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

[madge]

jgates, the thought about infection made me remember something....sometimes my daughter throws up when she has an infection--the dr. said it's a side effect that happens sometimes. maybe there's a tie-in somewhere.

on topic: I started packing tonight

 

[Disbug]

I finished my taxes tonight, too!

 

[jgates]

Guys - I have a question - I need the info again from whoever has used internet access in their room. I have a laptop with I believe the proper connecting spot (the one kind of like the phone line jack)- what do I need for a cable/cord? How do I access it? I thought I read somewhere that it did it automatically but I don't remember.

I'm going to Hyatt in Atlanta on business in a couple of weeks - I might take the laptop along to 'practice' if they have i.a. in the room.

 

[dreamflight99]

Hmmmm...been there, done that (ugh). Nice acronym for a nasty virus/infection. You also have me thinking "J", as I had a terrible "stomach-ache" with the UTI, fever, vomiting and nausea too. The stomach ache came in horrible "waves" as I recall. I too...had no difficulty or pain w/urination (can I say that word on the boards?...LOL). It was so awful. I was misdiagnosed twice, before they FINALLY caught it with a Urine/blood test (specifically for the UTI). Great suggestion, always a possibility.

madge~Have FUN packing! I LOVE that part (it's the UN-packing I detest!).

ON TOPIC~The WDW Dolphin has the BEST Bell Captain/Staff ANYWHERE! They will store your luggage/items for your next visit. If you are a few months between trips, he'll hold some things you wish to use on your next visit without any problem. We left our surfboards there this summer, and will pick them up again to take to Cocoa/Vero next summer! They are absolutely #1, and the nicest of any we've ever experienced!

 

[joshua4]

Been lurking around with no time to post. Zurg's wife -- thinking of your DD and waiting to hear good news about a diagnosis and treatment plan which will get her back on her feet.

Jgates -- with regard to the laptop, there are usually two ways to get on line. Some hotels, such as Swan (NOTE ON TOPIC REFERENCE), have an ether net hook up right there, cord provided. The end of it looks like an enlarged phone jack. That gets you right into the internet. On my computer it plugs into the left side. Typically when I am on business though I have to dial in to get access to email and the internet. This involves taking a phone connection (has normal phone jack hook ups) and plugging into the right side of my laptop and into a phone jack in the room. I go into the dial up section of my computer and set it to dial a modem in the area code I am in at the time. On mine, I also need to revise the "dial properties" when I do that to take out the *70 auto dial (here that disables call waiting) and instead make the computer dial 9 and then the local number. The hyatt should have an extra phone jack right in the phone (they call it a data port).

Good luck.

Lauren

 

[Jackie H.]

Just booked a room at Dolphin for 12/30-1/1 for $190 per night. I think this is a great deal! I am so excited to be here! I had only set my hopes as high as the values - thanks to Denise at Small World Travel for suggesting the Dolphin. I had no idea there would be any discounts this time of year!

Anyway! Where should I try to get a room? (Room location) This is our first stay at Dolphin and I am not at all familiar with the layout. I know my kids will want to spend some time at the pool and we would LOVE to be able to see EPCOT from our room! (All this just seems to good to be true!!!! )

I would greatly appreicate any help and advice you experts could give me!

 

[madge]

madge~Have FUN packing! I LOVE that part (it's the UN-packing I detest!).

this time I vowed NOT to be running around like a chicken with my head cut off, staying up until all hours the night before we leave. I have BTDT and I just can't do that any more--I know some people enjoy the "rush" that comes from that kind of frenzy, but not me...not this time, anyway The major packing is done--I have a small checklist on top of the suitcase for the things that need to be packed that we are still using. Other than that, I think I'm good to go! That gives me plenty of time to clean the house and maybe get some rest before this vacation!

It alsos gives me time to enjoy the fabulous weather we are having in KY Usually, it is still very warm here...we make the transition to the FL weather pretty easily. The high for tomorrow is supposed to be in the upper 60's and when we leave Saturday morning, the temperature is going to be in the 40's...yikes! That will feel a little chilly in our FL clothes, LOL....90 will feel HOT on Saturday afternoon, that's for sure!

zurgsmom how is your DD today?

 

[DisneyPoly]

Hi everyone!

It's been awhile since I visited ... Zurg's Wife I hope your DD is getting better. I have a great pediatrician associated with Holy Redeemer Hospital.

If you are interested in any further information, just let me know. Hope all is going well.

 

[Miffy]

But first, here are some good thoughts for zurgswife's dd--I hope to be seeing good news here the next time I'm reading this thread.

