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

[Mouseteacher]

Originally posted by Miffy
Muffy! Hi there. Am I correct that you're named after the adorable stuffed bear? My sister is a huge Muffy fan/collector.

"Miffy" is the Dick Bruna character. For anyone who's interested, here's the official Dick Bruna website: http://www.miffy.com/ where you can see pictures of Miffy (called Nintje in the Netherlands, where she originated). I have no proof of this, but I'm convinced that Miffy is the inspiration for Hello Kitty (whom I also love). My dh and I discovered Miffy when we were in Japan 8 years ago. And, no we didn't go to Disney Japan when we were there. What were we thinking?

madge Have a fantastic time on your trip! I love seeing countdown clocks in the single digits. I can't believe you're packed already. Very admirable! We usually finish packing 10 minutes before the cab to the airport shows up. I'm not kidding!

zurgswife Thinking of you and your dd. Hope she's having a good day...and you too.

I love this thread!

--miffy--

I love this thread, too!

We are just the BEST! *patting us all on the back*

 

[#1hockeymom]

So glad that Z's DD is doing better! Yeah! to a full day of school!

Where am I going? *laughing hysterically* I told the art teacher that my fifth graders are going ot have me in counseling before hte year is up! THey are passing notes with sentences that I didn't understand untill after I was married! Yikes! I am so glad that my own children are much more sheltered that what I am seeing in my classroom. No one needs to grow up that soon!

MomPoppins>> Special prayers for their family. I just hugged both my children after reading that. They think I am odd for doing it out of the blue, but they'll remember it sometime when they need to feel loved.

soap opera? where? I need links! pool hopping? did someone use the wrong mug? *cracking up* I need info! LOL

If anyone has advice on talking to fifth graders about not growing up too soon, (in a classroom environment), please pm me or email me! *this is totally out of context with these posts, but I can't get it off of my mind!*

Ohhh!! Good news! My DD made the cut for the talent competition! Seems singing skipped generations, and while my mother was in the honor's choir in Buffalo (Kenmore?), I cna't sing a lick! DD on the other hand is a fabulous singer and I have had phone calls all week about us hiding her fabulous talent! The competition is next Thursday. Please wish her luck!

disbug and madge>> Have a fabulous time!

internet questions>> they have the cable right on the desk. You don't need to bring anything besides your laptop! I could have checked my email via the net, but I never did. All I used my laptop for was to post my vacation news and read menus when we were undecided on a restaurant!

I must be off... its football tonight!

*sorority wave to all*
Debbie

 

[#1hockeymom]

*totally agree with Mouseteacher!*

 

[Kapp]

Just wondering if anyone had an update. I called over 2 weeks ago and go the "6th floor" answer and was just wondering if they had been any updates and/or from anyone that had been there lately?

Kapp

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Muffy

DF, Your DD's first car sounds very cool. Did you mention the color of her VW Turbo? I'm glad to hear that all is well in Cali!

Thank you, for your kind comment. It's CYBER GREEN! We are driving to Los Angeles tomorrow to pick it up! I'll post a picture soon.

I too Love the name MUFFY, as DD has a HUGE collection of the MUFFY VANDERBEARS and FRIENDS! She has been collecting them since they were released. She was in the club, and has all the Limited editions, etc. They are just the CUTEST (Muffy & Hoppy especially). A very dear friend of ours...(John Eyler, present CEO of TRU) and former CEO of FAO SCHWARZ sent some to DD for Christmas one year. That was all it took...she (okay, me too!) was hooked! He also sent a GIANT MADELINE DOLL, and we began to collect everything Madeline (From Eden toys and MORE). Come to think of it...John also may have nurtured the STEIFF addiction...LOL! DD now has an incredible collection spanning 16 years for both of these lovable characters. We still collect pieces, (Hallmark, Etc.). and enjoy these collections together.

LAUREN~My #1 Favorite Starwood resort in San Diego is the HORTON PLAZA! It's incredible: heavenly beds, starbucks coffee, and Location--location--location!!! Some of the City's BEST shopping and sight-seeing is within a few feet of the resort.
BEST ROOM=#1405, without a doubt! This room offers a great view and large PRIVATE balcony! Call ahead and request this room. ^_^ Enjoy!

