am hoping that "france" will have some for sale w/o preservatives! (which is the trick, we preserve things to death in this country!)

My DD has been begging every vacation for a friend to go along. We have always said NO! I claim I say no because I am the meanest mother in the world. The real reason is that on vacations she actually acts like she "likes" us! It wouldn't be the same with another person.

My DD and my DS have cheerleading and hockey camp at the same time this year WOO HOOOO! For the first time the DS's camp is AWAY including room and board!! I considered, for a moment, taking a quickie vacation, then decided that I'd totally freak out. I do agree with the other posters though that cell phone/relatives and I think you'd be set. I plan to totally hang out at our pool every day they're gone. Pool float here I come!

Prime Time>> one of our favorites! We have never been down there since it has opened and not eaten there atleast once! I have a great picture of DH getting his green beans airplaned into his mouth. In the same picture, is my DS laughing away with greenbeans/mac and cheese/various crackers just smashed all over his baby face while sitting in the high chair. Its my Grandma's kitchen, my mom/grandma's food, and the peanut butter and jelly shakes are to die for!

Brown Derby is on my "probably" list for fantasmic options. I LOVE cob salads! I figure DD and I can split one as our appetizer.

humming.. Saturday, in the park, I think it was the fourth of July.....Saw them twice at Pine knob, much to the dismay of my DH who was then my boyfriend. I had too many years of "band" not to be a Chicago fan for their musical experience! He claimed if it wasn't for my sparkling personality (LMAO) that he'd of found a new girlfriend!

My angels were restless today in the classroom! When is school out? HELP!!!

Debbie

Have a great week everyone!

 

[Mouseteacher]

I received an e mail from "Melissa" at S/D reservations that my request was entered but it is not a guarantee - yada yada yada! I don't care - S/D did respond to my e mail. Now, I'll e mail again about a week before check-in and see what happens. I am out of points since I used most for the cash and points promo so I'm hoping for a comp upgrade. I would love CL like last trip but a room with a view would be welcome, too.


There is a small convenience store type section in the gift store at the Boardwalk like madge pointed out. I'm not sure of prices but DS and I did walk over to get some snacks for our room. They had a decent selection.

3 and 1/2 days left of school - the "natives" are ready / I could feel it as I walked the building today. Teachers and kids were cleaning their rooms, packing away materials and throwing out used up school materials. School picnic is set for Wednesday - weather forecast --- what else RAIN!!! ugh

 

[dreamflight99]

I bought some "coffee milk" syrup today, made by nescafe! It's called "ICE JAVA" in the mocha flavor. Yummy! It's really good with some crushed ice/blended (frappacino).

workin4vacation (LUV that MONIKER!)...Turkey Leg? Did you write TURKEY LEG?!? Ohh...one of my all time FAVS. Tastes more like a tender piece of smoked HAM, than Turkey. I crave these, and will p/u my first one in MGM on Sunset Blvd. Thanks for reminding me!
Also, we enjoy the 50's Prime-time Diner....and all the "pizazz" of the wait persons~ie: "Where have YOU BEEN? Mama's been Cookin' all day in the kitchen, and just waiten' for you to arrive. I sure hope you're hungry, and you brought a healthy appetite. Now, lemme go see if Mama's not too angry about you bein' so late." LOL! It's a GREAT PLACE for LAUGHS & Delicious food. The fried chicked (All white meat) and Pot Roast are delicious (yes, meatloaf too!).

EiLuvCinderella...Thanks for all the times/dates of this show. Now, I won't miss it!

disfanRN...DITTO on the friends & Family whom "DON'T EXPERIENCE the SAME MAGIC as us". We know a BUNCH of these folks. Always complaining, about costs, bugs, heat, marketing, food. I WISH they would just STAY HOME!

They just don't understand why we have such a great time? They see Disney World as a WASTE of $$$. It's not all about the $$$. If any of us were overly concerned about that, we would NEVER travel to the Dolphin/Swan OR WDW!! The "Memories" we make are absolutely "PRICELESS"~ Period.

Ohh...I too would be reluctant to leave DD (@8) at camp and travel with DH. Yet, if you had a C-Phone, and an emergency contact number, it would not be too bad. I understand DH's wanting to have some "time alone" (cherished time!). Try to work through this...and enjoy yourself.

hookedup...Tubbi's sells beer (imports too), as well as the Boardwalk store. I have no idea as to the cost, and have never purchased any. It may be comparable to the cost at CBR.

happytrails... Oui, j'ai mon chapeau français sur! J'espère que vous faites aussi! Qu' est-ce que "le klaxon"? Oui, c'est comme un croissant. Il est formé comme une CORNE, et rempli avec la crème fouettée. C'est léger et léger, et délicieux!.un de mes festins préférés de Français ..apres à mousse, et les frites! LOL.

Great Pics! I could see my booth in the bottom of the second pic (BD restaurant)...yet could not SEE DW ("M"). LOL. Est-ceci un tour?

