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

[#1hockeymom]

We could see the high fireworks from our room, and when we managed to keep our kids from talking, we could even hear much of the music. The preferred viewing area would be IN epcot, as much of their display is lower to the ground. For the way my feet hurt the night I watched it from my balcony, it was the perfect spot for me! I kept on saying "I am in my hotel room! I am watching fireworks! This rocks!"

Debbie

 

[Mouseteacher]

The balconies on the 9th floor are rooms that are directly opposite the Dolphin. They are in the tringular/pointed roof/black section of the Swan - over the entrance. It is recessed so you would only see the Dolphin and its surroundings. Since this part of the building is recessed and the wings jut out on either side of it, you can't see anything that is on other side of the wings. BTW, the rooms that are on the front - main /drive up entrance do not have balconies.

The balcony rooms in the east wing (those across the hall from where we stayed - 625) have an Epcot view but you must be on 6th or 7th floor b/c trees are right in front of many of the lower floor balcony rooms obstructing views.

The views from the inner wing rooms are spectaclar at night with all the lights on both resorts. We could see Coronado Springs Resort off in the distance when the weather was clear.

 

[Mouseteacher]

hockeymom~ LOL reading about your feet and I remembered your posts regarding blisters. I don't know if you saw my post to ozzie re: Thorlo socks. They were awesome. I bought the "walking" socks that had a padding around the toes and sides of the feet as well as across the top of the foot. They were wonderful to wear. No blisters. I didn't need my moleskin at all this trip. If you do decide to buy these socks, Thorlo makes 2 styles of walking socks. Mine had that extra padding ($10.99 a pair at Sports Authority) but worth every penny!

When DH and I went out on the balcony after dropping our suitcases and had stopped oohing and ahhing over the suite (I LOVE saying that word), my words to him as we surveyed the landscape before us was "It doesn't get any better than this!!!"

 

[#1hockeymom]

Mouseteacher>> Those socks are definately on my list of things to buy for our next trip! I agree with you on the rooms. I have heard that there are less than spectalar views at the Swan/Dolphin, but I am not sure where! That is the one thing I am NOT obssessed about for our "next" (I hope) trip. I decided that just about every view there would have something good about it. The resort is so pretty, I believe being "in" the middle would also have advantages!

Great information on those balconies. I wondered what rooms they served!

*still crossing fingers' that my pink slip is rescinded*

Debbie

 

[jmcross]

Wow!! Great info!!

Thanks to you both!

Joanne

 

[Mouseteacher]

I agree, Debbie, regarding not being obsessed with views, et al. This trip we were because it was just DH and me and we were celebrating our anniversary. It worked out better than I could have ever dreamed. Next trip with famil in tow - immediate and extended, I'd take whatever the S/D gives (and try for the comp upgrade) - I am not usually fussy since all I care about is being IN DISNEYWORLD!

 

[madge]

you know, it occurs to me that I have no idea what rooms, wings or areas we have stayed in when we have been at the Swan or Dolphin. We stayed at one or the other several times...I could describe some of the views, but I don't remember a room number to save my life

I recall last year, at the dolphin we were in one of the wings--we had a spectacular view of the Y/B Club, Epcot, and the bridge over to that area. we were literally at the end of the hall--also as far away from the pool as we could possibly be, LOL

our favorite view was when we were at the Swan. we were thisclose to the ToT and could see parts of Fantasmic. We loved that one!

I am amazed at your floorplan knowledge

 

[anitad]

I wanted to let everyone know that my upgrade using point and and rate increase issue was resolved by the Swan and Starwood. After not hearing from the Starwood rep. for 6 hours, I called the Swan/Dolphin reservations directly. Akiko (sp) answered and took my number. Called Starwood to inquire. The rate structures are different for the two systems. When Akiko called me back, she told me to call Starwood and do the point upgrade, then calll her back and she would give me the original rate on the reservation. I did just as she requested and then called her back. Not 5 minutes after Akiko had taken care of the rate issue, I received the call from Starwood. They had talked to the hotel and taken care of the issue!! I told the Starwood rep. what I had done. About 5 minutes after we completed our conversation, the Starwood rep. called me again because she had called the Swan back to confirm that I was set. And at this time she noticed that I had a second reservation, beginning on the second day of my stay. She wanted to confirm that this wasn't a mistake! I told her how much I appreciated her call, and that the second reservation was not a mistake.