~#1hockeymom~Yes...I AGREE 100%! Where are the LINKS to the SOAP OPERA? I am totally CLUELESS. This is the second time I've even heard anything about this matter. Does anyone know where the "facts" can be viewed?


disfanRN ~Hello!

I'll add to Ozzie's answers...

#1. Nothing...but the view.

#2. Ours took more than 2 1/2 hours, as he kept "apologizing" for the delay, etc. If we did not have extra time (as we stay so long), I'm not sure it would be worth the pts.

#3. Nope...not at the Dolphin.

miffy~Thanks for the info and link! So glad you are enjoying this thread...we are a LIVELY bunch here!

zurgswife~whew (breathing a sigh of relief)...so Glad to hear your DD is feeling better. All the prayers and PD certainly didn't go to waste. Hope you receive the package soon.

Kapp~When we left the end of August...they were on the 7th and 8th floors of the wings. So...they are moving along very fast. They should be completed by next summer (hopefully!). Just kindly "request" a renovated room on the floor of your choice.

Mouseteacher~Thanks for the PAT!

madge~HOPE the DVD player arrives before you leave! Have fun preparing and DREAMING of all the FUN you'll SOON be having in the MAGIC! I'm having a "PLANNING PARTY" with my dear girlfriend and her children tomorrow eve! We are having dinner, watching the videos, marking calanders and making reservation plans! They will be making their official FIRST trip to the Magic next summer. We've been close friends for 17 years. She and her DH divorced two years ago. It's always been a dream of hers to travel with her two boys to WDW. They will be staying next to our suite, at the Dolphin....for 9 days. We are all very excited...as it's always a pleasure to SHARE the MAGIC with SPECIAL LOVED ONES!

Disbug~I KNEW it was YOU (the little ELP bug)! I wish you luck with the charms. DD has expressed a desire for some of these for Christmas (Some new Disney ones!). These make the BEST gifts...as they are all LINKS to a STORY. Precious memories and great times shared/experienced. Enjoy the fun!

TTFN....DF99

 

[jgates]

My sympathy to the little boys family too. I don't think I could deal with it.

Zurgs- glad things are improving for DD. Hopefully she will be up & running 100% in no time. I'll plant one other idea in your brain if she relapses - Lyme Disease. This is from a very tiny infected bear/deer tick. This can have a WIDE variety of symptoms ranging from flu to arthritis type etc. I bring this up because of its common nature in our area. In fact one of my bests friends had the 1st case diagnosed in this area (YEARS ago). It took them six months of lab work at that time to figure it out. My DH & DS have both been bitten but had the bullet rash so we spotted it and they began antibiotics immediately - they now always test positive. Since I have tests for thyroid & blood sugar run every 6 mos or so I usually ask for a Lyme test once a year too since we live in a rural area. The last Dr I asked was hesitant because he was sure our insurance wouldn't cover it - he'd only been at the clinic a week and was originally from NY. Needless to say they covered it & we had a long discussion on how common it is around here. Not trying to scare you - its just good info for anyone! Here is a link to an article about it - http://my.webmd.com/content/healthwise/96/24020.htm?lastselectedguid={5FE84E90-BC77-4056-A91C-9531713CA348}

Thank you for the PC info. I think I will call the Hyatt and check on our room for Atlanta.

I'd like an update on this soap opera too if anyone can PM me the link!!! I missed out on all of it but lately I have only been at resorts, attractions/strategy & budget.

 

[ladyjayhawk]

I just wanted to let everyone here know how much I enjoy this thread. I am always lurking, not able to contribute much because I haven't stayed at the Swan or Dolphin yet (only five more months to go!). But I have learned a lot about the S/D and I've had fun reading about events going on in your lives as well. After going to the Community Board to find out about the "soap opera," I realized just how special the group of people that hang out here are. You can go to the CB to find out what has been going on but it is pretty sad really. Basically, several people have been banned (I don't know why) and a lot of other people are upset that they have lost good friends. I saw a lot of negative and even hateful posts on that board, I don't think I will venture back any time soon. I always know when I tune in here that I will find helpful, respectful and supportive posts (and some great pictures too!). And I know that it isn't just here that you all share your wisdom. I have read your posts on other threads giving advice and opinions on the S/D, never arguing with someone that has a differing opinion on the resorts. Kudos to all of you and thanks!

