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

[Mouseteacher]

ozzie~ Leaving in the morning? Have a safe trip - we will be waiting to read your posts. Re: allergies - my DS is barking (coughing) as I DIS. He has been taking Allegra but it has stopped helping him. I'm going to call the doctor to see what else can be done - I just don't like the cough.

 

[Muffy]

If it is a cold try Zicam, enchinacea and Ester C. It worked for me!

 

[#1hockeymom]

I understand totally, Mouseteacher! For me, it is my own parents who don't get it! As a child we spent every Easter and/or winter vacation in Florida visiting my Grandparents, NEVER to Disney. *Granted, I saw every museum and battlefield on the way, hated it then, later in life love him for it!* My father travels to Europe a few times a year now, and was so proud of me that I finally got to Europe after doing the Carribean over and over again in between Disney trips. He asked about our trip the other day and said "Well, if you didn't have as much money than I guess Disney was a good family trip". I didn't correct him. LOL My mother lives in Venice (Florida) and has for years now. Has she ever been to Disney? No! Her new husband has convinced her that she'd hate it since he hated it.

We love it, the kids love it, that is what matters! When DD was 3 I had my first visit with Mickey. I wouldn't give that up for the world!

Ozziewags>>Not a nurse, but I swear by sinus headache pills. Any brand will do. They aren't as powerful as a cold pill, but still clear your sinuses enough so you can function. I hope you start to feel better! (handing you some fresh squeezed OJ)

Today we pack up DH for hockey camp, his first camp where I'm not driving every morning and evening to a hockey rink. As we speak I am having him clear out his hockey bag so it can all be washed. That thing is scary! Fireworks were rescheduled in our town due to storms we had forecasted for all day yesterday (but didn't really get). Tonight we'll watch the rescheduled village fireworks, tomorrow drive DH to camp. DD has cheerleading camp for a few days next week. The pool float will be MINE! (and the deck CD player!)

Have a wonderful Saturday!
Debbie

 

[hookedup]

Mouseteacher - I too know what you mean - I have learned to ignore the eyerolls I get from friends/family when they ask about our upcoming vacation plans.

Have a great weekend everyone! I will be at home all day today since dh's Masters Degree course work is due on Monday so he chained to the study. I will probably be online a lot this weekend! LOL! This will be a great weekend for me to do some pre-packing for our trip.

Question:
Wondering about pools/waterparks: my ds has one of those bathing suits that has floaty stuff built into it - I have heard that they don't allow you to bring your own lifevests or floation devices but do they allow those sorts of swimsuits? It's kinda bulky so I don't want to pack it if he can't use it. Is the Grotto pool okay with bringing your own?

 

[disfanRN]

Haven't posted in a while, so I thought I'd say hi!
DF- love to read about your vacation-glad you are having so much fun. Aldo, happy belated birthday!

Mouseteacher and Hockeymom- ditto on the poor unfortunates who don't understand the Disney magic. It is irritating, especially when you feel like you are being judged on your vacation plans. Alas, you can see how someone who would give others grief about vacation plans certainly wouldn't get the magic of the Mouse. Entirely their loss...

BTW, I had posted about being charged 1500 instead of 1000 pts per night at the Swan for club level. I was contacted by SPG who stated that Swan is sending me a letter stating that CL is 1500/night, but that they would credit me 500 pts back as a goodwill gesture. Does anyone know if the pt levels are the same or different at the Dolphin?

Happy holidays to all- going to local fireworks tonite, I love them!!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Hookedup>> I am assuming you mean the type which is like a one piece suit with flotation built right in along the middle? I saw those swimsuits being worn at Typhoon Lagoon. I know you won't have a problem with them there or at Blizzard Beach. Pack it up and enjoy the water parks!

Debbie

 

[ozziewags]

Hi everyone....all packed, gassed up, popping sinus pills, and ready to goooo. Will try to post from the Swan, if laptop all works out ok. I even called the Swan today to make sure we had the right card to do it. We are staying in Atlanta tomorrow and then driving in from there Mon. Thanks for the cold/sinus advice. I knew I could count on you. Debbie...sending dh to camp, not ds? Is he a professional hockey player? That would be cool.

TTYL....

 

[happytrails2u]

Have a wonderful time Ozziewags. Looking forward to your posts/pics.

ENJOY!

