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

[ozziewags]

YEA!!!!! Ok, am thinking of driving to FLA, stopping at S/D for a while and then to the KEYS. Have always wanted to go there and snorkel. Any suggestions on where to stay in Key West? I am SPG platinum and Hilton diamond, Hyatt gold. Want to be where I can see the sun set over the ocean!

 

[Piper]

I know that it has been posted that there are computers available for use at the Dolphin----just making sure that they have printers available, too. I will need a printer for advance check-in on my e-ticket.

Thanks!

 

[ozziewags]

DF...also saw The Producers when the musical was in St. Louis earlier this year. Loved it so much.

 

[ww52]

We have an "MGM View" on the CL of the Swan. From the maps I've seen I assume this is the side of the building that faces away from the Dolphin; that is, that looks out over the entrance to the Swan (and the parking lots I assume also). Since we're up on either 11 or 12 I assume the view will be pretty good. Can anyone tell me if that's true - and is there any particular part of that floor that's better than another (left side, right side, middle)?

Or does the other side, facing the Dolphin, have better views?

Thanks.

 

[ozziewags]

www52....here ya go.....you decide.......our view was from the 12th floor far west corner(CL is the far east corner), both on MGM side(entrance side):

MGM side (can see parking lot and a few roofs, not in pic)

Boardwalk and some of World Showcase

Just for fun!

 

[happytrails2u]

Thanks, Disnurse...we've enjoyed PBH so much and make it a "must" each time we travel to Orlando. Hope you can arrange at least a few nights here on your next trip!

With regard to the Loew's First membership, yes, join first then follow-up with a call to request your Gold or Platinum level transfer status. It's free to join and you can do this right from their website: Loews Hotels, then click on the "Loews First" link up top.

DF, unfortunately we ran out of time to get a good look at OKW, but we'll BE BACK (ARNOLD S. speak) in October/November to visit my folks in Viera and hope to get a few days at Vero and four or five back at the Dolphin! Oh, the five-day US tix was also an item we laxed on due to the last minute pack/rush to get out of town, but again, thank you for the wonderful tip. We're flying back tomorrow at 3:00 to our rainy hub of the universe(LOL), but have had a fantastic week!

Ozziewags, wonderful shots/views! With regard to your query on Key West, there is a great Hilton @ Mallory Square, along with the Ocean Key House just next door (best sunsets in town are at the dock in Mallory Sq.). Our FAVORITE place to stay in KW is Wyndham's Casa Marina (formerly Marriott). This is a grand dame resort, originally the manse of Henry Flagler (Industrialist fame) and fishing bud of Ernest Hemingway, which has been restored to its pinnacle. It also has its own private beach and is located only a few miles from all the action - Duval Street, etc.

 

[danacath]

Wow, this is quite the thread! Thanks for sharing all of the spectacular photos, everyone. Really enjoyed them! Forgive me if I'm repeating a question that's already been answered...My DH has a teaching certificate, but switched careers 2 years ago. Does anyone know if he would still be able to get a teacher discount from Swan/Dolphin? Also, which of these 2 hotels is closer to the Boardwalk Villas? Thanks a bunch!

 

[Mouseteacher]

disnurse ~ I am really excited. The cash and points and the teacher rate are allowing DH and I a 5day/4night trip for a bargain rate. We booked Southwest out of Manchester NH. The flight is a nonstop that arrives at 12:00 noon. Logan had no nonstops leaving early am. I don't like making a stopover and having it take 5+ hours to get to Orlando. It is just a 45 min ride to NH for us and the parking fee is much more reasonable than Logan.

The planning now begins! DH has been pouring over the menus on Deb Wills site trying to make up his mind for where to make PS.

danacath ~ if your DH has his teaching certificate and it has not expired that should do it. I believe that it must be an active certificate. The CM, upon check-in, took a copy of mine. So, if they wanted to check for an expiration date I suppose they could have.

DF ~ I wish I could sleep in (because of your length of stay I assume it allows you this luxury) for just a bit while in the "World" but my excitement each day as it dawns just won't let me! One would think with so many trips under my belt that visiting the Mouse should be quite routine. Not for me! It is always a thrill. Of course, many people in my circle of friends and family just don't get my addiction.

ozzie ~ a trip to the Keys sounds dreamy. I, too, would like to visit there some day. The farthest in south FLA I have been is Miami Beach. And to add a stop at S/D -- who could ask for anything more!!!

We are finally seeing some sun here in the Boston area. That's the good news. the bad is torrential rains coming in for Sunday.

Have a nice weekend everyone!

 

[w8ting4pooh]

Hi! I posted a sep. thread about a week ago regarding the suite that I booked at the Dolphin. I received my conf. and it says "Club Level King, Suite Club Level." I still have hopes that this is not a Junior suite. Can anyone clarify?