And now, back to the Swan. My dh and I will be staying there in 72 days! It's our first time there. We booked it because they were offering such a great AP discount when WDW wasn't offering any AP discounts and we wanted to pin down our dates. I've read such great things about S/D here on the DIS, so I felt relatively secure about booking this trip.

Meanwhile, of course , I've found things to worry about!

(1) I saw a post somewhere here on the DIS where someone mentioned that they had extremely noisy neighbors at the Swan one weekend. That was the first I'd heard of noise at either the Swan or the Dolphin and it freaked me out! I've been assuming that the Swan will be ultra quiet--which is very very important to us. Our last trip to WDW (in January) we were miserable at ASMu, which was unbearably noisy--I was unable to sleep. This leads me to question 2....

(2) It never occurred to us in January (when we were staying at ASMu) to ask to switch resorts, but now I realize we could have done just that and Disney would have accommodated us somehow. However because we're staying at the Swan this time, if we don't like it there for some (or several or any) reason, basically, we're stuck there (or the Dolphin)--right? I mean, it's not a WDW hotel, so they've got noplace else to send us if we're not happy there.

I'm not expecting to hate it there, but we weren't expecting to despise ASMu either. [I realize there's no comparison between ASMu and the Swan--I'm just using it as an example. ] (BTW, the 2nd half of our January vacation was spent at AKL, which we loved, and we'd stay there again in December, but we wanted to try somewhere new.)

(3) I've read several reviews now that seem to emphasize the lack of "Disney magic" at the Swan. What do you guys think? I mean, I know there are no Mickey soaps or wake-up calls, but is it lacking in some other way?

(4) I've also read some reviews (here and on tripadvisor) that say the CMs at the S/D are not up to WDW standards. Yes? No?

TIA for all your help. We're going to be staying at the Swan for 9 nights and would like to feel relatively sure we're going to be happy there. This was our "bonus" trip as we have APs and wanted to use them again before they expire...and we unfortunately don't expect to be back at WDW again for at least 2 or 3 years after this December.

And apologies for the overlong post.

--miffy--

 

[joshua4]

Miffy,

We were just at the Swan in early Sept and had no issue with noise at all. We never heard a peep from either hall noise or from our neighbors. Disney magic? Well, Mickey is not all over the place, but for two adults, do you need mickey all over the place? It was a well run hotel with warm friendly cms. I found the CM's to be just as nice as the wdw cms. All of our needs, including a request for an allen wrench to fix mom's wheelchair, were met promptly and graciously. I am a huge fan of disney properties -- but you can't beat the swan for location if you are planning an adult trip. (or price -- we paid just $99 a night!) The rooms were a little smaller than the poly and the cr (we have stayed at both), but much nicer as far as linens and the bathroom. Housekeeping was equivalent or better than the wdw resorts we have stayed at. There really isn't theming in the traditional sense, but without the kids, I can live without it. The magic for me is just being walking distance from a disney park and leaving all of my cares and worries behind. It is always important to me that I not have to deal with directions or driving, and the Swan gave me that freedom. Bus service was quick and Epcot and MGM just a boat ride or walk away.

You'll have a great time and if you don't love it, you can always stay back on property the next time.

Lauren

PS I stayed at ASSports once. Lots of theming, but I too did not like the noise or the "motel" feel of the place. You can't really compare the Swan and the AS resorts.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Miffy ~ Lauren expressed my sentiments exactly so I won't repeat. I have stayed at the ASsp and won't return - noisy, motel-like and food court was fair to poor is not my cup of tea. Just to add to Lauren's post, I have received such magical upgrades at my S/D stays. Our Swan stay in July was the BEST! We had a Jr. Suite upgrade and we were like kids in a candy store! The location is right in the middle of the Disney magic - it surrounds you -- it's there with it's own brand of S/D magic!

 

[Miffy]

Lauren and Mouseteacher: Thanks so much for your encouraging words!

I don't really want to worry about our upcoming trip, but I feel I didn't worry enough about our last trip! If I had, we might've known better than to stay at ASMu for 5 nights (or even 1 night!). I understand that lots of people love the All Stars, but they were most definitely not our spinning cups of tea. My dh and I like to stay in a nice hotel, which doesn't necessarily mean "luxury" but, for 9 nights, we want to be comfortable.

I often see resort reviews where people say it doesn't really make that much difference to them where they stay since they're in the parks all the time and the room is just a place to crash for a few hours, but we spend enough time in the room that it really is important to us that we're in an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable place.

Thanks again for the reassurance. If there's anything else I should know, please tell me!

