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

[Mouseteacher]

Lauren~ Glad we, cyber friends, are keeping you company on your SF trip.

Madge~ I heard your squeals of delight here on the east coast, too! We definitely will need to see pixs.

ozzie~ I hear ya! I just had to do one Open House last night and it will take me days to rcover from that one! Being "on" is tiring.

I am sitting here thinking how I can book 1 or maybe 2 rooms at the Sheraton Boston for our national convention in April so that I can garner some spg points. Also, plotting on how to get an upgrade. I am going with a fellow principal who happens to be my best friend. Wondering if we should share a room, book 2 or- what I would love - book a suite (perhaps too expensive - we do work for Catholic schools - smile). I know we can get convention rates later in the year but I would like to book now to assure we get a room at the Sheraton and I want those points for a planned Swan stay next summer. Any thoughts?

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by MOM POPPINS
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

AMEN!Yes, I certainly DID receive the update while on my vacation. Has the Doctor (whom delivered the VERY POOR prognosis) seen the "MIRACLE" which is "Baby KIRK"? A "humbling" experience, indeed. I would be tempted to PAY to see the look on his face, and also peek inside to read the thoughts in his head! Doctors...no matter how talented...are NOT God. ^_^ Be sure to give Baby Kirk and "extra" hug for moi!

I too, agree with you about the SHOOTING STARS in the ceiling! We all love to sit and watch overhead (and would LOVE this in our own home...LOL). I believe many people miss this little hidden bit of MAGIC, as they simply walk in w/o looking UP.

madge~Hooray! You are ALL SET for Halloween. I could almost hear the echoes of your "shrieks" down here in So. Cali! I love the little headbank for Anna. You have to promise to take some cute pics and post them on our thread. Call the Dolphin Directly about a week out from your arrival date (for the crib and the upgrade inquiry). Also, CONGRATS on your new CD player!

joshua4~ Hello, Lauren. Where are you staying while in San Fran? Hope you have some time to get out and enjoy some sights in the City by the Bay. We'll be heading up there in a couple of months. We always stay at the St. Francis on Union Square. We love the Vintage (nearing 100) look of the "old building", and reserve a Parkview suite on an upper floor for the best view. We usually stay 5-6 eves, and have many "traditions" we hold fast and true (LOL). Enjoy!

jgates~That episode is one of the BEST I've ever seen (on such a subject). His comedic timing and genuine humor will be missed on the show, (and in the world). I'm going to watch each viewing scheduled for the next few weeks.

YES...the DOLPHIN has the NATIONAL/ALAMO rental counter. So convenient, and reasonable. There is a 20% discount using the Disney Club. Check-out www.mousesavers.com (Hi, MARY) for MORE discounts for both of these agencies.


mouseteacher~YES!!! I have some "thoughts" on your plans for the Sheraton Boston (for your convention). CALL the hotel directly, and request to speak with the reservation manager. Explain the matter (convention), and your plans to "share" a JR. suite as opposed to reserving 2 separate rooms.

Also, kindly inform them of your SPG status, and overall "fondness" of and preference for Sheraton (WDW Dolphin is a Sheraton original!) properties. Inquire as to any promotional rates, (such as teacher), which may benefit you. It never hurts to "ask" for a reduced rate, as suite rates are "negotiable" in most every property.

If you maintain this pace....you'll be PLATINUM SPG (all these frequent stays) before you know it! Good luck with your efforts. You'll probably have to be "ON" for this one too...LOL.

I still am unable to make Airline ressies, as I'm not the "331" mandatory days out from the return date (August 28)! Maybe I'll just change it, to make the ressie, and then change it when it opens (as there is no extra fee!). Seems like I just returned, and already I'm making plans/ressies to return! I'm making my Dolphin Ressies this week. I've already planned the Vero dates, and the PBH. Now, we may add AKL Concierge into our intinerary...but we're unsure. It's the only onsite resort, we have never visited (overnight). ^_^

HAPPY THURSDAY EVERYONE! TTFN...DF99

 

[disnurse]

mouseteacher we have stayed 2 times at boston sheraton and have gotten fabulous upgrades. We had an exec. suite this summer and a rollaway for the teen without even asking for an upgrade. heres a few pictures of the room

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Dreamflight ~ The doctor has not seen the baby, but I sent him a few pictures. He also has not returned my phone call. I did not expect him to, but wanted him to know the baby made it. It was not so much the news he was giving me but the way he delivered the news to me and tone. I know sometimes things do not workout and a baby will unfortunately not make it. I think its wrong for a doctor to give you the news while you are lying on an exam table and simply state " I think your baby will be dead by Monday" the words will never leave me.... but my baby will live hopefully many more Mondays to come !

