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

[#1hockeymom]

We're waiting for baby news!

I want to thank everyone for their extremely kind words. This morning just blew me away, and the afternoon... the "staying" staff bought all of us "pink slipped" staff, lunch! They passed out "awards", yes my award was hockey related LOL. I work with a great team in extremely adverse situations, hope to see them next year!

Catholic schools>> Wish they were hiring around here! I bet half my family would be happier if my pay was cut and I WAS working in a Catholic school, it would definately be more safe! My resume is out, I will see what happens. I never thought I'd love it where I am. Think of me as the DD from Dreamflight's house, who purposely moved to a little village in the country, but then somehow ended up teaching in the urban jungle! My old friends hear where I am working now and they just shake their heads "you're doing what? You're working where? *praying dd's daughter doesn't do things backwards like I did through my twenties!* but I am happily married to the same for 18 years, and I did finally graduate college suma cum laude at the age of 35!

Driver's training... been there done that.. LIVED! You'll need strong nerves for awhile! The car had to be bought due to timing of activities, so at the age of 16 and two days, my DD had a car with a big gold ribbon on it for Christmas morning! Not a stingray *shipping DD off to dreamflight's house*, but it is red!

My hockey taxi>>(preface to say I am fourth generation ford) New explorer 1-2 years....over mile it, have ot turn it in quicker than it should be turned in. I'd love an expedition! Almost had one for the last vehicle, but gas prices made me change back to the old standby. Mine does see off road occassionally... We have property in the UP (say the letters) (upper peninsula), on whitefish point (hum the edmund fitzgerald). Dh's truck sees more ground up there than mine does. I am the hockeymobile. We both have four wheel drive out of necessity. Towing boats/quads/snowmobiles. Regular snow storms (hockey practice and/or tournaments stops for nothing!), and my joke is to navigate the potholes in the neighborhood that I work in! DF>> check out the navigators. I think you would love the options!

report cards/money>> My father did that, but we have been touch and go on that issue. We're more of a "yes, you are a great kid, you did well in school, I guess we can get that for you". We have also given money for "grades" when they needed to come back up after seeing midterms. I know that DS is staking out the mailbox waiting for his report card so he can get in the all A dolphin/swan club! This is purely a food issue with him, though, totally related to ice cream! Our DD it would be gas money, mall money (we pay for the car insurance).

To all of you parents that have helped in a classroom......THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I can never go on my kids' field trips or be at their school functions in the day time, due to the fact I am expected to be at work 40 minutes away! I just filled ot the form for a copy of my DS's Mackinac Island trip. I am so glad someone took the time to film/take pictures and compile it into a movie! I do have a few parents where I teach that I can count on in a moments notice to grab something we need, or do something for the classroom. I do the hockey manager thing in the evenings,sometimes I think out of guilt from not doing any classroom activities for my own children! I pray that volunteering will come around full circle and that I am helping someone out that is helping in the classroom. We couldn't do what we do w/o good parents in the background!

marymg>> loser cruiser. LMAO I love it!!
disneymom>> sounds like you had a wonderful trip!
Baby kirk is probably graduating from college by the time I hit submit reply on this letter! My mind is mush today. I came home and literally fell on the bed and took a two hour nap. Thanks again for everyone's kind words!

*happydancingbecausemyclockistickingdown* Right now my rainbow is Disney!

Debbie

 

[hookedup]

I am checking in to see if we heard any news on how MomPoppins and Kirk were doing. I have been thinking about her all day.

My poor dh - he has a seriously bad bone infection in his jaw from a dead root in a tooth - they tried to do a root canal today but the infection was still so bad they could not finish it. He has his end of year field trip tomorrow and report cards due too- I feel so bad for him!!!!

I wish our countdown timer was only 10 days! I am so jealous of you guys!

 

[luvdisney14]

Has anyone ever put 5 in a room at the swan and not got a roll away bed. Is it allowed for someone to sleep in a sleeping bag on the floor? Has anyone ever asked for more blanket and pillow so someone can sleep on the floor? Do any standard rooms come with a small couch rather than just a chair?

