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

[ww52]

Mom Poppins - I know what you mean when people say "are you going AGAIN?" We hadn't gone in 5 years, and now it will be twice in seven months. Especially for my wife - her friends say "if you don't like it, why do you keep going back?" You know what - I think she likes it a lot more than she'll admit.

Lauren - Good to know there is another Cubs fan here. I know I should have some faith. But the memory of 1969 is burned in my heart. I was in HS then - went to at least 20 games including the whole (painful) Mets series at the end of the season. Not to mention 1984 - up 2-0 in the NLCS (no division series then, and it was best of 5) and they lose the last three. Then 1989 - swept in the first round. Then 1998 - won a playoff game to get in, only to get swept. They're still my team, and I'd rather this than their normal June swoons. And maybe they'll pull it off - it would be great for Ron Santo - after all he's been through.

 

[Mouseteacher]

ww52 ~ Well.. good news and bad on the weather front for Boston - heavy rain predicted for Sunday. But, early next week typical fall weather - sunny and cool temps. Enjoy our lovely city.

HM~ congrats to DD and her singing talent. I do admire the ability to sing, dance,play an instrument or act since I am handicapped in all areas --- no talent whatsoever! MyDNiece has an incredible talent for playing the piano and has acted in many local theater productions - she is a junior in HS. She recently was Alice in Alice in Wonderland. This summer she was the musical director for a children's production of Cinderella. Do I sound like a very proud aunt?!

Lou ~ your usual wonderfully humorous posts that expresses my sentiments exactly!

Red Sox clinched the wild card spot last night. Boston fans are doing a happy dance.

On topic: Being a spg member gets you wonderful comp upgrades from the oh, so accomodating CMs at the S/D. They bend over backwards to make the magic happen.

 

[madge]

On topic: Being a spg member gets you wonderful comp upgrades from the oh, so accomodating CMs at the S/D. They bend over backwards to make the magic happen.

from your mouth to the reservation agent's ears, Mouseteacher....

 

[marymrg]

Did your DVD player come? I know you mentioned you got a deal. Was it with an email? I got a great deal on a vacuum through my Toys R Us gold box this week. (cheap, no tax and no shipping) I have central vac. but my cheapo, quick vacuum was on it's last leg. I'd rather have an extra DVD player though!

 

[Disbug]

madge, lauren~ I am now GOLD! YAY! Called and got a very nice rep who took care of it... Looking forward to a balcony, (maybe)!

Just about done packing. A few more things to stuff in... now I'm thinking about going ahead and packing the girls, because with my luck they'll show up without toothbrushes or underwear!! (Or diapers for DD2!)

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Congrats Disbug ! Have a great trip

 

[madge]

Originally posted by marymrg
Did your DVD player come? I know you mentioned you got a deal. Was it with an email? I got a great deal on a vacuum through my Toys R Us gold box this week. (cheap, no tax and no shipping) I have central vac. but my cheapo, quick vacuum was on it's last leg. I'd rather have an extra DVD player though!

YES! It arrived at 2:30 this afternoon my brother had already charged tha battery for me, woo hoo! well, woo hoo on the battery charging, raspberries to him for taking so long to mail it

well, as I suspected...all my pre-planning and packing was a good idea. we are watching the weather closely--there's a pretty good chance of some nasty thunderstorms blowing through here tonight. There's no way I could pack and deal with the weather, LOL! Unfortunately, this will probably push Carter over the edge he is already showing the signs of the pre-flight jitters.I hope this weather/wind is well south of Nashville in the morning. I hate flying on a windy day!

 

[#1hockeymom]

It is Friday! *happydancing even though I am not going to Disney with Disbug and Madge!*

On topic and off topic>> Yes, our thread is very nice, and we dont argue, fight or carry on. Much like the resort! Hakuna Matata could be sung through the halls and I think most would be in agreement. It is one of the most relaxing locations on Disney property! Not Disney? HA! I felt more Disney magic there with my family that I have at other resorts!

*sigh* THe class was more down to earth, or at least more down to MY earth, today, which made it much less mentally stressful! I am a mom, I am a teacher... I worry worry worry! We wrote our Friday letter back to Lou, yes OUR LOU! and I had to laugh as they were producing the letter. There is a line in there about "Our teacher wears lots of bracelets"... I started laughing and had to tell the kids that there was a bracelet I wanted very badly that I didn't own yet, but had a long term goal to achieve its purchase (the zoppini bracelet with Disney charms). Being that this letter was going to Lou while they share "penpaldom" together, I knew he was going to read that and think I had one of the coveted Disney bracelets! No, Lou, I don't own the bracelet yet! I just have lots of other charm bracelets that I wear quite often and share the stories of their locations and experiences with my classroom.

