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

[hookedup]

Okay as you guys know I have been debating since May on whether to book the Swan or the Dolphin - well the recipe offer finally made me change to the Swan - I am very excited!!!!!! Now we have a reason to go back to the Dolphin NEXT year!



Wenlitz - as far as I understand it the Club Level at these properties IS the concierge level. You can get CL access as an upgrade and be on a different floor though.

Hey! It looks like we will be at the Swan at the same time!

 

[kimmar067]

...to say "HI!!" and [color=sky blue]Happy Father's Day[/color] to all the dads, stepdads, granddads, soon-to-be dads, and dads gone-but-not-forgotten....

 

[Wenlitz]

Hookedup

That is what I thought. Someone else posted these were not the same. If all the rooms are the same I think I will do just that request a room with a balcony and get charged for club level.
Now to figure out what floor and side etc for the best view!!!
I dont want much do I !! Thanks again.

 

[#1hockeymom]

Agree with the picture being the board mascot! It is a lovely picture!

Escargot is the reason we pick our restaurants on many occassions! DH and I are totally hooked on escargot! It is ironic, but last night I was rereading the menus thinking that appetizers and a nice glass of wine would make a great dinner eaten twice, instead of a large dinner eaten once. Anyone know if they frown on that? Specifically, making reservations and not eating a full dinner? We wouldn't be "taking up space" for as long as a dinner guest.

Car insurance and teenagers. We pay for the car insurance, although when she balks at doing regular chores, I balk at paying car insurance. The insurance never lapsed, but the car did sit in the driveway for two weeks a month ago while I seemed to magically have extra car parts in my explorer. The general "deal" in this house is, you get good grades and keep them there, we'll pay for the insurance. She does need the car to get to her own activities, cheerleading mainly is the issue, since Sept-May (especially sept-march) is hockey season, and I speed home from work, pick up my DS then speed back north again to the rink. We are a good 45 minutes the closest rink, which keeps me out of town a lot.

Gordie! An Icon in this house! We watched him play into his sixth decade when the IHL Detroit Vipers were still around (Loved that team! Tampa basically stole them intact and many went to the big game). He is a class act. I don't think there is anyone who has a bad story to tell about Mr. Hockey. My DS gets many Gordie howe hat tricks. Remember that? A goal, an assist, and a fight! Ok, he doesn't get into fights, not allowed at this level, so he considers the take down penalty where the shot wasn't made by the other team, to be his fight.

Tried to switch to post card rate, but already getting a great rate for CL so it is a mute point. We are staying CL but on a different floor, as we decided to go for the balcony. I know this was asked, but I can't remember what thread.

Rach (and roll?) Two boxes here too! Only one of them has the longer movement. The first box, and basic movement will always have a place of joy in my heart, though! Buy the soundtrack! John Barry was the composer. He also did Dances with Wolves and it is interestingly funny but there is a portion where it sounds like "Two Socks" is walking through Mackinac Island!

Please tell me about Gullivers! Specifically seafood night! Is this the restaurant that has Goofy/Pluto most nights and Rafiki/Timon on two others? Does anyone know the theming for each night? Prices?

Ozzie>> I think it was you that posted the drink pictures over a month ago. I am dreaming of those now!

Mouseteacher>> You have a week left with the kiddoes if I remember correctly. What time does school go back in session for you? We go back August 11th, (or is it 12th? I just want to go back!) which I think is way too early. It doesn't help that our school has no air conditioning! (We dont have pencils or enough books either, but somehow AC seems to matter more when it is 90 with 100 percent humidity! LOL)

I am working at breaking DH down so I can make my reservations. We'll be opening the pool this weekend, so I can probably get a bunch of grunts that mean "do what ever you want to do just stop talking!" out of him.

Does anyone know which hospital mompoppins would be delivering? Perhaps a phone call would help us all feel better? I am praying that she is just very very busy, her computer caught a virus, and the cable line got chewed through. Baby Kirk, we want to hear that you're doing fine!