 

[simonmunro]

How old are your children? If one is a baby/toddler a crib is free. I don't know what the rules are, I know the Dolphin holds 5 and if you had three tiny girls could they share a double bed? Wouldn't be any more crowded then two big adults that share a bed. I'd call them and ask what my options are. What about a king room with a sofa sleeper? Could your kids share a great big king and you and DH share the sofa sleeper? Maybe your kids are not all girls or boys. I would call, maybe you could switch to the Dolphin if they don't allow 5 at the Swan.

 

[disneymom57]

I recently stayed at the Swan and had the same problem. We finally got the rollaway after the second night of one child sleeping on the floor. (Taking turns doesn't work.) No one asked how many children I had at checkin; I'm sure it is perfectly fine to have 3 children in the room. There are no rooms with couches I was told (I had the same idea at first), but maybe Dolphin has them. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[dreamflight99]

I've got you COVERED, Debbie! Here's your Rainbow over the Boardwalk (& essentially the SWAN/DOLPHIN too!)

Epcot sunset over world showcase...WHERE MAGIC LIVES~!

The View from the CALI GRILL atop the CR...I'm almost there...

CASTLE from the TTA in Tomorrowland..."now paging...MR. TOM MORROW" (LOL)

Fantasy in the sky Fireworks...NOW, THAT's a RAINBOW!

Home sweet Home!

Morroco SUNROOF...a little piece of HEAVEN!

The LAST thing I see out my window each evening...

Enjoy...I'll write more later. TTFN....

 

[madge]

madge...Wow, glad you were able to $ave some $$ this time around (on the school situation). Is this a public school, attempting to go private? Hooray on your plans for travel being solidified! You are all set. I know the feeling, it's a DOOZEY! Enjoy

it really is truly a long, confusing mess. The Reader's Digest version is this: The county where we live is fortunate enough to have 2 separate public school systems: county and independent. Most counties have consolidated to one large system, but not ours. In order to get into the independent system you must either live in the district or apply to be on the "approved tuition list" of 250. It took 6 years for our name to come up on this list--my DS started kindergrten in fall 2001. of course, in situations like this, there are always people that try to circumnavigate the system and in this case, it is people going to court to get "limited educational guardianships" the number of those kept growing and the schools put a stop to it. it is the people that didn't follow the rules that are paying the price.

eventually, we will have to move into the district or pay a higher tuition ($3200 vs. the $175 we pay now) but because we were on the list, because we followed the rules....we have 3 years to make plans. I can certainly live with that

The educational system in the state of KY is a mess, unfortunately. This little school where my son goes is amazing, though. After first grade he is reading at a 4th grade level, speaks basic spanish, and knows how to play a fairly advanced game of chess...I'm a little proud, can't you tell?

well, that wasn't so short after all. sorry!

 

[pbhunt]

E-mail from United Vacations, that might be of interest. Pay for 3 nights at the Swan and stay for 6. Starting at $454 p/p, which works out to $151 room rate. That sounded high until someone mentioned that the government rate is up to $144 per night and the United price includes the resort fee and is available to everyone.

So, just an FYI:

http://ual.unitedvacations.com/prom/westin.asp

 

[dreamflight99]

(posted by Jamounger on "Swan Postcard" thread): AMAZING PRICE & DEAL! Take a look (if you haven't already....)*

http://www.swandolphin.com/promos/recipeclub/index.html

This is a FAB deal, and works out to about $115.00 per eve! Incredible...absolutely fabulous.


#1hockeymom...Debbie, (LOL), I KNEW you came from the Catholic School TREE! We have gone around and around about this before (on this thread). MANY of us obtained our education in a C.S.

DD has selected a Turbo S (Cyber Green) VW beetle (possibly convertible...she can not decide between the sunroof/no roof~LOL), with black/green leather interior, CD player, Turbo Tail, special headlights, Daisy Rims...and some other cute modifications.
It's a "snazzy" little car...with 215 HP. But, she will "baby" her baby. She takes extra-good care of all her belongings.

