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

[ozziewags]

Here is your answer, as posted by Webmaster Alex yesterday:



Important Breaking News

All rooms at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel are now completely renovated and have the Queen size "Heavenly Bed" as an added feature.
The "Heavenly Bed" consists of:

A custom-designed pillow top mattress set by Simmons with 900 individual coils
Three sheets - ranging in thread count from 180 to 250
A cozy down blanket
A comforter and a crisp white duvet
Five of the best goose down/goose feather pillows in the business
Since the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel does not have the "Heavenly Bed" as of yet, the pricing will be less.


Incredible rates at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels offered exclusively through DreamsRes on the DIS and Dreams Unlimited Travel.

" (DIS) Early Summer Sale"
Starting as low as $139/night plus tax

Valid for stays June 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003, this unbelievable pricing is the best you'll see anywhere!! Open to everyone, no special proof of eligibility is required. Please note that this promotion has no set cut off time period, and the hotel reserves the right to stop the promotion at anytime.

Room Type

Club Level
Resort View w/Balcony
Resort View
Lake View
Standard View
Walt Disney World Dolphin
$179.00
$169.00
$159.00
$149.00
$139.00 Walt Disney World Swan
$194.00
$184.00
$174.00
$164.00
$154.00
* All rates listed DO NOT include taxes. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts charge a $10/day resort fee/service charge which now includes high-speed internet access in all guest rooms. A deposit of one night room rate plus applicable tax is due for deposit and will be charged by the hotel to your credit card at the time of booking to secure the reservation. Cancellations must be done 7 days prior to arrival for complete return of deposit.

[BOOK SWAN] [BOOK DOLPHIN]

New discount rates: Government/Teachers/Nurses:
Room Type

Club Level
Resort View w/ Balcony
Resort View
Lake View
Standard View
Walt Disney World Dolphin
$199.00
$174.00
$164.00
$154.00
$129.00 Walt Disney World Dolphin
$214.00
$189.00
$179.00
$169.00
$144.00

 

[ozziewags]

Oops, prices should be in two columns.....and the second column in the gov rates should read Swan(I copied and pasted w/o editing, sorry)!

 

[happytrails2u]

I'll take one of each!
YAH MON, LOL After all of those drinks, Dreamflight, I may need a vacation before we even GO on vacation - LOL.

Well those pics of Portofino Bay have convinced me to add a few nights there this year - such a grand resort. I also just remembered we have a free, suite upgrade postcard that we received after last year's stay!!! Now, (AHEM) if somebody could pm me with a specific suite room number...

...beautiful day at Portofino Bay!

This was taken during our stay last year. You can see the boat dock straight ahead. The boats are similar to the friendship boats at WDW and shuttle you to US/IOA, with a stop at the Hardrock Hotel. Not sure if the Royal Pacific is on the route or not, as it had not yet opened at the time of our visit.

Also found some info on E-Nights on Deb's site, although the schedule only included May and had not been updated yet for the summer. Here's the link: E-Ride Schedule for May

Dreamflight, I have to agree about having a balcony while cruising. Not only does it enlarge the cabin/suite, but it's your private key to the fresh, sea air, the moon and the stars. One caveat to those planning a Disney (or otherwise) cruise: The balconies WILL spoil you!!!

and you'll never want to go back to an inside cabin...

FYI: On the topic of Jags, (very nice photos by the way), Hertz now rents these preferred vehicles, Jaguar X, S & XJ8, Land Rover Discovery, Linclon Navigator, Volvo S-80 and the like. If you're an Amex Platinum Card member, (not SPG Plat) you can obtain a free membership in the Hertz # One Club ($50.00 value) and receive an additional discount. We tried one of these vehicles in Las Vegas recently and chose the Jaguar S-Type. Vrrrrrrooooommmmm! Oh what fun.

Enjoy the weekend everbody.

 

[dreamflight99]

HAPPYTRAILS....Ya mon! Ari~Ari...Jamaica mon...LOL. (Thoughts of John Candy in the hotel w/Steve Martin in "Planes, Trains and Automobiles"!).

So glad you are adding the PBH, again. I too, received the FREE UPGRADE to the Suite POST CARD as a "Plat. Loews" member. Somebody (AHEM) will be PM-ing you soon with SPECIFIC Villa Suite #'s!
That's a great snap of the Portofino, from the walkway to the park. Love the Flower in the foreground (Photog 101~ ).

Thanks for the link to the E-Ride schedule. E-ride night is one of our absolute favorite things to do at WDW. The best hint to offer about this feature, is to try to visit on a TUESDAY eve, as opposed to a FRIDAY eve. They sometimes exceed the limits on Fridays, and it's crowded. This has NEVER occurred on a Tuesday, and we ride all the best attractions without any wait.