I am sorry to those of you who tire of reading my soga on my baby, but its part of who I am and what I bring to the table

Mouseteacher ~ I hope your plans workout for your convention

Disbug and Madge ~ Your trips are getting very close, have a great time!

Ozziewags ~ It sounds like you are very busy this year, going school to school. Any thoughts on our platinum yet ?

To everyone else sorority wave to you all

 

[madge]

You have to promise to take some cute pics and post them on our thread. Call the Dolphin Directly about a week out from your arrival date (for the crib and the upgrade inquiry). Also, CONGRATS on your new CD player!

me? take pictures? LOL....I just packed 18 rolls of 35 mm film for a 9 day vacation I also have more than enough floppies for the Mavica...will the x-ray scanner at the airport hurt the floppies? I think I am going to do one of two things with the film--develop the film as the week goes on or send it to York photos (the mail order place). That way I don't have to worry about the scanners damaging the film on the trip home. I am shipping a package to myself at the Dolphin with diapers, wipes, film, etc.

I know that airport people say it's safe, but these are my memories we are talking about!

Our check-in date is Saturday, so I think I'll call the Dolphin on Monday. I don't have much hope for a comp upgrade (which is fine, really...) because the hotel is sold out 3 nights during our stay because of a large convention. We'll see.....Any tips on how to word this upgrade question/request would be much appreciated I really am not good at that sort of thing....

 

[#1hockeymom]

I don't think we'll ever tire of hearing baby Kirk's story! He is a miracle! My two are grown and half grown.. I love hearing the baby stories so I can live vicariously through everyone here and keep my family the same size!

I heard Madge in Michigan! So glad you found what you were looking for!

Sorority wave to all!
Debbie

 

[Mouseteacher]

Thanks, DF, for your thoughts. I called the Sheraton and the only suite available was exec. suite with King bed - won't work b/c it's 2 of us. When I asked if there was a sofa bed or another bed in the suite, the reservationist said no, just the King bed. I could have it with a AAA rate of $195. A traditional room with 2 doubles AAA rate is $155. I booked that for now and sent a special request for comp Club Level - does the Sheraton have a concierge floor (disnurse?)? I figured my best friend would get a kick out of that if we get it. I am headed into the Sheraton tomorrow for a meeting. I plan on stopping by the reservation desk and ask about a suite again - I think it would give us some elbow room. We will be there 5 days/4 nights.

disnurse~ Thanks for the pictures.

Mom Poppins~ His wording certainly did not fall in the realm of compassionate and he calls himself a doctor? Boy, did you and Baby Kirk prove him wrong - God works in mysterious ways! Many continued blessings on Kirk, Jr, and your entire family.

Just think how wonderful it will be in the future - your 5 all grown and all their respective families visiting the grandparents. A house full of love and laughter. Big families, to me, look so wonderful. One of my teachers is one of 6 and she says it is terrific having so many nieces and nephews. She says her parents house is quite crowded at family gatherings but oh so much fun!

 

[dreamflight99]

mouseteacher~I grew up with three other sibs, and DH had five in his family! DD was very ill when she was born, and for some time after. This probably explains the "lull" between her age now, and our present thoughts of having another child.

Both DH and I had a "full-house" when growing up...and loved every moment. We are still close with all our sibs, and try to get together whenever possible (Although most are out of state).

About the Sheraton...you could still share the suite, and an "adjoining" room...if they would consider a discount on the suite rate. Perhaps they'll give you one suite at the price of the room (and the other room at the reg. rate). This way, you could have the suite, and she could join you to relax and unwind, etc., before she would retire to her room. I agree...that's too many days to spend in a standard room. Go for the SUITE!

