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

[#1hockeymom]

TO stay on topic>> Palios has a lovely dinner with strolling musicians, and a very extensive wine list.
The grotto pool is hardly ever crowded
Oatmeal soap is SOOO much better than Mickey soap!
Heavenly beds!

now to the good stuff!

Lauren>> Ask, beg, plead for an upgrade! with the biggest smile you can offer! Even if you don't get it, you're going to love your stay! Lots of pixie dust your way for an enjoyable vacation!

I waited 10 minutes just off the freeway on the way home from work, for the pleasure of gassing up at 1.72. I was so happy I got that price! I was on empty... so filling it was 36something. Gas in my village is still 1.80-1.83 a gallon and I am sure it will go up.

Thank you DF for making me still feel young! I agree, I do think she wants to go, just doesn't want to admit it. We have lots of months left, though!

Disfanrn>> Maybe its a Detroit area thing, but DH and I have discussed the same thing. We also don't believe it was chance on the blackouts in both places, and believe it was a computer hit. I pray that nothing else happens anywhere. We do live in scary times now and I value every minute we have together. I still, like I bet many of you, just break into tears within seconds if I watch anything 911 related. May God bless us all.

Madge, sounds like you are all set for your vacation! I hope all of your room plans work out!

Glad your week is going smoothly, Mouseteacher! How is everyone else doing? Week three here and we still don't have names and passwords for the kids for their computer benchmarks. THen again, our computers are FINALLY unvirused at work!



*sorority wave to all*

Debbie

 

[#1hockeymom]

Eiluvcinderella>> Sorry! Our posts crossed in the flurry of the net traffic! Yes, you can ask for CL upgrade with your spg membership since you booked through the hotel/spg directly. Thank you DF for clarifying that. I want to again say how thankful I am that the S/D recognises our profession along with nurses and government workers! THANK YOU SWAN AND DOLPHIN!

Debbie

 

[madge]

Week three here and we still don't have names and passwords for the kids for their computer benchmarks. THen again, our computers are FINALLY unvirused at work!

wow! you're lucky, Debbie. Carter's school is still not 100% virus free et--they had some major kinks to work out system-wide. It really stinks. what did we do before computers?

 

[Disbug]

I guess I'm interested in more clarification, too... I have 2 reservations. One is cash and points promotion, and the other is the Govt rate. When I asked to upgrade "with points", I was told I could NOT. That only people paying the full rack rate or corporate rate could use points for upgrades. When I asked to speak to a manager, the nice CM was gone a long time and told me that she could not transfer me directly, but that she had just spoken to him and he will tell me the same thing.

Am I a little nutty here?? Why can't I use my points? I am not asking for a comp upgrade... What do you think girls and guys?

 

[Disbug]

You know I booked the Govt rate through Dreams Unlimited and I booked the Cash and Points reservation through the Starwood Website on the internet. Do you think that made a difference?

 

[Mouseteacher]

Good evening, sorority sisters.

Staying on topic : Shula's has a nice club-room like lounge that is nice place to escape to for an evening glass of wine.

Now for the really important stuff ----
Last summer, we received a comp upgrade to CL. I am gold spg and I booked 2 rooms on the teacher rate. We were very lucky but it does show that you can get it when the resort deems it.

The threat of terrorism is now a way of life for us. It is so hard to not let it affect us and our way of life.

madge and lauren~ Have a safe trip and looking forward to your reports from the "inside".

 

[Mouseteacher]

Disbug ~ we were posting at the same time. I don't believe that CM. Many posters have used points to upgrade regardless of what rate they booked on. Call back and ask to speak to amanger again - insist - they can come to the phone. Keep trying until you get one - and then take his name down if you get an affirmative answer so that you can prove it later if necessary.

 

[#1hockeymom]

Staying on topic: There are two vanities in the Swan rooms, one of which is outside the bathroom door which is great if you have a teenage daughter! There is a club chair and a small table, along with another chair for the desk. There is a bench to put your suitcase on near drawer/desk area. The evian water is not an amenity despite the lack of tag! Do not drink it unless you like gold plated water! There is bottled water at the health club, or it comes free out of the faucet!

Important stuff:
Madge>> My laptop was fine, until I plugged into our server at work! They debugged the system, but the New York offices were virused again.. sent through the server.... etc etc. I believe the score is 4 worms/0 edison server! LOL All laptops are now clean, the computer lab is clean, and they started doing the room computers from grade six on down. Mine were done at 4:30 today as I was walking out the door, so I believe fourth grade will be started first thing in the morning. I have a habit of clicking on cnn.com during my 25 minute lunch break to make sure the world is fine and good; I was w/o my peek hole to the world for almost a week from 7-4:30 every day! I am very glad to have my computer back, and no I don't know what we did without them!

