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

[hookedup]

DF - Glad to hear your sojourn has gotten off to a WONDERFUL start!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Sounds like a great stay! I have researched the US studio hotels a bit and I am glad that HR didn't even appeal to me. Sounds like you were in the best of the best!

My blisters are GONE! I swear I am still doing laundry from our vacation. I finished days ago, its just the never ending housework stuff. I preferred my, "I don't get home till after 9pm, you do it if you want it done" line! During "high" hockey season, this was the case many days.

To everyone going to the world, have a great time! Someone please drop in on Thabo for us and tell him that we're having a harder time getting the "princess" up at home, than we did at the Swan! My ds keeps saying he misses him. MommaT and he are truly beautiful people.

Debbie

 

[Mouseteacher]

Hi, DF! The PBH sounds wonderful - something to consider for a future trip if I can ever pull myself away from all things Disney!

happytrails2u Have a wonderful time at NH - such a pretty area. The weather looks like it will be perfect for the wedding.

I hope everyone has a chance to catch Boston's Fourth Pops Concert and Fireworks. It will be nationally televised.

I've been preparing some side dishes and desserts for our annual Fourth of July family barbeque and pool party. It is going to be 90 tomorrow - a perfect day in my opinion! I am not going to complain about sun and heat after our dismal spring.

 

[lovingthemouse]

DF- thanks for the great posting - i am envisioning it all now, in slow motion. Have never been to PBH but it sounds like it's worth the investigation for next year's trip. Looking forward to more postings.
A very Happy Fourth of July to everyone - it looks like a hot and humid one here in western Mass. Caroline

 

[swilphil]

Judirain--I just got back from the Dolphin. I was in room 5022(East side). I think when we left on 7/3, they were renovating 5024--next door! Actually the only time you hear the noise from the renovation is between about 10 am and 4 p.m. I guess they figure most people won't be in their rooms.

Unfortunately, we have two toddlers trying to nap, so it was a problem. On the second full day of our stay, I talked to the front desk about it and was offered an upgrade to a room with a Balcony on the west side. My dh didn't want to have to pack/unpack all our stuff 1/2 way through our stay, so we were offered either a dinner voucher or a $50 room credit. We took the room credit.

I peaked at the new rooms, and I would have to say the decor is a big improvement! I would ask for a renovated room if I were you.

 

[judirain]

Hi Sherri Thanks for the info. A renovated room is the only request I made. Since we are starwood gold I am hoping that they honor it. I am planning on upgrading with points though. We are going in late August and will be arriving early in the AM so hopfully we will get to try those heavenly beds. My husband is not at all sure that it's a good idea he thinks after I sleep on these beds I will be out shopping for a new bed and linens for our room. He knows me too well!!

 

[bravestwj]

It just dawned on me that when I made our reservation last week, the reservationist at the Dolphin asked if we had stayed there before. I said yes, in March of 2002. She looked it up under my name and couldn't find our stay. I told her it was probably under my husband's name, but she didn't say anything else. Why do they want to know? Do they look into spending history? We were upgraded before, but DH was platinum then, now he's only Gold. Do I need to follow up on any part of this?

 

[Mouseteacher]

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY to everyone!

 

[ozziewags]

Hey early riser......have a great day. My ds came home last night for a couple days. Now I have to cook AND get ready to go(check the counter!). I wonder if pizza delivers on the fourth of July!

Happy Fourth everyone.....be safe!

 

[#1hockeymom]

<b>Happy Fourth of July </b><br>
<img src="http://images.ibsys.com/2002/0611/1507230.gif">



Debbie

 

[dreamflight99]

ONE WEEK DOWN....6+ TO GO!!!

You are indeed correct, HT! Leaving the PBH Villa suite was difficult, as the accomodations are so lush. The housekeeping staff is the BEST I've ever experienced. They actually recognize and HONOR the DND on the door (LOL). No annoying "mini-bar" door tappers...just solitude and peace & quiet. Tranquility at it's best. As I lay poolside, I was humming a particular song..."I've got the world on a string, sitting on a rainbow..." (Anyone know this ditty?). Our time there did wonders for the soul. Emeril's is as good as ever. We took in a late showing of the Hulk after dining in the Nascar Cafe (movie package $18 each). Great time w/tons of laughs. We did not leave for VERO until about 4:45!

Actually, I did not smell even a "hint" of cigar smoke...as we were a short stroll down the hall, in an identical villa suite. The BR has a "covered" (private) porch! Very nice. The purifiers were wonderful, and I also use them as "white noise" (I'm a light sleeper). I have a box fan here in the villa @ Vero, permitting me to sleep through any housekeeping/patron noise. Again, it's a metaphysical...soothing, almost meditative sound which obliterates all distractions/disruptions (attemtping to permeate my REST!).

