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

[marymrg]

and to stay on topic , I'm sure some of your items were purchased at Swan/Dolphin gift shops.

 

[madge]

I had a thought this afternoon....does the Dolphin provide anything to "child-proof" a room? if not, I need to add outlet covers to my packing list

 

[#1hockeymom]

On topic>> The lobby bar in the Swan has a very nice bartender working there! We spent our last precious hour at the Swan talking with him on a myriad of subjects! The lobby bar is very peaceful, and a great place to savour those last few moments before you are wisked away in your town car back to the airport.

Madge>> I thought I had read somewhere that there was a child kit you could ask for. I wish I could remember where I saw this, as it might have been for the hotels at that "other" park. I am sure a quick phone call could answer this question and put your mind at ease.

Marymrg>> I am totally cracking up over your on topic add in!

almost off topic>> When airtran posts their flights, I will be scooping up our Good Friday through the next week, Easter tickets for our trip to the Swan! I checked last week and they weren't up yet.

Lauren and Allison>> I have truly loved having a front seat to your adventures with your mother. You have made me laugh, made me cry, and make realize again how precious life is. I wish I was down with you last week and could have met your mother if only to tell her how lovely her two daughters are and that she did a great job raising them! Two days ago I was running through the McDonald's drive-thru for a Diet coke and your song came on.... I couldn't help but think you you guys at Jelly Rolls! I can't do all the verses, but it has always been one of my favorites, too! I sang away to a good four minutes worth of "bye bye Miss America Pie..." till I had to be back in my classroom again! I believe we are the same age... although I still like Neil Diamond! LOL I call those songs my "back seat of the car, no bills, no worries, SONGS!

DF>> OH MY! I love the contents of your display cabinets! Your Pooh shelf is adorable! I also love the Fantasia shelf! OK, they're all great! If I may ask, where did you find all of the different characters? I also love the bags! I love it all! I will have to show DH these pictures, those bags have my name all over them! Sure, I am on coach #7 I think..... but deep in my heart is a rebel purse carrier trying ot break lose! On our first date, back in 1984, I had a purse *low quality.. very low!* that had these plastic glitter fish swimming through it. I loved that bag! DH of course was horrified and wasn't sure that it might not be a bad idea for it to be the last date! LOL Yes, the bag was tacky and cheap... not a work of art but a work from a factory in China, but I miss that purse! Thank you for sharing your collections with us!

Well, sisters and brothers, we made it to Friday! Have a lovely weekend! *holding up wineglass to toast everyone* *noticing there are a lot of beer mugs in the group*

Debbie

 

[Mouseteacher]

to all sorority sisters and brothers! real life has been so busy that it really has limited my time to DIS . I ahve been catching up on posts from last night through now - lots of stuff!

DF~ Your pin collection is amazing! I really enjoyed getting a look at them. I smiled when I saw your curios - I, too, have a curio filled with Disney bisque figurines I have collected through the years. I smile every time I walk by it. I tell people that most display precious Waterford crystal or Llladros in their curios --- not me, I say, my precious collection is Disney!

DS commuted a half hour from home. He is now dorming there which makes his ability to come home (he was just home to do laundry) quite easy - he has his car on campus.

Your thoughts on the family are right on. Family and its close ties to one another is hard work to build but oh so rewarding as our children become young adults. My hope is that our DSs have a great example to take with them when it comes time for them to start their families. Of course, we have our ups and downs. But our strength comes from being a family.

I love the beach - and we have some great beaches here in Boston. I would love to try Vero sometime. Thanks.

Lou~ Thanks for the link and the touching personal story.

ww52~ good to read your post and know you are still on board with us S/D sisters.

We wre lucky to have Denise at the Dolphin CL last summer. She was very sweet and a joy to chat with. Since it was our first time staying CL, she made it really special.

HM~ Week 2 is fini - I'm raising my glass of Pinot Grigio.

 

[Loubon]

Looks like kidk and marymrg have made the DIS Class Yearbook.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Lou~ I trekked over to the DIS yearbook and saw their entrys .

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by marymrg
and to stay on topic , I'm sure some of your items were purchased at Swan/Dolphin gift shops.