Is that your BALCONY on the Holland America Zuiderdam? The S cat. suite (aft) with large wrap-around balcony - - on an upper deck of the sparkling NEW ship? Where you visited Half Moon Cay, Nassau (Atlantis of course), St. Thomas/St.John (Trunk Bay!), St Kitts/Nevis and a few sea days thrown in for good measure last Christmas Holiday? Those SEA DAYS must have been incredible on that Balcony. I'm next in line for this cruise!

I too, have the membership in the Hertz co. (not to mention every other car rental co...LOL), and rented a JAG from Budget recently in L.A. (Vrrroooom...is RIGHT!). We have a Navigator lined up for the first two+ weeks of our Orlando trip this summer. Then, we have some other "fun" vehicles reserved (including an H2). In all, we have 8 separate rental ressies (not counting the spontaneous...impromptu escapes...@ the Dolphin National counter!)

TTFN...enjoy the weekend.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Glad to see you back, disnurse.

All the pictures, discussions of S/D have me really looking at a July trip using cash and points. I spent most of yesterday trying to find flights. I prefer nonstop, 7:00 am ish out of Boston which in the past was Delta Express. I couldn't find any nonstop early morning flight on websites. I called Delta and they're telling me that b/c they are introducing their new song flights, their scheduling has changed and the only early flights have a stopover with a change of planes. American was showing the same type of scheduling.

We are planning a 4 day 3 night trip so a flight that arrives any later than 10:30 is not worth it. The former Delta Express left Boston at 7:20 and arrived at MCO at 10:20 --- perfect timing.

 

[Muffy]

Speaking of E nights, DS is getting an E night during his short visit to WDW on 5/10! He will be at the Dolphin 5/9-5/11 and then goes on to Universal and PBH, then on to Miami Beach. Since he will only be spending 3 days in the parks this E night is a stroke of luck! His GF has only been to WDW once for a brief visit with her school band many years ago. I know she will love the corner king room with double balconies at the Dolphin. These two work hard and deserve a vacation! It's hard work being an associate scientist! DF, I did make the reservation in DH's name for the all important Plat. SPG benifit! I could not be more excited if I were going myself!

Love all the pictures and info on the S/D. I agree that the Heavenly beds are worth the price increase and the Dolphin does need new beds, PDQ. Hopefully the new beds will be in place when we visit in Dec! Happy planning to all folks going to WDW and the S/D!

Muffy

 

[happytrails2u]

LOL, Del Griffith, American Icon! Loved that one.

Thanks DF, PM manned and ready! Let me know how you like the Navigator - - we'd like to try this one out too. Certainly a great way to scope-out and take an "extended" test drive in these vehicles.

Yes, that was the Zuiderdam, and you have the itinerary down pat! These suites are complete with their own CL lounge (deck seven/amidship), including delicious offerings all day, soft drinks, juices, teas, coffees, espresso, cappucino, etc, a DVD and CD library.

The CL staff assists with everything from shore excursions to dinner reservations in the alternative dining room. Other perks included were "complimentary" laundry, dry cleaning and pressing (DW loved this), feather pillows, brunch with the Captain, complimentary high tea and pre-dinner hot, hors d'oeuvres served in the suite, full breakfast, lunch and dinner served in the suite (if desired), whirlpool bath and separate shower, double sinks, terrycloth robes, corsage and boutonniere for first formal night, bottle of champagne for sail-away, an umbrella and binoculars to use during the cruise and prioty tender passes when the ship is at anchor. (This feature was GREAT) - first one's on and off the ship and priority embarkation/disembarkation. You won't be dissapointed and I'll be happy to provide more details if you decide to book this ship and also provide a few tips/hints for finding the lowest rates when booking any cruise.

Here's a photo (photo 101 - LOL) of Half Moon Cay (HAL's private island on Little San Salvadore (Bahamas).

Leaving Nassau/Paradise Island & Atlantis (posted previously, I think).

Tendering into St. Thomas

Trunk Bay, St. John U.S.V.I

St. Thomas (notice the Disney ship far right?)

Twenty days and counting to the Dolphin - Woohooo!

 

[dreamflight99]

HappyTrails...absolutely MAGNIFICENT scenes captured through your lens. WOW...I'm in AWE! Yes, that's the Disney Wonder seemingly resting at St. Thomas. You'll have to give me the "skinny" on these ports. This summer, we'll be at Naussau, St. Thomas, Freeport and Castaway Cay (You & "M" would TREASURE the ADULT BEACH there... ) for the four-day hop on the Wonder. Next Summer, we may take the Seaborne :

On one of their 22-28+ day GRAND VOYAGES! The itinerary is extensive, the service five star. Sounds very much like your trip on the "Z". I, like your DW, would be enthralled with the comp. Laundry services (Dry cleaning and Pressing!). You also mentioned the magic word, "Espresso", my poison. (LOL). I may just take you up on the offer for the tips/hints, plus booking discounts for this line. It's so very tempting.