MOM POPPINS~I second DEBBIE'S post! I'll NEVER tire of hearing of baby Kirk. No way!! He's so special, and I feel blessed we were all included on the progress of his life inside the womb. I think of you both from time to time, and SMILE. ^_^ He's a WONDER-BABY! Kudos to you, for sending the faithless DOC a few pictures of your MIRACLE. Hopefully, he'll NEVER put another mother in the same position. I'm sorry for those things you had to endure. I can't imagine what I would have done/felt in the same predicament. I just have faith I would have left it in the hands of the one and only almighty father. No one on this earth is truly able to predict these things, as they are never in the hands of the mortals. God Bless you, for making the right decisions and keeping the FAITH. FAITH, FAMILY & FRIENDS...we are all connected!

madge~The discs are fine through the Scanners at the AP, but I would definitely send the film! I too, do not believe they will not affect the photos, and my pictures on film are too precious to chance. So, like you, I develop at WDW or MAIL them to a film developer. Be sure to bring plenty of YORK mailers!

As for the upgrade...I would just ask kindly, "I was wondering if I could possibly obtain a complimentary upgrade of some kind for our upcoming stay, such as.....(either balcony with view or CL...whichever you prefer/desire). I understand the resort is busy, but we are traveling and visiting on vacation/pleasure as opposed to business. I would be thrilled with any consideration possible. It would truly make our stay Magical. Thank you." Or..something in that manner.

TTFN... DF99

 

[madge]

As for the upgrade...I would just ask kindly, "I was wondering if I could possibly obtain a complimentary upgrade of some kind for our upcoming stay, such as.....(either balcony with view or CL...whichever you prefer/desire). I understand the resort is busy, but we are traveling and visiting on vacation/pleasure as opposed to business. I would be thrilled with any consideration possible. It would truly make our stay Magical. Thank you." Or..something in that manner.

hmmmm....I'll have to work on my "delvery" this weekend that doesn't really "sound" like me, LOL. I would really like CL access, that's all. According to my paperwork from the Dolphin, I have an "A" balcony....I'd like to keep that and have the CL access. I'm SPG Gold, do I mention that?

 

[zurgswife]

Sorry haven't posted for the past day but I've been busy this week filling my shed. We live in a very small house built in 1920...NO storage...our addition plans are still not set so I put my foot down this summer and said I was buying a BIG shed to put our stuff in ...Well DH agreed I ordered it and it was supposed to by here in 4-6 weeks it ended up 13 weeks...so, I'm chomping at the bit to get the junk moved out of my basement into it...I've almost emptied my basement...WHEW!!!

jgate...I love the moment when they showed the driving episode it was so poinent(sp). I only watached it soratically last season I think I will try to watch or Tivo more this season.

marymrg...I also find that National has better rates then Alamo.. We are renting from National this Christmas trip and dropping off and/or picking up at the Dolphin National desk...Hope it is as convient as it sounds..

Madge CONGRATS on locating the T-shirts...and the DVD player...

Mom Poppins Stars on the ceiling at the Dolphin...I'll have to make sure we check it out...thanks for the tip.

I am sorry to those of you who tire of reading my soga on my baby, but its part of who I am and what I bring to the table I never tire reading about you and the baby, thanks for sharing with all of us...

DF" Seems like I just returned, and already I'm making plans/ressies to return!" I'm ssooo jealous as I've been band by DH for officially thinking about another vaction until we have finished the Christmas one...Doesn't he realize all the deals I will be missing....Well actually I have about 3 different ressies going for Spring break in March on the hopes that 8 weeks after our 2 week trip he might agree to another vacation...LOTS OF PIXIE DUST NEEDED for that trick....

Got your PM DF....when ever you have moment I think I sent you my mailing address again...Thanks for the wonderful stuff in advance.....

Well, DD is sick again....she has spent 2 out of the last 3 weeks sick with pneumonia...went to school for practically the first time this week...today Thursday she came home totally spent and with a low grade fever...I think she did too much....She wants to rest but it is sooo boring for a teen to just sit around... Hopefully she gets better soon. I don't want her to miss to much more of her 7th grade year....