The sun is trying to break through the clouds here! Have a great weekend!

Debbie

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Hello to all! DH kirk Sr. here updating on Mom Poppins. First of all, we want to thank all who thought and prayed for us. God is great! Mom Poppins thinks the world of all of you and really enjoys conversing and learning all the "ins & outs" of WDW. She has made a disney dad out of me too! Mom Poppins was fortunate to get to have an epidural about two hours into the contraction process. Her blood clotting study came back just fine. However, DS (wow we can use this acronym now) was not handling the contractions very well. So, the doctor decided to go in and do a section. Ouch, we thought. We have never had a C-Section before. We were a little scared to say the least. She stayed awake and I stayed beside her next to her head behind the little screen. A lot of pressure and tugging she said. Very uncomfortable, but no pain. DS came out at 11:19 AM, June 12th, 2003. He ended up being end-up (breached). So it was good that mom did not have to labor all day just to find out that he wasnt coming out through the birth canal anyways. He weighed 3 lbs. 14.7 oz. and was 16.5 inches long. It took them about a minute or two to recucitate his breathing, but he did take the first breath and all other breaths of "room air" on his own. He did not have to have any help breathing nor any additional oxygen. He is a skinny little thing without any body fat (wished I could say that about myself), but he is maintaining his own body temperature without any additional help there too. Mom Poppins got to feed him with a bottle nipple herself a whopping 6 cc's (about a teaspoon) for the first time on Friday (took him all of about 15 seconds to gulp it down). DS has to stay in NICU until he is discharged. They think that he is doing great and may get to graduate to the less critical side of NICU next week if he keeps upt the great progress. We still need him to eat more and get that first poop moving before they remove the IV from his little hand.

Mom Poppins told me about a site that ozziewags has used to post pics and link to this site. I have visited the site and will try in the next week to get some pics there for all to see. He is precious! We cant see anything out of preportion as the doctors have explained to us with he growth patterns. He looks like a little Mini-Me (Austin Powers take off )

We cant wait to take him to WDW this February-March 2004. He will be a great little mouseketeer. DD's just think he is the sweetest thing. It has been great to have all of you support my DW ( I think that is the correct term for wife) and we cant wait to get her back home this next monday or tuesday (4-days is all that insurance pays).

May Christ bless you all,

Kirk Leon Smith, "SR."

 

[#1hockeymom]

WOO HOOOO!!! Baby Kirk is here! Thank you for letting us all let out a sigh of relief while at the same time I am sure we're all thinking to ourselves "We prayed, God heard us, we knew he'd be fine!"

Kirk Sr>> You did the abbreviations better than I, and I've been a lurker for a few years! Thank you for taking the time to post to the board. It meant a lot to many people to hear that your DW and baby Kirk are doing wonderfully.

Looking forward to those pictures!

Debbie

 

[Muffy]

So glad to hear about baby Kirk and Mompoppins! Thank you so much for taking the time to post all the details! All of us were concerned and worried about your DW! This is the best news and congratulations about the birth of your DS!

Muffy

 

[ozziewags]

DADPOPPINS.......Thank you so much for the update! We have all been wondering what was going on. Please send Robin our love and if you need any help with the pics, just yell!
C sections are not bad....I have had two. It was all worth it. My dd was in NICU for 3 months.....what an experience. Kirk will get the best of care.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU AND WHAT A BLESSING FOR FATHER'S DAY!

 

[dreamflight99]

THANK YOU, MR. KIRK, "SR."~ CONGRATULATIONS on the ARRIVAL of your SON! Your post actually made me cry. (Tears of JOY). Yes, we have all supported your DW, Robin, over the months during her pregnancy... (the "difficult" times were tough). Her level of optimisim and faith NEVER wavered. She held true to her convictions and continued to THRIVE, offering BABY KIRK a Safe place to grow/prepare for his DAY in the SUN! Robin is a WONDERFUL & WARM person, and her presence on our thread is always welcomed/enjoyed. Please, give her my love...and let her know she's in my thoughts & prayers.