Well...the Expedition has "sort of" seen adventure...in the Lake Arrowhead area (SNOW), where we used the 4x4 Low feature!
Don't even mention "gas"...probably about 5 miles per gallon! It has a 5.4 V8 Triton (code for GAS HOG). I did take a HARD LOOK at the Navigator (rented one), and the Escalade (rented one too). Yet, in the end...I liked the Eddie Bauer 4x4 Expedition with all the added features the best. It was the "little" things which helped me decide. We even rented an H-2, (our friends bought one) but did not enjoy it as much as the others. We DID, however, take our truck into L.A. to have it "modified", with some bells & whistles (beginning with the Window tint, phones, nav. system, DVD, special grill, suspension, rims, ALARM....etc.). It is a FUN RIDE. We rent one while in Orlando each summer, as it's the closest thing to "home" (comfy) we can get.

DD still enjoys the Straight-A club at the Dolphin, even though she's surpassed the age-limit. The associate at the Desk "encouraged" her to HAVE FUN with it last summer...as NO ONE ever grows-up at DISNEYWORLD!

I SO enjoy helping out with DD's classroom/school. Anything I can do to "ease" the burden of the teacher/admin is FINE with moi! Your DS took a trip to Mackinac Island? That is another SLICE of HEAVEN on earth. I could take up residence (like Ms. McKenna) in the Grand Hotel. I also love the ban on gas-powered Vehicles...other than bicycles and horses, etc. Truly, like stepping back in time.

I'll be "pulling for you", hoping everything goes well...and you'll be back where you belong in no time. Such a life-force & "passion" (as you possess) for your talent is just too difficult for the forces to deny/ignore.

madge...Wow. Thanks for the info and details. Sounds as if the school your DS attends is "worth" the tuition! DD also took language early in Parochial, and CHESS CLUB (She loves it!) since the first Grade. His reading level is something to be TRULY proud of, especially in a world where record numbers of students are graduating school...yet are "functionally illiterate" (sad). This seems to bother me the most, As I deem literary skills to be the most advantageous throughout life. I'm sure none of the teachers on this thread are permitting their students to advance unless they are prepared. I have seen the school system in Ca. decline over the years, and the "standards" fall lower and lower in an effort to maintain students interests and hold onto the state (per student) funding. It's a catch-22, and the students ALWAYS lose. I wish there was a qucik-fix to this problem (which is probably NOT isolated to us here in Cali).

* Thinking of you all EVE, BABY KIRK. Hope all is well, and you are resting peacefully with your mommy. Sweet Dreams, little one.
We have all been patiently awaiting your arrival.

 

[disnurse]

#1hockeymom
I too am an explorer driver. Traded in my 1 yr old one this fall when the extra 3trd seater was added. I'm soon to become the favorite aunt again, living at the beach in the summer I always have a car full of kids.

Was hoping for some baby kirk news, i'll have to check in later.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Good morning, everyone! I'm doing a quick check in before the last day of school begins! I couldn't check in last evening as I was attending our last Board meeting of this school year. Such a busy time! And... my other professional responsibilities are still on-going through the end of June; such as, a two day meeting next week (I serve on the regional accreditation commission for schools) and we are reviewing a gaggle of schools who are seeking accreditation. Lots of work!!! My "free" time will begin by July 1 and my Swan sojourn on the 24th!!!

DF ~ re: money for grades - as a parent, it is a practice I have never done with my children so it is a practice I don't condone. However, each family has its own values. As an educator... I truly hate hearing this when the students tell you they received $. I do hold comments since the children are young. I, too, feel that as a student, the expectation is to do your very best and work to your potential or beyond it (it is what my parents taught me). The intrinsic reward is reward enough for a job well done. Life does not always reward you monetarily for working hard at something. Why have we lost the value of verbally commending/praising our children. Why must we give them something?

Catholic education - my passion, my ministry!

 

[#1hockeymom]

I emailed Bob to see if I could transfer my reservations over to the post card rate. The answer was no since I was already getting a great rate. That is a great price; I hope people are able to take advantage of it!

Mackinac Island is our favorite Michigan vacation spot. We are there at least two extended weekends every summer. We have even been there on snow mobiles! Somewhere in Time is my favorite movie of all times! "Is it you?" Own the movie, the music box, the sound track, the gold sound track, yada yada yada. The fudge... .MmmMMMMmmm! Since our property is in the UP, We (usually just DH is up there) stop either in St. Ignace or Mackinaw City for some fudge to bring home. Unfortunately for my body, Over ten pounds has been brought into this house just in the last month!