Also, if a bigger suite is available, will they upgrade?

I really want to be able to see the Epcot July 4th fireworks from our room. Can you see them from the club floors?

One more question-how do you get from the Dolphin to the Coronado with luggage!? CRO said that I can't have my luggage transferred upon checkout from the Dolphin (although someone posted that they will). 6 people on a disney bus w/10 pieces of luggage does not equal a happy vacation.

 

[ww52]

Ozziewags -
Thanks for the pictures. Is the second one (showing the BW) from the opposite side of the MGM view, or is it the same side? Looking at some aerial views it looks like you could maybe see both from the entrance side, but I'm not sure.

Thanks again.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by ozziewags
YEA!!!!! Ok, am thinking of driving to FLA, stopping at S/D for a while and then to the KEYS. Have always wanted to go there and snorkel. Any suggestions on where to stay in Key West? I am SPG platinum and Hilton diamond, Hyatt gold. Want to be where I can see the sun set over the ocean!

Me too!
I checked on the SPG site last eve...and found the SHERATON SUITES in Key West. The Gov't rates for the time I looked (July) were $109 per eve!!! My jaw hit the floor! As an SPG PLAT., I'll be upgraded to one of the nicer suites (A sweet SUITE!), with an ocean view. This is nearly too much to pass on....

Sheraton Suites Key West - Key West's only all-suite hotel - is truly an oasis in paradise. Relax in our lagoon-style pool, read a book among tropical foliage in our courtyard swings, or take a stroll along Smather's Beach just across the street. Dine in our Island style restaurant or find that special keepsake in our Tropicalities Gift Shop. Once your batteries are recharged, take our shuttle service to bustling Duval Street and experience all that Key West has to offer. Or allow our concierge service to arrange a day of snorkeling, windsurfing, and kayaking, knowing our oasis awaits your return.

Be sure to check it out on www.spg.com


P.S. GREAT PICS!!

Mouseteacher...so happy to read the sun is shining in Bean town! I think part of the reason we are able to "sleep-in" each day is the LATE East Coast time with which we "hit the haysack" (usually about 3 am...which is only midnight Cali time). So...If we sleep until 11 am, it's really only 8 am Cali time! We pretty much STAY on California time the entire trip. Also...the A/C is cold enough in our suite to "hang-meat", so we stay huddled under the covers in a suspended state of sleep/rest. LOL. We would have it no other way, as we miss the trampling of the numerous "commando-fashion" folks up at 5 am & raring to go! (No offense intended to any commando-fashion participants on this thread!).

So, in essence, it only SEEMS as though we are sleeping-in, when truly its all just "smoke and mirrors".

happytrails...so glad you have enjoyed your stay. It certainly seemed to "FLY" past (is it almost over already?), as the days do when you're having FUN! I am still working out some changes in my itinerary...with success at each turn. It must be the Mickey-Shaped Rose-Colored glasses I wear each day!

luckytso...I make the request "first", then slip the tip into their hand as I say "thank you" and bid adieu. Of course, they'll place it in your room if you request. I prefer to clearly state my intentions or wishes, so there is no confusion. The Concierge are marvelous, and will go to great lengths to accomodate guests. They will do this for the sake of the guest, and not with any munificent or rapatious agenda. I personally enjoy tipping, and expressing my sincere gratitude in this manner.

 

[Disbug]

Hey everyone notice anything New?? I figured out how to post a picture! YAY!

Now if only I could get it sized down a bit... looks a little on the LARGE size.

I'm practicing for upcoming vacation...

disnurse happy trails? Any suggestions?

 

[ozziewags]

disbug...can't see your pic........only a red x.

DF.......thank you......I am checking it out right now...can't wait. Looks great and I am also platinum. What qualifies for govt. ID? Teacher? (I am in public schools!) Happytrails also suggested Casa Marina.....also looks nice, but I have nothing Wyndam, except their first level card.

ww52....those pics were taken from our window, in the west corner of the Swan, MGM side. Looking a bit to the right, almost straight out was MGM. Then there are tons of trees and other buildings far away(like downtown disney, etc) and then looking left we saw Boardwalk and Worldshowcase. Quite a panorama. Someone said they could also see the Epcot ball from there too, but they were probably closer to the east than we were. Any more questions, just ask.

 

[jaw62901]

I found out, that my doctor bills from my recent 10 day illness will not be as bad as I first thought and should only cost me about $300 not the $1000 that I thought it would.

This means, that I will not have to make another reservation and will beable to stay like I wanted to at the Swan Dec 26 to Jan 3 Club level King bed view facing Epcot :.

