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

[Mouseteacher]

DF ~ a true blue New Englander born in Boston and grew up in South Medford. Moved to a suburb just a few miles north of Medford when I was 23. I have been here ever since. A true blue Bostonian - accent and all. Err... Wait a minute... I don't have an accent!

Ozzie - lovely pictures of a beautiful city. Living here I guess we take all the rich cultural places for granted. Duck tours are great fun - it is a humvee that tours the city then goes into the Chahles Riva... oops Charles River... to contine the tour.

 

[ozziewags]

How could I forget Fenway?

 

[Mouseteacher]

ozzie - DS is watching the Red Sox v. Pittsburg Pirates as I sit here DISing. Unfortunately, they are losing but it is only the third inning. DS is an avid sports fan - loves all our hometown teams!

 

[happytrails2u]

Now ya talk'n Ozzie (HEY, GET YA PEANUTS HEAH!) The old Fenway mantra.

...and after 14 years of living w/ DW (Midwesterner), my accent has gradully diminished (can't say lost - lol). Most people I meet say, "you don't sound like your from Boston." Then I let 'em have it with both barrells (LOL). WHADDYA MEAN???

This is the Boston Harbor Hotel (center of photo w/archway). Those of us that work in the city flock to these docks (in the summa) and take a lunch cruise around the "harbah" or just grab a "spuckie" (LOL) and sit along the pahk benches and harbor walk.

We also love to catch a summer concert at the "hatshell" or Esplanade on the Charles. This is where "Pop Goes the Fourth" is filmed and seen on A&E every July 4th! The 1812 overture, complete with National Guard cannons is always the culmination of this event, only to be outdone by the fireworks extravaganza that follows.

Can't forget about Autumn in N.E.

...or Legal's

...or the Swan boats at Boston Public Garden

Quack, quack... make way for ducklings!

...or this landmark

Old trinity Church - Copley Sq.

A garden flanked doorway on Beacon St.

The Copley Plaza Hotel - Fairmont Hotels (has anybody used their SPG Gold/Platinum cards to join the Fairmont Club? Fairmont owns some of the finest hotels in the world, including the Hamilton and Southampton Princess Hotels in Bermuda. We just did this and received free suite upgrade certificates! And since Bermuda is only a two-hour flight from Boston, well...

Yes, our little town...

...where everybody knows your name.

Cheers!

 

[ozziewags]

Happytrails........wow.......what a great trip you just took us on in Boston!!!! Brings back so many memories! I can't believe Anthony's Pier 4 is still there! We ate there in the 70's, when we went to visit a hometown boy who was playing basketball for BC. The coach got us tickets to see the Celtics one night....boy does this age me! It was Jan. and it snowed, but it was gorgeous...I remember there being snow everywhere, except on the streets. Always wondered how you did that. School is called off here if we get two flakes!
Thanks for the memories.

 

[dreamflight99]

How much I LOVE our little thread?

I find the passages and conversations to be so colorful, and lively...truly entertaining and "endearing".

Muffy...thanks for your thoughts, and understanding. It's very peculiar...this child-rearing experience. When she was younger...I NEVER contemplated her being older/driving/leaving home. Time...is a strange thing indeed. High school is "sprinting" past at break-neck speed. Now I understand, what my parents endured.

disnurse...okay, come clean on the "coffee-milk" stuff! Never heard of it. Can you send some my way?

MouseTeacher...LOL! What ACCENT? From "ova he-ya", I certainly could not tell you had ANY ACCENT! A TRUE-BLUE YANKEE! My FAVORITE PEOPLE!! (I should-a known...we have LOTS in common).

Ozzie...HOW 'BOUT THOSE RED SOX?

happytrails...WOW! The pics BLOW ME AWAY...thanks for the memories. (Spuckie!~LOL). I frequently ORDER from Legal S.F., LIVE LOBSTAS...and not the little "Chickens" we have here (Chicken-Lobster=Bostonian for a one-pounder!). I love the Gardens, (Swan Boats) and the ole' FAO SCHWARZ store. DD adores the bronze ducks/ducklings.

Thanks for the info on the Copley/Fairmont...I had no idea. I'm going to call and join the fairmont club using my Plat. Spg. I want the certificate for Bermuda! It's a bit more than 2 hours from here...but, what the HAY! I'm always game for an adventure ( a bit of a nomadic nature...LOL). Do you fly out of Logan?

 

[#1hockeymom]

Beautiful pictures! Now, am I supposed to just plan disney, or plan a trip to Boston to visit my Aunt? LOL I can relate to the baseball love, albeit a different sport. I am hockey through and through here; couldn't even book the all stars sports because I am anti duck at the moment! Not a good season for our beloved wings. Perhaps next year we can get cup 11?

disfanrn>> Holly here, grew up in the Commerce/West Bloomfield area. We keep on moving as far north as we can while allowing my DH to still be able to make the commute!