Does anyone else have their report cards online? Ours are on the server, which is great for cutting and pasting our basic curr. into the report cards. The one thing I don't like about it is I can't take them home as I can't get on the server from our home PCs. I am interested if anyone else has experience with this and what they think about it.

Disbug>> keep us posted on how your upgrade with points turns out! I booked through the main office (S/D was closed when I decided to make the call), but I did book with the teacher rate. I am very interested to find out how your story pans out.

Have a safe trip Madge and Lauren! You might want to warn them about our sorority status! LOL

*sorority wave to all*
Debbie

 

[Disbug]

First to keep on topic (as everyone is so brilliantly doing!) does anyone have a recommendation for floor, or room locaton at the Dolphin since I have never stayed there? I will be trying to book a jr. suite. I don't know if those are only on certain floors or not...


Hello, Debbie! I surely will let everyone know how it goes with my room upgrade with points situation. I would understand if I were getting the Hotwire or Priceline super-duper special... I think the price alone IS the deal! Those are bare bones "nothing extra for the price" DEALS! I am just wondering why the extreme resistance to letting someone use points for an upgrade. They must have had a CM training session and some people took it different ways??

Lauren, I hope you have a wonderful trip with your mother. I had a good feeling about you the other night, so I expect you will be showered with magic during your stay. Good luck and may you find the right CM to grant you a wonderful room. Don't forget the BIG smile! And give your Mom a hug from all of us!

Drinking my coffee and getting my little ducklings out the door for school, before we drive DD2 down to Tampa for a little check-up at Shriner's. Will be about 10 hrs. RT drive plus 3 to 4 hrs. at the hospital so I will remember to pack a thermos! Good day to you all and may you have a Disney Kind of Day!

Wave to the room, Sisters!

PS Mouseteacher, DF, ozzie, #1hockeymom: I ordered my Zoppini italian starter bracelet off Ebay and a few charms. Guess what my bracelet theme is? (Lady bug, butterfly, jiminy cricket, hint, hint!)

 

[EiLuvCinderella]

Thanks #1HM. I appreciate the clarification.

Sending my "baby" on her first bus ride to Kindergarten today. I suggest all of you buy some stock in Kleenex. The supply will NEVER meet the demand!

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Disbug ~ The Jr. Suites are spread out through out the hotel. We stayed in a lovely suite on the 14th. floor. We could see the fireworks out the 3 huge windows, but of course could not hear a thing. I love the Jr. suite but have to admit I miss a balcony room. I just love being able to go outside and relax and hear the sights and sounds of the resort, yet with 5 little ones I worry about a balcony in the room. My oldest would be fine, but I would worry about the other little kiddos. We also have stayed at the Contemporary with a beautiful view of the castle, but I was concerned about the girls on the balcony. We may stay there again this trip but only for a few nights, We all loved looking at the castle at night and watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks from our balcony. BTW what did you search under on Ebay for the bracelet. Thanks

Eiluvcinderella ~ I know what you mean about sending your little one to kindergarten and oh the first bus ride. My mother in law is kind enough to take my girls to school in the morning. It makes it a lot easier not getting my DD 2 and my SON (still seems weird saying that) up and out the door. I pick Monica up from Kindergarten, because she gets out earlier than my other 2 DD. My other 2 DD's ride the bus home. Hang in there

Sorority wave to all the sisters and honorary brothers Have a great Thursday

 

[joshua4]

Finally, those words that I have been waiting to type . . .

LIVE FROM THE SWAN.

Yes, we got in this morning. Andy from FL TOURS whisked us away, wheelchair and all, to the Swan. I made an impassioned plea for a CL upgrade with mom in her wheel chair next to me and told them that this was a really special mother daughter trip. She checked and said that since I was on the labor price (only $99 a night) she would have to charge me $50 a day. Frankly, as much as I wanted to meet Mama T, it wasn't worth half of my room rate to upgrade. I asked her to go check and see again if there was anyway to do this without the charge, which she nicely did, but in the end it was not possible. She did, however, upgrade us to a lovely balcony room facing into the Swan courtyard with a view of the boat launch to the left. The room is fine (although it did feel a little small after our recent stay at the poly). Everything is lovely. We got settled in, had a wonderful lunch at the dolphins little fountain rest. (burgers and onion rings) and then went for a long walk around the whole boardwalk loop. Now I understand what people were saying about riding surrey bikes up the hill by the swan - pushing a wheel chair up that hill in the 90 degree heat was a challenge. I felt like the little engine that could ("I think I can, I think I can").

