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

[desertgirl]

Hey, experts! My husband and I have been to Disney numerous times, but this October will be our first time at the Dolphin, thanks to the teacher's rate. Does anyone know if the renovated rooms have double beds, or have they been replaced with queens? Double beds are no longer an option for us. Would it be cheaper to book a king at the Dolphin or to book at the Swan with the queen beds?

Thanks!
Kerry

 

[Disbug]

I've stayed at both the Swan and Dolphin in heavenly beds both places and I could not tell a difference between them. So if they are double beds, they are LARGE double beds! LOL!

Hello, sorority! We are recupping in the Disbug household. Thanks to all whol have PM'd me and left messages on the boards. Means alot and I appreciate the kindness...

More mugs are almost on their way to new owners, who I hope will raise them high and recite the Sorority creed. Or sing the Sig-Del sorority song! (we will be soliciting prose from all members, thank you very much!) If I Know Lou, he will be chiming in with suggestions for our song, so hurry!!

I will be making another trip soon to reconnoiter for our upcoming Sigma Delta meet in July. Actual dates will be posting soon. You can count on them being in the last 2 weeks of July 2004.

 

[jgates]

Question A - letters -
When we checked in we had one letter I believe was left in the room - that was a 'Welcome to the WDW Royal Beach Club' giving hours of operation and what was available - also says that concierge will help with meal reservations - I should have paid attention to that!
The second letter was more of a general letter from the hotel manager (at that time Erik Berger). Welcome, easy access to all the Disney stuff, mentions the restaurants etc. Also tells about daily housekeeping, turndown, room service and again concierge.
I don't know if the second one was also because we were on Club or what the deal was. As prepped as I was last time I still missed things like asking for the robes in the room. This time you guys will be helping me make a checklist before I go!!!

Question B - beds
I don't know the size on new beds, but my understanding from the old ones is that the doubles were 'oversized' and actually only 1 or 2 inches smaller than the queens at the Swan. If it is a big concern I would email them through the www.swandolphin.com website (I didn't know it had music - never had my speakers on before!) I did this a couple of times with questions about the Mears service to the golf courses - cost, etc. and they got back to me within a day or two at the most. I don't remember if it was under the feedback section or where but you can contact them. http://www.swandolphin.com/feedback/feedback.html The website shows only the old double/double rooms for the Dolphin so that doesn't help much. My primary selection of the Swan was due to the smaller size of it. The Dolphin just seems so overwhelming to me.

As a side-note I now have my ressie's all set. 3 nites at the Royal Pacific (still at a rate that is more than I want to pay) and then today we moved our ressies at the Swan for the now corrected dates. So my counter is off a little, but we're close! I have the car rental set and the only thing left is airline tickets. I'm not going to worry about PS's this time. I'm going to just check with concierge when we get there and if they can help with any great - if not we will take what we get.

PS - my dates at Swan are 7/20 to 7/31 so I should fall right in line with some type of event for our sorority!!! Unless you have all the fun stuff while I'm still at the RP.

 

[desertgirl]

Thanks for the info! I just emailed them...I'll let you know what they say.

Kerry

 

[desertgirl]

Thanks for the info! I just emailed them...I'll let you know what they say.

Kerry

 

[Muffy]

Hi all! Last night we saw Cirque du Solei and it was as amazing as ever! Get there early as the preshow is not to be missed! We had great seats, section 204, Row AA seats 14, 15 and 16. I think you can book 6 mos out with cirque but I'm not positive. Must check my notes! After the show we ate at House of blues and then checked out DTD and PI. Today we are playing it by ear. We have seen and done so much that we don't feel the need to rush anywhere. I do know that we are eating at the Blue Zoo tonight. DH wants to try the rotisserie fish! We have tried Fresh for breakfest and lunch now. We prefer breakfest over their lunch. You can order off the menu for lunch if you want to skip the lunch buffet. We tried the lunch buffet and thought we would skip it in the future. So far I have only used 5 VKL vouchers and 1 Q&C. They are a money saver but you have to be willing to eat a big lunch!