I thank you, for posting a DETAILED & FABULOUS update! God is Great...and spared Robin the pain/turmoil of extended labor with no natural delivery (Breach). You have a great sense of humor, and an eloquent way with the key board (hey...you ARE the company you keep!). Hugs and Kisses to the new BUNDLE of JOY! May you both be in God's good Graces, and may he take EXTRA SPECIAL care of BABY KIRK. Blessings to you & your family. Enjoy FATHER'S DAY! I believe Robin & the girls have given you the GREATEST GIFT of all.
I look forward to your report...and pictures! Thank you, again, for taking the time and thinking of us.

Mouseteacher...Oh, Yachtsman Steakhouse @ the Yacht Club! Another of our FAVS too. I look forward to the juicy thick slices of Beefsteak tomatoes w/mozz and oil/vin to begin my experience....a true treat for the palate. The aged beef is wonderfully flavorful and tender. An all-around fab steakhouse!

No such "DREARY" weather here...so I can not force myself to clean/pack! Sunshine beckons me to come outside and play/relax. I have SO much to do before I leave...and not enough HUUMPH to get it all done. I'll gladly take some of your rain/clouds....as I'll get my SUNSHINE FIX in WDW!

workin4vacation...No, we are not omnipotent...but we try our best (LOL). I do NOT believe they will permit you to "switch" the rate while there. But, you may make the postcard reservation, and CANCEL the TA one. Do not feel trapped or obligated to the TA. If the recipe postcard rate saves you MONEY, SWITCH! Just make sure the dates/availability is there and RESERVED prior to cancelling with a TA. Good Luck.

Ozzie...I'll keep my fingers crossed for you to make a reservation using the recipe postcard rate! Thanks for the BOMA suggestion. We've never been there, yet heard nothing but GREAT things about the place.

KIMMAR!...

#1hockeymom...We too love escargot, with lots of butter/garlic and BREAD! yum. It's more difficult to eat these since moving out WEST, as they are everywhere around my home here & DD LOVES them. So, I try to think of other things when enjoying them.

I have heard the wait staff complain about people whom ONLY eat soup/salad, & bev...or dessert and bev., at Cinderella's Royal Table. They were complaining as the people took a table seat to watch the fireworks, had two bowls of soup with bread, and bevs...then left ZERO gratuity.

I would not hesitate to enjoy an appetizer and some wine. As a paying patron, you may order ANYTHING on the menu. In fact, you are not "obligated" to EAT at all. You may just want a nice glass of vino, a view and some company/conversation. Do not think twice about doing this. If a waiter/waitress complains...LET THEM EAT CAKE!

Mr. Hockey is #1!

I will have to get the soundtrack now...(TWO SOCKS...LOL).

Yes, Gullivers has the characters. The price is about $16.95 per adult, and about half for children. It's astounding, and without a doubt one of the finest BUFFETS on Property!

BTW...that was moi, (posted all the BEV pictures!). Feel free to HAVE A FEW!). I am looking forward to a icy blended concoction as I relax with DH by the pool.

Enjoy the WEEKEND!

 

[workin4vacation]

Mompoppins ~ Kirk Sr ~ and family ~

CONGRATULATIONS!!

So happy to read your post.

What a wonderful Father's Day gift for you!

 

[harleyquinn]

I posted this on the main board, but I know you are the folks to ask!

I've read and re-read the Swan/Dolphin thread, but I can't find the answer to these questions.

My fiance and I will be going to Disney for our honeymoon next June. DF will have his teaching certification by then, but probably not a job. (He graduates in May) To prove he is a teacher will a copy of his certification do?

Also I'm a librarian. Does this count as a government employee?

I'm especially wondering about this next part....
Any suggestions about honeymoony type stuff related to the Dolphin/Swan would also be appreciated.



