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

[bigsis1970]

Wishing you a great TRIP - Thanks for all your tips and hints they made my Swan trip very enjoyable.. Michelle

 

[Mouseteacher]

Godspeed, DF,and keep safe during your travels. Hug the mouse for me!

 

[ozziewags]

Arghhh! We had this big storm last night and our cable company was down. I have been without my computer ALL DAY! At least no internet service, or email. Yuck. You guys have been busy.

jgates........I am so proud of you.....I can see your beautiful red car! I am sure the software you got will do just fine. I have a Canon s30 digital camera and love it. I only hope I get better at using it, especially at night. I hear that you almost need a tripod at night to get really good pics(like fireworks, etc)

mompoppins....so glad to hear all is going well. Give Kirk jr a hug for me. Post more pics as he grows. He has this whole other family here!

mouseteacher.......glad you are getting your feet ready for their trek to the world. You won't be sorry. We leave a week from Sun and are staying for 6 nights. Then we are going to decide whether to go to the Keys or not. We will have our cells and laptop to make ressies from. What a techie world we live in....what did we do before? PS....and all your rain....we have had 10.8" this month!

Dreamflight........we will all be going with you in spirit. You also have a birthday coming up....is it today, tomorrow, Sat....I can't remember exactly. Whether it is belated or early or right on time, have a happy one and enjoy......

 

[#1hockeymom]

I hope you have a great birthday, and a great vacation!

We just came back from a fantastic dinner at Palio. The food was fantastic! I honestly haven't had veal prepared that well since we were in Paris! If you love coffee, try their creme brulee, simply wonderful!

We spent today, after sleeping in, at Typhoon Lagoon. The transportation was great! No complaints at all, couldn't have asked for better service. The "men" did all the slides/tubes/"blackout chambers" I did a few waves, the float yourself around the park, and basically sat in a chair watching our stuff and keeping my foot up. I need my feet back! DD pretended she was an orphan and spent the day alone at the grotto pool. I think she needed a break from her brother. (probably us, too LOL).

Hope everyone heading off in the next few days has a wonderful time. Saving some pixie dust for you here at the Swan!

Debbie

 

[needabreak]

best wishes for your trip df--sounds like my dream vacation! didnt win the lottery last week though so i am happy with my present plans

my family will be off next week for 4 days at the pbh and then to cl at the swan--cancelled ressies at the dolphin-some of the posts were very negative about the construction--it probably does not have much impact on guests but my feelings were why take a chance--

mouseteacher, df and others that helped: i am now starwood preferred gold and loews gold! how about that!dh is stil trying to figure out what i am doing when my darling children log off for the night--wait til he finds out he has a brand spanking new american express platinum card!!!!LOL--

Mouseteacher--called 2 local limo services for a ride to manchester next week--the lowest fare was $380.00 plus tip rt--needless to say we now have reservations for the lot at $8.00 per day--will save the dollars for a nice dinner at wdw!
just kidding abouth the party!--my dd went to a party around here recently and called dh to pick her up (on the next street over)seems things got out of hand and she was very nervous--i was actually very happy to hear that she was bothered by other teens total lack of respect for people's home and property--we take pride in our home and work hard to maintain it-to have kids totally "trash" someone's yard or room made my dd upset and she wanted out!am proud of her-

 

[dreamflight99]

I'm FINISHED PACKING!

That cake looks good enough to eat! Thanks for thinking of me. I'm all set to go. I'll take a cat-nap before heading out for LAX. I should be in Orlando about 5:30-6 pm. I'll try to post when I arrive (if not too sleepy). Thanks again...for all the WONDERFUL WISHES for our trip. You'll all be on my mind as the plane takes off for the MAGIC!

I can hardly believe all those days melted away to a few hours! WOW...Summer is HERE!

Hugs to you all!

 

[Mouseteacher]

hockeymom ~
I am really enjoying your posts from the inside! We toyed around with eating at Palio's but haven't decided if we will. I read your post to my DH to help him to think about it. The brother of one of the parents at my school is the food and beverage manager at the S/D and I've been told that his pet restaurant is Palio's.

I am not a big fan of water parks but I do love the lazy "ride" down the river in a tube. I did that at BB on one of our trips. I, too, like you, spent most of my time doing security - watching DH and DSs stuff while they played! LOL I hope your blisters are getting better. I am covering my bases err... feet... by being preventive - moleskin on trouble spots and buying the socks recommended by ozzie and DF.

