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

[Mouseteacher]

susie~ I have stayed at "Dixie Landings" - Mansions and Port Orleans now French Quarter. I absolutely loved PO French Quarter - I have stayed there 3x. The bus service was excellent - the resort is not as spread out as DL aka PO Riverside. I love the beignets and the theming of the entire resort. French Quarter is my fav mod!

hookedup~ I am so glad you are safe and your house was spared. I can't even begin to imagine what the "experience" was like for you.

Lou - I am receiving sporadic notifications of posts.

 

[joshua4]

Hello all,

Let's see -- my thoughts are with all of you dealing with the fires. Glad to see that Hookedup is back safe and sound at home.

Susie -- Sorry to hear about your illness. I too have stayed at the moderates at one time or another. I think you will like them a lot. Different feel from the dolphin and swan, but not worse, just different. There is something tranquil about being surrounded by the resort, sort of set off to the side. We stayed at CB and at DL (when it was DL) and really enjoyed both of them with their meandering paths and great theming. I think I would do PO again, the boat to downtown disney was a real plus for us.

Whereever you stay, I am sure you will have a wonderful time.

Lauren

 

[susie2]

thank you all for your replys, we have looked through different threads and have decided that if we do have to move we will go to the por, mostly becouse of the boat ride to dtd, we are keeping our fingers crossed that it wont come to this and that we can stay in the dophin, but its nice to have a back up plan in place just incase, thanks again susie

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by marymrg
DF Lisa - How did you get two years with your extended sojourns?

Easily...~We've been using this system for years (saves a fortune). We do not activate the passes until close to the end of July (usually around 27-31). We stay until the end of August...to use them on the first round. The second year, we begin our sojourn earlier...and enjoy the month prior to the expiration! Remember....we have a lot of other places we visit prior to the Dolphin stop. This past summer, our passes expired the last day of July. We then left the Dolphin for the Disney Cruise, went to Key West...then back to the Dolphin. While at the Dolphin w/o passes...I could give you a LONG LIST of activities which kept us entertained! It's truly the best way to go.


TTFN....DF99

 

[#1hockeymom]

Hooked-up>> SO glad you and your family are safe! What an awful ordeal!

Susie2>> I hope you will be able to still enjoy your stay at the S/D. If not, I have also stayed at the POFQ and would have to say that is our second favorite resort. Everything is close together and it is very quiet.

ZW>> I hope Connor is doing well on his new routine!

Must get back to work! *waving to all of my sorority sisters and honorary brothers*
Debbie

 

[DisneyaHolic23]

I would love to see your long list of activities at the Dolphin without park passes!! Will you share, please?

 

[marymrg]

So, you can reverse months when you actually go to the parks. I thought maybe there was some secret handshake I didn't know about

When staying at the S/D, there's plenty to do without going into the Parks. That's the beauty of being so close to the Boardwalk. Lots of great restaurants at all of the properties, being able to view some of the fireworks - without having to go into the Park.
(totally on topic!!) Did I mention shopping??

 

[marymrg]

How did Connor make out at school yesterday? Is his energy level coming back?

I know your family is looking forward to your Christmas/Birthday Holiday at the Dolphin and BWV's. What kind of suite did you reserve at the Dolphin? How many people does it accomodate? We are still in limbo as to what our actual hotel plans are for after our Vero stay. I'm trying to come up with different scenarios if we are able to spend a few extra days at WDW. Thanks.

 

[zurgswife]

Connor update First day back went well...Zurg took the day off and went in around Lunch (blood sugar check time) just to make sure it went ok.....Go thing cause it seemed ALL the kids in his class wanted to watch in do it....they got all the kids to sit in there desks so Connor could prick in peace and then Zurg showed the class how it was done by taking his own blood sugar.....The hardest part is just making sure he doesn't eat carbs between meals...

What kind of suite did you reserve at the Dolphin?

We have a 2bdrm suite....

How many people does it accomodate?

I'm not sure ....but I know it is at least 6....maybe 8.....somebody else probably knows...