YES, YES, YES!!! Actually, I bought some of the pins at the DOLPHIN gift shop...and traded with the CM in the DOLPHIN gift shop! I ALSO...had the purses TRANSFERRED from DTD (Collectibles) to the DOLPHIN Gift shop (I paid for them first...but picked them up from the manager on duty~!).
So...I almost bought every item from there. Most all the Steiffs were bought in the Germany Pavillion (Der Teddybaer shop), and then DELIVERED to the DOLPHIN via the package delivery service! So...it almost makes them ALL DOLPHIN purchases! Thank you, for pointing this out.

kidk~I'm sure there are many others out there like us...whom vacation for extended periods of time (Europeans do!). I've met many whom stay 2-3 weeks at a stint (more than once per year). Yet...John Lasseter (Pixar Films CEO) was literally shocked when he heard the details of our stay last summer. He was on the MAGIC CC, and I spoke with him on several occasions. He wanted a CM to take a pic. of me for the Corporate News Letter, and even offered me a job working for him in Burbank/San Francisco! (LOL...half-joking, he said," Anyone whom can successfully plan such a trip, is someone I NEED on my Team! That's what I call Organizational skills!" I was bowled-over by the compliment.) So, NEVER SAY "ONLY" 7 nights! That's "8" days in my book...and actually LONGER than the "average WDW stay (purported to be "4" days!).

*Perhaps one of the most telling reasons for my desires for such extended sojourns dates back to my childhood. We ALWAYS took vacations, for at LEAST 30 days, all across the country. We would plan all year, together, of the places we would visit, the places we would stay, and the experiences we would share. It was wonderful, with three other sibs and my DM & DF. MY DM & DF still TRAVEL all the time, and just returned from 18 days on the CAPE. This was after a reunion at Annapolis (for DF), where they stayed for a week. This year alone, they have been traveling (away from home) a total of three months! This may explain the force which drives me (from a subliminal psychological standpoint)...LOL.

MOM POPPINS~Yes, they certainly do! They are indeed FUN, and collecting them is half the enjoyment.

How's Rachel doing? Enjoy your weekend.

ww52~ HELLO BILL!! Good to see you here. "GLO" is the "ORIGINAL~ORIGINAL", and started the SWAN/DOLPHIN Cheerleaders way-back! I'm not sure after that, or which thread was shut-down, and moved. I believe this is actually the 5th thread I've started (maybe not all the links are on these threads). Mouseteacher has been here over a year (or PRETTY DARN CLOSE!), and most of the others too! Many others have come and gone (Jen...etc.), but some pop in from time to time (Happy Trails...where are you?). Lots of former "LURKERS" are now regular posters. Everyone has been great at maintaining & contributing regular on-topic posts, keeping each other apprised with the constant changes, tips, special offers and all other things associated with the SWAN/DOLPHIN resorts.

Thanks for the vote of confidence with regards to the SONY. The camera deserves all the credit for the professional looking pics! I merely aim/shoot.

Your DD seems to be one very talented young lady! There's no such thing as "over-producing", as this is where all the DISNEY IMAGINEERS first got their start. She is TESTING her WINGS, and BOUNDARIES. Be sure to PRAISE her work, with all the BELLS & WHISTLES (God bless her for dubbing w/disney tunes too, it could be MUCH WORSE~LOL), and subtly request another more "BLAND" version for safe-keeping.

Stop by more often!

madge~YES! All STARWOOD resorts do. Simply ask for the KIT at the front desk at check-in. It contains outlet covers, etc. You are free to request as many as you need. ^_^

#1hockeymom~LOL...Debbie, me too! I had a terrible, sad and inexpensive bag when I met DH. Too funny. DH bought me my "first" Dooney & Bourke, and I was hooked! I have the satchels (key chains, checkbooks and wallets too) in White (Spring/summer) and Black (fall/winter). I have another new summer bag, one in red and one in white. I have some D & B coin purses which are adorable, and also a backpack, and belt. They make invincible products, which can not be WORN-OUT! Believe me...I have tried! The bags are akin to LUGGAGE, LOL. I do love them, as I seem to be able to put them through the WRINGER...and BACK AGAIN w/o any trouble. The KB bags are my FAV, and command so many compliments whenever I use them. I had three on the ship this summer, and accessorized with them at dinner each eve. Our head server would take the bags to adjoining tables to "show" them to other dining guests, it was a hoot! She suggested in Lieu of a monetary Gratuity, I could merely leave her one of the bags. When she saw the gold plaque on the inside reflecting the number in the edition (50 WW for the Minnie and Mickey), she promptly retracted her statement. It was a lot of fun.