Save that PD at the Swan - I will be there in 26 days!!!!

needabreak ~
Wow - $380 for a round trip limo! We're only paying $350 rt for 2 in airfare. Yes, the $8 a day parking is certainly a deal. We are using Tiffany Town Car to pick us up at the airport and return us - $80 total using their $5 off coupon plus tip. We used them on our last trip and found them to be wonderful.

Use that GOLD and it should give you some type of an upgrade! I am hoping for the same. I don't believe it will be CL since I'm sure it is a busy time at the resort but I know DH would like a balcony. I am hoping for a room with a balcony with a view - I hope that not asking too much - we'll see. Whatever we get I will be fine - this was a trip I never expected to happen.

My DSs respect their home, too. It was my husband's childhood home and they know how much he loves it. His father bought it brand new for his mother as a wedding gift (they are now deceased). They moved in upon their return from their honeymoon. He has done so much upgrading to the interior and an addition we did in the late 80s. The boys know that we see the house as their legacy and hope one day one of them will live in it with their family. Funny thing about homes - my childhood family home is now owned by my brother and he lives there with his family. I guess we are sentimentalists at heart - tradition, heritage and strong family values are the core of our families.

 

[ozziewags]

Hey, everyone....just got my Disney visa card pin. I didn't know I was going to get a pin for using my card!

Dreamflight...when you read this you will be there! We will all be thinking of you. DD and I were just now planning our PS's. Nothing like last minute. We have about 10 days. We are going to be very flexible this trip and with the recipe club rate(which was better than the teacher rate) we will be eating at Palio's for sure! We even stayed an extra day to take advantage of the food vouchers, which is $50 for every two days you stay. And with Club level, we will be doing pretty well. We are definitely going to try Jiko this time.....loved Boma. I am rattling again...sorry.

Hockeymom....sounds like your trip is going great. I wish you could get to a drug store and get some moleskin for your blisters. When your feet hurt, everything hurts. Really puts a crimp in your style. I know you are being a trooper though. Hang in there.

needabreak.......sounds like your trip is next.......have a wonderful time. We are not doing Universal this time....only because I didn't get annual passes at Christmas like I did for disney. Universal is a great place to be for the water rides.....you get soaked. And this is the weather for it! Post when you get back. We will be at the Swan July 7-13.

How did this thread get to page 2? Hmmm. This post should pop it back to page 1!

 

[Muffy]

Your plans sound great! Isn't it fun making PS's? I'm definatly going to be tring Palios too! It sounds great with the musicians AND good food! Great combo! That is a great rate you have! Are you staying at the dolphin or swan? We love hearing about your plans so rattle whenever you want! Let us know how Jiko is.

Debbie, hope your blister is better. How long is your stay at WDW? We are enjoying your reports from the Swan!

DF, hope your flight was uneventful and you are settled in. That is some vacation you are taking! Yes, it is summer! Have fun and tell us all about it!

Mouseteacher, only 3 more weeks and you will be there too! Yes, pack the moleskin! I know you will love the Swan!

Muffy

 

[Mouseteacher]

ozzie ~ Let us know what restaurants you make PSs for - I like reading where others are choosing to eat.

I don't know how this got on pg 2 / highly unusual (I saw that earlier) - we must be slipping. Or with our leader - DF - on her way, are we being more quiet without her?!

Muffy ~ Yikes - I never thought of it in weeks which seems much shorter than 26 days! Once we get by the 4th of July, I know the excitement will build. One good thing about a trip to Disney - the packing - it is a no-brainer: T shirts, shorts, bathing suits and sneakers. Pretty basic and simple.

 

[RAV]

I've been away from the boards for several days and just loved reading reports from the Magic. It is so nice to hear so many positive things about the Swan.

To everyone heading to WDW soon, have a wonderful trip!!

 

[ww52]

Parking question:
I just read Deb's info on the Swan; when she mentions what's same/different with the Swan and Disney resorts, she does not mention fre parking at the parks/resorts as being the same.

When I stay at the Swan, will I have to pay to park at AK or TTC if I decide to drive there?

What about if I go to another resort to look around or eat (I know some resorts limit you to three hours - but will I have to pay?

Thanks.

 

[ozziewags]

ww52.....good question. I am sorry I don't know the answer to that one, but if you have an annual pass you have free parking. Don't know if that helps you.

 

[Muffy]

Parking is free while staying at S/D. Just show you room key.

 

[jgates]

DF - Hope you are having a wonderful time! If you see SwanDolphin, tell him I am counting my days until next summer. By the time you come back I will be under a year. Tell MamaT hello from Jenny (the one with the 18 year old and the 10 year old - the banker - I don't know if she will remember but we talked about her working in a bank before). Its hard to remember people a year later! But I will never forget her!