Did a little shopping, got our Pal Mickey. Mom's vision is going in and out, but she seems to be enjoying herself. She is taking a nap right now and later we plan on going somewhere fun for dinner and then either to the boardwalk or to Pleasure Island for the night.

By the way, it is an absolute ghost town around here. The hotel feels empty and walking around the board walk was like walking around a movie set -- pretty buildings but no people. I am sure that it is a combination of the time of the year and the time of the day - everyone must be off at a park.

Weather is cloudy and hot, but bearable (except when pushing a wheelchair up a hill).

Question to Hockeymom -- is the bottled water free in the health club? I didn't make it over there on our little self tour. Also, I saw the 4.95 price tag on the Evian and promptly put it aside.

Well, guess that is about it for now. Will report more later. Thanks for all of the pixie dust and advice along the way.

Lauren

 

[Muffy]

Lauren, I'm happy to see you and your mom made it safely to the Swan. It is kind of a bummer to hear the Swan would not comp CL to you and your mom. I agree that 50.00 per day is too much for CL! You could use that 50.00 for dining out at one of WDW wonderful restaurants. You are in a good location for dining! At least you did get a room upgrade with a balcony and view. Time will pass quickly so enjoy every min!

I did see water and fruit in the gym at the Dolphin. It was available to guest using the gym. Maybe you can walk in and grab one? I'm not sure.... DF would know.

Disbug, Your bracelet sounds cute with the bug theme! I would like to know if it was hard to find on Ebay? Can't wait until you post your next poll! Hope your DD's doctor visit went as planned.

Waving to Mouseteacher, Ozzie, Hockeymom and everyone else!

Muffy

 

[KelliR]

Glad to hear your vacation is going well so far. I know what you mean about those hills, they are hard enough in the surrey bikes with FOUR people pedaling!!! And there is just one of you pushing a wheel chair.

You may be disappointed about CL ... Mama T and Thabo are wonderful! But in all honesty it was not that necessary to me. I enjoyed it but I probably wouldn't do it again. I would just stop at a store to buy plenty of bottled water and get a few things for breakfast items. And it is easy enough to get some fruit, rolls, etc. downstairs in the Swan. I would much prefer to have the balcony thatn CL (but Iknow everyone won't agree on that).

If you are interested ... my fav places to eat in the Swan area are: Gulliver's Grill, Shula's, Spoodles, Beaches and Cream, Cape May Buffet at the Beach Club and you've already been to the Fountain in the Dolphin.

I do remember on the very first thread DF99 started (I think this current thread is the 3rd reincarnation)she mentioned about going to the Health Club and grabbing a piece of fruit and a water.

Enjoy every moment of your vacation! We love hearing form you!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Hi, Lauren. I'm so glad all went well with your trip down. I agree with Kelli about CL. We were given a Jr. Suite upgrade with the option to have CL @ the $50. I turned it down too. I was much happier with our fab upgrade. Are you in the east wing? We were and could see the boat launch directly out our dining room window and to the right out of our balcony.

I enjoyed going to the Lobby Lounge in the morning to get breakfast pastries and coffee to bring back to the room. You might even consider eating there one morning at the small tables. I did that one morning - it was very quiet and relaxing.

Disbug ~ I too would like to explore getting charms on ebay but need to know how to.

A wave back to you, Muffy!

Debbie ~ My week is winding down - 1 K child is really having a hard time - screaming tantrums upon leaving her mom at the door. But, we are getting through it and once she is in the school we can settle her down and then she is fine. A first grader refused to come in this morning and it was a very rainy morning! Finally, convinced him that he could not stay outside in the rain and he did come in with me. An unusual morning to say the least!

 

[#1hockeymom]

I just love to see the words.. LIVE FROM THE SWAN! *or Dolphin!*

*I think that is on topic! *

Sounds like you have the beginnings of a great trip! I am not positive about the water in the health club as I learned it from these boards. I believe DF and someone else were saying that. Don't forget Palio for a great dinner! Say hi to Thabo and MommaT for us! I realize you're not on CL, but if you happen to go on a whirlwind tour of the hotel, wave for us! They truly are lovely people! 50 for club level for two I don't think I would do. Having both kids with us would change things, though. As others have said, take that 50 and go eat exactly what and where you want!

