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

[needabreak]

df-hope your trip is going magically!

ozziewags-we arrive at the swan cl on the 7th--same day????

am staring to run around like a fool trying to get ready--have been out buying new socks!!(LOL)

we are going to pbh first and everyone is very excited about FOTL-hope this leave more time to relax and rest for wdw--we know it will be crowded but as my kids are older now (last trip youngest was 7) i plan to do mainly the "big rides" and spend more time having sit down dinners vs fast food-- the first time we took our 3 kids my youngest was 3--we waited in line for dumbo for over an 70 minutes--when ride was over, she looked at me and said "THAT"S IT?!!!!i was sooo disappointed-park was crowded and ride didnt last very long-well--we have been a couple more times since then-and things improved-kids are now all teens--youngest is "twelveteen" and they still get sooo excited-
mouseteacher--tonight they even voted the first ride would be sw-it's tradition!(was my first ride in 71)

 

[Mouseteacher]

needabreak~ (chuckle) DH says the same thing - IASW is a tradition and must be done! My DSs on trips when in their early teen years enjoyed the sit down dinners v. fast food dinners. As I have posted before, fine dining is #1 on DH's list of things to do. I must say, I, too, like sitting down and having a nice meal. Now that we are (ahem) older and have been too many times to count, and don't need to do the parks commando style, it's great to take our time and not rush around.

It does look like you and ozzie will be at the Swan the same time! Wear that lime green ribbon and maybe you will see each other.

 

[travelin' girl]

My sentiments are the same!!! We had a family meeting and my boys - who are now "older" were saying, " We really don't need to see Mickey's and Minnie's houses or ride a small world, do we?"
So this next trip we will not have to do the hustle, bustle stuff around the parks!!! We're doing Universal for the first time and staying at PBH- it looks very nice and I'm looking forward to trying the FOTL. I'm need to look up some more info on the hotel and dining though...

 

[disnurse]

Good morning all, was DF heading to the dolphin or to disneyvero beach first?? Maybe she doesn't have internet access where they are.

 

[ozziewags]

Hey Needabreak......I think we will be at the Swan at the same time. You can find me in CL every morning around 7 or so and at the pool every afternoon! Hehe

According to DF's schedule, she should be at PBH right now. Must be very busy. HEY DF...CHECK IN, PLEASE!

We are not doing Universal this time....but FOTL is THE most wonderful perk. We will only go that way from now on. Did it at Christmas and you really get your money's worth. Don't miss Mythos for lunch or dinner.....we loved it and remember it as one of our favorite meals the whole vacation.

 

[ozziewags]

Just to be sure......at the Swan.......all we have to do to access the internet is plug in the cord that is provided? We are taking my dd's laptop and she is networked wirelessly to my cable connection. She also has msn. Is there anything we have to configure when we plug in? Hockeymom? DF? Anyone?

 

[Mouseteacher]

ozzie~ wish I could help you but I am totally clueless! DF or hockeymom should be able to help. I believe DF is at PBH and then onto Vero. I believe she gets to the Dolphin mid to late July. I am hoping we bump into each other although we are at the Swan. However, I do intend to have lime green on my fanny pack!

DF - look for me / fanny pack is Barbie-pink color with a Mickey key ring hanging from it!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Its so easy!!! You don't hook up to the phone modem connection, you hook up to the ummmm computer stupidity coming out now with my lingo, but I think its the ethernet? connection. It is the one that looks like the phone connection, but bigger! plug in, turn on your computer, it magically configures! The connection is right on the desk, and the electrical outlet is on the lamp base on the desk. I kept my laptop on the desk, plugged in (but not on) 24/7. I never put it away. I did use the safe to store money/credit cards/jewelry but I never worried about my laptop.

To everyone headed for the world.. TAKE SUNSCREEN! In Florida they have this stuff called liquid sunshine. EVERY DAY! Not just one day every two weeks, but every day! It still might rain, but there will be a lovely sunrise every morning! It has been gorgeous since we came back to Michigan, but that wasn't the case most of the spring (what spring??).

Have a great day!
Debbie

 

[dreamflight99]

DF here...checking-in from the beautiful PBH in SUNNY Orlando, FLorida! HELLO! I have not even "touched" this laptop before today. I've been on the go...having a BLAST! The flight was wonderful, delayed an hour (but the pilot made time by SPEEDING). Took us 4:05 in the air to make it to MCO (from LAX). First class was heavenly, as always. Coach received a new item, a "Blue Bag" lunch. Passengers had to collect the bag at the entrance to the plane, to receive their meal. They reminded us not to take onewhile getting on the plane, as we would "short" someone in coach. Air travel has changed considerably.

