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

[Debbie7452]

Hi all,

We had a very nice time in NO, except that my DH broke his race engine and didn't get to actually race anyone!

W-French Quarter was well located and had a beautiful courtyard. We did get upgraded to the courtyard carraige house room which was really nice and faced right next to the small pool.

Unfortunately, the valets damaged our truck fender while bringing out our vehicle. I was pretty upset because I had emailed before arrival to make sure they could manage our truck in the garage. At least they are not giving me trouble about paying for repairs. I also requested valet charges be removed from our bill. Who wants to pay $32/night to have your truck damaged? They credited us with no arguments!

Our enthusiasm for the property was diminished. Next year, we plan to return to the Sheraton.

I hope our next racing "vacation" to Orlando(and the Swan) in the Spring goes much smoother...

 

[Debbie7452]

I had to pipe up again about the kids and cars discussion. I do not know yet the mind numbing fear of a child driving.

However, I do spend too much time worrying about my DH when he is screaming down the drag strip at 180+ mph (he completes the 1/4 mile in 7.4 seconds). It is my job to pack his parachute which he has to have to get stopped safely. It is an intimidating responsibility (esp. the first few tries!!). If it does not deploy completely or properly he could easily crash. All I can do is pack it well and pray for his safety.

So my point is to all the parents...pack your childrens' parachutes carefully, then smile (and pray like crazy!!).

Although I am not a frequent poster...I have been "around" since, I think, early in the 2nd thread.

 

[dreamflight99]

Debbie~Sorry to hear of the problems you encountered with the "W" in N.O.! Darn...no one wants to have to deal with so many problems when traveling. Sorry. Hope you still enjoyed the area, and had some Cafe Du Monde goodies while there!

SAFETY FIRST. I just can not get past the safety thing. It's one of the main reasons we also suggested DD shy away from the new Convertible VW beetle. As CUTE as they are, they lack the critical "SIDE" airbags, as there is no room for them. So, the hardtop with the nice sunroof is the better (SAFER) choice! Thanks for your 2 cents (it's worth WAY more than that).

The 1/4 mile in 7.4 seconds? WHEW...SMOKIN'!

Yes...you've been around a long while. Stop by more often, although I know time is tight for you, I miss you when you don't post! ^_^

mouseteacher~Good Save! Nope...no car rental counter in the Swan. Definitely one in the Dolphin. So convenient, a wonderful asset to this fine resort.

Have fun at the BACK to SCHOOL night! I'll be with you in thought and spirit.

"I do love Target or as we (in jest) pronounce it Tar/zsh/et- a faux French prounciation." TOO FUNNY...my DM says the same thing! You NE-ers are all the same. ^_^ Sounds like it's spelled "TARJAIT", with no "T" pronunciation on the end! VERY FRANCAIS indeed...LOL.

Orlando SUPER TARGET was my SALVATION this summer. It's the only place I could locate STARBUCKS coffee! I was in heaven, and would have DH drive me there before we ventured to the parks. Great memories of the place. It's right across (pretty close) to GATORLAND.

jgates~approx. cost for a mid-size car from this location is between $30-50. It depends upon when you call, and what discounts are applied.

madge~I'd be LOST without Costco. You may shop there online, without a membership! Visit www.costco.com and peruse the virtual aisles of merchandise. The stores carry things the online site does not, and vice-versa. Great stuff for WDW and the SWAN/DOLPHIN!

Did anyone watch the special on John Ritter last eve? How moving. What a sincere and genuine man. I nearly fell-apart watching bits of the episode (which I missed on reg. T.V.) where his Teenage daughter begins to drive. He watches as she and her little sister, pull out of the garage, and he flashes back to when she was on her first bike...without training wheels. He had pushed her on the bike, let go while watching her...and said quietly, "there you go." So, as he held back his emotions and tears, and watched the two of them back out of the garage together...he waved gently with his finger and said quietly, "there you go." It was everything I could do to stop from falling to pieces. I immediately recalled DD on her first bike, and how she learned to ride w/o training wheels at the age of 3 1/2! I should have known then she would be EAGER to GO...venture ahead of us...embracing life and every challenge. Maybe these memories, these mental coccoons of reflection...make it a little easier to let go. It was just comforting to know, everyone goes through this period in parenthood. Everyone deals with the emotions surrounding independence...and autonomy. Like a tree gently releases a leaf, letting it drift (ever watchful) safely to the ground...so our children branch off boldly in their own direction. (am I waxing poetic, again? LOL).