Hockeymom- I feel for you. I blister so fast - the car show the vehicle photos are from a few pages back left me with a blister 1" by 2" and I couldn't put any weight on that foot.

Ozzie- I'm jotting down your camera type. My HP is find with the pictures but it doesn't center 100% correctly - that can be fixed on the PC with cropping. But the lack of rechargeable batteries is a BEAST. I'm thinking maybe even one of the Kodak ones with the charging dock. I wish I could combine and have a camera with 35 mm film and a flash card!

MomPoppins - give baby Kirk a big kiss from me. I love snuggling with babies. One of my co-workers baby granddaughter gave me a big sloppy smooch today on the cheek and my heart just melts.

 

[ozziewags]

Muffy....do you mean parking is free at other resorts while you are staying at the S/D?

jgates.....I love my camera and just got a mini tripod that folds up to take on my trip for night shots of fireworks...hope it helps. Also, charging my battery is soooo easy. The charger is on a plug...you just put the batter on it and stick it in a socket and it takes about an hour. I have a cord that is in my pc and sits next to my keyboard. When I want to upload pics, I just put the other end in the camera. Personally, easier and less room than the dock. I got hints for what I bought from The Dis!

 

[#1hockeymom]

hurts! but boy is it worth it!
I ate lunch with Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and T -I-double g er! First time at the Crystal Palace! Forced the kids to BOTH get up at the same time and poise for pics. DH insisted I go up... Eeyore gave dd and I both kisses, I was in heaven! Food was very good for a buffet. Hot food was hot, cold was cold, the pecan pie was great! They even really brought the "tons of lemon" for my ice tea!

We did a few rides both old favorites and the big ones, then went to Pooh's store so I could go shopping! Pooh in a bee suit, and the cheapo but so cute charm bracelet. DH says I am getting tackier with age, but that is the good thing about being a teacher! The kids appreciate this stuff! Pooh's ride is still closed, I was hoping we could go on it. Mr. Toad's Wild Ride was our DD's favorite as a little girl. We had her convinced for years that she was really driving the car!

Headed back to the Swan, had some pop and snacks up at club level. You really miss Thabo when he has the day off! He is just fantastic. My kids both missed him as they were up there frequently w/o us and he was always very friendly to them. They said they felt at home there, rather than intruders into adult world.

Back to MGM. Had to do Tower again (BEST AT NIGHT!!!!) Had the best "version" of the falls, yet! RNR was next, good thing I didn't have too many snacks! Took the boat to boardwalk, and had dinner at ESPN. Saw the Sox pitcher go down, he is now on the prayer list. That was one nasty hard hit. I do hope he will be ok.

Staggered back into the Swan, talked to the front desk about check out time. I had it extended to 1:00 which will be much more nice than 10. Thanked them profusely...... and here I am! Do I have to leave tomorrow? I love having turn down service every night. I love having my room straightened in the afternoon. I LOVE NOT COOKING! Piglet and Pooh never visit the dinner table at home!

I just looked behind me, everyone is passed out cold in their respective heavenly beds. Just minutes ago everyone was still talking! I LOVE these beds and their "accompaniments"!

Hope everyone is doing great!
Debbie
PS, there is a NH(forgot the name, I am sorry, just very tired here!) who posted on another Swan thread. How do I go about borrowing her logo!? When you see it, you'll see it is truly fitting for my name!

 

[Muffy]

Ozzie, You can park for free at the PARKS while staying at the S/D. Just show your roomkey (card) to the booth attendent as you enter the parking lot.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Debbie ~

Is this your last day? I can't believe how fast time flies when your in the World! I love the Pooh character meals - we have done the Crystal Palace breakfast and last summer the CP was closed so Pooh and friends were at Tony's - off we went for lunch. DS, then 17, was a good sport and took pictures with the characters, too. T-I-doubleG-E-R (LOL) had my son get up and jump with him (I thought he would die of embarassment - son not Tigger). The chef was wonderful - DS has a dairy allergy and had ordered spaghetti w/o cheese. The chef came out to talk to us to reassure us that cheese was not in the sauce but not to eat the meatballs b/c he makes them with cheese. We knew that but how nice of him to come out. He could have just sent the waitress.

If you were asking about the Red Sox pitcher, he is fine. He did go to the hospital but checked out okay.

Have a great day today inside the Magic!

 

[Mouseteacher]

So... to bump us up ----

I went to the Disney store today to get my PH passes!!!



This is really making me EXCITED!!!!!