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

[Mouseteacher]

Welcome, Tinkbell. The teacher rate is available all year long - only a certain # of rooms are allotted so I suppose booking early is the key. We are going to the Swan at the end of July using the teacher rate for a portion of our stay (the other portion we are using spg cash and points promotion).

I have not had a problem securing a room last summer at the Dolphin (and I booked 2 rooms for that trip) amd again this summer.

RAV ~ Will you be posting from inside the World or posting once you are home?

 

[needabreak]

RAV: we we walking through Epcot on our first day and had just come off Test Track--the line there was very long and we debated whether to wait or not-we ended up going into the single rider line (5 of us) and we all went right on and two of us ended up in the same car, 3 in another so it worked out very well-when we got off the ride, the kids loooked over and asked what that ride was---then i remembered what i had read here about "MS"--"If the planet is spinning, the ride is open-we walked over and ended up walking right on--BEWARE--the ride is very intense! There were 3 people coming off the same time we were and they had been VERY ILL! CM'S came out immediately after them and gave them new Disney shirts to wear! They keep a supply on hand for this ride! We loved this ride,DH and DS rode it twice but it is not for small ones or weak stomachs! HAVE A GREAT TRIP!!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

needabreak~ Well... I would probably be like that couple you saw getting off MS - plus I am major claustrophobic which I understand is another side effect of the attraction. I figure as much as I would like to try MS, why upset a wonderful vacation by feeling or even getting sick.

I'm glad you all were lucky enough to get on and had fun. How were the crowds while you there? (I don't remeber if you posted on that subject)

 

[Muffy]

Mouseteacher and Rav, there is a post on Theme Park Planning saying that crowds are down at the parks. I wanted to pass this on to both of you as I know you are leaving soon. Hopefully the crowds wil stay light your stays! Happy planning!

Muffy

 

[Mouseteacher]

Thanks, Muffy.

I, too, read those posts. I do expect "crowds" in the summer (we've been numerous time during August - usually early or late August). I was just wondering if indeed the FTP has had an influence on attendance at the resorts and the parks. Fortunately, DH and I are really going to do this short trip very leisurely. If we see a line that is reasonable, we'll get in it / if not, we won't. We are making no specific plans except for PSs. This trip (sans kids) will be spontaneous. The only schedule we will keep is our PSs and out early in the am due to the heat.

 

[dreamflight99]

...A few days away, and I'm PAGES behind!

Just checking-in quickly, while on our way to the AK. We've been on the GO every day since checking into the CR. My MIL is here with us...and DD is having SO much fun showing her "the ropes" (she's a first-timer).

I'll fill you ALL in on the fabulous details of our comings & goings when I return.

Miss you all....wish you were HERE! (Some of you soon will be!!)

{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}} DF99

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by MOM POPPINS
Where are you Dreamflight??? I know she is out there somewhere. I received a card from her today for Baby Kirk Jr. and the return address was listed as "Somewhere in Orlando" LoL! Thanks Lisa

I love reading the post from inside WDW, I wished my turn was coming sooner. By the way our trip is leaving Feb. 27th. and returning on March 14th. Some of that time will be driving, DD with the progressive hearing loss is no longer allowed to fly .... So 9 of those nights will be at the Dolphin on CL in a Junior Suite

Calling Ozzie and Dreamflight...............

HELLO!!

I just read your post...before logging off! I'm so glad you received the card (& hopefully the little "something" was still inside). Hope you enjoy! My love to baby Kirk....I'll PM you as soon as I have some more "moments". I rode SPACESHIP EARTH...and sent you some HAPPY THOUGHTS from there!

TTFN.... DF99

 

[Mouseteacher]

Ahhhh, DF, the CR!!! ... my all-time fav resort! I can hear the monorail whooshing through as I write. The sounds of the CR are so unique - do you know what I mean?- as you walk about the 4th floor Concourse or even on the 1st floor while you check-in. I don't think any other resort has the same sounds. I get such a nostalgic feeling every time I enter this resort - it brings back memories of wonderful stays (this where I stayed on my first on-site resort trip in the late 1970's).

BTW, how nice for your MIL (I believe if I remember correctly about your FIL passing away?) - what a wonderful opportunity for her to spend time with all of you in such a magical place.

 

[madge]

eeek! does anyone know what's going on at the Dolphin late Sept/early Oct ???? I'm sure it's a convention of sorts, happens every time we are there. Not a big deal, really.....except that I am melting my AmEx to get enough points for a CL upgrade/add-on (if the Gold status fails me, LOL ) full resort diminishes those chances quite a bit, I suppose....also messes with the Grotto Pool. Oh well, if memory serves, it's usually only bad Mon-Thur and our stay is a little longer than that....

DF, have fun at the Contemporary We'll be there in 11 short weeks as well!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Glad to hear you're safe and still having fun! If you see Ozzie, drag her online so we know she's safe!