TTFN...always, DF99

 

[KelliR]

jgates ... you may already know this ... but if you are thinking about using the rental car office in the Dolphin, check out mousesavers.com to see what discounts are in effect now. Most of the time some great discounts can be used for National. And sometimes it just works to ask when you call if any disconts are available. (Most times they are AAA, etc.).

 

[#1hockeymom]

tar' ghez is also what we call it! We don't have a "super target" in the area that I know of, the closer to Detroit people might have more information that I do for where I live. I have been in a super walmart on the western side of the state which was near hockey camp. We had to make a quick trip in for a fan, cases of water, and snack food. We also pronounce Wendy's with the same French inflection! Its the fabulous French food restaurant!LOL

I was thinking that our car/teenager stories sound much like the first day of kdg stories/ride a bike without training wheels stories. Each step of their lives towards autonomy and away from us causes trepidation and some tears, even though we know they are happy moments to be savoured.

On topic>> I don't remember it it was here, or the transportation board, but I remember right after we either made limo plans, or took our trip someone mentioned that they had done a one way from MCO to the S/D then picked up the last few days with the car again picking it up from the Dolphin and dropping at MCO. I remember them mentioning they saved a lot of money this way. For our last trip, I am glad we didn't have a car. Since we stayed onsite it just seemed to make the entire trip more calm and relaxing to let someone else drive/lose the car in the parking lot/decide which way to turn to get to whatever place.
(yes, one year we LOST the car in MK's parking lot! DD was only 3, and we couldn't for the life of us figure out why anyone would want to steal an escort! We searched for hours after park closing... almost giving up.. then realized we were in the "wrong half" of the huge parking lot. After that we didn't drive to BIL's house for our final night, but just got on the freeway and drove straight north and home. We have NEVER lost our car at Disney since then! We have learned valuable lessons like: don't let your excitement grow too much as you watch the castle get closer, but write down your aisle number.. THEN jump up and down with glee!)

I was home early today due to meetings all day long that finished early! I already have my second load of laundry in the washer! YEAH ME!

Hope everyone's day goes as well as mine has!
Debbie

 

[#1hockeymom]

to race track manager Debbie,

... ACK! You must just be petrified some days/nights! Do you guys do any certain circuits? tracks? ie... If I were to turn on espn and keep a race on, would we see you?

hockeymom Debbie

 

[Mouseteacher]

Catching a few minutes before I head back to school -
came home to dress professionally for tonight's meeting - that means suit and heels -- so uncomfortable after wearing relaxing summer garb for so long.

DF~ I love when you wax poetic. Your poetic musings about our children and their stages in life are so true.

#1HM~ Just love upscaling those establishments with French pronunciations!

I just posted on another thread where the posters feel the transportation S/D, Y/B, BW is too much - 5 stops. I have heard this before. We have never experienced a problem with transportation while staying at the S/D and at BWI. This past July we didn't make stops at the Y/B. Just an FYI and what have you experienced?

Off to school...

 

[ozziewags]

This is the one night I have 'free'. Since I am teaching in THREE buildings this year, I have been going to meetings and having Open Houses for two weeks and am very tired of it. Thanks for letting me vent.
Who's going to S/D next? Disbug? Madge? I can't keep up with you guys.
Be sure to check out the yearbook....they are at it again, with some very nice pics.