 

[Bobump]

Well, I finally have the countdown thing. Next, I guess I will have to start adding past stays. Want to keep up with the neighborhood.

Seriously, Thank you all for all of the info.

Yes, I am a total addict. My wife said to me does everything revolve around sports and Disney.

My answer "IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE"?

Of course she knows family is first.

 

[Disbug]

ladyjayhawk and bobump~ We appreciate your kind words about the thread! Dreamflight99 and Mouseteacher, #1HM, ozzie, jgates, and a multitude of others give it the character and flavor of a cozy neighborhood! We love it here and consider ourselves residents of our little "cyber-hood"! We welcome you both to our little neck of the woods and hope you learn much and drop by often!

Good morning, all! Finishing packing.. taking car for an oil change, tire rotation. The weather is stormy this weekend so, the Animal Kingdom poncho is on top of everything else!

I ran out to Tar'szhay (Target) last night and picked up 2 darling short sleeved Halloween shirts (they are black, with an orange beaded jack o'lantern on front). Also, finally found DD9 a costume. She is going to be Mulan! Found a nice quality kimono, with obi, and underdress for $24.95. We will twist her hair into a bun and put those hair sticks in. Some white socks and flops and she is good! Whew!

DD2 is going as Princess Aurora.

I guess madge has already gone.... see ya down there, madge! Have fun!

A little more on topic... I called the Dolphin last night and was told that yes, I could upgrade with points to the jr suite (10,000 pts per night) plus the cost of a STD room. I decided to stay one night at the gov rate ($129) and one night at the cash and pts rate ($60). That way I would get credit for one stay! Upgrades quoted were: $30 to upgrade to lakeview room, $75 to upgrade to club level.

PS Lauren, About getting upgraded to SPG Gold Status: I remember a while back when you first joined didn't you say they upgraded you due to having a platinum AmXpress? When I called (a few months back, not recently) they only upgraded me to Preferred Plus (I also have a Platimum AmXpress). What is your strategy for this? First, I probably need to get a few more stays under my belt before calling back for an upgrade check!

Happy day everyone!

 

[joshua4]

Disbug, I didn't have a single point when I requested the upgrade from regular starwood to gold. I just called the number on the back of the card and said "I have a platinum amex and understand that starwood will now upgrade me to gold." They put me on hold and then the came back and said ok. The odd thing was that they first sent me a starwood corporate card. I called and asked what was up and they said that I had been upgraded to corporate even before I asked to be upgraded to gold. Sure enough, the gold card arrived about 3 weeks later. If I were you, I would try again and see if you get a different agent. Over at the spg thread other people were rejected and then called back and got what they asked for. Doesn't hurt to try. With the gold card I got the free balcony upgrade so it really was worth my effort to "go gold." Good luck.

Dreamflight -- Thanks for the recommendation. I think now we are leaning towards renting a condo on the beach in Solano Beach. It would be nice to have more space and a kitchen with the kids. Got a link to Dave Stubbs real estate with descriptions and photos of some of the places and they look really nice. No heavenly beds, but I can bring the starbucks and drink it as I look at the ocean.

Lauren

 

[marymrg]

Disbug - I agree with Lauren. Try again. I pretty much said the same thing she did. I was upgraded on the first try. If they do upgrade you, your number will stay the same but the first letter will be G instead. Call today..........hey - you never know. And, then you can just inform the desk when you check in that you are now Gold. Have a great time. Need some company this weekend? LOL

My oldest son missed out on my Labor Day trip because of football. He keeps saying when the season is over, he'd really like to go for a quick trip to the World. He has the Disney Bug bad as well. He said he'd even chip in! (wouldn't have him do that though) even though that kid has more money than I do! He helped out a neighbor with his tree farm and landscaping over the summer and was compensated handsomely. He got to set his own hours and days. Some weeks he didn't work at all, others he was there a few days. He wasn't a total workaholic by any means though. He still had a 10 day vacation at the beginning of the summer at my sister's - part of which was spent at Perdido Key and also a 2 day canoe trip at the end of the summer. He also played travel soccer and managed to sleep until noon a few days a week. He just has an endless amount of energy. I sort of remember being that way about 20 years ago

 

[marymrg]

Just wanted to let you know that I am praying for that boy and his family. There is nothing worse than the pain of losing a child. My heart goes out to them.