We picked up a Lincoln TC in the aisle service at MCO, then changed it to the Lincoln Navigator on Sat.(to keep for the next two weeks). The valet parking here is great @ $12 per day. Self-parking is $6. We are in the same suite we were in last summer, and love the comfort it provides.

We went to the parks again yesterday.We purchased the tickets online, and used the kiosk to obtain them. Extremely expedient. We had so much fun, at IOA and CW. DD obtained a HENNA tatoo on her ankle in the park. Better than the real thing! LOL. Turkey legs, & goose juice for lunch. Rode my FAV: one fish-two fish...LOL. Today, U.S. and Shrek 4-D! It's so relaxing here...we are taking our time. We dined in Mama Della's last eve, fabulous food.

Time to go out and play. I must tell you, the weather has been wondeful. Not hot, but cool and breezy in the am/late eves. During the day...it has been nice and temperate. Just as a SUMMER should be!!

Sorry...I haven't had the time to read the posts. I'll log-on later, and answer everyone.

CIAO!! TTFN....moi.

 

[Mouseteacher]

DF ~ Good to hear from you - we were all waiting to read a post! Glad you arrived safe and sound, too. Coincidentally, I just finished watching Great Hotels on the Travel Channel and Samantha Brown was at the PBH and ate in MamaDella's.

Keep that wonderful sunshine going up to and through the end of July!

 

[ozziewags]

Hey DF.....great to hear from you. Keep that sunshine up for me. And the cool breezes in the am and pm. You know how we love living vicariously through posts of those in the MAGIC!

 

[Kala]

If I transfer from Swan to Poly, will they transfer my luggage like at the Disney owned resorts, or will I need to transfer it myself?

 

[happytrails2u]

Haven't been on in a few weeks and just wanted to catch up on all the news, which it appears that has been quite a bit of lately. Congrats to MomP on the birth of her son! Also glad to hear that a few of you are nearing your vacations. The anticipation is certainly half the fun.

Glad to hear you've settled into "the suite," DF and had a nice FC trip to MCO. We were also in the air on Saturday (did you see us?) LOL. We're in Chicago 'til Wednesday. Weather is great and have seen lots of the city. The "Taste of Chicago" is on-going and is a great sight to see and experience. This is a shot taken from our suite at the Fairmont. Wonderful view of Grant Park, Soldier's Field and Lake Shore Drive.

Also got to see Wrigley Field today. What a classic (like Fenway), but was unable to the Chi Sox/Cubs this weekend. Took the trolley tour of the city, did some shopping on the Miracle Mile and saw where Oprah's new digs are atop the Ritz Carlton.

Post again when you can and enjoy the magic, FOTLA and PBH.

 

[jgates]

Mouseteacher - does the connection to the ethernet require a different type of cable than a modem cable? I am thinking - yes? - since you said the plug is a different size?

 

[Mouseteacher]

jgates, I wish I could answer you but I'm not the one who can... ozzie can or DF. I'm sure they will check in. Sorry.

Welcome, Kala - yes, I do believe they will transfer your luggage. To be sure, I would call bell services.

 

[travelin' girl]

I've received my confirmation for the Dolphin in the mail and they've got the usual stuff on there but it also says - A Catagory Room, confirmed A Balcony, and Do Not Move- Does anyone understand what the "A" is about and the "Do Not Move"? I wonder where that initially puts me at in the hotel....

 

[ozziewags]

Hi all,
jgates...I think that is why they have the cable there for you. My ethernet cable came with the cable box, but looks the same size as my other one did. We also have a wireless network with a small cable that goes into our cable box. I don't think you even need to bring a cable, according to hockeymom. Maybe she can best answer your question.

needabreak.....have no idea what that means on your confirmation. Mine isn't anything like that. Even at Christmas, when our jr suite was 'blocked', it didn't say 'do no move'! You could always call and ask. Does it give a description of the type of room you reserved? Or is that all it says?

Hi Happytrails....good to hear from you again. The Chicago Fairmont is a beautiful hotel. I have stayed there and really enjoyed it. 'Taste of Chicago' is also a treat.

Love to see my countdown timer!

 

[hookedup]

I have used the high speed internet access at Westins, Sheratons & St. Regis and they have always provided the cable for it. I guess if you wanted an extra long cable to lie on the bed or sit somewhere besides the desk then you could bring one I guess.

 

[Kapp]

Greetings all. Have a question I could use some help on. I have a standard room at the Dolphin for November but have earned enough SPG (Gold) points (1,500 a night) to qualify for a "Specialty 2 Level Room Upgrade". Anyone know what type of room that is?

Thanks and take care!!!!!!!!!

Kapp

 

[Mouseteacher]

Kapp ~ probably a room with a view and/or balcony.