To all of those with dental problems, good luck! I have spent the last two Wednesday evenings in the "chair", but luckily just an out with the silver in with the white, visit. My husband did root canal the same week as a very bad ear infection. Don't do it! Learn from his mistake. He ended up in the ER since his infection spread.

disnurse>> That is why I traded in the last explorer! Third row seat! We have only used it once, but when you need it you need it! Hockey equipment usually lives in the rear of my explorer.

I am going to focus ONLY on my trip, and not my impending doom! Of course, that doesn't mean I stop teaching next week, just that I am going to stop thinking about what happens when August 11th rolls around!

Any PS advice? We'll be doing fantasmic one night, probably the later show, and both e Nights at MK. We don't have any schedule yet or any PSs made. We won't need breakfast, although might get a late breakfast and call it lunch at the Crystal Palace so I can get my Winnie the Pooh fix in!
Here is what we are considering:
Crystal Palace
Liberty Tree Tavern
Chefs Du France
Whispering Canyon
Brown Derby
Prime Time (no matter what we'll be there for a PBJ shake)
Chef Mickey's
Cinderella's Royal Table
Citricos or Narcoosees

We'll probably do one sit down and one counter service per day. Or one sit down and graze the parks..... I didn't list anything on the boardwalk. Can anyone tell me about Jelly Rolls? We love piano bars. Except for Prime Time and the Castle, we haven't visited any of these places.

I stayed half-way on topic!

Have a great day everyone!

Debbie

 

[Mouseteacher]

Debbie ~ dental work! ---hope you are both doing better.

PS ~ Love the Brown Derby and Chefs de France. A never miss for us is California Grille, too. This trip we are trying Le Cellier in Canada - a newbie for us. Flying Fish on the Boardwalk has also been a return favorite. Have fun planning and deciding!

 

[Ronald Duck]

Wow...DIS is THE place for posts about the Swan and Dolphin...some of the other boards do have an "attitude"(<:

My wife and I just booked five nights at the Swan for the period just before July 4th. This will be our first experience with a hotel not owned by Disney, so what we've learned about room requests may not apply. Can anybody answer any of these questions?

-We've booked a "Standard" room...what might we expect to get? Judging from what I've read and the Resort Map, it would seem as if some of the Standard rooms must have a pretty nice view...any advice on what to request and what to try to avoid?

-Any opportunities for free room upgrades? I read that becoming a Starwood Hotel Preferred Member might help, but I won't have any points built up...does just becoming a member increase my chances for an upgrade upon check-in?

-I think we'd prefer the King room...is it simply a matter of calling ahead to request that option?

-I'm a diabetic and need a fridge for insulin. I've read that they ARE and AREN'T available at the Swan...which is it? Is the mini-bar a place I can store my insulin?

Thanks in advance...

 

[disnurse]

Ronald Duck- I would call the swan and tell them you need a refrig reserved for medical reasons. There shouldn't be a charge and I wouldn't recommend storing insulin in the minibar the temp is not stable enough.

 

[snwwhite]

Hello all!! I have been a long time lurker and thought it was time to finally post. Thanks to all of the wonderful information found here, I have booked the Swan (thru Dreams Unlimited) for 9/19-9/21. Can't wait to try the Heavenly bed. I booked a king room w/balcony and resort view. I called today to try and get the postcard rate, but found out that it is not available during my stay. The Swan has a huge convention going on there 9/15-9/23 and is already over 90% booked. Looks like there will be no upgrades available during that time.

Has anyone been there during a convention? Am I going to feel crowded by all of the people? "Crowds at Disney, NO!!!"

 

[dreamflight99]

Okay...I'm beginning to get REALLY EXCITED! I'm at the Two-week mark...and need to get ORGANIZED.

Deb & Disnurse...I adore the Explorer. My DS has one, and it is ROOMIER than it used to be (the NEW ones). I'm literally amazed at the luxury too. Tried to talk DD into one...but to no avail (no truck, she can drive ours if she needs a TRUCK fix...LOL!).

I played Hockey as a youngster (left wing and goalie) at the Domes in N.Y., (and on the neighborhood PONDS...where my skate punctured the ice near the edge and "went through" bringing up my boot covered in BLACK MUCK!!). It was SO much fun. I still have my old Bauer Skates.