God Bless you...I LOVE Neil Diamond too (Hello, again, hello)...and have since I was a young girl. Simon and Garfunkel too! Yet, I also enjoyed David Cassidy and the Partridge family. So, my tastes ran a broad spectrum. Am I dating myself here?

Mouseteacher~I ADORE the Disney Bisque figurines...and would LOVE to see you post some pics (if you have a chance), as I'm SURE you BOUGHT these at the WDW DOLPHIN/SWAN, or at least had them DELIVERED to these resorts!

That's not too far. The closest school DD would consider is about 2 hours away. Too far to commute. Of course, we could always MOVE there! (LOL).

That's the very CORE of things. Our strength comes from our FOUNDATION...which our family has worked/toiled to build. If your DS's have a solid foundation, (which I KNOW they do), they will do fine in the world. ROOTS and WINGS. These are the most precious gifts we give to our children. Kudos to you, for all your endless effort. It's a true labor of love, and one I embrace and enjoy (child-rearing/family life).

If you LOVE the beach, you will LOVE, LOVE, LOVE...VERO. It's so incredible there. The beach is quiet and uncrowded, even in the midst of summer and the 4th of July. We are always surprised by this, as we are able to enjoy "quiet" and "romantic" evening walks on the beach together, practically alone. The sand is clean, and the Disney Perks abound. I'm confident it would become one of your favorite places to visit. I hope you include it on your next visit. If you need any tips, info, etc.~Just PM me. I'll give you the phone #'s and different options for making the BEST ressies, and getting the most out of your time/stay.

I'm glad you too enjoyed Denise. She is a DEAR, and has always made our CL experience better...just by her presence/assistance. She has the most Cheerful demeanor, and wonderful smile. Maybe Thabo will LURK and READ this...and tell her we both say HELLO! THABO....are you out there?!?

*Raising my glass of the bubbly to you (just L. Chandon...no DP!) for your second week mark!

TTFN...DF99

P.S. DD took her driving test this afternoon at 3:10 pm, and PASSED! She only missed "2" points, as she said she was nervous (both for going too slow, below the speed limit!). I knew she would pass, but she was not overly confident before the test. NOW...she's beside herself with PRIDE and overflowing with ACCOMPLISHMENT! She is currently at Target, picking up a few items for me. Another step toward Autonomy. She's DRIVING now! Can someone hand me some antacids...please?

 

[Loubon]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher
Lou~ I trekked over to the DIS yearbook and saw their entrys .

You mean you're not subscribed?????

 

[Mouseteacher]

Lou~Of course, I am! but, I haven't been getting e mail notifications.
Your clever yearbook posts are something I always check out.

disnurse~ I was happy to see your post. I have been thinking of you.

DF~ I will take pix of the figurines and post soon. The figurines go waaaaay back before my
Swan / Dolphin stays. That was when I was a "snob" and wouldn't consider a S/D stay as they weren't Disney resorts --- Boy was I ever wrong!!

Thanks for the offer on Vero tips - I will take you up on that if it ever happens.

 

[madge]

Madge>> I thought I had read somewhere that there was a child kit you could ask for. I wish I could remember where I saw this, as it might have been for the hotels at that "other" park. I am sure a quick phone call could answer this question and put your mind at ease.

madge~YES! All STARWOOD resorts do. Simply ask for the KIT at the front desk at check-in. It contains outlet covers, etc. You are free to request as many as you need. ^_^

that's good to hear one less thing for the packing list!

I wonder if they make some sort of bubble/shield to keep my little monkey from jumping on anything and everything! I thought we were headed to the ER tonight, she was scooting/bouncing on the couch and went backwards onto the floor--right on her wrist/elbow this kid of mine, I swear...my boys never gave me this trouble!

