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

[Mouseteacher]

WHEW GLAD WE"RE BAAAAAAAAAACK

The withdrawal sypmtoms were worsening by the minute. I was ready to be institutionalized.

 

[dreamflight99]

WHEW...and I thought it was just ME!! LOL.

DD is FEELING 100% Better! Hooray, I am SO RELIEVED. She actually sleeps through the night. (Sounds as if she's an infant...LOL).

We returned to the Dr. Yesterday for a follow-up. He left the "wick" in her ear to absorb the ear drops, and gave her a different pain med (Motrin 800 mg), in case she does not want to take the narcotic (vicodin).

Thank you for all your words of wisdom, prayers and pixiedust. This thread is a tremendous source of information and comfort.

Mr. Poppins...Thanks for the FAB update! The Dr. Also suggested the Alcohol/vinegar drops (You are correct...and very "experienced" in these areas)...thank you for the advice.

#1hockeymom...LOL~ very much like me! I walk around asking everyone, "Guess what?" When they ask...I answer, "I made reservations." It's an inside joke from years back. It usually signals I am VERY EXCITED...and the minutes are ticking away. I still have not cracked a suitcase, or organized the stuff I need!
That's okay, I have a MASTER LIST in my file, and I'll get it out tonight.

Thanks again. We are going to be okay over here...and vacation is on schedule...and looking to be RELAXING & ENJOYABLE!

*I'm heading out into the sunshine of summer for a bike ride w/DH...DD is resting. We have the motorolas (radios) & c-phones in case she needs us for anything. All is well with the world.

 

[EiLuvCinderella]

I am so relieved to know you all (regular contributors) didn't just up and leave! I really thought that there must have been a new thread and I was left with nothing but a faint trail of pixie dust! I have been searching like crazy!

I am so glad to know I can still keep up with what's going on in "the World"! I have already snagged ressies for our first Dolphin trip for July 2004. I'll be so excited to "lurk" for an entire year getting all the tips I can!

God Bless lil' baby Kirk as well! You have certainly made me have that little itch for another child. I wish for you and your lovely family to continue on the healthy path of life, bringing your newest little miracle to that most magical place on our planet Earth where dreams always come true! Praise God, for without Him, nothing is possible!

DF~ Thank God your DD is responding to the meds. I have prayed for her healing and enjoy all of your detailed posts! You certainly have a way with words and I truly enjoy the banter amongst friends found here. Your knowledgeable and courteous replies are filled with joy and wit, dare I say you have some Irish in you?
Enjoy your upcoming sojourn!

 

[Mouseteacher]

EiLuvCinderella ~ I'm glad, too, we didn't leave each other hanging in cyberspace! This is a great group of DISers who would be missed if we couldn't DIS.

DF ~ So glad that your DD is well on the way to recovery. I'm sure you must feel lighter in spirit, too.

 

[dreamflight99]

Even though our vacation for this summer has not yet commenced...I am already "planning" next years! LOL.

I know this makes me a CLASS~A "Disneyholic"~(a title I wear proudly), yet I can not help myself. I am making plans to include ANOTHER 7~night Disney Cruise, coupled with a WEEK in the Florida KEYS, and a week in Vero, PBH, and the standard month+ in the Dolphin. PLUS...we may ADD about 10-14 days in Europe to visit the Disney Props in Japan & Paris!

I've begin the venture, and have to start early to secure the places we enjoy, etc. We'll fly bus. class 777 to Europe, (perhaps British airways), since the Concorde will be shelved this October.


There's just too much to SEE/DO out there, and we love to travel and take-in as much as we can! Is anyone else planning for next summer, or at least thinking about it (and have yet to take their trip for this year)?

Of course, I'll keep everyone apprised of all the plans as they are falling into place. Just wanted to confess to all of you how very "HOOKED" I am on Disney. I had better concentrate on PACKING~! LOL....

 

[ozziewags]

DF, will you adopt me?

 

[lonegungirl]

DF, Dad Poppins, and all--

Thank you muchly for all your sympathy...it was very distressing, but hopefully everyone will heal quickly and we can get on to more pleasant things...like concentrating on our Disney trip!