Having a great time at the Dolphin! We love all this extra space included with the executive suite. Staff and housekeeping are great. Plenty of magic here!

Muffy

 

[dreamflight99]

mouseteacher~We definitely think alike, in SO many ways. I'm one (like you) whom tends to keep the "MAGIC" alive and well in my heart all year round. Therefore, it's easy to bring it every place I go~! Why, it was even with me in San Francisco! (LOL). And, yes...I believe that poster was alluding to yours truly. I take no offense, and wish them the best. After all, not everyone shares our sense of optimism.

*Bizarre exactly! The lottery fiasco was an incredible mess. What in the world would ever compel someone to fabricate a story about losing the ticket in the parking lot...etc. Thank goodness she apologized, after seeing the light. This world, and all it's inhabitants never cease to amaze me! Life, is interesting...indeed. ^_^

joshua4~Thank you for the compliment. Yes, I clearly recall you mentioning how your DS managed to charm the cart associate into giving her an ice cream bar for the water coupon! Your posts from inside the magic were a constant source of humor and inspiration. I hope your DM and family enjoyed the holidays together.

desertgirl~WELCOME to the DIS, and our humble thread!

#1hockeymom~I forgot to mention to you, one of my favorite Holiday gifts was an "official, licensed" NHL Jersey of my FAV. team. The CB. They whipped the Wings on their last game. I nearly took a pic of the shirt...it's so nice. I LOVE it, and have received comments on it each time I don it in public.

Muffy~Thanks for all the great news/info from inside the magic. It's nice reading all the posts from your adventures, and I'm awaiting the review of the BLUE ZOO. Have a great time.

*I have completed my reservations for 10 Eves at Disney's Vero Beach, the Portofino Bay Hotel Resort, the Dolphin, and the airlines (all paid in advance too...yeah!). Now...I must call the Peabody and reserve the initial eve, as well a the vehicles. Then, we shall work on any other details. I know for sure, we are taking time to visit BUSCH GARDENS, since I discovered my LOST tickets in the fall! LOL.

My girlfriend emailed me this wonderful link. She is attending this event, and wanted to know if there was any "Pin or item" I wanted. Wish I only had the time, I would be there too. In full costume, dancing the night away. I'd even wear some glass slippers for this ball! Enjoy perusing the details. Anyone else attending?

http://www.dizpins.com/events/wdw_royal_knight.htm

 

[kctinkerbell]

DF I just realized I had a PM-thanks for all the good info. I'm new to this so I'm a little slow This is just way too much fun-I'm hooked!!!

kctinkerbell

 

[Muffy]

I'll try to post pictures later. Unfortuantly these didn't come through.

 

[Mouseteacher]

kctinkerbell~ EXACTLY! This is fun and way too addicting!! Welcome aboard.

 

[#1hockeymom]

DF>> YEAH! Glad someone gifted you with a wonderful hockey jersey! Tomorrow is Friday..... will it be my new General's jersey, one of my many Redwings jerseys... or my old Detroit Vipers (now gone *crying* jersey! A jersey and a pair of jeans has to be the most comfortable thing on this planet! (I always wear my away Redwings jersey the last day before Christmas break. I call it my Santa outfit since that is the all red with the one white stripe, jersey).

Muffy>> Keep posting! I am hanging on every word!

Kctinkerbell>>This is the most wonderful thread on the entire boards! I even talk about everyone here to those "real life" people I talk to in person. You guys are the best! I know you're going to love your trip to the S/D!

Lauren>> It is on our plan to fill a Mr. Potato head box! Whenever I read posts about those I think of you and your sister!