 

[ozziewags]

Hi all,
Good to see/hear from so many friends and lurkers!

ww52.....What took you so long to rub in the 4 of 5 games you took from us? We are having major meltdown, helping you all we can. Tonight was awful, but no help for you, as Houston kicked #%$%! Good to hear from you again....I was about to do a "O brother, Where Art Thou?"

Lou....glad to see you are in here now and then. I assume you saw all three of my cakes! I am getting email notifications, but they are not working! Go figure.

So many collections.....wow. I am impressed. I think I am collecting dust! I need to do some serious cleaning. Have been so busy and so tired from the start of school! Must be an age thing.

 

[jgates]

well, in reference to length of time on these threads - I have probably been here a little over a year. I read these threads before that, however, I don't think I dared to post about S/D until I had stayed there.

I only visited the Budget Board before (to be honest I thought you guys were a bunch of wealthy snobs and I didn't think I could ever stay on Dis property!!!), then I happened to ask a question on the resort boards - my email box received a wonderful message from SwanDolphin and we booked our room out about 16 months ahead - longest 16 months of my life I think!!!!

Now I still have the desire to stay at either Wilderness Lodge, Gr Floridian or Contemporary one day - just to say I did or maybe to walk down from my room and hop on the monorail, but my home is the Swan!!!!

 

[EiLuvCinderella]

for you.......and your stomach...........

FYI............my DD15 is so excited to get her permit in 6 months. I've already stocked up on my supplies!

PS. Ei enjoyed your collections! Gets me excited for my next visit to WDW!

still lurkin'

 

[jmcross]

I enjoyed the trip reports and viewing the extensive pin collections! Wow!

Like others, I have been so busy with school I haven't had time to read or post! I am finally caught up since I have some alone time. My family just left to go to Loudon for the Nascar practice and truck racing. I get some quality peace and quiet. Hooray!

On topic, I think Debbie asked about the difference between Swan and Dolphin CL. I am going back and forth between them myself although since I am going President's week there may be no availability for me to switch. I have one DS, age 10 and one DS, age 6 so I keep thinking that the Dolphin might be the most appropriate. We are currently booked at the Swan CL. Would we be more comfortable at the Dolphin? Is there really much difference between the two? Should I stop stressing over the decision? Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Happy Saturday!

Joanne

 

[Loubon]

Originally posted by ozziewags
Lou....glad to see you are in here now and then. I assume you saw all three of my cakes! I am getting email notifications, but they are not working! Go figure.

Did I SEE all 3 cakes? I ATE all 3 cakes and then some!

I think I'm getting too old to be partying with Sorority Sisters.....

 

[#1hockeymom]

Here is a huge bottle of antacids, and a bottle of exedrin. You will need both. You will also need a larger coffee pot as you will be drinking it too often wondering where they are, even though they weren't expected home, yet! I just did part two of the driver/dating lump in the road. Last night ds didn't clean his room in time to go with the neighbors to the local hs football game. An hour (should have been 5 minutes, tops!) he was done, and dd offered *gasp! *to drive him. I insisted she wait until she saw he was with the neighbors, and had spoken to them about it. I know she's very responsible, but guess who was literally popping antacids last night waiting for him to reappear? He had a great time, has no idea that I was worried sick about it. He did keep from buying the junk food and from our scale it looks like he'll make weigh-in at 11 today! Football game at 12....45 minute drive home. Leave the house again at 6 for the exact same area for his hockey practice. I keep telling DH we need to move closer to hockey! LOL Right below best schools, I have "near a hockey rink" ranked in our housing preferences!

On topic>>NOW I know why DH hasn't made the effort to make sure DTD (via Dolphin delivery of course), is in our plans! He's afraid I'll find purses to out rival his toys in price! Those are truly beautiful! I am with you on the DB purses, it is the same reason I love coach! As each coach is purchases, I hear "but you said they never wear out". They don't, but that doesn't mean I don't need a new one!

Really on topic!>> I am so glad to hear they have the child proofing kits at the S/D. I honestly can't believe there are people who still tout the "not Disney" theme for S/D. Of our three trips on property, I felt more Disney at the S/D than I did the other two! I think being in Mickey's backyard had a lot to do with it, but I love the S/D for so many reason. The top one being that I felt totally relaxed, as did my entire family, while there.