I am still impressed (not an easy feat) with the PBH, from the briefcases to the hot rollers, they cover the gamut of missing/desired items. Nothing is beyond requesting. They'll even bring a microwave to the room ($15 per day for regular rooms). It is present in all the suites. If you are planning a visit anytime soon...please be sure to fill out the card at the front desk for email updates, which will also nab you a "FREE SUITE" upgrade certificate!

Vero is beautiful. We have the same villa as last summer, with the same staff in effect at the desk. DD just returned from making a mask, for the fourth of july activities. There is a balloon toss on the lawn (she'll be leaving for soon)...watermelon eating contest, a parade...and other things!

DH is currently fishing in the "gator-infested" lake across the highway! No thanks...besides, my mosquito-attracting powers would "kick-in" and render me too swollen to enjoy the festivities later in the afternoon!! LOL. I used the off last eve, and swear I could literally hear the noseeums laughing at me as they began their attack. After a quick drop into the villa...and a generous application of SSS bath oil, it was "I" who had the last laugh!! HA! Nothing works better at repelling those pests. It's wonderful, and part of the fun of vacationing in Pandora's box (birthplace)!

Later, DD and I will head to the Indian River Mall in the Navigator for some barnies coffee (we do not have this at home), and to pick up the books she ordered at Walden's bookstore. She has an extensive reading list for her honor's eng. class. She just devoured the "Old man in the sea", and loved every page. Now...for some Twain, Conwell, Potok, and Houston. Summer reading has always had a lasting impression on her.

Thanks for the reminder of the Boston Pops concert MT. We may visit the Dodger's park for a show, too. We are planning to BBQ some special thick-cut ribeyes on a disposable grill (GRill N'Go at Publix=$5) on our giant back patio. We have corn on the cob, bakers and even short cake with CALIF. strawberries! We are all good to go!

We have been feeding a little anemic-looking grey squirrel (nothing like the big fluff-balls from the east), ritz crackers and cheese! He is so cute...scrawny, but cute. We had a great time shopping at publix, and made homemade tacos & spanish rice last eve, w/french horns for dessert! Yumm...first "home" food in a week! (LOL).

I'll be on the lookout for the ribbons the entire time I'm here. I would love to see all of you...and have a "face" to associate with the monikers! Take care....and enjoy a SAFE & HAPPY fourth!!

TTFN.........DF

 

[nisiemouse]

Dreamflight99: Thanks so much for posting during your trip. I enjoyed reading so much last summer! We are trying PBH along with BCV and OKW this time so I especially enjoyed hearing about PBH. Less than 3 weeks to go! Have a magical time!
Denise

 

[Mouseteacher]

Just a quick HI to DF. I love reading your vacation posts - thanks for taking the time to write and share with us.

Just came home from our family pool party to change and head to our town's parade. Then, to a concert on the common on our town lake and fireworks to close out the festivities!

 

[dreamflight99]

Hello!

Just checking in to say "hello" again. Had a fun-filled afternoon at the beach, and then the pool. Watched the little parade here on property, DH won the watermelon eating contest ($10 Disney Dollars~100th anniversary)! He ate 13 wedges (small). It was close, as three others were tied at 12...LOL. DD was delighted, as DH gave her his prize.

No rain yet today. A beautiful Beachy fourth! Thanks for the kind words and appreciation for my posts (I could not bear to leave you guys for that long..LOL!). I want to give as much onsite info as possible.

nisiemouse...Denise! PBH too, eh? You're going to LOVE it! Ask for a villa close to the transportation (boat dock), and ALWAYS ask for an upgrade. The PBH is doggie-friendly, and we saw the "cutest" sheepdog, greyhound, and bichon in the elevator (all together). There are also star-shaped doggie biscuits in a bag in the honor bar. Here's a great hint...in the honor bar are two glass jars filled with nuts (peanuts/cashews). These are great souveniers, as they have the logo on the glass. Yet, even better...these hold precious shells...sand...and ocean water. I have several marked at home (tape on the bottom),with the location and year. Wonderful treats and memories for $10.
The chenille blankets are so cozy...and nice to wrap around you while relaxing. Be sure to request one be sent to your villa upon arrival. Enjoy your time. It's fabulous living...away from home.

Mouseteacher...have fun! Thanks for the nod. What fun you are having. We enjoyed the shortcake on the porch prematurely...and are currently baking a deep-dish apple pie to accompany our BBQ (Can't get more patriotic than that!!). Are you "packed" yet? Looking back to one week ago...when we arrived, it seems a blur. I can't believe I even packed in time..and remembered everthing (last minute). Whew!! I know you are a bit more together than that, and have probably opened the suitcases...LOL. Enjoy the eve.