Only slightly more then 92 days until we leave...YIIPPPEEE!!! I can start to make PS's next week...

 

[madge]

zurgs wife I hope your DD feels better ASAP. pneumonia this time of the year is no fun....

 

[jgates]

Thumbs Up Baby Kirk! You showed him!

Evening all - just checking in while I balance my checkbook - Nearly time to write out another 4 figure check for dorm room bill. Ack!!!! I could be spending that money on my park tickets. (I'm sure my college son would appreciate that!)

Nothing on topic tonite from me, except a pull-over comment from another thread.

The Grotto pool is not zero - entry.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by zurgswife
Sorry haven't posted for the past day but I've been busy this week filling my shed. We live in a very small house built in 1920...NO storage...!!!

It makes NO difference...if your home is Small, or huge! TRUST ME....you will ALWAYS find room for MORE STUFF! My previous home was HALF the size, so when we moved in here 7 years ago...it looked EMPTY! WELL...I've CERTAINLY REMEDIED THAT! (LOL). I Told my DH...the NEXT home we buy will have to be AT LEAST "TWICE" the size of this home! Just as the more $$ you make, the more you spend (You live "within" your means...), SAME GOES FOR HOUSES! Thank GOODNESS for SHEDS (We have a large one too!), the official "CLOWN CAR" of buildings. They ALWAYS hold MORE than seemingly possible.

DF " Seems like I just returned, and already I'm making plans/ressies to return!" I'm ssooo jealous as I've been band by DH for officially thinking about another vaction until we have finished the Christmas one...Doesn't he realize all the deals I will be missing....Well actually I have about 3 different ressies going for Spring break in March on the hopes that 8 weeks after our 2 week trip he might agree to another vacation...LOTS OF PIXIE DUST NEEDED for that trick.....

You're in LUCK....PIXIE DUST is in endless SUPPLY around here!****************************************************************************************************************************************************

Got your PM DF....when ever you have moment I think I sent you my mailing address again...Thanks for the wonderful stuff in advance.....

STUFF...is on the way tomorrow! ^_^ You are WELCOME!

I certainly hope your DD feels better soon. Pneumonia is NEVER any fun. LOTS of TLC, fluid and rest...should do wonders. Have FUN with the P.S. Plans!

madge~Definitely INFORM the associate you speak with about your current SPG status. I would ask for CL. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If you never ask, you never know. The worst thing that can happen, is you have the lovely Balcony room you originally reserved and planned to enjoy! No LOSS at all.

jgates~Thanks for the "uplifting" commentary on DORM BILLS (ACK is RIGHT! I have not even conquered AUTO Bills YET!) LOL! You are too funny..."OT" comment from another thread: "Grotto pool is not zero-entry!? This is NEWS TO ME! Since WHEN did the DOLPHIN begin CHARGIN' FER US TA USE IT?!?!?

TGIF....TTFN...DF99

 

[Mouseteacher]

Good morning, sorority sister and brothers!

Off to a meeting at the Sheraton Boston and we are getting the after affects of Isabel - a rainy, muggy day.

zurgswife~ I hope your DD conquers the pneumonia asap!

Have a Disney Day, everyone. Dreamin' of S/D!

 

[ozziewags]

Ok, three weeks of school about to end and I am ready for a vacation at the S/D. I will go tomorrow.....no PS's, no plans, no nothing........just take me away! This weary body needs a rest. Hopefully, I will get in the groove soon! At least all my Open Houses are over, finally.

z...hope your daughter feels better soon. Hard to miss so much school at her age. Can't imagine the homework.

jgates...I am right there with ya! Not dorm bills, but apt. rent and tuition! ACK! My ds called last night to inform me he needed to do a bit of clothes shopping today.....so I wouldn't be too shocked when I got the cc bill. I remember the days when I used to get to take him shopping for school clothes! I don't get to do that any more! But this is funny.......he sends me a power point for his Christmas list... and every year it ends with a HUMMER! LOL Have to admit that I enjoy seeing that.

Lou... you are coming in loud and clear.....hop on over here!

 

[GoofItUp]

I hope you don't mind me butting in on your thread, but you all are the experts on the S/D and I'm going for my first stay and need some help!