Well, it was worth a try, Debbie! Bob is so nice, and he says you are already getting a great deal..."don't change anything!" He knows best. Sometimes, changing ressies makes for one big mess. It has happened to me in the past...and I learned from the experience.

I am SO envious of you....Mackinac Island?!? YES...the movie (next to the Wizard of Oz and Willy Wonka) is one of my ALL TIME FAVS! It is my DM's absolute #1. I visited there many years ago, and realized they actually hold a weekend "festival" each year dedicated to fans of this movie. They even sell a limited edition music box in the Grand Hotel, which is a replica of the resort. It plays "Rhapsody" (by Rachmaninoff On a Theme from Paganini Opera 43). Rhapsody is the theme song of the movie "Somewhere in Time". I have two music boxes which play this heavenly melody. Mackinac Island is GOD'S COUNTRY. The scenery is breath-taking. You are blessed beyond description! The FUDGE is "to-die-for", and puts the stuff in the Dolphin to SHAME.

what a place!

Here's the music box...signed/limited @ $500.00 each!

I cancelled DD's wisdom tooth extraction scheduled for tomorrow am. There is no way, (with both ears aching and her immune system obviously battling infection), I would permit her to go through with this appointment. Thanks for your invaluable information (w/regards to your DH).

As for the restaurants...I SECOND mouseteacher's (DID you see my picture from the roof of this restaurant? I posted this one for YOU!) suggestion for the "California Grill" restaurant on top of the CR. I would then have to go for Cindy's Royal table, Brown Derby and Liberty Tree Tavern (Love the all-you-can-eat Swanson's food, and the characters!).

Mousteacher...Thanks for your take on this issue. "A job well done" is it's OWN REWARD. I want DD to Strive, achieve and accomplish for her OWN personal sense of satisfaction, not for a monetary gift. I even believe she is SO eager to WORK, because she is not merely handed money for every little thing she does.

She has never had an "allowance" based upon any completion of "chores". She is "expected" to complete tasks and chores as a PART of our family unit. She feeds and cares for her animals, washes and folds laundry, vacs, cleans, washes dishes, carries in groceries, etc. We ALL do these things each day, or when necessary. I was raised this way, and never received my allowance based upon "dong chores". I did receive money, and so does DD. Yet, this was never based upon a "reward" system.

She obtained her work permit (necessary at 15), and was EAGER to WORK as soon as school ended! She expressed "excitement" at the prospect of receiving a real PAYCHECK, where they remove money for taxes, etc. Yet, since we are leaving for vacation...she can not begin before our trip. I LOVE seeing this ZEST and DRIVE inside of her. A few of her friends do not work, nor do they have any desire to work. If they need money/anything...they simply ask their parents. I'm glad she has the opportunity to "see" these situations, which offer perspective. I'll stick with what has been working, and bypass the reward $$$. Thanks again.

You will LOVE "Le Cellier" in Canada. We have dined there since they changed from the old buffet style restaurant. I only wish they would bring back the soft-roasted cloves of garlic in the fresh virgin olive oil which initially accompanied the bread basket. This was sinfully delicious, as was the bread. They switched to breadsticks and removed the garlic/oil. Wahhh.... ...LOL. Yet, the steaks give SHULA's a "run for the money", and are grilled to perfection. Enjoy.

Ronald Duck...WELCOME former lurker!
standard rooms are "nice", but the Swan associates may be able to upgrade you at check-in to the "nicest view available" (ask for that specifically!...empahsis on VIEW). YES...being a MEMBER of the SPG will increase your prospects on receiving something other than what you reserved. You may email/call the resort and REQUEST a complimentary upgrade (based upon availability) to a KING room. Access the form on the website: www.swandolphin.com
As Disnurse suggested, I would call and inform them of your medical condition. The mini-bar is unstable, and will not be sufficient to maintain the integrity of your insulin. This is something you do not wish to compromise. There should be no charge for this fridge. Be sure to confirm this (no charge/fee) in advance.