This is my first post. I love these boards, they're the best, and so are all of you!!!

Sarah

 

[disfanRN]

I have just spent a while reading trying to get caught up!! It is a gorgeous day here ( finally!) and I have been busy with the end of the school year activites this week. Also I am working the 7pm-7am shift at the hospital tonite for a friend who had a wedding.

I am thrilled to hear of Baby Poppins arrival, safely by c section. Sounds as though this was the best choice for them. I hope they have plenty of family and friends to support them in the coming months as it is hard to visit the NICU everyday with other princesses at home. My wish and prayer for them is baby Kirk's continuing progress "to the other side" of the NICU and family and friends all coming to their support!

Hockeymom: sorry to hear of your pink slip, I know the Lord has His plan and will bless you with another opportunity soon

DF- sorry to hear of your DD's illness- that is incredibly painful, and it rips your heart out to see them in such pain. Hope she is soon feeling fine, better to rest up before the big vacation, then have teeth yanked, OUCH. Have you started packing yet, young lady??????

Happy to see new people posting, emerging from Lurkland, it is such fun and always brightens my day to see how everyone is, especially those who love WDW the way I do!

Happy Fathers Day to all Daddies out there, have a good weekend!! I'll be thinking of you all and WDW as I try to stay awake tonite at work!!!

 

[dreamflight99]

HELLO harleyquinn, Welcome to the DIS, and our thread!

Congratulations on your engagement, and future wedding in June 2004. Are you planning to "Honeymoon" at the Swan/Dolphin resorts? Truly, a wonderful choice for such a memorable event.

*To answer your questions (or do my BEST to answer them):

1. YES, a COPY of your DF's teaching certificate would be sufficient, as long as his name, etc. are listed on this as proof.

2. I do not "believe" your current professional status constitutes a Government Worker (for Gov't. rate). Yet, I have never had anyone ask in regards to this matter. Are you by any chance a librarian at the "Library of Congress"? I'm sure this would work. Perhaps you are indeed eligible for this discount. I would call the resort "directly" and inquire with an associate regarding this question.

3. There are MANY things you may do to accomodate your needs with regards to a HONEYMOON stay at either resort. Have you visited the website? It's interactive, and fun! Go to www.swandolphin.com and take a peek at all the suites and "special order" items you may enjoy planning. MANY folks Honeymoon at the Swan & Dolphin. During our Disney Magic Cruise last summer, we sat at a table with newlyweds! They had just enjoyed a FABULOUS stay at the WDW Dolphin. They could not say enough great things about the resort, or the level of enjoyment they experienced. They were almost sad, to hear we would be returning there for more than a month AFTER the cruise ended, (as they would be departing from port canaveral for HOME).

Hope this helps!

 

[dreamflight99]

disfanRN... Are you kidding?! ME?!? PACK?!?!? I feel the FIRE under me, but am helpless to begin TOO SOON! LOL. I promised myself THIS WEEKEND I would get the bags/luggage OUT, and begin to "slowly" pack. I'll announce my progress as SOON as I begin! He He.

Pulling a GRAVEYARD this eve? Those are tough. My DS (RN) used to work nights (differential $$), but switched to 7am-7pm last year. She works NICU and MED SURG. She now LOVES days. Either way...nursing is a TOUGH JOB! 12+ hours on your feet, alleviating pain and saving lives (as we all know NURSES do this a LOT MORE than DR.'s!). Kudos to you for being such a DF.

Thanks for the kind words about DD's illness. She is in a LOT of pain, and cries on/off. She is still in a LOT of pain, and this is the third day. Is this normal? I told you what meds she's on, are these good? Thanks!

 

[ozziewags]

harleyquinn........I knew Dreamflight would have the best suggestions for you, but I think you should request a corner King room, on the far east side at the Dolphin! Higher floor too, right, DF? I hear these are very romantic. And welcome to our thread!

