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

[MOM POPPINS]

Disfanrn ~ Have a great trip, We are looking foward to your post from the "Magic"

Madge ~ Thanks for the pm, I understand now. I will let you know how it works out for us. I am thinking of breakfast at Chef Mickey's. Do the still do the "napkin" song during breakfast. I have heard good things about chef Mickey's but we have never been. Please share more about your experience when you get a chance.

I am going shopping for Halloween costumes today. So far I have DD Rachel as Holiday Belle, Monica as Ariel, and Sarah as Snow White, and I am looking for something for Jr. I found a cute Mickey infant plush hat.... I am looking for something to wear with it.

On topic ~ Can someone please tell me about self parking at S/D we have never had to park before. We do not want to go in and out... my DH wants to park the van for the entire time and not have to drive anywhere. Do you have to pay to park?

Happy Wednesday

 

[dreamflight99]

Fantasia Sam~ Long time-no see! Good to read your post. You should definitely try for the hotwire rate at the Dolphin or Swan over the Holiday Season. It's the BEST thing going.

madge~Not true about the back-dating on Scotty's pass. I wish I would have known about this while you were there. You could have gone to guest services again, and explained the problem. Once the computer was UP...they could have swiped Scotty's to SEE his first date of use in the parks. This can STILL be done, and the expiration date can be changed.

How do I know? Because I have DONE this myself. I actually had similar problems with AP's purchased in advance. Once at WDW I prceeded to the Guest Services window to exchange the tickets for passes. No problemo. EXCEPT the date reflected only 5 days remaining on our NEW/ NEVER USED AP's~! We marched immediately back to the window, and explained the date of expiration was actually our renewal/purchase date (nearly a YEAR prior). She in turn explained the passes begin (are activated) on the date of purchase. BUT...she would gladly change them for us without any strife. (The DISNEY touch).

I would strongly suggest you visit the window on your next visit and explain the problem (and how it possibly arose with the downed computer, etc). They should take care of this asap. AP's should always expire 12 months from the first day of use...no exceptions! (well...not in my book).

Your pictures are precious! Thank you for sharing.

Debbie~Whew...you are getting a little better deal than we are. In California...the rate would be MUCH higher, if DD was the "registered" owner of the beetle. Therefore, I am the registered owner, and she is added on all our vehicles as an additional driver. We both have clean records...so I can't even imagine what ins. costs for people with DUI's or Tickets, etc.

Ozzie~I KNEW there was a blessing in there somewhere! I can not even "fathom" paying for four vehicles and drivers! YIKES is RIGHT! We're talking a nice trip to WDW!! (LOL). At least we insure our children. I actually know of people (not too bright), whom do NOT insure their children. They believe the children are already "covered" by their policies...since they live in the same house and have the same name. I argued with them....to no avail. Ignorance...is Bliss (and too risky...in this case).

Disbug~You LOOK so CUTE in the picture! You are dressed in such official attire (spiffy looking shorts and Lanyard, with the hat and fanny pack!). Very DISNEY-ISH! Just adorable. You also certainly look relaxed...and overjoyed to be flanked by two of your favorites (DISBUGS!). Thank you, again, for all the photos.

MOM POPPINS~Good luck with Jr's Halloween costume! I would love to see pictures before they set off Trick-or-treating.

With regards to self-parking, it's VERY easy....and NO CHARGE. Tell your DH to pass the main entrance to the Dolphin, and take the NEXT turn into the resort (on the right). Make an immediate RIGHT turn into the parking area and then an immediate LEFT. Follow this main aisle all the way to the front (closest to the Dolphin). then, you are only able to make a right. Make the right and look for parking nearest the handicapped spots (as these are closest to the stairs leading up and over to the Main convention area of the resort). The Valet will be on your RIGHT as you reach the top of the stairs. There is usually ALWAYS parking available here, and we use this area frequently. Hope this helps...and you are able to understand my directions!

mouseteacher~Are you there?

Any YANKEE Fans out there?!?

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Thanks for that I got the $139.00 rate direct with the resort - i was too chicken to do hotwire

Thanks for the welcome wave DF99 - right back at you

 

[madge]

Originally posted by MOM POPPINS
Disfanrn ~ Have a great trip, We are looking foward to your post from the "Magic"

Madge ~ Thanks for the pm, I understand now. I will let you know how it works out for us. I am thinking of breakfast at Chef Mickey's. Do the still do the "napkin" song during breakfast. I have heard good things about chef Mickey's but we have never been. Please share more about your experience when you get a chance.