Charms on ebay>> I have not bought any on ebay, YET! I have done a few searches, and usually just put in Disney and Charm in for my search. I did find a few sellers that I decided were reputable as I cruised through their background info and the buyer comments quite thoroughly. DH buys a lot through ebay with buying strange parts for strange items, old manuals for machinery that he now owns, and metal working equipment. If you do your research you will probably be very happy! Half of my version of the heavenly bed I bought through ebay, and they were all new items!

Mouseteacher>> He didn't want to come IN? Now that is a turnaround! We have a few we can't keep IN the classroom, but they definitely want to wander around the inside of the school! I am sure next week it will all wind down again, and that poor kdg will probably be in better shape, too! I am not in the kdg end of the building, so I don't hear the sobs on the first days of school (and some of those are from the parents!) It is so heartbreaking to hear, but they soon end and everyone has joy in their eyes! I am glad that "we" all have nice fall weather now, instead of the nineties and 100 percent humidity! I'll share a bottle of white wine with you on Friday night! I think my class is turning on me, I might need it!

Disbug>> I take it your theme isn't hockey? *laughing* Great theme for your name!

Mompoppins>> We need a baby kirk update! Please!

DF>> Did you name the baby ducklings yet? I almost asked if if they had some shelter since winter is coming soon, then I remembered where you lived!

Lauren>> Good move on the Evian! Our first bottle had no label hanging from it, and even though I gave warnings about its usage, by day two it was drank. The next day two bottles showed up, one with a label. Next day ONE MORE bottle showed up. In the end, we had it taken off our bill, and the person in charge of the minibar got us down to the one bottle we were supposed to have, and only that one bottle. I love Evian, but I will not pay five dollars to drink water! Please keep us posted on your journey if you have time! If you are busy, we understand! Have a lovely time!

*Sorority wave to all!*
*waving to muffy and madge and others! *
*kleenux to EIluvcinderella* It will get better!
Where are ozzie and jgates? *looking under posters for them*

Debbie

 

[Mouseteacher]

I'll be right here, debbie, tomorrow night. My wine of choice is white. I'll have my glass and we can raise our glasses to the end of week 1 for me and week ? for you.

LOL ~ the first grader was wet and I was getting wet as I was coaxing him back in the building with me - quite a sight I'm sure. His mom was so apologetic when I told her at the end of the day - she calls him her escape artist since he did come in the building with his older sister and then somehow escaped her notice and went back outside - probably hoping to go home!

 

[Disbug]

400 miles RT and we're back! What a trip! I tried to convince DH to turn left onto the Florida turnpike from I-75 S when I saw the turn-off for WDW but no go! Phoebe had a great check up, but we won't do it this way again! If we can't get the first appt, we'll make it a two day affair. Too hard on the little kid! But, she is such a trooper!

Charm bracelets on Ebay... I tried searches under Italian charm bracelets. And then just perused what popped up. I imagine you can further search using "Disney italian charms". I did see one charm I was almost tempted to bid on... " I Love the Swan". I loved the phrase but it was laser etched and the style did not appeal to me. I'll keep on looking though! I also got some nice letters to spell my initials. I will probably get some others so I can change it around some. It is really neat because the bracelet itself is matte stainless steel but the links are enameled purple (my fav color). When you change the links out, the purple won't show as the edges are SS, but until I have all the charms it will be colorful!

Mompoppins, thanks for the suite info! I appreciate it. On Ebay, I usually looked for charms that mentioned quality names (Zoppini, for one!). I also looked for charms that were soldered, not glued. The ones I chose looked like quality jewelry as well. I would definitely use the sellers feedback to help you make a decision about bidding on an Ebay item! I should be getting these soon will let you know how they look!

I'm pooped... going to bed! See you all in the morning. Sleep tight!

 

[jgates]

I'm here Debbie! Been another busy week at work - it's late before I can manage to get on here.

This weekend we are going to see Kiss/Aerosmith at Alpine Valley - my adventure for this month! My hotel is nothing fancy- AmericInn I think - we just don't want to drive 3 1/2 hours home afterwards!

DS is having a great time at college. DD is elated with 5th grade, but for some reason she isn't in TAG (Talented & Gifted) math this year - I have to email the teachers because she had all A's in that last year and all A's in the regular math the rest of the class did. She was doing the regular assignments even though she didn't have to! So off to send an email and find out why!

 

[jgates]

Oh man! Here I started it and forgot to stay on topic!

Don't forget!!! Mini-golf is walking distance across the road. Start your morning off right with a rousing round of mini-golf and walk back to your room. How convenient can you get?