To everyone going soon... BRING YOUR LAPTOP! I love to hear about everyone's trials and tribulations! I am betting the trials will be mimimal or nil. I know mouseteacher's laptop will be staying home with her DS. I hope some others will be bringing theirs. Signing on was very easy!

Anyone have a guess on how long the Dolphin rate will stay at the 129 level? I keep debating grabbing our Easter vacation or first week from school vacation at the lower rate. Then again, I dont know for sure if I'll have a "vacation" to work around, or which school system it could be. I do know if we decide to do club level again, I'd go with the Swan despite the price difference. Thabo more than makes up for the price difference! (Or should we just do the US/IOA Portofino or Royal Pacific..... or we could... .or we could......Its so much fun to plan but what is it I am actually planning for?) LOL

Here is a question that should be put on another thread, but I prefer hearing the opinions of the people who post here (and the lurkers).
If you were to go with a deluxe DISNEY resort, which would you go with and why? (non concierge) Same question again, but with the concierge thrown in.

The answers will give me something to keep in mind as I watch the codes come out for various places.

DS was home from hockey camp for three hours before he was wisked off with DH to the cabin. I am sure Mackinac fudge will be returning with them as long as they remember to buy extra for the ride home.

Have a wonderful week!

Debbie

 

[#1hockeymom]

Where are the "fittings" for the Swan/Dolphin cheerleading uniforms? If these are virtual, may I please be a much smaller size? I did make the team, didn't I? If I didn't, let me know when the next tryouts are! LOL

Debbie

 

[judirain]

Hi everyone.... .... Speaking of laptops I want to make sure I understand how it is handled at the Dolphin. Do they have the ethernet cord or do I have to bring one? I currently use DSL so will I need different software in my cpu? This is all so confusing to me.

 

[#1hockeymom]

Just bring your laptop, the cable is right on the desk and runs through a "weight" which you can move around. The electrical connections are on the lamp, also on the desk. Plug in your computer and plug in the ethernet cord, turn your computer on and open a browser once the computer boots up. You will open to the Swan/Dolphin page automatically. Remember to post to us from the world so we can all live vicariously through others!

Debbie

 

[judirain]

Thank you Debbie........So I just plug everything in, turn on my computer and open internet explorer? This sounds waaaayy to easy I know I am going to mess it up

but I can't wait to try

 

[Mouseteacher]

Debbie ~ What deluxe would I choose? Hmmmm... I guess I would go with my sentimental favorite - Contemporary Resort- Tower Room. I love being on the monorail, ability to walk to the MK, MK/fireworks view from room, it was a Walt original, great restaurants, spacious rooms and it was my first on-site resort stay! I have stayed at this resort the most. I can't answer re:concierge since I have never stayed concierge except for our Dolphin stay last summer. I know DF is staying concierge at the CR and has so before. We need to get her opinion on concierge resorts.

 

[RAV]

Mouseteacher- for selfish reasons, we won't be posting from WDW. It makes it just too tempting for my DH to check on things at the office.

Muffy- thanks for the info. regarding the crowds. We will try and get out early each day and if the crowds are heavy, we will spend more time at the Grotto. My DS is 14 and enjoys golf and renting boats so I am hoping it will work out well.

Needabreak- Thanks for the info. regarding Mission Space. I may let my husband and son try this one first! Keeping extra shirts at the ride is a little scary. I had no idea that it was that bad!

#1 hockeymom- My favorite Disney Deluxe was always the Yacht Club. We stayed there 8 times both concierge and just waterview. SAB is in my opinion, the best pool in Disney. The addition of the Villas made us check out the Swan. The pool was crowded before the addition and we were amazed at how many locals got one room and brought a dozen or so of their friends with them. The first couple of times that we stayed at the YC, the boardwalk wasn't even there. It was very quiet but I think the Boardwalk was a great addition to the area. We enjoyed the CR but not as much as the YC.

 

[hookedup]

So we just got a call from Amtrak saying that our train is not going to be running due to a track disruption between New Orleans and FL in the beginning of August. I AM FREAKING OUT! The option they gave dh on the phone was that we could take the train to New Orleans and be bussed to Orlando (NO WAY!).
We have spent a fortune on our park passes. I am so upset right now I could cry.
Also the Dolphin is sold out during the first week of August so if we change our reservations we are in trouble! And our GF portion is paid in full and has a $200 cancellation penalty. What a nightmare!!!

 

[Muffy]

Hookedup, why don't you order airline tickets and fly to Orlando? Maybe it is a blessing in disquise? Just order airline tickets pronto and go have a great time! I'm sure this can be worked out. Good luck and I'm sending pixie dust!

 

[EiLuvCinderella]

Originally posted by Tinkbell
Checking in here for the first time. I'm considering the Swan or Dolphin for next summer's vacation. Does anyone know if the teacher rate has been available for most dates in June/July? (Still trying to figure out dates).

Hi Tink!

I have reservations next July for 9 days @ Dolphin with the teacher rate. I had no trouble securing three rooms @ 129.00
Happy Planning!

 

[Mouseteacher]

I'm doin' the single-digit dance!!!!!