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

[Mouseteacher]

DF ~ Yes, indeed, you do wisk us away with your wonderful posts and sharing your memories (just like Disbug did for us while you were on hiatus). We, too, feel the same way that as much as we grow and change as a family our Disney trips have become the tradition where family memories live and that never changes.

My first few visits to WDW in the 1970s were with my best friends - young adults, were we, having grand, giggly times together. I posted earlier that we were together last Sunday reminiscing about our trips (with big smiles on our faces!) We were laughing about how much we ate b/c we were on the food plan. Back then, the food plan was all 3 meals and no $ limit on what you ordered and you could eat anywhere including V&A which we did on one trip. All you had to pay for was alcoholic beverages. We ate our way through the World! We spoke about planning an anniversary trip for the 4 of us soon.

Speaking of memories, I read on the CB, a new MK fireworks is in the offing for October (I believe) called "Wishes...". It's theme is to celebrate making memories together. It sounds fantastic. I guess it is something similar to DL show.

So, now, I think -- OF COURSE - we need to go back next summer!

DH and I ate at LeCellier for the first time on this trip. I agree, DF, it was "okay". Dh liked his salmon appetizer but his steak was fair (we had eaten at Yachtsman Steakhouse the night before and there is no comparison - YS is far superior). I just plain ordered the wrong thing - I had their pasta dish which was bland. I did this b/c I had steak the night before and planned on trying the steak at the Cali Grille the next night. I'm glad we tried something new but will not return.

Thanks for the description of Celebration. It is always something I would like to see - so hopefully on a future trip. We, too, visited the AKL and I found it quite impressive. But, I'm not sure I would stay there - DH was emphatic about not staying. He is a diehard CR fanatic and wants to stay there again. I guess I am too and would like to do a split stay next time - Swan or Dolphin and CR.

Well, off to school - I am back on my school schedule --- early to bed / early to rise ! But, I am sneaking in Fridays off until school starts .

Disbug ~ Hey, I'm jealous ! You have been tagged 4x!!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Disbug ~ Your PM is full - please do some housework!!

 

[zurgswife]

DF....unfortunately NO... we aren't Plat....so no automatic upgrade here...

Marymrg...I will call and request and find out the cost as soon as I can...

Thanks for the help..

 

[madge]

I got my reply from Melissa at the S/D regarding my requests

Your request has been entered. It is a request and not guaranteed.Have a great day.

exactly what I expected, LOL....although the last time I heard from Melissa, all it said was "Your request has been entered". that's all. nothing about having a great day. maybe it's a sign

I hate being 6 weeks out--all the PS are made, it's too soon to pack....nothing to do but sit and wait.....

 

[Mouseteacher]

madge ~ But the anticipation and DISing before a trip is half the fun!

I received the same e mail from Melissa, too. When we checked in the CM read our original ressie - standard King room - no mention of my request for a comp upgrade. That's when I took a deep breath and asked for what I desired - not eloquently at all but I did it!

 

[joshua4]

How long did it take to get a response from Melissa after you emailed the request? I emailed over 2 weeks ago and have not received even an acknowledgement of my request.

 

[madge]

madge ~ But the anticipation and DISing before a trip is half the fun!

I know, I know....but I like to be doing something to get ready, LOL! I want it to be here, but not just yet--is that crazy?

Joshua4, I sent my requests last week sometime....several days ago.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher

DH and I ate at LeCellier for the first time on this trip. I agree, DF, it was "okay". Dh liked his salmon appetizer but his steak was fair (we had eaten at Yachtsman Steakhouse the night before and there is no comparison - YS is far superior). I just plain ordered the wrong thing - I had their pasta dish which was bland. I did this b/c I had steak the night before and planned on trying the steak at the Cali Grille the next night. I'm glad we tried something new but will not return.

Thanks for the description of Celebration. It is always something I would like to see - so hopefully on a future trip. We, too, visited the AKL and I found it quite impressive. But, I'm not sure I would stay there - DH was emphatic about not staying. He is a diehard CR fanatic and wants to stay there again. I guess I am too and would like to do a split stay next time - Swan or Dolphin and CR.

I just called 66 (service express), as there was a banging sound (pipes) resonating above our bed. Even with the box "fan" (Galaxy brand from Super Walmart: $10) humming away (white noise which positively blocks all low frequency sounds...like HK carts, MB restocks, etc.), I could not obliterate the disruption. I believe they have stopped. They are renovating rooms all around us. This is only the second time it's happened. The first time, prior to the cruise, they were DRILLING. Now...that was jarring! (LOL). Before I resume my "summer napping", I must add to Mouseteacher's post. ^_^

The Yachtsman Steak house is one of the BEST places (next to Shula's) for a premium beef experience. We have always relished the service, perfectly aged angus & ambience. Le Cellier is definitely no comparison. DH ALSO ordered a steak...which was flavorless. I, like you, ordered some penne pasta dish with shrimp and maple bacon. The sauce was "odd", with whole cloves of garlic and an "off" sweet aftertaste. I was NOT pleased with the dish, but picked out the shrimp and left the rest. Even the beef barley was disappointing. It was one "meager" scoop, sloppily ladled into an oversized deep bowl. The base was "watery" and lacked any substance. There was little BEEF present. We too, will skip this restaurant on our next visit.