Glad to hear DD and Baby Kirk are mending as well...

 

[lovingthemouse]

...ozziewags, i'll stand second in line for that DF adoption package!!!

DF - i am very happy to hear that your daughter is doing so well, after all, she's heading for the magic of Disney.

Good luck to all you travelers- hoping that many of you will have those laptop computers so those of us behind can live vicariously through you!!!

Thank you DadPoppins for the update on your wife and baby Kirk -we are so thrilled to hear that she is coming home and making way for that precious son of yours. In no time at all, he will be there with you all.

School ended today- i am thrilled! Have a week or so off then the summer program begins. This will be easier though because i am coaching teachers, not directly teaching the kids. At the end of July, we can really relax for a month or so!!

Caroline

 

[#1hockeymom]

We're back again! I can't log in my usual way, but I can log in which is more than I can say for last night! I swear I was getting jumpy just due to the fact I couldn't read or write to any of the boards!

Adopt me, too! I am sure I don't have to tell you that British Airways is much better than any of the other carriers for international travel. Better service, better seats, I actually enjoyed their food! The only trouble we had on our fight was a out of control three year old who kept on "handling" us through the seat cushions through the entire flight to Heathrow. That child never fell asleep, nor did his parents ever tell him to stop. He fell asleep as we landed. I love kids, but you don't know how badly I wanted to wake that child up. I can't blame him, for his parents were more than happy to have him hanging over our seat and the entire time. I am still foggy on our whole first day of London. I know we were there, I have pictures, but how we arrived and how we got from place to place is a total blur! We are all biting at the bit to go to Europe again. We decided against it due to impending war and the war beginning, but wish we would have now due to the fantastic prices they have out this summer! If only I would travel in the fall! I could see more and do more, cheaper! (just last night my DD was asking if "Phantom" was playing anywhere near us. I have seen it in Detroit, Toronto and London, but my kids have only seen it in London. Fourth row center! It will never be that great again for them, but they don't realize that!)

I am so glad to hear that everyone is getting healthy! I have a killer head-ache this morning. I am hoping when the kids get in the door that I'll forget about it and it will go away on its own. I am sure stress is most of it. Packing up a room isn't fun! I am sure many of you can relate to that! I was really looking forward to not taking everything and putting it in the pole barn at home, this year. Maybe next year we all won't get those lovely pink papers and we can enjoy the end of the year! (I am assuming of course that I WILL be back. I must assume this, to keep my sanity!) I just realized a half hour ago that I packed my masking tape last night and it is currently 40 minutes away from me, but I have about 20 sharpies on my desk. Anyone want to make a trade? I need some tape please!

Have a great Wednesday! Check out my counter!

Debbie

 

[Mouseteacher]

DF ~ Make me your 4th adoptee! WOW - great plans. DH and I flew to London with Virgin Atlantic business class and loved the airlines.

Caroline ~ good for you --school's out! Teaching teachers is something I enjoy very much, too.

Debbie ~ for you and your counter!

 

[madge]

just when I have my trip planned, something gets added to the mix to make me re-assess

yesterday I got a postcard to save 15% off a flight booked online through Southwest airlines...of course, I just booked my flight last week. I call and the agent tells me I can cancel and re-book with no penalty. well, the flight I already have booked is sold out for the discount fare on the trip home (grrrrrrr) I plug in a different set of dates and find that we can save $100 on our flight. woo hoo, right? maybe.....the second set of dates puts us leaving on Oct 3 and our daughter's 2nd birthday is on Oct 1 now, I realize this isn't the end of the world, but we have been planning on being there on her birthday since day 1. it isn't the point of the trip , but a nice benefit. save $100......anna's birthday......ugh!

the other decision I have to make is which night of the MNSSHP to attend....we can go on Oct 3 or Oct 5. I am thinking that the Oct 5 (Sunday) night will be less crowded--locals aren't as likely to take their kids on a school night, at least that's my thinking right now....the only problem there is our flight on Oct 6 (unless I change flights) is at 10:20am, which is an early morning after such a late night.......sigh.....

all decisions should be so difficult

Madge--->who is almost at double digits

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by ozziewags
DF, will you adopt me?