 

[Debbie7452]

Hey "Hockeymom Deb"

We only compete at the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) drag races, which are straight track 1/4 mile side by side eliminations. ESPN 2 frequently televises the professional classes in our group. Very rarely, they will show a tape delay with Sportsman racers like us. My DH is not considered a Professional but he is just below that designation.

Our kids were on ESPN once though! They were taping a Halloween weekend race we attended. Our kids were dressed up in their costumes and we were filmed for one of those "promo shots". The kids had to trick or treat at the race, the poor things...such is our life.

My DH was on Mexican television when he won a race in Monterrey, Mexico. THAT was quite an adventure!

Lurker Deb

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by #1hockeymom


On topic>> I don't remember it it was here, or the transportation board, but I remember right after we either made limo plans, or took our trip someone mentioned that they had done a one way from MCO to the S/D then picked up the last few days with the car again picking it up from the Dolphin and dropping at MCO. I remember them mentioning they saved a lot of money this way.

That may have been "MOI", as I always rent a one way from the MCO National to the Dolphin, and then P/U a vehicle a few days to a week before we leave. This gives us ample time to drive to do the things we missed, enjoy, etc. This past summer, I selected to p/u a vehicle @ MCO ($28) from emerald aisle (DC discount), and then p/u the Expedition for the next two weeks (ENT CLUB discount=$680, a STEAL for this truck) at Budget on Landstreet. We rented another 4 times from the Dolphin. Even when I called the "last minute" for an SUV to take my MIL back to Punta Gorda, the cost was $50.00 (again...for an SUV). The last week we were in Orlando this year, we rented a new 4X4 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV ($187) for the week. Another Great Disney Club Deal through National and the WDW Dolphin. I spent more than $1200 on rentals, but it certainly made the 7 weeks a lot more palpable!

mouseteacher~My talent is never lost on you... , dear friend. Hope you had a lovely day, and enjoy the eve all the more (even though it would FEEL better in "Shots and a T"! ^_^)

Debbie~Ever heard of the SALT FLATS? They race DRAGSTERS out there across the flats on the weekends, and have held some pretty BIG races there. I'm sure your kids LOVED Trick or Treating at the Track, and would have it no other way. Sounds EXCITING to me.

MOM POPPINS~My Mary Engelbreit desk calendar made me think of you today. In fact, the page is dedicated to you! It reads:
To have children is a double living, the earthly fountain of youth, a continual fresh delight, and also a source of weariness beyond description. By Josephine W. Johnson.

The Pork Adobo is simmering in the pot...and I'm off to make some chocolate fudge brownies with P.Butter chips in them! (Aren't I the consumate Betty Crocker today?!?). Enjoy the eve...

TTFN...always, YOUR SIS....DF99 (AKA: Lisa)

 

[madge]

Originally posted by KelliR
jgates ... you may already know this ... but if you are thinking about using the rental car office in the Dolphin, check out mousesavers.com to see what discounts are in effect now. Most of the time some great discounts can be used for National. And sometimes it just works to ask when you call if any disconts are available. (Most times they are AAA, etc.).

I have tried to reply to this 3 times....hopefully this time it will work


when we fly, we always rent a car on arrival and departure day. that way we are on our own schedule...it works out really well. this trip we are renting for a whole week, only because it was so cheap (less than $20 a day for 9 days ) We will treat it as if we drove our own car--WDW transportation will be our primary means of getting around, but we'll go to the grocery, outlets and an occasional offsite meal.

it is very affordable, with codes and coupons

Who's going to S/D next? Disbug? Madge? I can't keep up with you guys.

I guess it's meeeeeee

 

[Disbug]

deb7452! You're bringing back memories here! Did you ever hear of Larry Fullerton? Originally from California, moved to Florida.. he was the NHRA National Funny Car Champion from back in the 70's. I used to date his lead mechanic back in my wild impetuous youth! Those were the days. Some muscle in those cars.

On topic, I still haven't straightened out my Point upgrade debacle. DH has already left for Orlando. I am hoping to join him this weekend if all works out. I am enjoying picking up all the tips of things I didn't do while I was there before. I'll put them on my list!

