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

[Mouseteacher]

ozzie~ and... the children weren't even in the building today. The adults seemed to be in a "high maintenance" mode today! I feel like everyone was tugging at me in a gazillion different directions. It's good to be home.

I always say - the children are the joy of my days - they are the least of my problems.

Disbug~ I stayed at the Swan on cash and points and received a comp upgrade to a Jr. Suite upon check-in. Just an FYI. So, it can be done.

 

[Disbug]

Muffy and Mouseteacher! As you may remember, I stayed at the Swan on Cash and Points and received an upgrade to CL before arriving. I don't know why we get such mixed stories depending on who we talk to! Unfortunately, I need to know in advance how much space we will have in case DD15 is inviting friends... I may just have to switch to the Gov rate and book two rooms...

Going to Shriner's Orthopedic Hospital in Tampa, Thursday. DD2 getting a check up on her bone development, etc... Then back to Orlando Sep 18-21 for the World Congress on Disabilities. DH is signed up for the seminars, while Phoebe and I will stroll around the giant exhibit hall looking at all the new equipment, therapies, etc...

House is back to normal after "Camp Sierra"! LOL! Whew! Somebody STOP ME if I ever talk myself into something like that again!

Kimmar~ Loved the pic of you and your son! It's a good picture of you! Did not see the other one for some reason... I'll have to go back!

Hello, ozzie, #1hockeymom, dreamflight, madge, and all the rest of the sorority. I'm trying to get back in the groove here...!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by 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!

Oui, Ozzie! The Sheraton in Key West was beautiful...and recently renovated. The suite was adorable, and exclusively for a STARWOOD PREFERRED GUEST! I used the Government rate, @ $109.00 per eve, and was upgraded (auto platinum SPG) to a beautiful Pool/Ocean View room. After seeing the pool, we opted for this view. It was a wonderful place, great restaurant and staff. Worth the trip. for sure. YES...have been to MAUI (Love the WESTIN!), Kona and a few other Hawaii locales. PM me with any questions. Here's a few pics of the Sheraton in Key West....

The living room w/adorable private balcony...

Heavenly BEDS...plump and SOFT as CLOUDS! (awaiting Housekeeping service)...

The living room (taken from the little kitchen area), large T.V. in left corner...and another large T.V. in Bedroom too!

Beautiful FREE-FORM pool w/waterfall and private jacuzzi...

Another shot of the Living Room...taken from the dining table~(22+ LIVE plants in this suite!)...

Our Suite & balcony is the one in the middle (second floor) on the end. Very private and comfy/cozy...

**DID ANYONE SEE THE POST ABOUT THE NEW BABIES?!**

 

[Disbug]

The new baby duckies, Dreamflight? You were going to post some more pics as I recall!

 

[#1hockeymom]

*room wave to all*
CUTE DUCKIES!!! Our matched pair (Carmela and Tony) left our pool as soon as the winter pool cover was taken off. I miss them! How nice you get to watch your pair have babies! Keep us posted with pictures, please!

Tired? Moi? I was home exactly 15 minutes between driving home, then driving back north again to the hockey rink. I just walked in the door 10 minutes ago and of course had to catch my dis fix since I couldn't post earlier! Work flew by today. I am so used to having the first lunch and a four hour afternoon with no break. Now with a late lunch, and both our specials in the afternoon, it flies by! The week of the heat about did me in. This nice normal weather is a joy to teach in! I did have my first suspension last week, two to be exact. Seems a Jerry Springer like episode broke out in art class. I wasn't there, so I didn't officially give the one day suspension. Both of these children have been on my "watch closely" list from day one, and they both live near my desk, although I refuse to read their cum, and probably won't for a long time in order not to form an opinion too early which could easily be changed! I am hoping we won't have repeat episodes. I do love the first few weeks of school... everyone has an A! everyone is all ready to learn! and they still want to be here!