 

[#1hockeymom]

no, he's nine, just about ten.. and I am sending my baby to camp.. ALONE! OK, it finally hit me later this afternoon. My baby is leaving! I am used to hockey camps and clinics all summer long, but we spend those long drives talking and sharing ideas (or is that me sharing him hopefully listening?) Tomorrow, I drive across the state and LEAVE HIM! ACK! I could take this time to complain about all the hours I put in after work driving to rinks which aren't near our house, or even in the same county! Truth be told, I think I'd rather drive for a week straight, than leave him!

He's going to Ferris State College on the west side of the state for their summer hockey program. He'll be rooming with another boy from his fall/winter team so he won't be completely alone. I will be picking him up on Friday, in time to see their last scrimmage (exhibition type of thing).

Pro hockey.... OH my may I dream? He already told us if he makes it to the big game, he'll give us a million a year! He said that should pay for the gas and time. I am atleast glad that even at his age he realizes the time we put into his sport. During the fall/winter season I leave work, drive 35 minutes home, pick him up, drive somewhere usually near an hour and don't walk in the door officially until 9. This is why I stopped cooking! LOL I also was the team manager last year. Its a thankless job, but someone has to do it! It did have the advantage that I always made sure the hotels/motels we stayed at for tournaments had coffee makers in the room! LOL DD's cheerleading is a lot easier on time, and money! Her four day camp is less than we spend on a month of hockey ice time, and we do that year round. She evens it out on her clothes and car though!

I hope the sinus/headache pills work for you, Ozzie! I find that they're much easier on my system, while still allowing me to breath. Good luck with your drive, and I hope the construction is done through Atlanta! *haven't driven through there in ages, but it was a running joke for years* I'll be thinking of you. I always ended up with the "Atlanta sunrise" drive. I would take over driving in TN, with a promise from DH to wake up before we got to Atlanta. As it turns out, he has NEVER driven south through Atlanta. I know where every Waffle house is on I75! I was always amazed at how many lanes they could get through that town (and I am a Detroit area born girl!) until I saw LA.. now you guys (DF) can put lanes on a road!

I feel better now, writing about my impending let-go of my youngest. Have a safe trip everyone!

Debbie

 

[Mouseteacher]

hockeymom~ Ah, yes, it is so hard to see them grow up so fast especially when you leave them for the first time and... they don't seem to mind leaving you! My youngest DS, even though he is 18, will still come with me when I am going to a store that interests him. We will talk about all things that interest him - sports, sports, and more sports! His dream is to be a sports announcer. Those times in the car when you have a captive audience is the best.

ozzie~ Check out the crowd conditions at WDW and at the pool. I am thinking of using the Swan quiet pool more than the Grotto pool if it seems too crowded.

DisFanRN~ good to see your post. I know about those Disney grumps. It just seemed more excessive on the Fourth. I simply say to them I can't explain how magical Disney is to us. It isn't explainable - it's a feel. DH even piped in (which he usually doesn't - let's me respond) and said we are going to a resort - it just happens to be in WDW.

hookedup~ I wasn't sure about you DS swimming trunks at TL or BB but I was sure they would be fine at the pool. I am glad Debbie knew the answer for you.

 

[RAV]

Ozzie- have a safe and wonderful trip.

HockeyMom- I'm wondering how your son is feeling about being at camp for the weeK? If he is really comfortable with the whole thing, it may make it a little easier on you as you leave him.

Mouseteacher- We too hear all kinds of comments regarding our WDW stays. I have even had people say things like " You're going to Disney, ugh better you than me" (the heat, the crowds, the prices) It has been said before, people just don't get it.

We travel to other places throughout the year and look forward to WDW the most. I love reading posts from so many of you who share the excitement of WDW.

I have actually begun my ironing marathon for our upcoming trip and started making those all important lists of things to accomplish. Today- I am off to purchase our A/p's.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

[dreamflight99]

Debbie~I'm with you there! Keep dreaming...and someday, you'll be standing on the ice (which is what we call the best seats out here) watching him wearing that PRO Jersey, handling that puck with the BEST of the BEST! I'm sure you've pictured this already. Well, if you can SEE IT...you can ACHIEVE IT! Just keep that breeze beneath his wings constant and uplifting with the spirit of all things positive (which is what mother's do best).

Ozzie~sending you lots of PD and WISHES for a wonderful trip!!

hookedup~you have nothing to worry about, as Debbie wrote. Just about ANYTHING goes in the GROTTO pool. You can wear masks & goggles...ride rafts and noodles...or play any inflatable. Have a wonderful time!

disfanRN~Thank you!