#1hockeymom...and STICK to your guns! If your DD actually enjoys her time alone with you on vacation...then bypass the "friend along" scenario. She has PLENTY of time for friends throughout the REST of the year. WDW is sacred...FAMILY TIME!

*Chicago...a FABULOUS CITY, and JAMMIN' BAND!

Mouseteacher...What GREAT NEWS! At least someone emailed you...(Melissa~!), and you have a BETTER than ZERO chance of obtaining an UPGRADE. Think optimistically, and draw POSITIVE energy your way. Just think good thoughts, and good things will happen. I'm sure some MAGIC will find you. You have a certain way about you.

TTFN...HAPPY MONDAY!

 

[lovingthemouse]

Just wanted to pop in and say hi - school is almost out - we finish on the 17th!!
#1 Hockey mom - i feel your anticipation - such a nice feeling to have some time off - but i am coaching teachers in the Intensive Summer Reading program- so, off for a while til it begins on July 1st!
Happy trails - i love your pictures!!
DF - your countdown is so low now - bet you have started the list already. WE plan to be at the Dolphin in October for a long weekend - still 121 days left.
Take care all. Caroline

 

[happytrails2u]

Agree ww52 - - I miss the Terry Kath years and the raw, natural talent/edge he brought to the band. Glad your oldest is convinced (or near so) that the Swan is the way to go. The eight weeks will go by in a flash!

LOL on the Pine Knob show, #1hockeymom AND the "sparkling" personality. PS. Sign me up for a chocolate croissant w/brie!
You know, we walked right by the turkey leg stand, but were about to have dinner. DW put the Kibosh (LOL) on my grabbing one on the fly.

Madame DF, Je crois le klaxon est Francais pour le (Horn), non? Vous avez demande, "entendez parler jamais" d'un klaxon Francais patisserie?" Peut-etre je devrais avoir utilise la trompette de mot - LOL. La patisserie ressemble a d'une croix entre un croissant rempli et un cannoli...delicieux!

Congrats on three more days of school Mouseteacher; the countdown is on, as they say!!! There must be a way to cash in on this rain... "UMBRELLAS, UMBRELLAS - get'em while they last!!!

 

[RAV]

Perhaps this is a bit off topic, so I will preface by saying I will need my time at the Swan to recover from the next 2 weeks. My DS is fininshing middle school next week. A "class night" is held rather than a graduation as they have additional schooling to attend. Parents volunteered for various tasks to make the evening special. I was given the task of creating a video depicting our children from toddlers to their recent 8th grade class trip. I am thrilled with the video but I am wondering if any of the many teachers on this thread find that events at school are often over the top. Most times it is the same group of parents who volunteer, the events seem to become more and more grand each year and most of all everyone is a critic. My dh watched the video last night and thought that the end result was very good, good music and great photos of the kids at various ages. But, he warned that someone will have a comment regarding how many times their child appears or that it could have been done better. I keep telling myself that I do it because my son appreciates it, but believe me I am anxiously awaiting the end of school and my time at the Swan.

 

[Kapp]

Could use some Dolphin upgrade advice. I have enough Starwood points for up to 1,500 a night for a stay at the Dolphin the week before Thanksgiving. I need help in deciding how best to use the points. Should I use the points for a room upgrade (better view) and hope for CL priv.s or should I use the points for the CL and hope for a better room? Need some advice so my better half can quit worrying!

Thanks for much for your advice on this matter and all others on this site!

Kapp

 

[dreamflight99]

Rav..."BEEN THERE...DONE THAT!" I was in charge of this VIDEO for DD's 8th grade graduation. She was in the same school for 9 years (Catholic), so there were MANY photos of her and her classmates. I requested 10 photos from each family, ranging in age from "infant" to 8th gr.

I selected numerous photos, and with DH we insured every family had "equal" time in the picture. I actually took this to a professional business, and had the video made (with various selections of music). Every family contributed $10, and received a video (there were only 32 children in her class, and the video cost $350 to make!). It was a great success! I wish you the same.

lovingthemouse...LOL. Nope, I have not started "the list" (I will!), nor have I retrieved the luggage (as I promised myself I would this week). I work BEST under pressure. So, the last week...I'll be packing like a madwoman. HeHe!

happytrails...trompette...LOL! J'AIME cannoli! Le klaxon de pâtisserie semble délicieux. Servent-ils ceci au pavillion français? Mon minuteur de Dauphin lentement court hors. Je ne peux pas attendre jusqu'à ce que l'avion touche le sol dans Orlando. J'aurai plus que sept semaines de séjour d'été. Je crois que je pourrais voyager toute année. Je mange un croissant (le petit déjeuner) comme je tape. Apprécier un grand jour! J'espère que vous pouvez comprendre mes Français inférieurs! C'est été un temps long puisque j'écrit parlé n'importe quel. (LOL)
*LOVE the term: KIBOSH (Spelling? pronounced: "KY-BOSH")!