Thank you for showing the KW rooms! DH lived down there for a bit before I met him. I have only been there the one time on the cruise, but would love to go down there for a longer excursion! I think the hotel is awesome, and the price can't be beat! Does anyone know if a hotel doesn't have a teacher rate like our great S/D, can a teacher apply for a stay under the government rate? My retirement is through the state.

I know I am leaving so many people out here (jumping up to wave back at muffy), but I must get some sleep tonight. You guys are great! Thank you for making my days so special! Here is some hot tea for everyone to enjoy before they get to bed so they are ready for their next hectic day! (no camp sierra for disbug.. check!)

*sorority wave to all*
Debbie

PS *throwing in more sunscreen and bandaids into Lauren's suitcase* Have a great trip! We'll be thinking of you!

One more PS.. who else is going Easter week? Anyone else make plans for that horribly busy teacher friendly week?

 

[TinkOhio]

#1hockeymom~ We'll be there at the same time. I see that you went down last April. Was that for the Easter break, too? How crazy was it? And what was check-in like at that time? We're a little nervous about the crowds, but it's the only time we can make it!

 

[jgates]

OK - to keep this thread on track.....
1. Tubbis is the name of the cafeteria type restaurant at the Dolphin.
2. The laundry is at the Dolphin.
3. It is a 12 to 15 minute walk to Epcot or MGM.

OK - thread topics out of the way......Now off to the fun stuff.

DF - What is storage capacity for pictures on that Mavica with the Floppy? I was leaning towards the CD just because of the high picture capacity.

Also - the Mavica 550 (?-something like that) lists as coming with a CD & a CD-R disc. Do you think we might regain space on that CD-R when deleting?

PS - love your little quacks. Nice of them to wait until you were home to appear!

I have a note here to head to the Loews site & register. My next stay is at Hyatt in DT Atlanta - no upgrades I'm sure as we will be sold out for our conference. This time my co-worker is no longer pregnant so if they start offering free rooms to move and tons of Hyatt points, we are heading for the next hotel! I didn't make her move in April in Chicago, cause she was 7 months along - they overbooked BIG TIME!

 

[jgates]

NOTE: CHANGE IN TERMS TO STARWOOD PREFERRED GUEST PROGRAM

Dated:  August 1, 2003

Starwood Preferred guest strives to provide its members with unmatched rewards, recognition and service. In attempting to delivery on this promise in our hotels, it has become increasingly more difficult with respect to reservations made through non-Starwood operated Web sites. Before the creation of our Best Rate guarantee, we recognized that members could find better rates by shopping through these sites. Now with the guarantee firmly in place, we are confident that Starwood Web sites offer the best rates available.

Therefore, in order to ensure that we consistently deliver elite level hotels benefits (upgrades, amenities, etc.) we are limiting their availability to reservations made through Starwood Websites, hotels, call centers, and your travel agent or corporate booking tool. This change will take effect for travel beginning on january 1, 2004. The chart below highlights the current policy as well as the upcoming change.

Prepaid Channels (sample list): Expedial.com, Hotels.com, Hotwire.com, Orbitz.com, Priceline.com, Travelocity.com, Travelweb.com, etc.

Current Policy:

Starpoint earning not available. Members can earn on incidental spend during stays.

Stays do not count toward elite level thresholds.

Stays are eligible for elite level hotel benefits.

Policy Effective 1/1/04:

Starpoint: No Change
Stay Credit: No change
Elite Member Benefits: Stays will not be eligible for elite level hote benefits (upgrades, amenities, etc.).

Just an FYI for those it may affect. I book Swan directly at Swan so it doesn't affect me, but could have an upgraded room affect when they show up on Hotwire, Priceline etc. for some.

 

[Disbug]

Have a happy day... and thanks for the update jgates! The more things change... my first day back from a l-o-n-g weekend! I must go be retrained!

Refill on my coffee and I'm out the door!

PS Will be submitting new poll soon on changes to top three Sigma Delta Contestants! Looks like July is turning out to be the front runner for a meet. Next poll will likely be narrowed to weeks!

