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

[disfanRN]

Hi fellow sorority sisters and brothers, it is I the negligent poster but avid reader! This is truly the best thread on the DIS.

DF- add me to the list of those who enjoy your posts, your genuine appreciation and graciousness comes thru in your posts, no need to be concerned!

Hockeymom-you have got to go to DQ your whole family would love it. I laughed so hard I nearly peed my pants on the virtual rides! It is a fabulous place and perfect for off season nights when it is raining or the parks close early.

Okay all you computer experts, we purchased a laptop yesterday, and I am wondering what kind of cable/cord I need to bring to the Dolphin to use internet there.

Our trip is getting closer!! I need to get sewing DD costume for MNSSHP- Minnie Mouse- original I know, but she really wants to be her!!
Happy Labor DAY everyone!!!!!

 

[kimmar067]

...I'm "official"!! For those of the "curious nature" who have wondered what I look like, wonder no more!!. Use my link, then click on Wilderness Lodge FAQ Members. My DFam is on the bottom and on page 2....Disbug, this is "compliments" of Fred, aka Majestic!
http://community.webshots.com/user/wildernesslodgefans

(BTW ~ check out AspiringCindy's pic...doesn't my lil' niece, Sloane, look like Boo from Monsters, Inc.??)

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by jmcross
Me, too! Love the CoP!

It was closed the last time I visited and a CM told me that it is outdated and may be phased out eventually. Why doesn't Disney just renovate it and keep it open all the time?

"Bite your tongue!" I keep hoping against hope Disney does NOT pull the plug on this attraction. I think they are fearing the "Backlash" they experienced when they voiced their desire to "terminate" Dreamfinder and FIGMENT! After the public's outrage was apparent, they decided to "update" the attraction instead. I'm sure CoP has enough defenders to maintain a permanent presence in WDW. After all, this was one of WALT'S all time FAVS!

Debbie~nope, but it IS in AK! Her name is CEMENTOSAURUS! DD absolutely LOVES her...and she purchased a foam/rubber one in the nearby gift shop for approx $15. It is so cute! Here's a full picture of her in the park:

She's hard to miss in DINOLAND! As for the best times to visit DQ? We always go AFTER the parks, as it is opened so late. It closes at 11 S-T, 12 on F & S. It's the BEST Kept secret of DTD. All interactive, 5-stories filled with Fun & Laughter. We visit at least 10X or more each summer. It was included on the PAP about 2 years ago, and is the BEST deal with this pass, or the UPH! Be sure to visit on your next trip. There are also two restaurants & a Coffee Bar inside (Cheesecake factory), so if you're hungry...you can eat w/o leaving the place. Enjoy!

Kelli~Thanks so much for the vindication and the kind words! I'm so glad you are able to stay in the MAGIC longer than you used to (even w/DH on the phone/comp!). I too, LOVE reading all the details of your trips on this forum. Keep posting, your pics are inspiring! Thanks again. (*I KNEW you were Models! You STILL LOOK FABULOUS, and age does not show on either of you!).

lovingthemouse~Enjoy your first day back, Caroline! 30+ students...wow, you teachers are absolutely AMAZING! Sending you pixie dust and wishes to help you with your new class******************!!!{{{hugs}}}!!!****************
Enjoy the Holiday.


hookedup~Although I haven't been there over T-Giving Holiday, it would NEVER discourage me from making the trek. Especially with free tickets...leftover passes...and the $129 RATE! It is a no-brainer, and I would solidify the plans asap. I would return tomorrow if I could. Hope this helps! (from one Disney Fanatic to another...I understand!).

disfanRN~Thanks for the kind nod. I must agree with you in regards to this thread! (#1 on the DIS!). We are a LIVELY bunch...no doubt. With regards to the laptop, (congrats on your purchase) what type of ISP do you have?

LOU~...notice anything about my SIGGIE? Anything LOOOK Familiar?! (Imitation is the highest form of flattery).

TTFN...hope you are all enjoying the Holiday! Time for a SWIM, BBQ...and some R & R...

TTFN...DF99

 

[Mouseteacher]

Wow - my sistas and brothas have been busy since I was last on. Just returned from my dad's - we had a lobsta feast! Delicious -(all right enough Bostonian accent).