--miffy--

 

[Mouseteacher]

Miffy ~ a suggestion: It was just DH and me on our July Swan trip. Like you, we really like a nice room - the resort we stay at is as important as the visit to the theme parks. We, too, spend time in our room. I realy enjoyed going to the Lobby Lounge in the morning to get DH and me coffee and pastry to bring back to the room for a leisurely quiet breakfast. We would sit on the balcony sipping our coffee and reading the newspaper. Ahhh... the simple pleasures of being on vacation. And... the scenery was beautiful - pure Disney magic!

Btw, our DSs also like nice resorts and thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Dolphin last summer. They really liked the grotto pool and the ability to go to Tubbi's or the Dolphin Fountain whenever they pleased - at that time they were in their late teens with great appetites that goes with the age level.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Miffy

I often see resort reviews where people say it doesn't really make that much difference to them where they stay since they're in the parks all the time and the room is just a place to crash for a few hours, but we spend enough time in the room that it really is important to us that we're in an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable place.

These are the same folks whom settle for the "Steerage" rooms on the cruise ships, and give the same reasons behind their strategy/selection. To each...his/her own. But for me...a VIEW, Balcony, nice room, etc.~is at the TOP of the LIST. If I just needed a place to sleep, I'd bring a sleeping bag/pillow...and stay in the car! (LOL).

 

[#1hockeymom]

no news on Z's dd? Oh, I hope things are going better today!

DF>> What a car!! I think I am in line at number four on your adoption list! I am sure your DD will do wonderfully in that automobile and make you proud!

Disbug>> taxes done, CONGRATS!

I feel lost, you guys, and I am really trying to keep up!

To those about to go... HAVE FUN!

Hooking up online at the S/D is very very easy! Don't fret about it! Sound in the room? Never heard a peep! It had to be one of our more quiet hotel rooms we've ever stayed at. The only one I can match it with would be Sandals rooms, and those don't have kids running in the hallways. We heard nothing outside the walls of our room unless our door was propped open for one reason or another. I was very happy over the soundproofing and the fact I never heard water running in other rooms.

I keep on debating moving up my Easter vacation to Christmas, but I know if I do that I'll still want to go during Easter! We have full time tuition coming up next year, and have enough three day weekend trips out of the area planned between hockey/up north that I should probably stick with our original plans. Lets just say I am homesick!

I am wishing for a T storm here so we don't have to do football practice today. I never thought I'd wish for thunder and lightning!
DS and I both need a break from this schedule! If it were hockey, weather doesn't matter. The only thing that shuts hockey down is the ice melting due to no power! LOL

Happy Wednesday!
Debbie

 

[Jackie H.]

A little higher on this page I asked some questions about the Dolphin and possible room locations.....can someone help me with this?

I would greatly appreciate it!

OK! When I posted this one it went to the next page! LOL

Anyway, my questions---

This will be our first stay at the Dolphin and I am very unfamiliar with the layout. WHere should I request a room, hoping to see EPCOT from our room?

 

[Mouseteacher]

Jackie ~ I wish I could help but I can't - I know dreamflight will know exact locations. Hopefully, she will check in soon and help you.

 

[*Belle*]

I think you may want to request an upper room on the far east wing. This view would be a resort view or a resort view w/ balconey. In the upper floors, you should have no problem with trees.

 

[madge]

Originally posted by Jackie H.
A little higher on this page I asked some questions about the Dolphin and possible room locations.....can someone help me with this?

I would greatly appreciate it!

OK! When I posted this one it went to the next page! LOL

Anyway, my questions---

This will be our first stay at the Dolphin and I am very unfamiliar with the layout. WHere should I request a room, hoping to see EPCOT from our room?

I have to laugh...I NEVER ever pay attention to what room/wing we are in. I know that sometimes we take the central elevators--the really fast ones, and sometimes we don't.

these are from our view last October

this time I will write down the room number, LOL!

 

[Disbug]

What resort were they staying when they said that, I wonder? I found the Swan to be elegant, charming, fun, homey, comfie, gorgeous... I think the magic must be in your heart and then you are prepared to have fun wherever you are! I never, ever considered the Swan to not be a magical resort! The CM's were quick to fix an error and even to reimburse us for our trouble! Disney is not always as quick... if ever! Swan is always at the top of my list when I am considering a deluxe resort. It was also very quiet in our room and I was concerned about this as well. DD2 needed naps every day and I wanted to make sure she would not be disturbed. Perfectly restful resort! I love it!

Thanks, #1Hockeymom! I am SOOOOOOOO glad it's over, until next year! How's practice going these days?

Back in a few friends! I am off to grab a shower!