RAV~Glad you are enjoying the posts...and preparing for your visit to the magic!! Enjoy!

mouseteacher~That's WHY the only thing better than chatting with you (and others) on this forum...is BEING HERE in the midst of the MAGIC...WHERE *EVERYONE* GETS IT!! The folks here are absolutely wonderful. Yesterday, we played Bingo (and won some GREAT prizes...my favorite of which is the HERSHEY BAR!) seated next to some super~friendly folks from Georgia. Later, we brought the boogie boards to the beach...and had a great time riding the tiny waves into the sand (filling my suit with the golden grains in the process)!

We took a break from the sun/activities...and drove to the Indian River Mall. We bought the summer reading material @ Walden's, had Barnie's Cappacino Coolers, and picked up some bath & body items. The Mall is only 5 years young, and looks like the Beach club inside (structure). We drove the truck back, and swam in the pool (open 24 hrs...like the grotto).

I'm preparing to go for a bike ride with DD & DH to some model homes across A1A. Docs arrived yesterday...very exciting! Everything is going SO smoothly...it's a testament to all the PLANNING & PREPARATION which goes into this trip.

I must add one more thing. These other people....whom just don't "GET IT", sadly...never seem to get much of anything else, either. They have a shallow existence...where life is lived on the SURFACE of perception, and RARELY...if EVER...TRULY EXPERIENCED. All of us "DIE" in the end....but FEW of us, TRULY "LIVE". With that said, LIVE EVERY MOMENT and SAVOR each and every magical second...no matter WHERE you are.

*Thank you, again...and again, Walt.

TTFN.....

 

[#1hockeymom]

DS is excited about camp! This year he really shined on the ice, so his confidence level is way up there. He has been away for more than a night before, but that was go Mackinac Island with his classroom, and a parent in every room of three kids! It is me who seems to have the problem this year! All those years of saying "oh you'll make friends at that clinic, just get out there and SKATE!" and now I am waffling!

I just informed DH that I am planning our next vacation for Christmas or Easter. How is US/IOA during those times? I wish we didn't have to go during "high" times, but many of us dont have that off-time option! Easter week for us is Good Friday and the entire week afterwards. I am thinking we must try Portofino. I can't believe that I am comparing pictures to see which resort seems to have the loftier beds! Last night I was looking at pictures of the GF. While the lobby areas look gorgeous, and I love the idea of live music in the lobby, the rooms just didn't do it for me. I've been ruined by the Swan! (in a good way of course!)

DF>> who posted her next installment as I was still typing. I LOVE hearing about Vero Beach! My Grandparents live down A1A on Hutchinson Island so its like remembering past childhood vacations! I am sure the area has changed much since I've been there last, but you've named off some areas that I remember!

On the Pro-hockey dream>> We keep telling him over and over.. let this be your way into any college you want. If you can play college hockey, you can do anything you want in life! I do have a picture of him at six, in action - puck on the end of the stick looking very serious, that I joke should be in the HHOF in Toronto (Hockey Hall of Fame) College, that is the key. Maybe Mouseteacher's DS will some day be announcing my DS!

At hockey tournaments you feel it more. I had shivers going up my spine and I almost had to leave I was "choking up" so much. For the final game in a tournament, both teams line up like the pros and stand for the National Anthem. This about did me in. This group of boys who play hockey so well together, but are hellions sometimes off the ice in the locker room, (they're 8-9!)standing so still/helmets off/so seriously and I was just balling my eyes out trying to stay serious and sing our Anthem. I couldn't, I gave up singing and just tried for composure.

*off to finish packing*

Debbie

 

[Mouseteacher]

Debbie ~ LOL as I was reading your post, I was planning to respond - my DS could be the sports announcer for your DS pro career games! You beat me to it! My DS playing sport of choice is soccer. He has played since a little tyke and this will be his second (and sadly last) year on the Varsity soccer team for our HS. He has thoroughly enjoyed and excelled at this sport.

DF ~ Are you off on the cruise next? I've lost track of your itinerary. When do you arrive at the Dolphin?

ozzie~ I am assuming that you are "on the road"! Drive safe.

Rav~ All I can say is - We (here on this forum) are the best people! As DF said - WE GET IT! Will you still be in WDW while I am there? I see you leave in 10 days and we leave in 17.

 

[dreamflight99]

Debbie~I LOVE reading the HOCKEY stories, and of life with "sons"! You truly make me smile...between you, and mousteacher...ozzie...etc., I FEEL as if I know what it's like to be blessed with boys. Thanks for the heart-warming posts. Keep packing, and never stop smiling...driving...and putting all of your "heart and soul" into it! You deserve a medal...but a million a year would suffice! LOL. Wow...Grandparents near Vero? It's a small world, indeed.