I agree about CoP - doesn't Disney believe in Tradition - a Walt original. After all, when Disney trains new CMs, they have to take Traditions I and II.

hookedup ~ I was in WDW the Saturday before Thanksgiving through the Friday after about 4 years ago. The early part of the stay (Sat. - Tues. am) was relatively quiet - the crowds started to pick up on Tuesday pm and into Wed. and was quite busy on Thanksgiving day. Daytime weather was pleasant - no humidity / no real rain to speak of. The evenings were cool - I changed to jeans for night activities. We ate at the Flying Fish for our Thanksgiving dinner - there were 14 of us and we stayed at the BWI. We all ate traditional turkey dinner. I really enjoyed going at this time of year. it was the first time we took the kids out of school and I took 2 and half days off from my school.

DF ~ Thanks for the sweet compliment. You're pretty special yourself.

DisfanRN~ join in more often - we are the best!! I say boastfully.

Lou~ love to see stop by and share some of your thoughts.

 

[#1hockeymom]

*room wave to all*

Just spoke to DH on the cell... he's hopeless stuck in traffic over 200 miles north of us! I let him know that the plans were being set, and to tell DS that we're staying at the Swan again! DS was very excited! Believe it or not, the 10 year old wanted to stay at the Swan and not the Dolphin! *he'd take either, but preferred the Swan!* DD is hedging about this trip, wanting to go somewhere with her friends for her senior trip, or stay with us and our money. I don't know how I feel about the whole thing. Well, I take that back, I KNOW how I feel about it, I just don't know if the right thing to do is let go a bit!

CoP It better stay! Its like IASM.. I make fun of it, but I would be devasted if it left! I have never made fun of CoP, either! Now, "Norway, a proud people" (or whatever it is they call that movie) I make fun of probably on a monthly basis, but that is due to DH's norwegian heritage!

KelliR>> Thank you for all of the information on Discovery Cove! I have always wanted to do the Dolphin swim in the keys, this would be much more close!

Welcome back Disfanrn! I haven't seen your posts in forever!

Kimmar>> great pics! You are right about your niece looking like "Boo"! What a cutie!

Hookedup>> go, go, GO! What a nice Thanksgiving that would be!

lovingthemouse>>Good wishes for your new year! We are also over 30 for our 4, 5,6 also. Although my numbers are just under that now, they grow weekly! We were at 20 for k-3, but that also changed this year. Right now our only >20 is kdg, everything else they want at 30 per class. Right now I am so thankful to be one of the few to get called back that I figure I can handle any number! In a month we'll see how true that is!

Mouseteacher>> Lobster... oh you lucky easterners! When my Aunt lived on the Cape, she used to bring Lobster with her on the plane. Oh I miss that! Sounds like you had a lovely Labor Day picnic!

DF>>Please keep posting those pictures and your trip memories. It allows us all time to remember our own vacations, and see new possibilities for the future!

Lauren>> Just a few more days! Are you all packed?

*Sorority wave to all* Here are some brand new sharpened pencils for all those teachers out there! Guard them with your life!

Debbie

 

[Mouseteacher]

Debbie and Caroline ~ 30 in a class is industry standard in Catholic elementary schools. However, my PreK through grade 2 teachers have full-time assistants.

 

[Loubon]

Hookedup - We have gone Thanksgiving week several times. It is harder now as the kids are getting older (no more half days that week).

Anyway, weather has always been beautiful. Only once on Thanksgiving day itself did it hit the 90s. All other days were nice and sometimes even a little cool at night. Very little rain as well.

Crowds are usually managable but they do pick up as the week goes on. MK is usually packed on Thanksgiving day. Lots of characters are out all day and I think people anticipate lots of extra things going on (although other than the extra characters I never noticed much). If you plan accordingly you can handle it.

I highly recommend Thanksgiving dinner at the Whispering Canyon restaurant at the Wilderness Lodge. Family style and very interactive ala the 50's Prime Time Cafe.

 

[joshua4]

Debbie -- Packed? Well, there is really not much to pack, but I have started a small pile of things that will eventually be packed. Mom, however, is all packed. I went over to help her with that today since not being able to see very well can make it hard to do that alone. Now I just need to get the wheel chair all tightened up and ready to go with my handy dandy allen wrenches, find our rain ponchos, get some camera batteries, etc. You know the drill. Actually, without the kids, it is really not that tough to get ready.

To all of you teachers - especially the ones with 30 or more kids in the class, hats off to you. We are fortunate that our district usually has about 20 kids in a class and I was always amazed that the teacher did such a great job with that number of kids. I can't imagine having 10 more in the class!

Well, time to get my little second grader to be into a shower so he is clean for his first day.

Have a great week everyone.

Lauren

 

[Mouseteacher]

hookedup ~ Lou tweaked my memory re: Thanksgiving. There wasn't much recognition of the holiday. The Christmas decorations started going up slowly but surely and as each day progressed we saw more and more. By Thanksgiving day, the BWI was fully decorated indoors and out.