TTFN....DF.

 

[jgates]

Ah, my jealousy is welling up...........I am SOOO glad you are having a wonderful time. And so envious.

Wisconsin storms, heat and humity are raging - I would swear I was at Disney! Took in a few games of bingo and pull tabs at the nearby 4th fest but the heat did me in quickly. Ordered our chicken dinners to go and came home and ate in a/c comfort. I will venture back out with the mosquitoes later for their fireworks show.

Spent last nite sorting thru clothes dd has outgrown to try to Ebay them. I may spend money foolishly day to day, but my ebay $ is all for Disney.

 

[#1hockeymom]

Thank you so much for sharing your vacation with us! Getting first hand information is so useful, and fun, too! I keep on wandering towards the Portofino resort website on my heavenly bed quest. It truly sounds like a lovely place! Did you eat at the Italian restaurant everyone talks about? How was it?

To everyone going on vacation soon... Please take me with you! I just found out the family wants me to be a real mom again.. and.. get this.. COOK!

Jgates is selling on ebay.. I just bought up charter club on ebay... please don't tell my dh! There was a post on one of these threads with a women worried that she was going to buy up linens after her Dolphin stay. I say she should just start now!

Spent the day at FIL for a picnic, then to my Father's for another picnic and water skiing... now home to watch the fireworks on our local beach just two blocks from the house. Spent half the afternoon saying "N, it isn't a zoo, it is hard to describe, its an experience, but it is not a zoo!" (to questions about the new "disney zoo" (Animal Kingdom). We're the Disney nuts on both sides. It works for us!

Fireworks to all and to all a good night!
Debbie

 

[ozziewags]

Hey df.....love your posts. Am starting to get things together.....and the suitcase is in the room. Will do it all tomorrow and pack the car, as we are driving this trip. Will stay in Hotlanta Sun. night.
News from here is that Barry White died today. Third in a series....don't know if you heard.....Katherine Hepburn, Buddy Hackett and Barry White....all this week. BW was 58. I guess you have news at Vero too, but might not have it on. When I am on vacation, I am sooo out of the loop.

ds went to Fair St. Louis today and tonight.....but it was 96 HUMID degrees here today. UGH. Florida heat is nothing for us. Not that I am a fan of it(no pun intended!).

 

[Mouseteacher]

hockeymom ~ LOL re:cooking! Me,too - I always ask my family - why do you have to eat??!!! It's sooo annoying. They always give me the same exasperated look! Well... I say... they would know how I feel if one of them had to grocery shop, plan meals and cook everyday! Another reason why I love being on vacation.

DF ~ Congrats to DH - quite a feat and a great prize!! No, I don't have the suitcase out just yet. However, I do have my list going - one side is what I need to buy and the other side is what not to forget to pack.

Just an aside - I don't know if this happens to you but every time I am with people and they ask if we have vacation plans, I tell them we are going to Disney World. If they know me well I get "Of course where else would you be going - silly me for asking" this is said with a tinge of sarcasm or if they don't know me well I get "Why would you go to Disney in the summer!" said incredulously. I am finding it slightly annoying to be asked my plans and then get a response back that is judgemental or making you feel like your plans are silly. I must realize that many people just don't "get" Disney. That's okay - I respect that but I wish they could respect my love of Disney and how much we love going. Okay, whew, enough from me. It just happened to me so much yesterday.

Hot and humid here in the Boston area - I don't mind - it's summer! Our summer season is so short, I say enjoy it while we have it.

 

[ozziewags]

I AM PACKING!!!! Yippee....I am leaving in the morning(regardless of what my counter says!).....problem is..I have this head cold or allergy that is slowing me down. Hey disnurse and all you arm chair nurses out there....help! (cough, stuffy....yuck)

 

[Muffy]

DF, glad to hear you are settled in and enjoying your first week! I loved reading about your stay at PBH! DS and his GF had the same wonderful things to say about that resort. We will be spending 2 nights there in Dec. Maybe we need to add a couple more nights? We are Plat Lowes too! Keep enjoying the beach and all that goes with it!

We have been enjoying the Fourth with pool parties and fun get togethers! Summer is defiantly here in New England!

Mouseteacher, don't let those people bother you one bit! They are really missing out on a magical time. It is hard to discribe the magical feeling you get at WDW but understood by us that live it! The planning is half the fun so enjoy the pretrip and block out those negitive people!

Ozzie, Not much longer for you! Hope you have some great directions from mapquest? How long will the drive take? Please be careful!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Muffy