The end of the year is here. To prove it my class reminded me yesterday of what beginning of the year behavior looked like. UGH! Two more weeks, and they can be released for their glorious summer! I don't know if I mentioned it, but small town girl (moi) teaches in the inner city of Flint. I sometimes think that they give me more of an education than I give them! I love my kids and believe highly in their future. My standing answer to "why our manners have to be perfect is" "One of you is going to be president one day, we can't have bad manners when you go meet other world leaders!"

I am babbling here, must be time to open those doors! Have a great day everyone, and enjoy your weekend!

Debbie

 

[ww52]

Happytrails - great pictures! Went to Boston for the first time ever last summer. My boys took in a game at Fenway while my wife, daughter, and I explored the wharf area, we did the Freedom Trail, Cheers, ate in the Italian section, Mass at the oldest Catholic Church in Boston; stayed only three days, because then we were off on a cruise to Bermuda. Best family vacation ever - even counting all our Disney trips! We're back at Disney this year (at the Swan, just to keep the post on topic) but will also be back in Boston in September since I have a conference to attend. Normally my wife isn't interested in coming along, but given how much we loved Boston she jumped at the chance. Too bad the Cubs aren't playing the Red Sox this year. If a ticket for the Cubs / Yankees this weekend is going for hundreds of dollars, imagine the price to see the Cubs at Fenway!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Gee, thanks you guys for your flattering remarks about Boston. It is a great place to live and usually the weather cooperates!

My 2 DS had to go to Yankee Stadium to see the Sox play the Yankees last season. This year they are going to Philly to see them play the Phillies. Such diehard fans!

I need to get a timer so I can see my countdown to the Swan! Can't wait... I've e mailed my request. Now I'll wait and see what happens.

I've booked my PS for the 4 nights --- California Grille being one (our FAV) . And I've reserved Tiffany Towncar to whisk us to the Swan!

School is BUSY but I took a quick DIS break. Gotta go....

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher

I've booked my PS for the 4 nights --- California Grille being one (our FAV)

Cali Grill is one of my all-time favorite places to dine. We shall be there early July, when we are staying concierge in the resort. I love the ambience, view and FOOD. We have always enjoyed the sushi, and the med pizzas are also great apps! Delish!

Thoses Tiffany TC's are mighty tempting...please let me know how this transport fares.

DD has been out of school for THREE days already! I guess they are released here a bit early, due to the lack of "snow-days" (LOL). She returns a few days ahead of the Easterner's (August 25). So, it's pretty much the same. She is thoroughly enjoying her break...and SUMMER.

The more I contemplate...the more I'm tempted to take a break from the Dolphin, and drive to KEY WEST for a few eves, then back to the Dolphin. We'll probably do this in August. The drive is SO nice, and the views/scenery is astounding. I'll keep you all posted with updates, etc.

*Belmont tomorrow. Should be a Great one!

* I LOVE Hockey too! Islanders...Bruins...and the Blackhawks. (Not much of a Duck fan either).

 

[Mouseteacher]

DF ~ We used TTC last August (first time) and all went very well. The driver was waiting for us at the bottom of the escalator. Driver was polite, friendly and business attired. The car was immaculate. Our pick up back to the airport was the same - on time to pick us up / same driver. I was very pleased and hope we get the same service this year.

 

[bigsis1970]

I am just wondering if we can use disney dollars here ?
I am assuming not as its not true disney resort .

I am asking because i was thinking it might be better for us to have some Disney Dollars versus CASH..

Thanks Michelle

 

[dreamflight99]

Mouseteacher...This service sounds so tempting. Thank you for the details surrounding your most recent experience. Sometimes, I'm so tired when we arrive at the AP, I would love to fall into the TC and be "whisked away" to our destination. I reserved an Emerald Aisle vehicle at the AP through National. This service has proven to be expedient and trouble-free in the past as well. Dh will attend to the Baggage carousel (sounds like an attraction!..LOL), while DD and I select a vehicle and drive to the p/u area in front of Delta AL. Does the TTC driver retrieve all of your baggage, or is this up to the patron? I presume on your Swan trip (if not too long) you'll have all your needs packed in your carry-on baggage. I always prefer this method on brief stays, but for the 7+ weeks, we need an extra bag each (checked). Thanks again, for all your help. I'm seriously contemplating arranging a P/U at MCO to the Peabody for our first eve. We've used a limo on numerous occasions, as well as "stretched" specialty vehicles (from Hummers to Escalades), and enjoyed them tremendously. Yet, these instances require more driving. Since the Orlando arrival only involves a few miles to the Peabody...we usually p/u our own vehicle. But...I'm always OPEN to change!

bigsis1970...Hi, Michelle! Great question. I believe DD used some DD in the Disney store in the Dolphin (Daisy's Garden), but am unsure as to the remaining retailers, etc. Please, post the answer you receive (in regards to this inquiry). I would think the resort would be receptive and able to process these monies through a cooperation with Disney (after all, they are regarded as genuine currency).