Lauren~ yes, indeed, packing for just 2 adults is so simple! I think that packing for a Disney trip is the best! No brainer especially for a summer trip - shorts, T-shirts, bathing suits, sneakers. I don't even wear make-up just my sunscreen. It is such a freeing holiday from all the fussing we do each day when at home. I hate when I have to pack for a business trip - all the trappings of dressing professionally must go in the suitcase along with down-time clothes, too. Give me Disney!

 

[Disbug]

Going to our first MNSSHP on October 3rd, so I booked the Dolphin using cash and points for 2 nights. We have always stayed at the Swan and do not know much about the Dolphin. Does anyone know about upgrading to a jr. suite? My DD15 wants to bring along a friend or two (still up in the air) and I had heard the Dolphin has true 2 room suites. Is this something that can be done with points or even (gasp, dare I think it!) a comp upgrade?? What would the maximum number of people be in a Dolphin Jr. Suite?

Thanks everyone who can help me with this!

Hello sorrority sisters and brothers... to the room!

PS Sorry to be gone so long...

 

[jgates]

DF - Wonderful photos! I tried to log in this weekend but got that DREADED message, Boards are down for upgrade, or whatever it was. I was nearly in tears. Then I get back and 6 pages!

Kelli, did I miss how much this costs (dolphins)? Seems like what I read at one time I ignored it because I thought I would have to sell a body part or two to do it. But DD is screaming for it! - How do I justify it when the University of Wisconsin Madison owns me for the next few years?

I believe I will actually change my Swan checkin date - move it out one or two days and extend at the end if SwanDolphin will let me - I want to pull in a couple of days at Universal. Course.....I haven't checked out the room availability there. Can't really do it unless I can get the Entertainment rate. Anyone know how far out they release those for Universal hotels? We intended to go back to Universal this last trip but I didn't want to fight the traffic. So I am afraid the only way I will do it is to stay onsight again.

Kimmar- wonderful photo.

DF - I didn't do a Loews card - didn't you recommend that as a good thing to obtain? Can I do it at the website? and also - Which model Mavica do you have? I have been pricing them and am undecided.

 

[joshua4]

Good morning everyone. Well -- NOW ONLY TWO DAYS LEFT TO GO!!!! Just booked the towncar and we are almost ready. Got a three day hopper for mom (I already have an AP). Got my $50 disney rewards dollars for a pal mickey and I even got asked to do one of those market research things a couple weeks ago and the "fee" was $350! Perfect for all of my spending money.

Got a call from someone from SPG a couple of days ago asking if I wanted to tour a time share for 10000 points. Normally, I would snap up something like that, but I declined because I didn't want mom to have to endure a time share spiel. While I had him on the phone he told me to call today to request an upgrade, noting "Be nice to those people, everyone is so mean to them." Who would be mean to a hotel reservations clerk? Anyway, am calling tonight to request an upgrade to CL level. I am really hoping that they say yes, otherwise I will never get to meet Mama T and Thabo and that would just be wrong.

Things at work are fairly hectic so I will definitely be bringing my laptop with me. The side benefit of that is getting to type the words "Live . . . from the Swan" on a post. Also, I figured it would be handy for pulling up menus last minute from Deb's site.

My three year old DD has begun making her requests. Seems I need to find a "Jasmine pin that is really sparkly and has a stone on it like a diamond or something." Hoping that I can find one of those for her -- I don't dare come back with a different princess.
My son wants a pin that "lights up and plays games" -- do they even sell those anymore?

Well, back to work. Hope all is well with all of you.

Lauren

 

[KelliR]

jgates ... the price of Discovery Cove is $229 + tax for the dolphin swim and the other things I mentioned (7 day ticket to Sea World, etc.). There are other packages (non dolphin swin, trainer for a day, etc). You can go right to the website www.discoverycove.com for more info. I did get a small discount at AAA South ... but I felt the whole experience was well worth the price. I booked Porofino Bay many months ahead with an Entertainment rate. Then I did apply for the Loews card on line at the website.

Lauren ... have a magical trip ... I am looking forward to your posts which will be live from the Swan!

 

[dreamflight99]

Yesterday afternoon...as we were taking a break from swimming and preparing to BBQ, we heard DD's female duck "Zong" quacking loudly in the pond. As we approached the fenced area, we immediately noticed "5" baby ducklings swimming beside her! HOORAY! She has babies, and her mate "Zyrus" is a NEW FATHER! He's 19 months young. He was SO obviously proud, and also quacking and strutting around near the water's edge. It was an amazing day. I'll take some pictures of the babies, and post them later. They are so adorable.