Kapp...since CL is "usually" more difficult to attain as an upgrade, I would use the points for this feature/perk. I have some friends traveling to the Dolphin soon, and they were "denied" Club level, (using points or purchasing) as it was SOLD-OUT/CAPACITY! They remain very upset, as they absolutely LOVE CL. With this in mind, I would opt for the CL upgrade with the points, and "request" a preferred VIEW as a complimentary upgrade. JMOHO.

Wow...I watched the Weather channel~and saw only LIGHTENING/STORMS over Orlando and much of the East Coast! We are Hot/Dry (as a BONE) here in S.Cal. So...I'm actually looking forward to the RAIN STORMS which grace Orlando usually every day (you can almost set your clock by these summer deluge attractions!). Most persons can probably tell we are from the WEST coast (not just the deep tans), by the way we revel in these downpours! (LOL).

 

[Mouseteacher]

Rav ~ Go for it and try to block out any critics!!! There is always one sourpuss in the bunch. One of our parents did a powerpoint slide with music of our 8th graders thru the years. It was terrific - he did the same ask as DF to make sure all were depicted throughout the presentation. The kids loved it! I don't believe he received any criticisms - at least I hope not. It was a very special moment and it was fitting ending to Class Night. There were many a tear in the eye of kids and parents. So again - DO IT and know that you are doing it for the kids.

Re: events getting grander each year / you are so right! I work very hard at meeting with the parent coordinators to insure that the event/activity remains in the realm of what I believe is appropriate for the age levels in my school. It isn't easy since some parents want to give their kids some things that are really for high school, e.g., limos at our end of the year dance - I have to send out a memo each year saying this is verboten. The dance is NOT a prom or a semi-formal. The children are only in 7th and 8th grade for heavens sake!

 

[dreamflight99]

DITTO Mouseteacher! There was not a dry eye in the place, once the music ended (With "I will remember you")...and the lights came up. It was wonderful, and everyone clapped and cheered...(and the Kids wanted to see it again). It was a TON of work, and I had the feeling no one else wanted to take-on this task. We were sort of "nominated" by the parents and teachers (& admin) as the parents "most likely to make this work" (& make everyone happy). Not an EASY task. I was SO relieved to hear "zero" complaints. I'm not saying everyone was thrilled, and there were no complaints...I just never HEARD any. LOL.

*And all the time, I thought this (LIMOS and OVER-INDULGENCE/INSTANT GRATIFICATION) was a Phenom of the WEST coast Crowd! I'm stunned, to know the EASTERN parents also attempt these "OVER THE TOP" stunts. These folks never cease to amaze me.

*HOW 'BOUT THOSE DEVILS?*

 

[#1hockeymom]

ACK! Shade my eyes! Help me! Its the avs! Someone put the avalanche on the website! What is a redwing fan to do? LOL I have a signed picture (more like a HUGE picture!) from Darren McCarty taken during the bloodbath with lemieux a few years back. I can't brag about a cup this year, but I can still have my "morals"! LMAO
<img src="http://www.geocities.com/debsaddress/club.gif">

Debbie

 

[MOM POPPINS]

I really wanted to see my countdown clock...LOL.... Tomorrow is the big day... I saw my Doctor on Monday and everything is set for in the morning at 7:30. My doctor mentioned to me in passing, "Robin I don't believe your going to be able to have an epidural with this delivery" I sat there quite taken by surprise and said I had my first of four natural and said I would never do it again. He said "It really only hurts for about 10 to 30 minutes" I thought to myself this coming from a man who has not done it before....so with that bit of news I am still set for delivery tomorrow morning but probably with no pain meds.... ouch... The reason for the no epidural is I am on heparin shots twice daily and it can cause paralysis.....so..... you should hear me screaming from wherever you are LOL.... It doesn't matter if the baby is 3 and half pounds or 10 pounds you still have to dialate to 10cm. Thanks again for all your prayers of support for our little miracle... I will post upon my return back home.... Hugs, Robin

 

[disfanRN]

Hi everyone- another cloudy, soon to be rainy day here!!!

On the subject of overindulgence/far too much too soon, this is not isolated to the East/West coasts. Sadly here in the Midwest, this is also a tremendous problem. So much so that we moved from a neighborhood that had very affluent families, and schools with wonderful resources, simply because I did not want my DD exposed to that materialistic/ i need to hurry up and grow up attitude. I realize all neighborhoods have their problems, a reflection of soicety at large, but when the local high school has an AA chapter located within the school due to such substance abuse that can sometimes come with too much money/freedom/ and little supervison, I am saddened.

It is difficult enough to grow up without your parents acting as "friends", they need to parent!

Thankfully, we found a wonderful neighborhood, of course not without problems, but with a different attitude, and have the best neighbors anyone can ask for!!

On the subject of the Dolphin- I was wondering if anyone could reccomend a specific club level room or area to have a good view of Epcot????

To all you who are leaving soon: better get PACKING!!!!! I am jealous!!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

We're praying and rooting for both of you.

 

[ozziewags]

((((((Hugs))))) and prayers to you......we will be thinking of you. Keep us posted.