Mouseteacher~...next stop is CR. Then the Dolphin!! I forgot to mention the PEABODY...which was like a blur! We arrived at about 8pm, went to CL for some bevs, etc. We placed an order for room service, watched the fireworks over Sea World from our window on the 25th floor, and took a dip in the pool. The next am...we witnessed, once again, the march of the famous peabody ducks @11 am into the lobby fountain! It is a grand resort...with duck-shaped soaps, and yummy chocolates at turn-down. We left and checked-into the PBH. Then here at Vero Beach!

Had another FAB day here...played in the pool, mini-golf, rode bikes across A1A to view some upscale gated model-homes (amazing prices for being so close to the ocean!). We went to the beach and surfed a while on the boogie boards...and made some sand sculptures. Now, we are relaxing here in the house, preparing to eat the spaghetti I've made! I seared the hot sausage, browned the ground sirloin w/vidalias, fresh garlic and basil, tossed in the fresh sliced mushrooms and roma tomatoes with sliced peppers, and some oregano. A bit of sauce, and VOILA~ (slow-cooked all day) AMAZINGLY INCREDIBLE SMELLS wafting through this villa making everyone hungry. Salad is ready, garlic bread is in the oven...and the angel hair and farfalle (DD's special BOW TIE request) is draining gently (Al dente)! Who's joining us for dinner? OR...should I say "SUPPER", as my DM said in the EAST!

TTFN....

 

[jgates]

Ahhhhhhhhhhh DF...............make that chocolate bar into a s'more!!!!


Hockeymom......You will survive - I did!!!!! Thirteen years of hockey - I do miss it! Off to camp was the hardest though! Only bad part about being team parent and booking those hotel rooms is that SOMEONE always has something to complain about! Too expensive, not close enough to rink, etc.

Ozzie - HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!!!!!!!

 

[lonegungirl]

Originally posted by dreamflight99

I seared the hot sausage, browned the ground sirloin w/vidalias, fresh garlic and basil, tossed in the fresh sliced mushrooms and roma tomatoes with sliced peppers, and some oregano. A bit of sauce, and VOILA~ (slow-cooked all day) AMAZINGLY INCREDIBLE SMELLS wafting through this villa making everyone hungry. Salad is ready, garlic bread is in the oven...and the angel hair and farfalle (DD's special BOW TIE request) is draining gently (Al dente)! Who's joining us for dinner? OR...should I say "SUPPER", as my DM said in the EAST!

Wow--meee! Although I would need to hold on the pasta, as I'm still on the last legs of my low-carb diet. That's amazing that you could do all the touring things during the day and still have the energy to cook as well...

That's it--I'm officially on the list for adoption as well...

 

[#1hockeymom]

We're finally back from hockey drop off. I didn't cry till I hit the car. Ended up pulling into Walmart in Big Rapids and spending way too much on munchie food. Those kids eat a lot! We were afraid his roommate and he wouldn't survive on only three meals a day! LOL Traffic going there was fine, coming back a different story. The entire state must have needed to switch sides over the three day weekend!
DF>> MY originally from Grand Island, NY, grandparents are in Jensen Beach. Wish we were at your house for dinner! As we were crossing Michigan farm country looking for a restaurant, where there weren't any, all DH could say was "look, people cook around here, unlike our house! We'd never survive here! LOL"

JGates>> In the summer we miss the Saturday games! During the season you can count on your weekends being filled with at least one hockey game.. summer.. where is our entertainment! You filled in some of those "thankless" earfuls! LOL I took all the heat and pretended like they were my parents at school I also loved the "well we didn't think we'd owe November ice time this soon" (this being said the second week of December)I have no idea what part of monthly bill these people didn't understand! The one thing I didn't get myself involved in was the fundraising. I'd rather just pay the money than have him go door to door selling pizza kits, anyways! All in all, the hockey parents, especially this years team were pretty good. We've had a lot of late night Euchre tournaments at various out of the way rink side hotels that were a blast!

I think in a day Ozzie should be posting from her room! We'll have her and Df's vacation highlights!

Night everyone!
Debbie

 

[Kapp]

Anyone have the link to the original Swan/Dolphin page from this site that has all of the specific detailed information on the S/D?

THANKS!

Kapp

 

[hookedup]

I was reading on a thread that the Club Lounge is only open until 10am then closed until 5pm at the Swan. Is it that way at the Dolphin too? They were also talking about how there is no water there either - except for tiny bottles in the evening. Is there a big difference between the club levels at the S and D? I had always assumed that they were the same. Does the Dolphin CL differ a lot from Swan?
Thanks!