 

[#1hockeymom]

<b>*giggling so much I can barely type*</b> This reminds me of that thread we're not supposed to talk about...that disappeared suddenly but is far from forgotten. Remember where that couple on the balcony, oblivious to all? I'll probably kill this thread just for mentioning this, but its all I could think of when I read ozziewag's post!

Get a VERY high balcony, or you could have people "watching". Have a wonderful honeymoon!

<b>Packing?</b> We're supposed to pack? When we went on our cruise, I came home from work at 5 and took a three hour nap, woke up, grabbed the suitcases, and started throwing clothes in as fast as I could. We finished packing at 1am, slept for 3 hours, and then left for the airport. I can't believe it but it is one of the few vacations where there wasn't a thing we forgot! *I did forget my sunglasses, but they were in the explorer and since it was dark out I forgot to grab them at the airport. I can tell you where every sunglass vendor is on Key West, though! I am sure that not having kids on that trip helped us not to forget anything, less to forget! *darn it, we forgot to bring the kids!*

<b>DF>></b> I hope your daughter starts to feel better! I don't know what she is on, but know that a few of the drugs they give for pain can cause anxiety attacks if taken in the dosage that my DH was taking them in to stop his pain. He had approval from his doctor, too but a miscommunication on how long he could continue to double dose. I am sure the great nurses on this board can give you much advice. I hope your DD feels better soon!
<b>Mouseteacher</b> It is semi decent here, like June's we've only dreamed of. I hope you're having better weather!

Debbie, who after 18 years of marriage sometimes wishes DH would sign us up for the turret balcony plan!

 

[marymrg]

Welcome to the world Baby Poppins.........Little Kirk Jr........... and thanks to his dad - big Kirk - for posting. Our prayers will continue for a quick recovery for mom and some pixie dust, miracle grow and prayers for your baby boy too.

DreamFlighter Lisa.........Do you think your daughter needs a change in meds? If it's just an ear infection, I would think she would be feeling a little better by now. Call your Dr. Even if he/she isn't in.....someone is taking call. Good call on postponing the extractions. And, I know why you aren't packing. You need to wear your summer clothes for the next few weeks. Us/We?? northeasterners are still in turtlenecks and rain/squall parkas.
I feel like I'm living in the movie Ground Hogs Day.........same old same old - rain, rain, rain, every day. The sun is trying to peak out though!

harleyquinn: I don't have much to add since I'm sort of a newbie myself but there is something I would like to share. Don't get any funny ideas regarding romance on the balcony. I just read an old thread from a few months ago about it.. (if the search ever comes back........check it out) LOL. Seriously, congrats. You deserve to be pampered on your honeymoon and the Swan and Dolphin will not disappoint you!

MaryG

Edit:
*oops* sorry ozziewags and hockeymom..........I didn't know you already mentioned the unmentionable Great minds (gutter) think alike I guess. I ought to read new posts before I type my unoriginal thoughts!

 

[harleyquinn]

According to my boss the federal government classifies librarians as government employees. We use the public employees retirement fund and don't pay social security. But it's a moot point, because my DF will be a teacher.

I've been reading about the Club level. Is it worth $50 extra a night? Having the food and all would be great, but I'm not sure it's worth it...I know I couldn't get a balcony if I did this...but not having to worry about the restaurant ressies would be nice.

Thanks for all the responses! You made me feel great about the decision!
Now if I could just find some great airfare prices. We're coming all the way from Cleveland.

Keep the advise coming!!!
Sarah

 

[harleyquinn]

Oh! Thanks dreamflight! I was looking through the website. I'll drop so not-so-subtle hints to family members about those little packages

I was using the search earlier so maybe I'll try looking for that humorous thread you're all trying so hard NOT to talk about.

Thanks for the warm welcome and again, keep the advise coming!!

Sarah

 

[judirain]

Congratulations on baby Kirk. I have been checking this thread often and praying for a healthy mom and baby. I am so happy God has been listening to all the prayers everyone has been saying.