I called and talked to a reservationist at Swan/Dolphin today just to find out exactly how I got the rate $209.06 w/tax that I did. She told me all that I need to show is my AP and that's it (I guess I am going to have to get one since that is how I got a discount). I plan on going back between May and July and probably again in September of 04, so this will save me money in the future, not having to buy tickets each time.

Anyways, I just wanted to let everyone know who might be thinking about making a reservation for the Swan, to make them as soon as you can. She told me that the Swan rates just went up and that it is a good thing that I made my reservation when I did on 4/22 because the rate for me to get the same room right now would cost me $236.48 a night. This saved me $219.36.
.

So not to scare anyone who has already made a reservation at the Swan before the rate increase, if you already have a reservation that was prior to the rate increase, which must have happened in the last week, your rate will remain the same and will not increase. Only those who people who will be making reservation at the Swan now will be paying the increased rate.

Quick question, what is the best way for me to get an AP. There is a Disney store in the mall right next door to my office and I probably could pick one up there. However does the 365 days start at the day of purchase or day of activation at WDW which would be 12/26/03?

Thanks to everyone who told me to jump on the $209.06 rate when I asked about it two months ago, you guys are great and so helpful.

Also, I am back to my old self and the respitory infection is gone . Thanks to everyone who sent the well wishes during my illness. Lets knock on wood that I won't have to go through that again.

Thanks,

 

[Disbug]

Oh shoot! I guess I'm still at the entry level on the learning curve!
Any suggestions, oh digitally profund people?

 

[Mouseteacher]

Jason ~ Good for you!! And glad to hear you are completely well. I will be at the Swan in late July. I'll give you an update on the heavenly beds.

disbug ~ what part of posting pix are you at - that is causing us to see only the red x and perhaps we can help.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by jaw62901
I found out, that my doctor bills from my recent 10 day illness will not be as bad as I first thought and should only cost me about $300 not the $1000 that I thought it would.

This means, that I will not have to make another reservation and will beable to stay like I wanted to at the Swan Dec 26 to Jan 3 Club level King bed view facing Epcot :.

I am SO HAPPY to read this POST!! Hooray, Jason!! Things are seldom as bad as they seem...and this has certainly been the case here. I'm so relieved you never "jumped the gun" and Cancelled those ressies at the Swan during the uncertainty regarding this trip. Whew! All's well, which ends well.

Thank you, for the tip/info about the recent increase in rates at the Swan (most likely due to the renovations). As for the AP, you should purchase this upon your arrival at the Swan (At the Disney Desk). Or, you may purchase these at any guest services/customer service location in any of the parks. HAPPY DAYS are here again....!

ozzie...You can "try" the teacher thingie...just book Gov't rate, and if they ask...show your I.D. (LOL). The reg. rate is only $40 more...so it's not too bad if they say "no", and charge the rack rate. It sure looks nice!

Disbug....Have you figured out the prob. yet? I'm not the expert in this field, that title goes to Jgates! But....there are a LOT of folks on here adept at posting, whom may offer you great advice. ME? I post them on a hit/miss basis...a wing & a prayer. (LOL).

Enjoy the weekend. It's a beautiful day here...full sunshine, warm rays...relaxing in the pool. Ahhh..... IT's beginning to feel a lot like SUMMER.

 

[ozziewags]

DF......Sheraton looks very nice....did you know it was on the Atlantic side? So you will get sunrises, not sunsets! Maybe the reason for the reasonable rates?

disbug.....I will try to help you....I created monsters of a couple disers here! Now if this helps you, let me know and I will add you to my list of picture-monsters!
If these pics are your own, you will need to upload them to a place like www.imagestation.com Then go to the pic you want to post here and highlight it by dragging your mouse over it. Then right click on it. Scroll down to the bottom and click on 'properties' ; when you see the next box, there will be a url address starting with http; highlight the whole address and then right click again and click on 'copy'. Then come to the dis and go to your post. Click on IMG and you will get a small box that says http. Right click again and then click on 'paste'. That url address will show up in the box. Be sure there is only one http and that the address is exact. Click ok and it will show up in your post as an address. Try the preview button and see if it comes up.
Let me know how you do and if I can help anymore. If it doesn't work, I need to know exactly what you did. Good luck....I need more monsters!

 

[zurgswife]

Luckysto....We will be at BWV 12/21 until 12/26
Dolphin Exec suite 12/26 to 12/29, then back to the BWV 12/29 to 1/3

We picked the Dolphin because DH and I have stayed at the Swan during DisCon and this time we wanted a view of Epcot...So hopefully we will get a chance during this trip...

 

[luckytso]

Lisa, thanks for the info. You are such a pro. I am still awkard in slipping people tips like that. I now know what to do next time. Thanks

Zurgswife - when we checked into Swan 2 weeks ago, I was offered to pay $50 additional to get a suite. We did not go for it. I wonder if you want to bet on your luck to get such a deal upon check-in.