Have a great Wednesday everyone!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Oh, what a good sleep does for a person! Thought I'd check from my desk in between lesson plans, here!

Tink>> We were last down at the end of June. Crowds weren't bad, but Enight wasn't anything special on a Tuesday. We went on almost everything once, and that was with us staying for almost the entire time. We decided not to do Enight the following Friday. Check in was quick and easy. Our room wasn't ready at 10am, nor did I think it would be, but bell services was great and we left our luggage with them. We bought tickets at the Disney desk and were quickly on our way to MGM and our PS at Prime Time. About 4:30ish (I think), we came back and bell services quickly had our luggage waiting and we checked in and settled in. We were in the club level lounge for our first visit for a snack that evening.

Update on DD... first night of college while still going to HS went well! She loved it! She is taking your basic college english/comp class there, and algebra. She had her first taste of the real world on her own last night and shared this funny story. She was telling a lady next to her that she knew the area somewhat because her mother went to the Unversity down the road from there (that would be me!) and had just graduated not long ago. THe lady commented that I must not be that old and DD immediately said, "Oh, she's 37, she's old!" to which the lady said back "That isn't old!" I felt good hearing this story! She also seems to have an opinion on the concierge level, and wants it! hmmmm maybe she wants to go on our money after all!

I left coffee on the counter with S/D chocolate croissants and assorted pastries nearby! Have a wonderful day, ladies! *and our honorary brothers!*

Debbie

 

[joshua4]

Good morning all --

Yes, only ONE DAY LEFT before we leave. Thanks for the sunscreen and bandaids Debbie. I haven't called the Swan yet to ask for an upgrade like the SPG person told me to, going to do that momentarily. Hope it works out.

Well, back to the practice of law for the next 10 hours and then I AM OUT OF HERE!

Lauren

 

[joshua4]

Just got off the phone with the Swan. Very nice cm told me that they would not upgrade me to CL level with a gold SPG -- she said that the most they would give me is a balcony or a resort view instead of a lake view. Huge bummer. I asked if it was still possible that maybe the CM checking us in would upgrade us to CL and she said maybe, but sounded pessimistic. I really wanted to say to her "but my mom has terminal brain cancer and this is the last trip we are going to take to WDW and I wanted everything to be perfect for her" -- but I just thought she would think I was either losing my mind, making something up or trying to "use" my situation.

UGH. Please don't get me wrong -- I know that I am not entitled to this upgrade, I was just really, really hoping it would happen. Back to plan B, wheel mom up to the desk and smile sweetly upon check in. If we don't get cl, it is not the end of the world, we can still have a wonderful trip, but I was just hoping it would work out.

Any other advice?

Lauren

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by jgates
NOTE: CHANGE IN TERMS TO STARWOOD PREFERRED GUEST PROGRAM

Elite Member Benefits: Stays will not be eligible for elite level hote benefits (upgrades, amenities, etc.).

I've been awaiting this to be published for quite some time, and KNEW it was forthcoming. This has actually been the "policy" of Starwood, but was never made "official" on their website, etc. Many persons posted about the inability to obtain an UPGRADE using the incredibly discounted rates offered through various websites. These rates on Priceline and Hotwire, @ $69 per eve, are a veritable BARGAIN (no one will dispute). Therefore, most are aware these room rates are discounted for a particular reason, to FILL the extra "no-view, no-balcony, no CL, NO UPGRADE "STANDARD" rooms at the resort. Subsequently, no upgrades should/will be applied.

This does NOT apply to the SPECIAL rates offered directly through the property (ie: TEACHER, NURSE, GOV'T, etc). These will still be eligible for an upgrade (if available).

I am pleased with the publication and clarification of this policy, after all..."you get what you pay for" (and in this instance...you STILL get a LOT MORE than what you pay for!). This will now remove the frustration and complaints from persons "expecting/anticipating" an UPGRADE using discount sites to reserve the rooms.