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Thanks for your kind words for A.J. and his family. We are a tiny town of 600 so everyone knows everyone and something like this hits really hard. The memorial service is tonight and the funeral tomorrow. I don't know if I can bear it, its so difficult to see a child in a coffin. I don't mean to be so blunt but I have had to face this before when my oldest DD was 8 a friend in her class died from in an auto accident. I was pregnant at the time and decided it was more than I could take.

Zurfswife ~ I am happy to hear your DD is feeling better.

Disbug ~ Glad you found the costumes and shirts and are ready to go... I could use the Disney magic about now.

Hockeymom ~ Congrats to daughter on her wonderful musical talent. I am like you and cannot sing at all. No advice on talking to 5th. graders, but my DD Rachel brought home some notes some boys had written her last year while in the FIRST grade... that were very in appropriate. She has no clue and could not even read theml, but I sure could. I went straight to the teacher and principal and asked that the boys stop sending her notes. She had received 14 over a period of 3 days. Let's just say they talked about wanting to have S** with her.... I was floored..... how could these boys even know what that means. The prinicipal called the parents and they said they would talk to their boys. The notes have stopped , but I kept the originals in case I have any future problems. Any advice besides what has been done ?

Dreamflight ~ Congrats to you and your DD on her new car . We would love to see it when you have time to post pics...

Marymrg ~ Glad your DS was able to enjoy his summer and work at the sametime. I worked a lot from the time I was in the 10th. grade and I took off the summer before and after my senior year in high school. I can still hear my dad saying "Is this your senior summer again" lol..... but I figured I would be working and going to college forever, I may as well take a break when I could. It worked out fine, went on to college, had DD Ashley in the middle of my senior year but still graduated when she was 6 months. I have been a stay at home every since. I don't regret any of it a bit. Now that my husband has had to stay home and take care of the girls while I was in the hospital for 2 months. When someone asked what does your wife do, he says with "oh she works, she works very hard at home taking care of kids". He has a lot more respect for what I do, now that he his been in my shoes.

Bobump ~ We understand what its like to be a "TOTAL disney addict"... that's why we are all here to get our WDW fix

Madge and Dibug ~ I wised I were coming with you, have a great time.

On topic ~ The speedy elevators at the Dolphin are fantastic. If only my girls would not fight about whose turn it is to push the button

Hello to everyone else... TGIF

 

[madge]

Originally posted by Disbug
Good morning, all! Finishing packing.. taking car for an oil change, tire rotation. The weather is stormy this weekend so, the Animal Kingdom poncho is on top of everything else!

I ran out to Tar'szhay (Target) last night and picked up 2 darling short sleeved Halloween shirts (they are black, with an orange beaded jack o'lantern on front). Also, finally found DD9 a costume. She is going to be Mulan! Found a nice quality kimono, with obi, and underdress for $24.95. We will twist her hair into a bun and put those hair sticks in. Some white socks and flops and she is good! Whew!

DD2 is going as Princess Aurora.

I guess madge has already gone.... see ya down there, madge! Have fun!

A little more on topic... I called the Dolphin last night and was told that yes, I could upgrade with points to the jr suite (10,000 pts per night) plus the cost of a STD room. I decided to stay one night at the gov rate ($129) and one night at the cash and pts rate ($60). That way I would get credit for one stay! Upgrades quoted were: $30 to upgrade to lakeview room, $75 to upgrade to club level.

PS Lauren, About getting upgraded to SPG Gold Status: I remember a while back when you first joined didn't you say they upgraded you due to having a platinum AmXpress? When I called (a few months back, not recently) they only upgraded me to Preferred Plus (I also have a Platimum AmXpress). What is your strategy for this? First, I probably need to get a few more stays under my belt before calling back for an upgrade check!