Mouseteacher...Thank you for the sweet comment. DD was very fortunate, as she only had 15 in each class in her parochial school (Graduated with 28 kids in her 8th grade class). At her current High School, there are about 135 kids in her graduating class. One of her honor classes only has 10 students! Most all her classes have 15-20. The public schools here have 35-40 students in each class, and all have aides to assist the instructor. The classrooms are so crowded, there's hardly enough room to "walk" around the desks. Teachers, are simply not paid appropriately for the amount of WORK they do, and the invaluable service they provide. God Bless all of you TEACHERS!
(*LOBSTA...ohhh. DM & DF just returned from 17 eves @ the Cape. They FEASTED on 5-7 pounders, and li'l pissers (have you ever heard that name be fo-a? LOL). So glad you enjoyed the Holiday with family. I could eat Lobster every day...and NEVER tire.

Kimmar...you are SO cute! Your family is beautiful, and you look so HAPPY in the photos. Thanks so much for sharing. It's nice to put a face to the posts. ^_^

#1hockeymom~ I fully understand your angst. DD's classmate (boy) made his mom cry the last week of summer, as he did not want to go on a camping excursion in yellowstone with the family. He is the last one "home", as both other sibs have graduated college, and one is now @ Harvard Law (grad. Berkeley), and the other is @ Mary Mount (Grad. UCLA). So, Saied is the final one at home, and the other two sibs wanted to go, but he argued SO much (wanted to stay home with friends), he made his mom cry. He finally decided to go...and had a great time. He recounted the entire story at length to DD when he stopped by with a BD card and gift. She's known him since K-Garten, and they are dear friends. I would be (probably) devastated if DD did not want to accompany us on Vacation. I hope your DD changes her mind, and decides to tag along with you.

joshua4~Lauren, You have certainly done very well with your planning! I'm very proud of you, for organizing and preparing well in advance for the things you needed, etc. Yes, they have the pins which LIGHT-UP and also play games (LASER TAG & OTHER). They also have WONDERFUL princess pins with sparkling jewels! Believe me...I came back with about a thousand pins this summer...LOL. Have a MAGICAL trip!

Disbug~I believe the # of persons permitted in the Jr. Suite is 8 (possibly more). The Pull-down bed may be a King/Queen *(depending on location of Jr. Suite). The second room may have 2-doubles or a king. The sofa is a full-sleeper, and therefore, this configuration would easily accomodate 8 persons. Yet, I know you can also request a rollaway for each room, which would bring the total to 10 persons. It's best to call in advance and ask. Also, YES...the Dolphin has 2-room Jr. Suites. Upgrades to a larger room are not granted, (unless in the midst of a complaint, etc.). Upgrades to CL...are "sometimes" granted...depending on the time, availability, and mood of the reservation associate assigning the room, etc.~! Hope this helps.

jgates~Thanks! YES~!~~!!~~~!!! THE LOEWS card is a FABULOUS thing to have. You may apply via the website, and then "ask" for an upgrade at the check-in desk. I have read of MANY persons whom have received such perks merely by asking (and having the card with them).

As for the Mavicas...I have two. The Sony MVC-CD400, which is a disc-based digi cam. It's a great cam, but there's the inability to delete images (you can delete but you don't get any space back) or rewrite discs (though considering the advantages, it's a relatively small price to pay). Once you take a shot you can't delete it, you can't even preview it before it's written to the CD-R (which I'd mark down as a minor drawback).


My other (FAV) Sony Mavica is the MVC FD90:

It Features:
1/3.6" 1.3M pixel Super HAD™ CCD Image Sensor with 1.6M pixel interpolation mode
1472 x 1104 interpolated maximum picture size
8X Optical Zoom Lens
16X Precision Digital Zoom
High-speed scan auto focus with selectable manual focus mode and focus ring
Expanded focus indicator for detailed manual focusing
External flash terminal for use with HVL-F1000 accessory flash
Stores images on 3.5' 2HD floppy disks or Memory Stick media with MSAC-FD2M adaptor
Super-compact 4X Quick Access floppy disk drive
Auto macro capability
5-Mode Program Auto Exposure
4-Mode Auto White Balance
MPEG Movie mode, Voice memo recording
1600 X 1200 UXGA maximum picture size
3:2 mode for photo albums (1280 X 848)
320 X 240 E-mail mode
12-bit A/D conversion
4-step adjustable sharpness setting
Date superimpose
Intelligent Flash with red eye reduction
Playback zoom, trim and resize functions
Economy mode conserves disk space
Audio/Video A/V outputs
2.5" LCD color monitor with 123K pixels
InfoLithium rechargeable battery, AccuPower™ meter
Battery charger / AC adaptor supplied

I paid well over $1000 for this camera two years ago, but have seen it for $600 recently (new). It's still the best Disc cam Mavica has, with the best zoom, movie mode, etc., availble in such a small & sleek design. I would say ANY Mavica is a good camera. There are some affordable ones I've seen recently in Target, which take great pictures and will do the trick! I'm a SONY person....all the way (Sony Vaio...cams, even two AIBO'S!...LOL).