Mouseteacher>> All quiet on the Michigan front! We're getting ready for MEAP here, but I can't believe how ready my kids have been to take in information this week! Its sad to say that they're way behind their peers in other districts, but we've gained a lot of speed this week! Full moon/off of vacation and a good class? What is up with that? My classroom isn't the only one like this, the entire school seems ready to learn! I relayed the information to my teammates that other areas of the country seem the same way *via you real people from the boards*

On topic>> Should I stop by the S or D for the memory box? or should I wait until our April trip? Is there one at both resorts? I forgot to take notes the day Disbug did all of her work!

Disbug>> I read about the mugs! You go girl! I still LOVE my mug!

sorority wave to all,
Debbie

 

[dreamflight99]

kctinkerbell~Glad you received the pm. Welcome to our sorority house online. We are a very friendly sort...full of mischief and fun, packed with a bounty of info on the Swan/Dolphin and SPG. Feel free to ask anything, we'll try to help. Disbug is our resident "Mug Master", so when you read a reference to a "MUG", it is referring to her mastery of our special~order design "Sigma Delta Sorority" mugs! We all ordered one, and enjoy the "connection" of sipping bevs from these while posting on our thread! Contact Disbug if you are interested, she'll pm you with the info/photo.

We also have resident "Teachers, administrators, Professors, nurses, Docs, government workers, lawyers, technical, and even financial directors (AKA" stay at home moms)!" I'm sure I've overlooked some, but we are so diverse it's difficult to keep-up with all the LIVES outside the DIS.

I hope you are happy here, and stay a while to enjoy the wonderful, fabulous and most interesting group of folks on the Dis!

#1hockeymom~I feel the SAME way! Jeans and a hockey shirt, and life is GOOD. The Blackhawks are my #1, with the Bruins, Islanders and a few others rounding-out the list. My DF is from Mich, and loves the Wings! (Just like DM from Boston...loves the SOX & Bruins!).

Ditto on the *Potato head* fun at WDW. It is a MUST-DO this summer! After all the fun Lauren shared with her DS (as DM looked on in humorous embarrassment), we just HAVE to partake. Of course, Lauren's sister received the Certificate for a "Magical Moment" after her caper! I received one of these in 2000, for acting so "giddy" while riding in the FRONT of the monorail! LOL. The driver couldn't get over my glee and excitement. Of course, he was not aware this is the exact same manner I have acted on each of the previous 1000 rides in the front of this train!

Muffy~Try again...I'm frothing to see the pictures!!

TTFN....DF99

 

[dreamflight99]

kctinkerbell~Glad you received the pm. Welcome to our sorority house online. We are a very friendly sort...full of mischief and fun, packed with a bounty of info on the Swan/Dolphin and SPG. Feel free to ask anything, we'll try to help. Disbug is our resident "Mug Master", so when you read a reference to a "MUG", it is referring to her mastery of our special~order design "Sigma Delta Sorority" mugs! We all ordered one, and enjoy the "connection" of sipping bevs from these while posting on our thread! Contact Disbug if you are interested, she'll pm you with the info/photo.

We also have resident "Teachers, administrators, Professors, nurses, Docs, government workers, lawyers, technical, and even financial directors (AKA" stay at home moms)!" I'm sure I've overlooked some, but we are so diverse it's difficult to keep-up with all the LIVES outside the DIS.

I hope you are happy here, and stay a while to enjoy the wonderful, fabulous and most interesting group of folks on the Dis!

#1hockeymom~I feel the SAME way! Jeans and a hockey shirt, and life is GOOD. The Blackhawks are my #1, with the Bruins, Islanders and a few others rounding-out the list. My DF is from Mich, and loves the Wings! (Just like DM from Boston...loves the SOX & Bruins!).

Ditto on the *Potato head* fun at WDW. It is a MUST-DO this summer! After all the fun Lauren shared with her DS (as DM looked on in humorous embarrassment), we just HAVE to partake. Of course, Lauren's sister received the Certificate for a "Magical Moment" after her caper! I received one of these in 2000, for acting so "giddy" while riding in the FRONT of the monorail! LOL. The driver couldn't get over my glee and excitement. Of course, he was not aware this is the exact same manner I have acted on each of the previous 1000 rides in the front of this train!