Happy day everyone! [/B]

eek! stormy? this weekend? waaaaahhhh!!

no, I haven't left yet the kids have school today, and we are leaving for Nashville early tomorrow morning. Unfortunately, the weather is supposed to be stormy here tonight, which means rainy in Nashville in the morning....Carter will NOT be a happy camper

all packed here, except for the essentials that we'll need in the morning (makeup, allergy meds, LOL)

Disbug--I called Starwood, told them I have a Plat. AmEx, and bom! I was upgraded to SPG Gold, no questions asked. I'd try again before you leave, it might make a difference!

What time will you be checking in on Friday? I plan on using the late checkout at the Dolphin, since we can't check in at the Contemporary until 3:00...I'll be on the lookout for your girls, I think I would recognize them from the picture that used to be on your signature

 

[madge]

Originally posted by marymrg
Just wanted to let you know that I am praying for that boy and his family. There is nothing worse than the pain of losing a child. My heart goes out to them.

I agree--my prayers are with your community and family {{hugs}}

we came home from a Spring Break trip in March 2001 to learn that 2 students in my oldest DS school had died over the break. One of the students was in his class. It was so sad....

 

[joshua4]

madge - are you and disbug going to be there at the same time? I hadn't realized that before (guess I am sort of slow). How fun! Pictures please!


Best wishes for a safe trip with well behaved kids in the backseat.

Lauren

 

[ww52]

Off to Boston on Sunday - hope the weather is a bit warmer than here in Chicago.

DF99 - I'd also like to see pictures of the car when all the detailing is done.

Zurgswife - hope your daughter is continuing her improvement

Ozzie - looks like my Cubs are primed for another choke. It's tough to watch.

Mom Poppins - so sorry to hear about the tragedy in your town. We're a larger community here, but we've had a few tough ones to go through the last few years of kids in our high school and / or friends of our kids (college girl killed in her dorm - the murderer was the first sentenced to death after the former governor commuted the sentences of everyone on death row; another girl killed in an auto accident just a year or two out of college; HS boy paralyzed for life from a freakish accident at a football practice). They all make you give your kids an extra hug and appreciate what God has given us.

Bobump and Kapp - drop in more often! Lou and I need some more "honorary brothers" to Sigma Delta!

Happy Friday to everyone! To those going soon (or already left) - have a great trip (not that there is anything close to a bad trip to the World). By the way - our "surprise" trip in February is definitely a go. I hope to make reservations at the Swan this weekend. My brother in law said "I want everything to be exactly as the trip this past August - including being on CL and talking with Mama T!) Wow - did I ever make a Disney fanatic out of him! Now we get to work on my wife's sister and her husband.

Also - I've said my wife is not so much a Disney fan. But she gets hit with the magic at times. One story - I'll try to make it quick: last trip we walked out of HoP and by luck Spectro had just started. Got a decent view and really enjoyed it (again). Later I saw that my wife bought the CD! She said the music stuck with her and wanted to play it in her classroom. Now if we planned on seeing the parade adn waited 30 minutes or more to get a good spot, she might have said "Why? We've seen this parade several times." But having it suddenly "appear" right as we left HoP made it mroe special. It's those little surprises around every corner that stick with me far longer than any particular ride.

Let me add that I enjoy this "cyber-hood" quite a bit myself!

Bill

 

[joshua4]

ww52 -- blasphemer! The cubs could still pull this off -- have a little faith.

Lauren in Chicago

 

[MOM POPPINS]

ww52 Bill ~ You can come on over to Texas its still plenty warm here, the high today is going to be 85 I am glad to here your trip is going to workout for you in February. We have yet to convince any of our relatives to go with us to WDW. They just see it as any other amusement park and say "let me guess your going back to WDW again" some people are missing out on all the great fun, but that's ok less crowds for all of us I enjoyed the story about spectro, we saw it for the first time our last visit and cannot believe I had missed it on all our other trips. It's now on our must see list. Have a great trip in Boston

 

[Loubon]

As our friends leave for the Swan & Dolphin (hey look at me I'm on topic for a change!) the rest of us are left to wonder......


<IMG width="300" SRC="http://www.punkyschildcare.com/infantsntots/crying.jpg">



Why can't we go?!!?!?!?


Enjoy, but don't you dare send us a post saying "Wish You Were Here"