Most persons on this thread book/reserve directly through the Swan/Dolphin, and use the professional discounts offered. This change will not affect any of you using this method.

j....as for the mavica, I get about 33 prints for each floppy. Yes, you will definitely regain space on the CD-R when deleting.

#1hockeymom~hope you make it to KW. It's so beautiful and relaxing down there...very Bohemian-type lifestyle for most. We had a memorable visit. I have no idea about the Gov't. use rate. They asked DH at the desk for "proof", and he supplied it asap. No problemo. I would think you would be able to use it, but would call the property directly with any questions.

Adorable! The story your DD brought home from her eve @ college (class) was PRICELESS! LOL...so this is HOW our children VIEW US!?! (hehe...too funny). I probably would have said the same thing at her age/in her situation. What an ANGEL the woman was....just goes to prove "God works in mysterious ways"! Please, permit me to reiterate..."37 IS NOT OLD!"

Hope you go CL, and lure DD along for the stay. Time is so precious...and we never know how much of it we have remaining...especially "together time" with maturing children (isn't that a bit of an OXYMORON, otherwise known as a "rhetorical figure in which an epigrammatic effect is created by the conjunction of incongruous or contradictory terms"...since it's BACK TO SCHOOL week!). I'm beginning to think she truly wants to join you. Enjoy/savor the planning. ^_^

joshua4 ~HAVE A SAFE TRIP & A MAGICAL TIME! Enjoy the journey and the stay. I'll be awaiting your posts. Definitely, wheel mom up to the desk upon check-in, smile and ASK for the CL UPGRADE...if possible/available. KEEP SMILING. Tell the CM you are all there to enjoy the MAGIC and WONDER of the Swan/WDW! THINK HAPPY, POSITIVE THOUGHTS, and you NEVER KNOW. EVERYTHING and ANYTHING is POSSIBLE IF YOU "BELIEVE". I'll be PULLING for you.

Gassed-up the Expedition this am....LOL. 25 gallons = $53.10! Cali gas = $2.10 PG. Highest in the NATION. He He...what's new?
So..what's the Price per gallon in your neck of the woods? I KNOW it's less in FLA, as it was .50 down in the summer (from Cali prices).

Have a GREAT DAY. TTFN...

DF99

 

[joshua4]

Thanks Dreamflight. I just have to keep reminding myself that if we don't get CL, it is nothing to be upset about.

Of course, if anyone from the Swan happens to be reading this post -- it would be extremely appreciated if you could grant the upgrade if you have room on the 12th floor. We have been looking forward to this trip for a while now and getting the upgrade would make it all the more special.

Lauren

 

[MOM POPPINS]

********************Pixie Dust coming your way Lauren ********************************************************************************************************I know you will have a great time whatever room you get. You will be in the "magic" enjoy your time with your mom.

Dreamflight ~ The duckie picture is so sweet.... All is going well here little Jr. is up to 8 pounds
Gas Prices here in the Dallas Texas area is around 1.65 a gallon, Wow 2.00 a gallon is outrageous! I am hoping for prices to come down before our trip in February

Wave to all the Sorority sisters and brothers

 

[Mouseteacher]

Sorority wave to everyone!

I am soooo not used to being able to DIS anytime I want to. You guys have been busy!

We have early release days this week and I finally have a few quiet minutes to check in! Our students were in today - day 1. They are all happy and shiny and eager to go - for today anyway LOL. I really enjoy reconnecting with them.

DF ~ I agree too with starwood's new policy - it makes sense to me. Upgrades should be given if you book directly through spg or their resorts. A bargain is a bargain. However, I see the special rates we receive as a recognition for our professions and the services we perform - education, nursing or government work- and not necessarily a bargain as on those other sites. Such a pleasure that an industry recognizes this and offers us something.

Btw, the baby ducks are adorable. Have you named them?