Yes, we are driving in "style" while on our sojourn. I'll make sure to let you know about the "wheels" we experience. I could save a veritable "fortune", if we rented a Ford Escape (LOL), etc. But, hey...vacations are for "splurging"...and pushing the envelope. Last summer, we rented an escalade. We reserved a 4X4 EB Expedition...but none were available. So...we ended up with the Caddie. It was fun, and extremely comfy to travel in & about Orlando/Vero/Cape Canaveral, etc.


"Those aren't PILLOWS!"

Neal Page & Del Griffith:

A CLASSIC...nearly a cult film. One of the funniest films I own on DVD. Truly love the "OWEN" scene, and the "CAR RENTAL" counter, plus the rage~release oratory delivered by Neal. Two incredible talents. John Candy's (God, rest his soul) early passing is a terrible loss to the world of comedy. Yet, the gifts he gave (of himself) are immortal treasures.

Muffy...FABULOUS! How Great DS & his GF are going to experience the BEST of the DOlphin thanks to you & DH! Very Wise. Please, let me know how he enjoys his time there.

Mouseteacher...I'm with you 100%. I prefer the non-stops, and am scheduled for these this summer. They recently rescheduled the flight out of LAX, leaving at 10am (instead of 8). This brings us into Orlando at about 6 pm (due to the time zone diff) instead of 4pm. It's the earliest flight out of LAX, and the fastest with the non-stop flight.

On the return, we do not leave until about 7:45 pm(another change from 4:45 pm), and get into LAX about 9:30! (Again, we go "BACK IN TIME" due to the zone diff). LOL. I do not care, as long as they are non-stop. What a funny phrase..."NON-STOP", as if the flights never stop...he he. Keep trying....you'll find the flight somewhere. Where there's a WILL, there's always a WAY!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Love the movie! One of our all time favorites!

The cruise pictures are utterly breathless! We took a short cruise during Thanksgiving break on Monarch of the Seas to Cozumel and Key West. We kept on comparing it to Sandals resorts as far as food and service, so we were slightly disappointed, but didn't say a word as the trip was an earned "freebie" through Ford. We did, however, enjoy much of the trip and had people commenting on how relaxed we both looked, and we don't relax easily! We had an outside stateroom, but with a porthole. I'd of given anything to unscrew that thing and hear the waves! I have looked into cruising as I think it would be a good way to show our children the Carribean, since we've been so many times w/o them. The only thing on my list is the room must have a balcony! Give me fresh ocean air and I am a happy camper!

Seven weeks of school left!
Debbie

P.S. If this post must contain something about the Swan and Dolphin, lets just say... I CAN'T WAIT!

 

[jgates]

Disnurse - yup - Low Carb thru Curves. It was a fantastic drop off at first but now it has slowed down. May have to cycle thru this diet again in a month or two. Course I still weight 58 pounds more than the day I got married so may be 10 or 12 more cycles.................

Yup - I think those TF's went on a LONG vacation!

 

[RobMax]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
"Those aren't PILLOWS!"

LOL - that's not right!!!!

 

[pbhunt]

We were gone for 2 weeks, and I see that y'all moved. Sorry we were on a cruise from New Orleans and then on the ship with Southerners all week. Sorry to read about the disappointing Easter stays at the S & D at the end of the old thread. We are looking forward to hearing about happier ones in the newly renovated rooms in the future

 

[RobMax]

Originally posted by pbhunt
... on the ship with Southerners all week.

You were evidentally blessed.

 

[dreamflight99]

#1hockeymom...Certainly can not beat a FREEBIE (Ford). Yet, I would vote for the Disney Cruise to show the kids the Carribean. There is SO much for children on these ships...more than other lines. At every port we docked last summer, folks would literally "crowd" around the ship and "gawk". They would also, (and this happened more than once at each port), ask us what it's "like" to be on the Disney ship? These were folks on other ships which were on the same route as the Magic (Carnival, etc.). They would "lament", and say they wish they could afford it, or they wish they would have traveled on Disney. Believe me, it's worth the extra $$$. If you do not have enough $ for the Disney Cruise, then save until you do! (LOL). Check-out the Cruise board for more info. DD enjoys just about anything, but absolutely LOVED the Disney Cruise.

jgates...GREAT JOB! Curves has worked for many of my friends. For me...it's a routine of Pilates, and good old "calories-in/calories-out"! (LOL). I also walk 2-4 miles six+ times per week, and bike, swim, etc. DH runs five miles per day, plays BB, VB, FB, lifts and also walks w/me!
Easier for me in Cali, as the weather is optimal nearly year-round. Both my folks live in NY, and they walk every day too. During the winter (snow)...they become "MALL~WALKERS"! Keep up the GREAT progress!