snwwhite...WELCOME another former longtime lurker! I have stayed at these properties when they were at "capacity" and not taking any more reservations! I NEVER felt crowded, or noticed the folks in the resort. So many are BUSY (schedules/meetings/seminars) during the day...you'll never even SEE them. They are all in the convention/ballroom areas, which are separate and away from the rooms...etc. I have felt more encroached n a Disney-Owned resort than either the Swan/Dolphin. You are going to LOVE it! Your room reservation is perfect, and the KING room w/balcony and resort view will prove to be as "heavenly and magical" as you can imagine.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Welcome to our humble thread, Ronald Duck and snwhite.
Ronald ~ do join spg to up your chances for an upgrade even w/o points. The magic happened for me last summer! Use the email as DF suggested to sent a request for a comp upgrade / I suggest you ask for any upgrade they may have available - you just might get Club Level (that's what happened for us).

Deb and disnurse ~ my DBro and my cousin both have the Explorer. DCousin and I are headed to N. Conway, NH for an outlet shopping weekend next weekend and we are going in her new Explorer. More room to put lots of shopping bags in!!!

DF ~ Excitement is building for you - what fun!
We must have the same thoughts on child-rearing and values. My DSs do not receive an allowance per se - helping around the house is helping the family. When they turned 14 - they worked every Sunday morning in our parish rectory earning a salary. Once they turned 15 and got a work permit they also took jobs in a supermarket. They knew that once they had their licenses and had their own cars, they needed to help pay for the insurance and gas. We would assist with car repairs. This system has worked well for us. They realize, at the ages of 18 and 20, that nothing comes on a silver platter for free - you must work for the things you wish to have. Four and six years later, they still have part-time jobs year round. They both love going to Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics games - they use their earned momey to front their "habit"! As a matter of fact, they are off tonight to see the Sox play Houston. It warms my heart to see them go off together - they are brothers and they are each other friend, too. Nice change after the many years of sibling bickering. Thankfully, they matured out of that and share friends, interests and good times together.

 

[luvdisney14]

We are also staying at the swan, thank you for tips on upgrading. Does anyone have a floor plan or know of a site that
shows each floor and room numbers. Last year I had one for YC and used it to find a great room. please let me know. thank you.

 

[#1hockeymom]

I forgot to mention earlier... THANK YOU for the pictures! A rainbow! for moi!

chores>> If you want to be part of this family, you have to help with what needs to be done. We all have jobs around here!

hockey>> right wing and goalie? what a combo! We're on our.. oh my.. 7th pair of skates? He's a bauer kid through and through on the skates... just hate the fact that on sale 50 percent off or more is still between 200-300 dollars! Feet grow, nothing you can do about that! My DS is defense, plays center a bit; he was the captain last season, and has taught a few of the new kids this spring on positions. I am very proud of how he is taking on his new responsibilities. He has remembered to tell them what they do well, before telling them what they need to change! Pond hockey.. nothing beats a good game of pond hockey! Our favorite "family" movie (ok, so its not rated G) happens to be Mystery Alaska as of late. That would be the epitome of pond hockey! (and this is better than when I had to stand infront of the TV to block 15 nine/eight year olds from watching scenes in slap shot that another parent had brought in during a hockey tournament up north.

*adding cali grill to the list!* I think I might make that a parent's only night! The kids really want to do the more expensive of the two french restaurants if we go into that price range.

Insulin>> please take disnurse's advice on the fridge!

Mackinac Island>> great pictures! Both of the forts, on the island and in the city, have great tours. Try one of both of them the next time you are up there! I have two music boxes with the Rachmaninoff. One is a 72 note movement and is my pride and joy! My DH bought it for me for Christmas years ago.

Will I be overlapping vacations with anyone from this board? We'll be arriving Monday the 23rd at about 10am. Leaving Saturday about 6 to catch the plane back. I still need to get our rental. We always go "primitive" on our rentals in the world. We're hardly ever in it, and we have fun making fun of it (that's a car family for you!) (Trying to get on the expressway, patting the dashboard, come on baby, you can do it!!)

One week left of school! Wrote my last report card today! I saw rainbows this morning (here!) so I know that August is looking better and better!

I am going to try to figure out what days to make what PS's. I'll let everyone know when it starts looking more like a plan and less like post it notes with scribbling!

Debbie
Have a great weekend everyone!