Now, I am ready for my stay. I had planned all along to use my points for the club level upgrade, and request a balcony room at check in. (Right now we are not on the 12th. floor, because king rooms were all that was available).

 

[#1hockeymom]

Don't worry about being on the wrong floor with CL! We were on the seventh floor and it was very easy to bring stuff down to our room when we wanted to. Nothing is very far apart, and we were the furthest possible from the elevator! I am glad to hear that everything was resolved with your starwood upgrade! Say HI to Thabo and MommaT for us!

On a different subject... Just realized that whenever they do a wide pan shot facing south, at the Buick Open, you're looking at my area! I'll wave to all the great disfans next time!

I think I'll put the computer to rest and go scrub something.. the stress is killing me! TGIF!
Debbie

 

[judirain]

Originally posted by #1hockeymom
I think I'll put the computer to rest and go scrub something.. the stress is killing me! TGIF!
Debbie [/B]

I don't want you to be stressed so you are welcome to drop by my house and scrub away (when you are finished with yours of course)





Joking aside I will be keeping my fingers crossed for you. Let us know.

 

[tink44]

Keep the faith, hockeymom. My prayers (and pixie dust) go out for you.

 

[Mouseteacher]

LOL, Debbie, after you scrub Judirain's house - come on over to Masschusetts to do some more -North of Boston -not too far.

All kidding aside, I'll continue with prayers and PD. Our profession needs and can't afford to lose committed, caring and dedicated teachers like you.

 

[#1hockeymom]

Thank you everyone! It really does mean a lot to me to hear all of these lovely wishes! I can see I'm going to need to buy some more pinesol! LOL At the very least, I am getting the house in shape for the school year/hockey/football(yes he's doing both this year.. ack!)/cheerleading/etc.

Thank you again!
Debbie

 

[luvdisney14]

debbie - you sound as if you are busy like my family.
We do football, basketball and baseball. This year my little one wants to try soccer. I don't think I can handle another sport. Good Luck in getting being called about you position.

 

[Dismom63]

Debbie, Just wanted to add that my thoughts are with you also for a call back. Both my sister and I are teachers and she has just started in the past few years and lives in Illinois. She has gotten a pink slip at the start of the past 3 summers and is still waiting too. Her registration is the 15th so she feels she will know by then.
Good luck to you and keep your spirits up (at least you seem to handle stress in a productive manner.) But seriously, I agree with mouseteacher, we need dedicated , hardworking people like you in the professsion!
Keep the faith!
Sharon

 

[disnurse]

Hockeymom heres some pixie dust for a recall. Our job fair is next wednesday so that will decide the fate of our remaining teachers. I'm thinking of switching over to middle school but still can't decide they both have their +'s and -'s.

 

[Mouseteacher]

I think our big secret about the S/D being super resorts is out!!!

There are a few other threads on this Board asking about our fav resorts and they are getting rave reviews!

What to do to stop this?!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[judirain]

The S/D is horrible, no magic there. Why would anyone want to go? The Allstars has much more magic go there instead.

 

[#1hockeymom]

Thank you thank you thank you for the vote of confidence and the PD!

I was thinking the same thing last night, as I was replying to more of the S/D threads. I forgot to add that I hated my vacation and wish we would have stayed at the Comfort Inn in Kissimee. LOL No towel animals, its crawling with two year olds having meltdowns, and I spent five hours trying to get a chair at the grotto pool! Thanks for the laughs everyone!

Debbie

 

[firstmickey]

Im sorry but your secret is out!

I am seriously thinking of changing my Nov. 28th ressie to Swan or Dolphin. (tired of waiting for codes for Carribbean Beach).
I have an AP or I can get the nurse rate.

I confess I have not read all 108 pages of this thread, so bare with me here.

I am going with my 9 year old daughter for a mother-daughter see the Christmas lights and Christmas Mickey trip.

My questions are:

1. Does the bus to MK and DTD have decent service? (we plan to be in MK alot)

2. does the resort have any preChristmas decorations/ activities

3. Is one or the other better for kids (my daughter is leaning toward Dolphin and I am leaning toward Swan: I like idea of heavenly beds and that it is smaller


Are there any cons I should know about?

Feel free to gush about the good things too.
I am really liking the idea of this location and a deluxe resort for the price of my non AP rate moderate resort.

Thanks,
Donna