 

[joshua4]

Hello all. Live from San Francisco on a business trip. I just caught up on the last couple of pages, felt like I was catching up with friends which is especially nice when you are hanging out by yourself away from home.

Disbug and Madge -- Planning to live vicariously through you guys. Don't forget to post about all of your adventures.

Hope you all have a good evening.

Lauren

 

[jgates]

Thank you for the car info - so if I haven't screwed this up - National is the one at the Dolphin? (rather tired this evening).

As far as the John Ritter special - I really enjoyed it. It was soooo touching. And the episode on driving from '8 Simple Rules'. I had tears running down my face when I watched the full show and again when I watched it on the special. I'm just not sure the show can survive without them. They said they will run the first 3 filmed episodes and then a one hour special where he dies on the show too. I think I'm in Atlanta that week, so I may have to call home to get DD to tape it.

 

[marymrg]

Alamo is at the Dolphin as well. I have found better deals through National but when the Disney Club ends that may or may not be the case. I've been combining my recent rentals with a coupon from the Vacation Outlet site in addition to DC. Others have been able to combine with the Entertainment Coupon.

 

[madge]

could anyone hear me shrieking with delight this morning???

Target has the short-sleeved Halloween shirts...YAY!!! I also found an adorable headband that looks like the top of a pumpkin (like the lid of a jack o'lantern, really) for Anna. Her shirt has jack o'lanterns across the front of it, so it sort of matches In a perfect world, all 3 would match, but at this point I am pleased with what I have. :::big sigh of relief::::

thanks Mary for offereing to ship me some, I appreciate it

At what point should I call to confirm our crib and check to see what (if any) SPG upgrade there is on our reservation? Should I call Starwood or the Dolphin directly?

 

[marymrg]

That's great news! You must post a pic when you get back.

 

[joshua4]

Madge,

Heard you shrieking all the way over here in San Francisco. Congratulations on the purchase -- the kids will look adorable.

Lauren

 

[madge]

Originally posted by joshua4
Madge,

Heard you shrieking all the way over here in San Francisco. Congratulations on the purchase -- the kids will look adorable.

Lauren

I knew someone would hear me, LOL...I was pretty loud

I also got an unexpected surprise this morning--a shipping confirmation for a portable DVD player I ordered on 30 August. It was one of those rare internet deals (those of you that shop online a lot know what I'm talking about, LOL) I had a coupon, it was on sale, free shipping, etc....the kind of deals you hope come through, but deep down you know that they will get cancelled. This time the deal went through and my DVD player is on the way, yippee!

Let's see, I've had my panic attack, a bit of good luck, now what's next in the pre-trip cycle? LOL....

on topic: The path from the S/D to MGM is lovely, but it's a long walk!

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Yeah Madge, Now your all set !


Dreamflight ~ Thanks for the thoughts today: "To have children is a double living, the earthly fountain of youth, a continual fresh delight, and also a source of weariness beyond description" I look back on my pregnancy with series of mixed emotion. If I had known I would be holding my beautiful little boy today, it would have been much easier. The trials and tribulations of life, a real test of our faith in a higher being in control. I have told myself to never forget the mercy that was showed to me and my family during the healthy arrival of our sweet baby boy. God has blessed me with 5 precious children and I am forever grateful. I hope you received my update while you were on vacation. It was about the doctor who gave me no hope for little Kirk to survive. I can still see the writing on the sonogram report prognosis for this pregnancy "very poor"...... but look at him now...... God is good


My DH and I are staying at the Westin in Downtown Dallas the first weekend in October. It's my 20 year high school reunion I was not going to go, but have decided I may regret it if I don't attend. The Westin bought this property just recently and they are in the middle of renovating. They are suppose to have the "heavenly beds" in by October 1.

On topic: The shooting stars on the ceiling in the Dolphin are super. My girls loved looking at these everytime we passed through the lobby area. It's just a little added touch that makes this resort even more special.

Have a great Thursday everyone