On topic ~ Can someone please tell me about self parking at S/D we have never had to park before. We do not want to go in and out... my DH wants to park the van for the entire time and not have to drive anywhere. Do you have to pay to park?

Happy Wednesday

Yes, they still do the napkin twirling.....I think it's every 30 minutes, or something like that. We ate there twice--once for dinner and once for breakfast (we paid for dinner, used vouchers for breakfast). The food was very tasty...lots of choices, even some healthy ones I will say that it is chaos at the check-in podium. You give your name, then you have to have a family photo, then they take you back to your table....it's all in an area where lots of families are waiting, sometimes there are characters around, and kids are everywhere. we saw Chip & Dale, Donald, Minnie, Pluto, and Mickey Mouse. Goofy is in the lobby...doing what, I'm not sure, LOL!

here are the kids with Dale--it was hard to get pics of all 3 of them at the same time!

you don't have to pay to park, unless you use the valet. we did the self park--it is quite a ways from the lobby. DH dropped us off and then he parked and met us back at the room.

 

[madge]

I would strongly suggest you visit the window on your next visit and explain the problem (and how it possibly arose with the downed computer, etc). They should take care of this asap. AP's should always expire 12 months from the first day of use...no exceptions! (well...not in my book)

someone else on the Theme Parks board suggests doing the same thing...I have my receipt saved with the passes and will definitely talk to someone at GS on our next trip. I haven't looked at a 2004 calendar, but I am sure that the kids school break will fall before these passes expire.

I'm sure the next trip will be sooner than next fall....I have airline credit and APs just waiting to go! would love to go with just DH, but the boys have already voiced their disapproval...hmph.

edited to add: can I do the AP business over the phone/fax? I'd love to have it taken care of sooner rather than later...anyone know?

 

[ncbyrne]

After spending most of yesterday afternoon pouring over Swan/Dolphin posts I just wanted to say THANK YOU to all DISers for the valuable information! I made our Dolphin reservations through Dreams Unlimited and got the government rate! I was a Starwood preferred guest, and then called today to upgrade to Gold status as a platinum AMEX holder (Delta Skymiles card, NOT Starwood platinum) I'm looking forward to my upgrades with NO points! Thank you, thank you, thank you...you guys are the best!

 

[MOM POPPINS]

ncbyrne ~ Congrats on getting your ressies and your card upgraded You will love the Dolphin

Dreamflight ~ I have printed out your instrutions on parking, thanks for taking the time to "drive" us through it I will certainly take pictures on Halloween and post them to share with my fellow "sisers" and "brothers"

Madge ~ The pictures are so cute, thanks for sharing. I will make my ressies for Chef Mickey's as soon as I get to my 90 day mark.... I always forget and then they are booked

Hope everyone is having a great day

 

[#1hockeymom]

no insurance for their kids? are they crazy????? OH man, I don't even want to think about what could happen and what they could lose! YIKES!

UPdate on DD>> She got second place in the talent show and is going to the regionals! I wish I could have been there! I will know more about these "regionals" when I actually see her face to face! Seems I have an Etta james/celine dion living with me! She sang "At Last".

I have been in meetings all day.... but I just had a wonderful thought! We have been getting the fed ex platinum please take our card mail constantly for a long time now. I usually just rip them in half and toss them in separate garbages. If I were to get that card, at Plat status... Can I immediately (I have a few months here for it to be needed) be Starwood gold if I call SPG? hmmmmmmm

I will share my souveniers with anyone and everyone from this thread! Help yourself to the shelf, all thanks to Disbug!

I am off to hockey... Its been a busy busy week, but it is 83 right now and I got off work 30 minutes early!

Debbie

 

[KelliR]

I'm afraid I may be the only other Yankee fan on this thread! We seem to be quite saturated with folks from Massachusettes

I have been a Yankee fan since birth. My grandmother (she passed away 6 yrs ago at the age of 94) was a chamber maid at the motel where the Yankees would stay during Spring training. She would summer in Florida and work at the motel every year. She said Babe Ruth was a big tipper ... he would leave 10 cents per day ... and that was HUGE in those days.

She also said the Babe was a very nice man and kept his room quite neat. She asked him to leave her an autographed baseball one day, and the next day he gave her 12 of them ... signed by the whole team!!! Lou Gehrig too!