The next 45 days can't pass fast enough....

ZW

 

[madge]

Originally posted by DisneyaHolic23
I would love to see your long list of activities at the Dolphin without park passes!! Will you share, please?

sleeping in the Heavenly Bed
relaxing breakfast (on the Club Level or at the Boardwalk Bakery)
swimming in the Grotto Pool
relaxing in the hot tub
napping in the Heavenly Bed
enjoying the activities at the Boardwalk
playing mini-golf at Fantasia Gardens
watching for the shooting stars on the ceiling in the lobby
resting in a hammock along the beach
enjoying cookies and milk from the CL lounge
watching the fountain in the lobby
riding the boat round trip to Epcot or MGM
listening to the piano player in the lobby
finding our our room on the Dolphin model (in the lobby)
pizza from Tubbi's
watching Illuminations from our room


I'm sure I'm missing something.....anyone else?

 

[Mouseteacher]

*sitting in the lobby people watching
*sitting on the balcony of the room watching the beauty of the surroundings.
*having a libation at the pool bar
*renting the surrey bikes at the BW and racing to see who can make it up heartbreak hill.
*shopping at the YC/BC gift shops
*shopping on the BW
*having a BLT at the Dolphin Fountain and listening to the jukebox

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Hello

Totally off topic but I have pictures to share Well they are dressed up in Disney attire...

Sarah/Snow White and Baby Kirk Jr./Winnie the Pooh

Rachel/Holiday Belle and Monica/Ariel

Waving to the room, need to get dinner ready for the kiddos. Will post more later

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by madge
sleeping in the Heavenly Bed
relaxing breakfast (on the Club Level or at the Boardwalk Bakery)
swimming in the Grotto Pool
relaxing in the hot tub
napping in the Heavenly Bed
enjoying the activities at the Boardwalk
playing mini-golf at Fantasia Gardens
watching for the shooting stars on the ceiling in the lobby
resting in a hammock along the beach
enjoying cookies and milk from the CL lounge
watching the fountain in the lobby
riding the boat round trip to Epcot or MGM
listening to the piano player in the lobby
finding our our room on the Dolphin model (in the lobby)
pizza from Tubbi's
watching Illuminations from our room


I'm sure I'm missing something.....anyone else?