RobMax...(LOL). "You're Messin' with the wrong guy!" Kevin Bacon's cameo is hilarious (racing Neal for the Cab), and the Blues Brothers Reference "Chicago 106 miles" is part of the wonder and magic of this Hughs Master piece.

pbhunt... Hope you enjoyed the cruise.

 

[happytrails2u]

Thanks for the nice comments on the photos DF and Hockeymom.

I've heard that the Seaborn Line is among the BEST and in the same company as Silversea, Radisson Seven Seas and Crystal. We've tried Holland America, Princess, Carnival & Norwegian and hope to give Celebrity and Royal Caribbean a try as well. I wasn't sure if that was the Magic or Wonder in St. Thomas, DF, but knew you or one of our resident experts would know for sure.

Although the time in these ports is limited, we like to maximize as much as possible within the time alloted. While in St. Thomas in January, we took an early tender (aka life boats) to do some obligatory (LOL) shopping for an hour or two, came back to the ship for an early lunch and then took a shore excursion to neighboring St. John and Trunk Bay (about 40 minutes by ferry).

Our excursion included a two-hour stop at Trunk Bay (one of my favorite beaches in the world and rated among the top ten - along with Magen's Bay in St. Thomas). We loved St. John so much that we went back after our first cruise (four years ago) and stayed on the Island for a week, swimming and snorkeling in those pristine and torqouise waters (without a hotel or restaurant in sight). St. John is one of the most unspoiled "gems" in the Caribbean thanks to Laurence S. Rockefeller and family who initially purchased large tracks of land, then donated them to the Department of Interior - for what is now the Virgin Islands National Park (U.S. Park Service).

The stipulation was to spare the island from over-development. Today, that land encompases some 10,000 acres with another 5,000 acres of underwater marine gardens!

One afternoon, we rented a Jeep Wrangler (only way to go to navigate the hills here) and explored the National Park. We stopped at the top of a hill a took this photo. The Island in the foreground is St. Thomas.

The jagged edges and stamp marking was something I did with "Picture It," but wish I hadn't now, as I can't undo it - LOL.

PB Hunt, hope you enjoyed your cruise - we'd love to hear some more details.

**********************
"Those aren't Pillows." LOL

 

[AllieBrooke]

... that I don't think was answered earlier in the post by Webmaster Alex. Okay, so all Queen beds at the Swan are now heavenly -- but what about King size beds? Have they been converted to?

 

[Muffy]

I would venture a guess that YES, the king beds are now Heavenly beds too at the Swan. To be on the safe side, call Starwood and ask, 1 888 625 4988. Sorry, I don't have the number to the Swan but they can forward your call. Hope this helps!

 

[simonmunro]

I posted this last night on the resorts board thinking I just didn't know where to look for pictures but maybe there are none... I had 40 some looks and no replys. I thought today I should have asked here. I'm so anxious to see what the parlor sections look like!

We're hoping to afford a Swan Executive or Jr. Suite. I've seen many lovely pictures of the new rooms but NONE of the parlor or living room areas. So curious about what the new furniture looks like. I've even seen on their website the governor, presidential, etc. suites but am supposing the Executive suites don't have that furniture... If anyone knows of a link or has a picture I'd love to look at it.

 

[ozziewags]

Me too!

 

[dreamflight99]

Standard Swan Accomodations with new Heavenly Bed renovations!

Studio KING (BED) at the Swan:

This is all very much different from the old decor (which I enjoyed too):

I'm presuming the Exec./Jr. Suites will be decorated with similar furnishings. It looks good enough to SLEEP upon...right now!

HappyTrails...Thanks for your take on the Seabourn. Truly, we'd love to take the 28-43 day trip through Monte Carlo...etc., Or the pyramids...as the itinerary is amazing for some of the sailings.

DH is in LOVE w/Trunk Bay. Your photo takes us away! The islands are pure paradise, and we could move to Grand Cayman, St. John, Bora Bora, Figi, etc. We even fantasize we are "islanders" while we lounge on the beach and snorkle in the water for hours. I'm one of those water-lovers, and can just spend the day in the shallows snorkeling and relaxing. I'll do it again, very soon.