My brother still has one of the signed balls. (The ink has faded a bit.) I can only imagine what it may be worth ... my grandmother said she never even thought too much about it and gave them to all her cousins and other relatives! She only saved the one which my brother has.

We see the Yankees play in person about twice a year. We go to the Bronx once and then we watch them play the Blue Jays in Toronto during the summer. That is a great stadium and it is only about a 90 minute drive from Buffalo. Much closer than New York City!

I will say that was a great game last night ... I thought the Cubbies were going to pull it off! Maybe the next game ... and the series!

So we will see if the curse of the Bambino is still at work! I'll be watching and rooting for those Yankees! On a side note, I think Derek Jeter is about the cutest payer I have ever seen! And a phenomenal athlete as well!!!

Wave to everyone I love reading every day even if I don't always have time to post. Many times it really brightens my day My DD6 has been sick for over a week now ... abdominal pains, fever and sores in her mouth. The doctor says it is herpangina, a coxsackie virus. She won't eat becaue of the sores in her mouth, and she is such a little thing to begin with. I think that is why she can't get her strength back. She went to school today and is on the couch right now with her blanket. She wants to go to soccer and the ice cream social tonight. Maybe she will eat some ice cream!

 

[Mouseteacher]

DF~ I'm right here! It was an incredibly busy day today!
On those other topics we can talk about - we, too, like ozzie, have 4 cars insured -- with 2 with under 21 drivers - $$$$!! Boston insurance rates are pretty close to LA. We are in the ball park of 5 grand for all 4 cars!

jmcross~ here's the subject I can talk about with you ---- GO SOX BEAT YANKEES!

ncbyrne~ good for you - you'll love your stay - let us know all about it.

#1HM~ Congrats to DD! DS senior pictures were done this summer and we suffered from sticker shock, too! But I must say his came out quite handsome.

disfanRN~ Have a magical trip- thanks for saying hi to and don't forget - keep us posted.

KelliR~ PD for your DD - ice cream just may be the answer.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by madge

Can I do the AP business over the phone/fax? I'd love to have it taken care of sooner rather than later...anyone know?

It's certainly worth a TRY, Madge! I would call directly to the GS department and inquire. Disney is truly "Good" about such things, and will bend over backwards to right this obvious wrong. I'm glad you're not giving up hope on this. It's just too much to lose (IMO).


Fantasia Sam~Great Rate!

ncbyrne~Glad to read you have benefitted from the infinite amount of information shared on these pages. Your compliments are greatly appreciated.

MOM POPPINS~Glad to be of assistance! I look forward to seeing everyone in the DISNEY-INSPIRED costumes for the festivities!

#1hockeymom~DITTO on the YIKES! There are a lot of parents seemingly "lacking" in the common sense department (LOL).

YES...on the PLAT. CC.~Obtain it asap...and upgrade to GOLD!

KelliR~Good to hear from you! We YANKEE FANS have to stick together...LOL. Your story about your GM is heartwarming. God Bless the BABE.

If you (or your DB, for that matter) EVER want to send a signed ball my way...feel FREE! (There's no SMILIE with DROOL, or I'd post one!!) Ditto on DJ.

PIXIE DUST & PRAYERS to your little DD. Carry her to the social...and spoon-feed her the I.C. if need-be! Please, give her extra love and hugs (I'm sure you do!), and she'll be feeling better in no time.

Always a pleasure to hear from you...and a nice comfort to know you are out there somewhere...reading us whenever you have the time. XO

Always,

TTFN...DF99 GO YANKEES!

 

[disfanRN]

Hi everyone!!! WE ARE HERE!!!!!

Finally, we are at WDW, our flight was good, and the town car from FL Tours was excellent.

We are off to a bumpy start at the Dolphin, however. We came to check in and the room wasn't ready, no biggee. However the front desk informed me we had a standard room. I told them we had upgraded 5 days ago to CL and the pts were already deducted from our account. She disappeared for a while and said they would have to get a hold of corporate services at spg. I called them from my cellphone and a very nice person at spg straightened it all out. I cannot understand how the dolphin computer could show one thing and the spg site another. Ah well, we then went to MK- moderately busy-but fabulous none the less,went on more rides then we expected to. Mickeys Philharmagic is excellent!!! Amazing screen and animation.