Kelli~Thanks again, for the pricing. Wow...$229 included the 7-day pass? That's a veritable BARGAIN!
We paid $200 each to swim w/Dolphins in Cozumel, and that only included about 40 minutes of interaction, etc. (W/Picasso!). Expensive, but I'd pay that for a minute with these incredible mammals! ^_^

I have to make some ressies for next summer. I'm still miffed about the recent changes made by Delta, (removed my FC non-stop in Lieu of the all-coach SONG carrier), but things may change between now and next summer (supply and demand).

TTFN...have a GREAT DAY!

DF99

 

[LiLPrincess]

I just made my ressie's for June. I'm so excited!

I booked a balcony room, resort view. Gave them my SPG card number. Then as an afterthought called American Express and asked about an upgrade to Gold status. They gave me something called Preferred Plus.

Ok folks, am I forgetting anything??

I'm so excited, did I say that already?

 

[Mouseteacher]

what a day!!! Hectic and overwhelming - everyone tuning in to the school year starting tomorrow.

I am finally able to take a quiet moment in my office to log on to the DIS- (everyone has left the building!)

LILPrincess ~ Lucky you - you will love your stay - which resort - S or D?

Gratefully, I am headed home - I'm tired!

 

[Disbug]

I have been trying to find out about upgrading our room in October to a jr. suite by using points. When I called Starwood, I was told "Oh, no! You can't do that unless you are paying corporate or rack rate..." Well, I don't see anywhere on the website where it says that. Everything I read says "True Redemption", "The Ability to Use your Points how YOU want to!" Nowhere could I find that you could not use points to upgrade to CL or a jr. suite. This is very confusing, because the next thing the nice CM told me was that I COULD upgrade to CL or JR SUITE if I was using points to pay for the room (RE free night with points). But not with the teacher/govt rate or the cash and points rate!! Boy this is confusing.... Anybody have any input on this?

I copied this from the website.....

True Redemption(SM) means that when you want to redeem your Starpoints(SM) there are no limits to where or when you stay, or how you use your Starpoints.

Room Upgrades: Use as few as 1,000 Starpoints(SM) for a room upgrade at any participating Starwood hotel or resort. Arrange for an upgrade to a Specialty Room or Suite in advance of your stay or right when you arrive at the hotel. You may upgrade from any category of room with a Free Night Award or a paid reservation.

 

[Muffy]

Disbug, Try Calling the Dolphin directly. You just may get better results that way. Quote what it says on their site concerning upgrades with points. I'm sure you can upgrade to a Jr. Suite with points! BTW, as far as I know all the Jr. Suites at the dolphin have a king in one room and a queen murphy bed and a queen sofa bed in the other room. There is plenty of room for a couple of rollaways, if needed. Happy planning!

Mouseteacher, Hopefully you can spend a relaxing evening at home after your busy day. At least the rain stopped....for now!

Waving to Ozzie and Hockeymom!

Muffy

 

[madge]

Originally posted by Disbug
Going to our first MNSSHP on October 3rd, so I booked the Dolphin using cash and points for 2 nights. We have always stayed at the Swan and do not know much about the Dolphin. Does anyone know about upgrading to a jr. suite? My DD15 wants to bring along a friend or two (still up in the air) and I had heard the Dolphin has true 2 room suites. Is this something that can be done with points or even (gasp, dare I think it!) a comp upgrade?? What would the maximum number of people be in a Dolphin Jr. Suite?

Thanks everyone who can help me with this!

Hello sorrority sisters and brothers... to the room!

PS Sorry to be gone so long...

not a clue about the suite upgrades, but I think we might be at the Dolphin the night of the 3rd

 

[ozziewags]

Can't speak for hockeymom, but, along with mouseteacher, I am pooped! The first 2 weeks of school are killers for me. Trying to get into the routine!
To all of you heading to the S/D, have a wonderful time. Please post so we can relive your experiences with you!
DF... how did you like the Sheraton in Key West? Did you like the location and the room? Also, have you been to Hawaii? We are planning a trip next summer and if you have been to Maui, I will pm you with questions!
Hi Muffy!