Now...as for the AKL. Oh, how we have gone "back & forth" on this one. This resort is the only location we have not stayed at while on WDW property. So, to properly fill our resort resume (lol)....we would have to at least do one night. Yet, we all seem to display extreme ambivalence when it comes to reserving a room/suite there. Even AFTER visiting the resort...dining in Boma's...and viewing the animals grazing safari-like under the moon's glow, we all wavered with indecision. It's a bit puzzling, as the grounds are astounding...and the setting & architecture absolutely stunning. Yet...we are just not "sold" on the entire experience.

Our time in the World is PRECIOUS...and we do not wish to waste one single second by staying in a place where our fulfillment may be compromised (by any of the negs, such as: dark colors~smaller rooms~bus-only transport, etc.). So...on that note, I would have to AGREE with you 100+ %. We would ALL prefer/select to stay @ the CR again, as opposed to the AKL. After reading the GF/AKL split stay post...I am even more convinced we will opt to "pass" on AKL (at least in the near future). There are also more mosquitoes there than the CR. You all KNOW how much I "adore" mosquitoes!

Now...back to sleep for the present. TTFN....nitey~nite!

ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

 

[judirain]

Well my time is near, woohoo!! I am just finishing some last minute packing, then I will make an early dinner and drop the kids off at my moms. They are going to stay up late tonight and then sleep over there. My dh and I wil try to go to sleep around 6pm so we will feel refreshed by 1am (yeah right). Then its off to pick up the kids and onto disney!!!! Yippieee.

Thank you everyone for the help/support. I will check in as soon as I arrive at the dolphin with my laptop but first we are spending 6 days at the CBM I just couldn't resist the 20.03 rate.

<waving goodbye to the room>

 

[Mouseteacher]

DF ~ that's the pasta dish I had - I believe it was the only one on the menu. I can't eat an appetizer and a meal so I left Le Cellier feeling a bit hungry (although I always pick at DH appetizer ). I, too, picked out the shrimp and your description of the sauce having an odd flavor was apt.

My steak at Cali Grille (chose to not do the pork again - wanted to be adventerous) was outstanding!!! The cheese potatoes it is served with was superb! I will equal this with YS and Shula's. I prefer CG over Shula's b/c of the view. Our waiter, Gary, was attentive, friendly, knowledgeable and just downright wonderful. He was our best server the entire trip! CG is always a winner with me. I tried DH appetizer of the salmon flatbread and, even though I am not a salmon person, it was very good. Hmmmm... do you think DH likes smoked salmon appetizers?

I did have my pasta at Palio's and it was delicious! What a jewel this restaurant is. I don't read or hear much about it and I think it might be underrated. I would return there without hestitation.

I am with you on the AKL - after leaving and getting DH's absolute no on staying there. I didn't try to persuade a change of mind b/c inside I felt the same way - there was just something that I can't put my finger on. I do love the transportation/walking options that the CR and the S/D offer you.

Sleep tight and get ready for your night's adventure in the World!

judirain ~ Have a great time and I will be here waiting to hear of your adventures in the World and at the S/D.

 

[Disbug]

~Mouseteacher! Didn't know I was getting filled up on PM's. There was no message to indicate the inbox was full! I will be more diligent with my "mousekeeping"!

~judirain! Don't blame you about the $20.03 rate. It's a nice hotel for that and close in, too! (I'll be there end of Sept using that rate... then moving over to Swan or Dolphin for weekend of MNSSHP.) Have FUN!

OOh! I came this close to making PS for Le Celliers during our trip. I'm glad I chose SPOODLES instead. The last time we ate in Canada was just after they had rennovated this restaurant and we had a superb meal there. Sounds like they are in trouble again, doesn't it??

About AKL, I would stay there and this is why.... the only way you can go on the SUNRISE SAFARI followed by the breakfast buffet at Tusker House is if you stay AKL concierge. I think that in itself, is enough for just one visit! I would have to agree that it would probably be a "make or break" visit depending on the adventures we experienced since it is limited to bus transport if you don't drive.... BUT, you know me.... I drive EVERYWHERE! LOL!

Have a circle meeting tonight but will check in before going to bed! Happy evening, one and all!

 

[madge]

Disbug! I think we might be at the S/D at the same time...at least for a night.....when are you switching?

 

[Disbug]

I'm at the Marriott until Friday morning, Oct 3rd... then switching to S/D for Friday night and Sat. night. Leaving Sun, Oct 5th.

 

[madge]

two ships that pass in the World.....


we are at the Dolphin until 10/3, then in all likelihood moving to the CR for 3 nights....that isn't set in stone yet. we might be at the Dolphin until 10/4.....

 

[Disbug]

And be on the lookout for you at the MNSSHP!

 

[madge]

Originally posted by Disbug
And be on the lookout for you at the MNSSHP!

won't see me there on 10/3, we're going 10/5.....maybe I'll see you in the lobby at the Dolphin!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Hey, you guys, you're making me envious with all the posts about S/D stays coming soon and wearing lime green!! I want to go back,too!

I'm up late for me tonight. Just returned from visiting a good friend in the hospital who is recovering from surgery. Driving into Boston is always a challenging experience - especially with the Big Dig - they keep changing the ways to get into the city every minute it seems.

 

[Disbug]

OH, You come, too Mouseteacher! We'll think of a costume!!

PS I cleaned out my Inbox, but I still have no PM's!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Thanks for doing your mousekeeping! I'll PM you again.

 

[Disbug]

I don't suppose we'll hear from you until you get power restored, but just was wondering how it was going for all the poor stranded people in the northeast without power. (I work for the Power Company down here and it's all the "buzz" about what is going on with the northeast power grid...)

Good night all, may it be a sunny day for you tomorrow!