Muffy~Try again...I'm frothing to see the pictures!!

TTFN....DF99

 

[Loubon]

Hey DF one post per person please.

And unless I've become a SAHM I didn't see any mention of me......

 

[jgates]

IKNOWLOUBON,IDONTTHINKIREALLYFITINANYOFTHOSEDESCRIPTIONSEITHER! They should have one for 'code-speakers'!!!! But seriously - add bankers!

 

[Disbug]

THUS, I have changed my name BACK to DisBUG from DisMUG! YAY! Others should be receiving theirs in the near future!

Off to the Dr. this morning with little miss DD2. We will see what we will see...

Have started the Meet planning and will be forthcoming with info on the sorority thread as it is ready to post!

Happy Day, ALL! It is rainy and cold here in Florida (if that helps curb those WDW blues!)

 

[Mouseteacher]

Disbug --- Cold in Florida?!!!! You want cold??? It's 0 in Boston and going down overnight! The Pats game Saturday could be below zero! But, we are diehard fans in New England and expect attendance at the game to not be down. Go Pats!!!!

I hope your doctor's visit goes well. Oh... and welcome back DisB ug!

Ditto from me regarding all the wonderful compliments that DF and HM wrote about us. I often tell my "real" family and friends about us, too! DH often just gives me a little smile.

DF~ my DS is on Cali soil! He arrived at LAX on Thursday afternoon. He and a friend are visiting another friend from their high school days who is stationed with the Marines in San Diego. They are planning on doing a lot of touristy things. He returns home on Tuesday and then it's back to campus life. I must say I do worry about him traveling sans family but I guess I must let him grow-up (he'll be 21 in March).

Have a Disney Day to all my sorority sisters and brothers!

 

[Muffy]

Disbug, Good luck at the doctors with your DD. Fingers crossed that the worst is over for you. It is 58 and sunny in Orlando right now. They are predicting showers later today. Must pack the ponchos!

Mouseteacher, Great to hear that your DS is in Cali! I hope he and his friends have a great time! I know it is cold in Boston! It is zero in CT too! We have 6 more days of sunny FL and then back to winter for us!

Today we are going back to MK but park hopping in the afternoon. We are determined to get to the Brown Derby for a late lunch to use more VOUCHERS! I don't want to bring one voucher home with me! I wish Fresh took the breakfest vouchers. Must get to Boma for breakfest soon to unload vouchers there too! I am getting back on my program as soon as I get home! To much eating going on here! Good thing for the walking! I clocked 12 mi yesterday again on my pediometer! I am wearing Tevas or New Balance and the ol' tootsie are fine. I am a firm believer is switching shoes often while at WDW.

I finally met a DISer! I met Joshuasmom in line at RnR yesterday! That was exciting!!

All is well at the Dolphin!

Muffy

 

[KelliR]

Mouseteacher ... I hear ya! It is 0 degrees here too and heading down tonight. That Florida weather is sounding mighty nice to me.

Muffy ... how was The Blue Zoo, did you go yet? I can't wait to hear about it.

Disbug/Dismug/Denise ... sending more PD for your DD!!!

 

[ozziewags]

Hi all,

Hey Muffy...so good to hear from you. I can't believe you get so much time down there. You are so lucky. We love hearing your reports. So what room are you in now? An Exec suite on the west side of Dolphin? Is that right? I may be mixing you up with someone else! Have you seen Thabo or Mama T at all?

mouseteacher....I can relate about worrying about older kids. It is one reason I am paying for his cell phone...so he can keep in touch when he is a long way from home.

Disbug.....good luck to you....keep us posted on your little one. Hope all is improving. DH is having his other stent in on Jan. 20, so hopefully afterward that blood will be flowing freely!!! He is doing well and changing some bad habits. That is a good sign.

Have a great day everyone....I am off to school!