Club level>> Right now I am in your basic room at the Swan. I wanted to at least make sure I had a room for Easter week! I really want CL, but if I am going to bother reservationists over it I want to make sure that I am asking for CL in the correct building. I have plenty of time left, despite the week I am going.

Have a wonderful day! Its sports day here at the W household!
Debbie

 

[#1hockeymom]

I just saw Lou's post. I am totally cracking up!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Loubon
Did I SEE all 3 cakes? I ATE all 3 cakes and then some!

I think I'm getting too old to be partying with Sorority Sisters.....

ROTFL...YOU will NEVER BE TOO OLD TO PARTY WITH "US"! [/b]I nearly sprayed my morning mouthful of coffee all over my comp. screen! You, are the LIFE of the PARTY, LOU...so stop worring about your AGE.

EiLuvCinderella & #1hockeymom~Thanks to you BOTH for the bottles! I've frantically "chewed" them down to the lable...and am searching for MORE....(LOL). Last eve, she "drove" to "Target, Blockbuster, Starbucks & Alberstons"! She is on a DRIVING BINGE. (And I Don't see "it"...which is her DESIRE...waning anytime soon). She rolled the wondow down and called to us yesterday, as she pulled away ALONE for the FIRST TIME. She said, "I'm driving to San Francisco, I'll see you both in a couple of days." YEAH...SHE'S A REAL LAUGH RIOT! HA HA...made my stomach FLIP upside down. DH seems LAID BACK over the entire thing (For NOW). Is this where the "hormone" difference is blatently evident? Is this where my VENUS ROOTS are SHOWING? I'm on PINS AND NEEDLES just waiting for her to ASK me for the truck again! She's also GUNG HO to obtain her OWN vehicle. Is this ALL par for the course?!? God Help me....


*"HERE~HERE"...on the purses! Every woman NEEDS a new purse, now and again!

Have a FUN SPORTS weekend, and thanks again for the "NEW DRIVER" perspective. ^_^

jmcross~ Hello, Joanne! Glad to read you enjoyed the pin pics. With regards to the SWAN/DOLPHIN CL...I believe you will be comfy and happy in EITHER place. Both of these resorts are beautiful, and offer a "slightly" different ambience, and amenities. Other than that...you will not truly notice a difference. I hope you enjoy your stay at the Swan (CL).

Have a great weekend (second week of school hurdle finished!), and RELAX a bit!

jgates~A YEAR already? Time flies when WE are having fun! Wealthy Snobs? LOL. I'm so glad you changed your views, and have come to LOVE the SWAN! The other resorts you mentioned are fun, (esp. the CR), but I would never choose any of these OVER the Dolphin. I "add" them to our itinerary, insuring none of the DOLPHIN DAYS are affected!


ozziewags~You & Lou...and this AGE THING! Enough talk about AGE~~US DISers are AGE-LESS! We are the perpetually "young at heart", and we play in the "Kingdom of youth" (Drink from the fountain of Ponce De Leon!). You mentioned the one thing about "Collections" which keep me on my toes....the DUST! My Sister jokes I must have been an "Octopus" in a past life, as they COLLECT anything SHINY (too)...LOL.

TTFN...enjoy the weekend!

DF99

 

[kimmar067]

Just poppin' in to say "Howdy"! Lessee, 1 week down - 39 to go !

 

[ozziewags]

Lou...You are a riot! What can I say? I am waiting for you to change your avatar to Swan Dolphin Little Bro! Or Sorority Bro! You are so creative show me what you can do.

DF...Lou posted you in the yearbook. It is pretty cool. Be sure to check it out. And as for driving........my brother told me that when my kids started driving I would be losing all control. Actually, that happened when they went away to college. One thing....girls are much better about keeping in touch. My dd I talked to every day, my ds I talk to every Sunday! Then there is email and instant messaging, which I love, especially when he leaves 'away messages'....I know exactly where he is(sometimes)! I just know that he is happy and has a good head on his shoulders and very responsible. That helps me.

Have fun today Deb...sounds like a long day to me. I remember them well. Off to family birthday party in St. Louis this afternoon. Everyone have a great weekend. I thought it would never arrive!