Sure....here's a FEW:~

*Visiting "Celebration" for the afternoon, viewing model homes, taking in dinner and a movie in this little surreal perfect town.
*FAO Schwarz shopping and FUN!
*Sea World for a day with the WILDLIFE!
*The PEABODY DUCK march! It happens twice per day (11:00 am and 5:00 pm).
*Portofino Bay Hotel...for dinner, boat taxi to City walk for a movie & some shopping, back to the PBH (and to the Dolphin)!
*Boat ride from City walk to Royal Pacific Hotel and CHOP-CHOP (Emeril's new restaurant!).
*U.S. & I.O.A.
*A drive to Vero Beach for the Afternoon!
*GATORLAND (chomp! chomp!)
* The new MALL of MILLENNIA in ORLANDO!
*Driving around in the rain, looking for GATORS in the small ponds and bayous.
*Visting other resorts...DL(Great Prime Rib), CBR (New Food Court), Poly, CR...for some different chow and lots of FUN!
*Winter Wonderland Golf!
*Official "MOVIE DAY" @ DTD (3+ movies in one day!)
*Cirque de Soleil
* Shopping @ DTD
*WATER SPRITES!
*The 24-hour arcade open at CR
*take the bus to DTD, take the Sassagoula express for a R/T boat ride to POR and back!
*Go to back entrance to Epcot, obtain a free shopping pass to enter the park and get some hot cinnamon almonds/pecans, fish and chips and a bev...before heading out!
*LUAU @ Poly
*Fireworks cruise!
*Buying and sending post cards!
*writing post cards @ DTD & mailing w/special post mark!
*Shula's steakhouse
*SWAN BOATS
*Watch the Illuminations fireworks from the CL lounge!
*Stroll along the walkway to MGM to watch the magical fireworks over the park.
*Hoop De Doo Revue
*HAYRIDE in Ft. Wilderness to watch Eletrical Water Pageant
*Monorail rides in the FRONT, obtaining a MAGICAL MOMENT certificate from engineer (priceless).
*horsebackriding @ Ft. Wilderness
*Great American BBQ @ Ft. Wilderness
*meet with DCL associate, plan next cruise
*Golf (REAL GOLF!)
*bike rides around Epcot resorts
*Surrey rides around the lake
*Rent bikes at other resorts to take a look around!
*Play BW Carnival games...win prizes too big to bring home on the plane. Get a box in Dolphin shipping dept. to send home!
*para-sailing at CR! YAHOO.
*AKL for a night walk, among the wildlife. Relax there, Dine and take in the sights, scents and sounds of AFRICA. Ask to view the rooms/CL. ALL ACTIVITIES at this resort are OPEN to the general public!
*View suites at various resorts for future plans. BW "COTTAGES" are absolutely adorable. (Inquire @ front desk for a free tour).
*Go to the ROOF of the CR for a beautiful view of the MK and fireworks.
*ESPN for the best hotwings, and some competitive video game racing in the booths!
*Romantic Horse-drawn carriage ride through POR Along the ole' French Quarter river route. $30 (Call in advance).
*Petting zoo in Ft. Wilderness
*WL for some fun dining and shopping
*massage in Fitness center
*get a hair-wrap on the boardwalk
*Rainforest Restaurant for a WILD SAFARI DINING ADVENTURE!
*opening an OYSTER on the BW to discover a beautiful PEARL, selecting a setting (necklace, etc.) for a magical memory!
*"BREATHLESS" ride zipping along the lake!
*Dinner in the Yachtsman Steakhouse
*"Kitchen sink" ice cream sundae in the Beach Club "Beaches and Cream" rest.
*Visit the NEW SARATOGA SPRINGS resort (opening 2004)
*Take the DVC tour for the umpteenth time, obtaining free dinner certs or other promo for BW area.
*Dream in the WYLAND GALLERY @ the BWI.
*Listening to the Piano in the Lobby of the Floridian
*Enjoying the Kona Coffee and pastries in the POLY
*Making sandcastles in the sand on the beach of the Grotto pool
*Shooting hoops in the cool afternoon breeze @ the Dolphin
*Driving to Cape Canaveral to watch a shuttle launch
*Visiting Cape Canaveral/NASA
*Busch Gardens
Relaxing in the safety of the suite as the summer storms/lightening RAGE outside the window
*Feeding the ducks along the BC/YC
*Summer=watching the Buccaneers practice (IT's FREE).
*Visiting the YC lobby, BC lobby and BW lobby. Relax and people watch. ^_^
*POSTING to ALL OF YOU on my laptop in my DOLPHIN SUITE in PARADISE!

I have loads and loads more...but this is just a few. Since we always rent a car for the time we do not have park access, we always have transportation if we wish to venture out!

I'm sure others can add to this, and we can all make notes!

TTFN...DF99

 

[#1hockeymom]

eating fresh strawberries and chocolate croissants in the morning, while enjoying a cup of coffee and great conversation with Thabo and MommaT!

Did anyone mention taking a nap in the heavenly bed? LOL

Singing or watching in Kimonos

Sit on a bench under the walkway and people watch. All the happy faces just make it that much better!

Enjoying your last drink in the world at the Swan lobby bar and conversing with the bartender.

OK, I know I should have more, especially since there might be a chance I'll be there in two weeks! I never thought of getting a shopping pass for epcot! Thanks for reminding me! FOOD! Great idea!

Good night everyone!
Debbie

 

[nanajoyx2]

What is a "shopping pass to Epcot"? Is someone pulling my leg? I've never heard of such a thing. It is a great idea though. What about an "eating pass to Epcot"? That would make a lot of people very happy.