Of course...just start the proceedings/paperwork, and you'll be IN LIKE FLYNN! (You too, Caroline~#1hockeymom~mouseteacher) You guys make me blush!!

lonegungirl...thank you! DD is indeed feeling 150% better! Wick is OUT of the ear as of this am (at her peds), and she is on the mend. Thank you, again.

#1hockeymom...Thanks for all the info w/regards to BA! I love this company, and agree with you 100%. The associate explained Bus. Class IS first class on their airline...correct? Hope your headache has cleared. Since DD doesn't like the vicodin (and prefers the motrin 800 mg), perhaps you could take one of these for the pain? (LOL). Get some rest. I get the SAME WAY when I'm on the EDGE of the MAGIC!

lovingthemouse...yes, thoughts of WDW have helped to ease her pain and lighten her load! We even watched the video yesterday. We are BOTH excited. Thank you, for your kind words and concern.

madge...I refuse to "change" any of our plans at this point. NO WAY! I could probably save $$ on the airline, rooms, etc.--but the hassle and stress would not be worth the time and effort. You are all set. Sometimes, having everything completed and prepared is...PRICELESS! Relax, and enjoy the countdown.

 

[disneyNJ]

Harleyquinn,

I've been away from the boards for several days and was catching up with my favorite thread (this one!) when I saw the question asking if librarians are considered government employees and are they entitled to the discount at the Swan/Dolphin.

The answer is a "qualified" YES. I am a public librarian in NJ - my paycheck is issued by a town so I am therefore considered a local government employee.

The discount offered by the Swan/Dolphin includes state and local government workers, as well as those employed by the Federal government. I have stayed at the Swan 4 times using the gov rate without any problems.

Since we don't have any official type of identification at my library - (no badges or ID's), I use a pay stub to verify my status at check-in.

Also, I have ALWAYS been asked for proof I am a government worker at the Swan, unlike the times we have stayed at a Disney resort using an AP rate - I've never been asked to show my AP or AP voucher and we have used those discounts many times.

My family really enjoys the Swan - you can't beat the price and the location and service has always been great. We joined Starwood and have been able to upgrade to Club Level using points - what a fantastic perk! Plus the ease of reservations (I book online) certainly beats calling CRO or waiting and waiting for Disney to release AP rates.

Good luck - I hope you find a great discount!

Disney NJ

 

[dreamflight99]

Just had to add my "2-cents" before I run out the door to tackle some errands. I LOVE the Dolphin/Swan, location, price, amenities, etc. I also enjoy making the ressies online (what ease!). I just made the KEY WEST ressies online, (check-out the all suites resort...pretty SWEET!), and enjoyed the proficiency and expediency of the entire process. I become "giddy" just thinking I'll be accumulating POINTS by staying in such FABULOUS locations this summer. I should DO THIS (Travel Starwood Resorts) for a LIVING! LOL...

Thanks for your post, disneyNJ, I couldn't agree with you more.

P.S. DD is nearly back to her old self! She is feeling SO much better, can sleep through the night, and ear pain is down to about a 1-2 (on a scale from 1-10).

 

[luvdisney14]

MADGE

I would like more information on the 15% discount postcard on
Southwest. Was there a specific code to use. I was thinking of calling southwest about the discount even though it didn't get the card. I would appreciated any information to help me save money. Thanks

Sue

 

[madge]

I don't have the card in front of me, but the card is for Rapid Rewards members. I know better than to post a code here especially since I don't know if it is the same code other RR members are getting....it is for online booking for flights through the wnd of October. I think you can use the code until the end of June. I saw a few other posts on the transportation and budget boards about the postcard as well....