We'll be there TG week. We have booked the teachers/nurses rate on 3 rooms. We are not obsessive about which room we get, but if we can get a "better" room just for requesting it, we definitely want to try for it. So far, the only advice I've gotten is to request a renovated room which I am definitely going to do so we can try those heavenly beds. I would also like to have 2 king rooms and 1 room with 2 beds. SIL & her family need the extra space for the kids (4 total in that room), but MIL/FIL and DH and I will be the only one in our respective rooms and would prefer the king bed. Is this possible if we want our rooms close to each other? Also, I have NO idea what rooms are included in the $129 rate. I am expecting to be in a room looking at the parking lot and would naturally be THRILLED if I got anything else. Is this the right thing to expect or should I really be hoping for the top floor, executive suite for the $129 rate? LOL! Any help or advice is most appreciated. I look like right now, but which your help am hoping to turn into . Do y'all do those makeovers?!

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Originally posted by GoofItUp
I hope you don't mind me butting in on your thread, but you all are the experts on the S/D and I'm going for my first stay and need some help!

Your not butting in, join right in and ask away

Are you a starwood member? Go to www.starwood.com and then click on spg. Go to this site to sign up for the Starwood program which is the company that owns the Swan/Dolphin. It's free to join and it could get you a complimentary upgraded room. You should have no problem getting the bed arrangements that you need. The 129$ is a great rate for this hotel, the location is wonderful. You also can go to www.swandolphin.com and put in your request for the bed arrangements you need, as well as a desire for a nice view, be sure and have your reservation number at this site. I would also ask about the view at check in.

You are going to love the Swan/Dolphin. Have a great trip

 

[Loubon]

Originally posted by ozziewags
Lou... ..hop on over here!

I am but it is a long hop from the DVC board!

 

[ww52]

Quickly checking in…

Mom Poppins – I’m certainly not tired of reading about Baby Kirk. When I first started lurking and occasionally posting on this thread early this year, I was trying to absorb all the S/D info I could get. (And there was more than enough to convince us we made a good choice.) I knew you were expecting and vaguely knew there was a story there, but since I didn’t know anyone here I never read those posts carefully. (Not that I “know” anyone here now, but in some way I feel I do.) Anyway, I now see what you had been going through, and I imagine if I read back I’d see that you received a great deal of support from the wonderful people here. I’m glad everything turned out well and that baby Kirk continues to grow. My hope is that this thread keeps going long enough for him to join the DIS and post here. Then we can hear him ask “Mom, what does that line about getting souvenirs (wink) mean?”

By the way, you might want to get a recording of that commercial somehow before they stop airing it. I think it’s my favorite.

By the way also, did you ever get live365 working on your computer? If you need any help, let us know.

DF99 - I do remember glo's posts (and of course the Swan/Dolphin overview at the top of this board). Back then I guess I was a "snob" who wouldn't think of staying in a "non-Disney" hotel.

On topic (sort of): There are many helpful people on this thread that gradually wore away my doubts about the Swan, and it's hard to single anyone out, but I do feel dreamflight99 deserves a special mention. Thanks for keeping this thread going.

Ozzie – I never thought I’d say this, but GO CARDINALS!

Mouseteacher – my trip to Boston is a week from Sunday. Unfortunately my wife is not able to go with, so it will be just the conference for me. Little if any sightseeing; going in late Sunday, conference all day Monday and Tuesday, back home Tuesday night. We thought of making a long weekend out of it, but she can’t get away from school. I will be taking that dinner cruise on the Star of Boston or Odyssey. I’ll let you know how that is. It better be good since I’ll be missing the first game at the new Soldier Field. I will get to see it the Saturday before, since they are having an “open house” for season ticket holders.

Hey Lou – pop in more often. At least give us a picture to laugh over for the weekend! (Edited: I see you "hopped over" while I was posting!)

Have a great weekend everyone.

Bill

 

[disnurse]

mouseteacher- yes there is club level its on the 26 and 27th floors if i remember and you can only access it with your room card and they have their own elevator service!! I would say your chances for an upgrade are great, we were only preferred starwoods last year and got a corner room on 25th floor.