Then we came back to the Dolphin and went to our room on the 14th floor, the room is nice, but the view is of a rooftop and cables. Very disappointing

Additionally, the fridge I had requested for my medicine was not there , or the sharps container. One call to the desk and then it was taken care of. I had hoped to avoid that by calling ahead, and they confirmed that it was in the request when I first checked in , so I am not sure why it wasn't here.

The club lounge was very nice, and Thabo was there this eve, he is so nice. I am hoping the rest of our stay is better, but so far I am not overly impressed with the Dolphin.

Tired now, we have Cinderella reservations in the am, so off to bed!

Hope everyone is having a nice evening!

 

[Disbug]

Madge~ So sorry to have missed you! Here is DD9 pretending to be at the Beach! We were in the Lobby right about 3 to 3:30 PM. You were right, it was vacant! I looked around before whooshing up to our room for showers and a costume change! I WAS at EPCOT on Thursday morning and afternoon. Left that evening to meet family at ALL Star Sports for Dinner. So if it was in the evening, it probably wasn't me! Wish we could have bumped into one another! If I'd been thinking, I would have had you check at the desk for a note! That is part of the upcoming info on the Dis Meet with James as well.... More later!

Hate to keep everyone hanging but I am having a dickens of a time getting caught up between work, church, and school! Am heading for Pittsburgh for a week next Friday at the International Water Conference! Hoping to rack up some SPG points at the Westin Convention Center! LOL!

mompoppins~ I AM doing a trip report and no you have not missed it... But, as you have guessed by now... if I'm gonna do it it has to be good! (No wisecracks about past pics, please!) They WERE terrible!


Here's an "on topic" topic: CORRECTION! I previously stated the lamps on the desk and end table had duplex outlets... they are only simplex (single outlets). However, the outlets are "always on" and can be used even if the lamp is off.


SORRY MOUSETEACHER, BUTTTTTTTT.........

GO YANKEES!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by disfanRN


Then we came back to the Dolphin and went to our room on the 14th floor, the room is nice, but the view is of a rooftop and cables. Very disappointing

Additionally, the fridge I had requested for my medicine was not there , or the sharps container. One call to the desk and then it was taken care of. I had hoped to avoid that by calling ahead, and they confirmed that it was in the request when I first checked in , so I am not sure why it wasn't here.

Disfan...please, do me a small favor. Call James at the Front desk (eves). Call anytime and ask WHEN he will be in to work. Tell him exactly what you have written here. Ask him IF there is ANY WAY POSSIBLE you could PLEASE be moved to a different room with a little better view.

There is also something called the "SHERATON PROMISE", and you should already be aware of this due to the problems you have experienced. If they (guest services) have failed to offer you either a $$ CREDIT/SPG POINTS, please~~kindly mention this to James. He is a WONDERFUL person, and lifer at the Dolphin. I know it is within his grasp to "make things better" for you and your family-ASAP.

You may inform him you read all about him on the Swan/Dolphin thread/DIS...where his superior customer service skills are LEGENDARY! IF...by some peculiar/strange chance you are not satisfied after speaking with JAMES, please...PM me. I know things will change after you call to speak personally with JAMES. EVEN Thabo could have worked some MAGIC for you, had you expressed your disatisfaction with the room/view and problems at check-in. He could have made a couple of phone calls, and amended the situation. Did you have a bellman take you to your room? The bellman should have called the front desk to change your room/view if you expressed disappointment or disatisfaction.

There is NO TIME like the present. I'm so pleased you have exposed this problem while you are THERE! I'm confident everything can be ameliorated to your satisfaction. Let me know if there is anything I may do to to assist you further, and please keep me apprised of your situation.

So glad you are THERE...safe and sound. Once again, sorry for the problems you experienced. There's no excuse for such inept/inferior treatment.

Also...I'm thrilled you all had a DOSE of the MK. The atmosphere always seems to soothe any problems...and make everything seem better! (IMO). Enjoy your morning, and keep in touch.

DISBUG~You Sweet girl....YOU MADE MY DAY! (GO YANKEES!) Don't worry about the trip report...we'll be here waiting! Good things take time...and come to those who wait. I think I forgot to report about KEY WEST and the CRUISE for my summer sojourn. Anyone interested in some more details? (LOL...I've been home about 6 weeks now!).

Your DD is so CUTE in that pic! What a great idea you have given me...before they change the wallpaper and carpet. Thanks!