 

[bigsis1970]

Hi All , I called and the very nice lady who answered the phone said that Disney Dollars are accepted at all food places there except Shula's ... Hope this helps others Michelle

Now off to the Disney Store to trade in some Cash.. Michelle

 

[hookedup]

I too have good things to say about TTC - last summer when our train arrived at 3:00 in the a.m. (over 6 hours late!) the driver was standing there waiting for us with our name on a sign - I almost huggeed and kissed him I was so happy to see him! A lot of people were scrambling to get cabs since the rental car desk had long since closed - what a fiasco! We booked them again for this summer.

 

[dreamflight99]

bigsis1970....Thanks so much Michelle, for posting your results! I'm tickled, as I have quite a bit of "Mickey Money" left over from last summer. I stumbled across it recently, and thought I would either have to spend it in the parks or Disney Store. Now, I'll USE it at the Dolphin! (Ah...peanut butter/chocolate FUDGE! LOL).

hookedup...What a wonderful scene! I can picture that one exactly. WOW...it makes me think about the (since Delta changed our flight times) late arrival we'll be making, and the hassle of trying to select a car from the Emerald Aisle. Sometimes in the eve, all the GOOD cars are GONE! I reserved one in the upper class...but still. I'm very close to contacting TTC and reserving us a RIDE! Thanks again.

 

[Scoob]

Everything is finally packed... I've had my last minute "Did we remember EVERYTHING" meltdown... and we're seven hours away from takeoff time to WDW.

Thanks to everyone who has given advice on the Swan... I feel sure we're going to have a great time!!

Scoob

 

[needabreak]

this is only my 2nd post--i too have been a lurker! have learned so much from this sight--wasnt even planning to visit disney this trip until i landed here! thanks! just could not take this boston weather any longer--i am looking forward to temps in the high 90s and 100% humidity! as stated in my earlier post i am considering switching my reservations from standard to cl--about $100 per night for two rooms--i am going to be there in july--last time i was there in july (poly) it was soooo crowded! i thought paying the extra $$ for cl may just add a bit of relaxation to this trip! not hurrying out for breakfast--i also have teenagers that eat and i know i will probably get my $$ worth--i still have a few ? though-----if i have a spg membership with no points, do you think it possible to get any type of upgrade and if so what would it possibly be? also, are the rooms on cl at dolphin any larger or nicer than standard, and are there any special rooms i should or could request for the best possible views--this really is a last minute trip and also a very special one for the kids as we are joined with a family member who is veeery ill--want to make memories that will last forever!!!!!!!sorry this is sooo long! also wanted to say that i have enjoyed reading all the info about boston over the last few days-- was thinking of all you people today as i drove into boston--cut through medford to avoid the traffic on 93 and went past fenway park on my way to the deaconess hospital for an appointment--also nauset beach is my family's favorite local vacation spot --love to have a quick weekend there in the summer! sometimes it takes others to make you realize the treasures you have so close to home!

 

[dreamflight99]

HAVE A GREAT TIME in the MAGIC SCOOB!
Enjoy all the planning, and be sure to give us a full report upon your return. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!


needabreak...WELCOME former Lurker & fellow Bostonian! You're in GREAT company on this thread. It's so nice to have you join us. Club Level is a wonderful treat, and your teens will LOVE it. The Dolphin staff upgrades many persons "pro bono", based upon availability. Many have posted they received upgrades without any SPG points.

Have you used the special form on the SwanDolphin Page to email a request? Please do so, and include all the details you explained in your post. Club level rooms are roomy and nice, with a spectacular view. If you wish to see Epcot, ask to be placed toward the East side of the floor. If you wish to view MGM, ask for the opposite. Yet, most every has stated they were able to see BOTH of these views from the Club level rooms. I wish you all the best, and the most magical stay on your upcoming visit. Thanks for the mention of nauset beach...it brings back memories. That's hallowed ground...very special. Mass is surrounded by treasures, just as we are here on this thread....with one another.

Enjoy the weekend. ^_^

 

[Mouseteacher]

Graduation ceremony went very well last night. The kids were terrific and the parents soooo proud! Our school received a very very very generous (that's an understatement, too) from 2 families who started a permanent endowment fund. I was so moved and so thrilled for my school. Now, onto the last week of school. To quote a commercial... "Now thst school is over -- what am I going to do next? I'm going to Disney World!

DF ~ TTC did indeed take care of the luggage and we had quite a bit since 2 families were traveling = 8 people. My DH, brother and the teen boys wanted to help but the driver insisted it was our vacation and he would take care of everything for us. He even knew of a shorter route to avoid a traffic accident that happened on I-4 to get us to the Dolphin in record time... which of course suited us very well.

Scoob ~ give us trip reports -- we love to know all the details.

needabreak ~ when are you going?