Lauren ~ I don't think using the issue of your mom's health and being your last WDW trip together as a bad thing to do. If you can discreetly discuss this with CM upon check-in, I urge you to do so. I'm sure if they can help you make this the trip of a lifetime for her, I believe they will do it! PD************************************************

 

[madge]

ok....it's been a big day, planning-wise I followed up with Shades of Green regarding our Contemporary reservation. We will "probably" have a ground room floor, but there is still a chance we might not. No skin off my nose, LOL...I just wanted to know what happened. I spoke to a lovely person this AM and found out that no one knows why my rate and room type changed, it was just one of those things ::shrugs shoulders:: I was also able to book AS Movies (for one night) at the bargain overflow rate of $59. yay! my youngest will be thrilled. SHe is so ga-ga over Buzz and Woody

I bought our passes today from Paramount Travel, ordered a few vouchers from Connections, and started on my packing list. All that's left is to call the Dolphin and knock off the one night we will be at AS Movies. I'll probably do that when I double check on the crib. That makes 1 night at ASMo, 5 or 6 nights at the Dolphin, and 2 or 3 nights at the Contemporary. whew!

When I call the Dolphin, what is it I am asking for, exactly? (besides the crib) What room I am blocked in?

::ixie Dust::: Lauren! I hope you have a fabulous trip with your mom. Even if you don't get a CL upgrade, the Swan is fantabulous I have never been disappointed with a view there.

I got my official letter from Starwood today about the changes in the program. hey have been talking about it for weeks at www.flyertalk.com People are really unhappy about the reservations through travelocity, expedia, etc. those rates aren't the bargain that the priceline/hotwire rates are and deserve "some" credit. I am more irritated in the promotions that I am not eligible for. Apparently there is a new one that gives you a free night for 3 nights you stay. I called and wasn't targeted
I didn't get the deal for the double AmEx points earlier this year, either.

Lisa, the pics are great...as always. I LOVE my mavica. I have one that uses floppies, but it is an older model. I still rely on my cannon SLR for really good pictures, but I love the convenience of digital!

Happy Back to School vibes for all the teachers and mommies. My middle DS couldn't understand what all the "back to school" fuss is all about--we have been in school for 4 weeks already!

Price of gas? I just filled for $1.52, but it was $1.80 right before Labor Day. One more reason I am happy to be flying. The price of gas in our Explorer would have killed us!

 

[joshua4]

Thanks to all of you for your warm wishes and pixie dust. Whatever will be, will be. I am just finishing up a few odds and ends at the office, then going to get the pedicure that I was supposed to get this weekend, then going to the grocery store to buy food for the house before we go, then going to pack. The next you will hear from me should be from the Swan sometime Thursday night.

On a totally different subject, a question to all of you teachers. Ever hear about a program called "Spelling Power." I just bought this book to work with my son on his spelling and I would be curious to know if any of you have any experience with it. The directions were a bit intimidating as I flipped through it quickly.

Thanks for everything.

Lauren

 

[disfanRN]

Hi everyone

Hope everyone is well- the weather is so beautiful here 70's and sunny!

Joshua- I, too was told that we could not be comped CL with Gold status when I was there in June. We paid points to get it at check in, but others here have had luck, so I wish some for you too!

Don't mean to be a downer, but with our trip coming up soon, I find myself excited and nervous. Nervous about the terrorism thing, I cannot accept that both the US and London power outages were coincidental. It frightens me to think of their plans for us, I won't let it change my living, but I am concerned and scared, especially for our children. Tom Ridge said today that our enemies are still plotting to harm us and very interested in the economic and aviation angle. Then London is on its highest terror alert since 9/11, plots about suicide bombers. Does anyone else feel concerned??

Hope you all have a great night- sorry to be slightly depressing.

 

[EiLuvCinderella]

So I can still ask for CL upgrade (if available of course), using SPG membership status, since I made reservations directly through Dolphin? Even though it's the teacher discounted rate?

I think that's what the new benefits are implying.

Thanks