COLLEGE NIGHT~@ DD's school. Everyone from Harvard to Annapolis/W.P., Stanford & UC Berk. It was a lot of fun...and we picked up MUCHO MATERIAL on everything from admission to financial aid. The rep from Harvard was so nice, and DD really had an in-depth conversation with her. They shared many of the same views, and the rep was dumbfounded when she learned I was from Medford, yet a YANKEE Fan! She remarked it is amazing I made it out of there alive...LOL. Enjoy the eve, all.

TTFN...DF99

 

[jmcross]

Mouseteacher~ We're being taken over by Yankees fans. YUCK!

GO RED SOX!!!!

One down and 4 to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Not that I'm gloating this morning..... DF and Disbug.....

BUT RED SOX NATION IS VERY HAPPY!!!!

 

[madge]

There is also something called the "SHERATON PROMISE", and you should already be aware of this due to the problems you have experienced. If they (guest services) have failed to offer you either a $$ CREDIT/SPG POINTS, please~~kindly mention this to James. He is a WONDERFUL person, and lifer at the Dolphin. I know it is within his grasp to "make things better" for you and your family-ASAP.

I was wondering when someone would bring that up--if I have learned anything from this group and www.flyertalk.com it is to invoke that "service promise". Since we got such a great rate, I didn't push the issue about the noisy party during one night of our stay. I did send an e-mail to the resort on Monday. I know I won't get the points, but I feel better voicing my displeasure.

I posted about it a few days ago--we knew there was a convention booked for 3 nights of our stay. not a problem, that's usually the case in Sept/Oct. We anticiapted the grotto pool would be closed one night, and it was. What we didn't bargain for is a huge party at the pool area--the ENTIRE pool area of the Dolphin. We had a balcony room that overlooked the same portion of the resort. The band was very loud and at 10:30PM there was a fireworks display--right outside the window DD1 woke up, the other 2 wouldn't settle in....it was late and we were not too pleased. If we had known about the party, we could have maybe made some arrangements before hand. The front desk should have mentioned it at check-in.

 

[madge]

It's certainly worth a TRY, Madge! I would call directly to the GS department and inquire. Disney is truly "Good" about such things, and will bend over backwards to right this obvious wrong. I'm glad you're not giving up hope on this. It's just too much to lose (IMO).

should I call the Passholder line or ticket guest services....is there a phone number

 

[ozziewags]

I read disfanrn's post last night....and I knew DF would advise her to call the front desk and would have great advise. I am here to 'echo'........remember it never hurts to ask. And the Sheraton promise is also true for the Westin. When we checked into our room our safe was locked shut. I called downstairs and they promptly sent someone up and gave me 500 points for the inconvenience.
It is also true that some cm's are more experienced than others and are more gracious. If someone on this board recommends a name to you, be sure to use him/her because it can make all the difference in your vacation.
That's my 'on topic' for today! I am enjoying seeing the 'friendly competition' here on the Dis between the Sox and Yanks! It is the only thing that makes the playoffs halfway interesting for a Cardinal fan! I have to admit though, Lauren and Bill, I am having a hard time rooting for the Cubs! (big rivalry there)
Well, off to school....wish it was off to S/D and Disney. We have a 'travel buddy' arriving from a school in Conn., by way of Arkansas and the kids are so excited because he is going to join in our classes before we send him off to Arizona!

See ya all later........

 

[ww52]

Ozzie - I understand. Not sure that I'd be rooting for the Cards, except maybe in the World Series (except against Boston). There is a sort of bond between the Cubs and Red Sox - old ballbarks nestled in a neighborhood, years of futility, etc. Though I remember rooting for them in the 60s - I admired Bob Gibson's toughness. Of course, I was a White Sox fan then (got "converted" in high school.)

Glad the Cubs finally had a "laugher". It will be tough in that 65,000 seat football stadium in Miami, and I feel we need someone other than Wood/Prior to win a game.

Add us to the list of people with 4 cars insured and 2 under 21 drivers (and one just at 21). After the last bump I don't remember the total anymore, but it is multiple thousands.

Speaking of college - my younder son just got his acceptance letter to Purdue. He's applied at Illinois and Iowa as well, but Purdue is his first choice. Now the college search is on for my daughter.

On topic - have a great time DisfanRN; hope the room situation is resolved to your satisfaction; be interested to hear more on Philharmagic (let me guess - somewhere in the movie the audience gets sprayed with water). I'm curious how much the 3-D imagines of the Disney characters enhances them.

Go Cubs and Red Sox!

Bill