I didn't get anywhere calling Southwest, though. The manager on duty told my reservation agent that I had to cancel my existing reservation and re-book online using the code. They wouldn't apply the discount over the phone.

if you are a rapid rewards member, maybe you can ask them to send you a card. I never understand these (disney, american express, southwest, etc) promotions and how one gets "targetted" for them....

hope this helps!

 

[jgates]

Hi Guys! I'm going to post quickly here as I am off again in the morning - Back to the 50's - a huge car show in Minneapolis. We're taking that Studebaker up I-94 tomorrow!

Ozziewags- We should have stayed at the Sheraton. Had no power for 9 1/2 hours on ?tues? or wed night last week from that storm. The Sheraton must be running off a different subdivision as it was lit up brightly - everything else in Fairview Hts & OFallon was DARK. We drove up to Walgreens in Collinsville & bought a small camping lantern for light in the room. We moved to St Charles Fairfield Inn on Thur nite for a couple of nights. Never made it to the Zoo because the weather was icky the whole week but went to Alton, Arch, Laclededs, Grants Farm, Ted drewes, St Charles, etc. Same stuff we do every time! Stayed in Iowa on the way home -went up the river road.

As to the library employee- it depends on who is your employer. Our librarians are actually employed by the city here, so you may just have to go by what your pay stub says.

 

[dreamflight99]

Enjoy the ride up I-94 in the STUDE!

Which one of these babies are you driving?!

*1902 Electric Victoria-Phaeton

*1919 Big Six

*1931 President Coupe

*1957 Golden Hawk

*1950 Champion Convertible

*1966 Cruiser
"The Last Studebaker"

*1963 Lark Daytona Convertible

*1963 Avanti

Those convertibles are ADORABLE!

*Sorry about your stay (how sad to look over at the Sheraton, and see it all aglow!). Well...at least you bought a little lantern for the room (I bought a couple to store in my home in case of "ROLLING BLACKOUTS" (notorious here in the land of LaLa). Did you still have to pay the FULL RATE for the room? I've often wondered this about a resort and a blackout. Especially for THAT long. The resort should have a separate generator (as the Swan/Dolphin do). Sounds as if you had an enjoyable ride home (up the river road).

The library discount (as Gov't rate) is tricky, I'll agree with J. You should check with your employer, and be sure to bring a paystub as proof.

 

[madge]

madge...I refuse to "change" any of our plans at this point. NO WAY! I could probably save $$ on the airline, rooms, etc.--but the hassle and stress would not be worth the time and effort. You are all set. Sometimes, having everything completed and prepared is...PRICELESS! Relax, and enjoy the countdown.

LOL, I am too obsessive with my airfare to leave well enough alone I booked our tickets on Southwest specifically because I have a choice of 3 airports within a 3 hour drive (I have 5 major airports within 3 hours of here ) I originally booked Indianapolis because the price and time was right....then, along comes this postcard....then this morning, fares out of Nashville came down just enough to make it worth my while to switch. Shorter drive to the airport, better flight times....our return on Monday 10/6 is at 2:05pm, which is plenty of time to sleep in from the MNSSHP the night before....YAY!!!

I also have a small credit towards future travel on SWA as well

in a few hours I will be down to double digits....woo hoo!

last, but certainly not least, the SUN is out today!!!!!

 

[ozziewags]

DF......love your pics....you are too funny.

jgates.......I thought about you that week. Not as bad as Boston, but we have had alot of rain here this May and June. We had power, but I am so sorry about your stay on the IL side. I am curious too if you were charged the full amount? At least you got to do some fun stuff in St. L. Next time, you really must get to The Hill for some famous Italian food! Have fun on your trip to Minneapolis.

Madge....you too, are so funny! I stew about things and can never leave well enough alone! You are lucky to have such a choice of airports. Right now I am setting up a trip for my ds and 5 of his buddies to go to Las Vegas later this summer! They all turned 21 in the last 6 months. This could be very interesting....I like to plan, but don't know if I can please 6 young, energetic males! Did you get that post card in the mail or email? I am Rapid Rewards and didn't get it....oh no, not just like Disney, picking people at random to send cards to? I never get those either.

Rambling will stop!..........