 

[jgates]

I did read about these once. You enter and present a credit card and have ?90? ?60? ?120? who knows! minutes. If you are not back in that time frame, your card is charged for a full-day ticket.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by nanajoyx2
What is a "shopping pass to Epcot"? Is someone pulling my leg? I've never heard of such a thing. It is a great idea though. What about an "eating pass to Epcot"? That would make a lot of people very happy.

Actually, I've used these at almost EVERY theme park in Orlando! It began by accident, when DD was very young. She wanted the floating SHAMU ride-on @ Sea World, and I forgot to "secretly" purchase it for her as a B.D. gift/surprise. So, I returned to the gate the next day, and inquired. The associate gave me a FREE parking pass, and the window attendant then asked for my PHOTO I.D., and exchanged it for a SHOPPING PASS. I had about an hour, before...he said laughingly, they will come "looking for you"! When I purchased the Whale, I returned to the window and exchanged the pass for my License. It was very simple. So...I then began using this method at any/all the parks when necessary (if there is something in the park I simply MUST have!). You usually have to go to guest services to obtain the pass, but last summer...the girls at the back gate (they nearly KNEW me, as they had seen me so many times), permitted me access w/o any problem (after my PAP expired). I'm not sure about an "EATING" pass at Epcot...LOL. As long as you can EAT & RUN....the shopping pass should suffice. The CC may also be requested. But...if you return pretty close to the agreed time, they do not charge you (or will credit you if they have charged you). It's another one of the GREAT SECRETS of the Customer Service style of these parks. It has literally MADE my visit, on many occasions!

ANYONE have any other IDEAS for things to do when you NO LONGER have park passes??

TTFN....DF99

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Dreamflight ~ Your list of activities is right on target and I cannot think of a thing to add

As stated in my above post, I have been so busy to post much. The halloween pictures I posted above were taken right before we went out trick or treating. I had a hard time getting Jr. to look at the camera, he has become quite the wiggle worm. We had a great time It was awfully warm here in Texas this year. So Belle had to leave her cloak at home, way to hot for a jacket. I hope everyone had a good Halloween, now on to Thanksgiving....

 

[madge]

Originally posted by MOM POPPINS
Dreamflight ~ Your list of activities is right on target and I cannot think of a thing to add

As stated in my above post, I have been so busy to post much. The halloween pictures I posted above were taken right before we went out trick or treating. I had a hard time getting Jr. to look at the camera, he has become quite the wiggle worm. We had a great time It was awfully warm here in Texas this year. So Belle had to leave her cloak at home, way to hot for a jacket. I hope everyone had a good Halloween, now on to Thanksgiving....

the pics are darling! Jr, has gotten so big, so fast!

It was 80 in Kentucky yesterday, I think it was as warm as it was in Orlando. I had to turn the A/C on, LOL!

Mom Poppins....I am going to send you a PM about upgrading the hopper passes....

 

[#1hockeymom]

Anyone notice my new signature? We're going to the Dolphin! This is good, and bad. I called to get a room for next weekend at the end of my conference. No rooms at reduced rates, no rooms at ANY rate besides rack rate. I don't think I can justify that with having to also justify a car rental. I am still working on ideas, though. *getting back to the point* While on the phone, I figured I would check to see if I could get club level yet, since it wasn't available when I originally booked. Dolphin CL opened up and I had my reservations transferred over. So, Easter is finalized except for plane flights, and since I don't know how many of us are going I won't be doing that quite yet, but next week looks like I will be sleeping on Tampa's heavenly beds instead of Disney's!

I love the Halloween pictures! Thank you for sharing!

Madge>> It was even 74 in Michigan! Currently it is 46, and going downhill from there. Our last hurrah was enjoyed, though, even if it did rain all day long! The UP had snow at the same time, and according to the Detroit area weatherman they get "a billion inches of snow a year so they'll never notice". It gave me a good laugh at 6 this morning!

On topic>> So what is a good view to ask for on CL? I am sure Lisa will have many ideas! Please share your knowledge!

Happy no hockey Wednesday! *game postponed*
Debbie