Disbug and Madge>> Have fabulous trips! If you see Thabo, tell them a certain future hockey star won't go anywhere unless he is there!

Mouseteacher>> I played Bb and Eb soprano clarinet for years and years. We also have a great love of music in this household which I have transferred to my classroom. Just about every musical genre is played sometime over a month's time in this house. SING? MOI? Only in the car, but not ever with DH in the car! SHe is really enjoying her senior year, although it is packed full with extra college classes and the coveted job! *I think we covet her first job more than she does* Thank you to all who sent their wishes!

WW52 and Loubon>> You're not alone as honorary brothers anymore! Just remember though... if you start talking hockey you might have met your match with me! LOL

On topic again>> If you need more coffee/tea/sugar/etc for the in-room coffee maker feel free to call down to guest services and they will quickly send more up. They will also do the same for towels, pillows, and other linens, although this is the first hotel ever where I didn't have to request more pillows! Heavenly bed come take me away!

Have a magical weekend!
Debbie

PS... I heard a rumor the Tigers won three games in a row! LOL
Congrats to the Sox fans!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Disbug~ Way to go! I saw your posts but couldn't respond due to time limitations at work. I would have given you the same advice as madge and lauren. Congrats on being GOLD. You are of certainly gold quality to me!

#1HM~ I agree about happy dancing - it's Friday. This week was particularly jam packed. I capped this week with an hour 15 m. conference this morning with the parents of a primary age student having some attentional issues. We did accomplish a lot - it was a productive meeting. Love it when parents are willing to work with us and not get defensive or accusatory. I cam out of the meeting thinking "that's education working at its best for the child - a partnership."

I, too, love music and drama. I am a huge fan of Broadways musicals. I love to sing in the car to my CDs since that is the only place I know where people won't say PLEASE STOP since I'm alone. LOL

madge~ from my mouth to CMs ears --- I'm pushing it along the earwaves right to 'em! Remember, I booked a standard room, requested a balcony room and received a Jr. Suite with the requisite balcony attached! Can't get more magical than that!

This is a wonderful place to share our love of Disney and the S/d, to share our family stories and to share our everyday lives. You are all are terrific cyber-friends, sisters... and brothers!

 

[Disbug]

Thanks, Mouseteacher! ~ Feel the same about you! This group makes us all feel we are SOOO special!

Stressing just a smidge here, cause I couldn't find some of my "must pack" items... found them eventually in DD15's closet! How'd they walk over there, I wonder?

Printed out my confirmation of MNSSHP tickets I will pick up at the "Will Call Window". I am at the point of wanting to just grab and go, but I must be organized here. Just set up a new cell phone acct for DD15 and am trying it out this week to get the kinks out!

Must fax a "heavenly request" to the Dolphin before I leave.

Just finished putting my charms on my bracelet. Too cute! I DID figure it out... must have been that pixie dust!

madge~ I think I will check in early Friday. The kids should be here by 2:30 to 3 PM I think. You should definitely recognize DD9, she was one of the two in the sig pic. DD2 will be in a stroller/wheelchair with DH and DD15. I will have my Disbug badge on and try to remember to wear my lime green shirt! Hope to see you there!

 

[ncbyrne]

Our next trip isn't until May 2004, but I booked the Dolphin today with Dreams using the gov't. employee discount. I'll be reading this thread a lot in the coming months. Thanks DISers for convincing me that the Swan/Dolphin is the right choice. I'm reeeally looking forward to our next vacation.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by MOM POPPINS

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.

ON TOPIC...on YOUR topic! LOL...~That's not too big a problem, Robin, as long as they don't push EVERY FLOOR!! This past summer, I stepped into the elevator with a teenage girl and her young brother. As soon as I stepped inside, she apologized to me~stating, "I'm so sorry. My little brother has trouble controlling his impulses. He pushed ALL the buttons!" I laughed, and replied, "It's quite fine with me. I'm here to relax, and a nice stop on every floor only ENHANCES this theory!" He looked up at me and smiled (warming my heart). She smiled too, and told him he was LUCKY I was so understanding. As they both exited on their floor...I could hear the words and tune of a favorite song: What the world, needs now, Is LOVE, SWEET LOVE....etc.
As always in life...it's these LITTLE things, which keep me grounded and make me a better person. Running into the sweet ANGELS among us. The ones always gently reminding us to TAKE TIME to smell the flowers. All...in a DAY'S PLAY.

I'll definitely post the pics of DD's Turbo Bug! Thanks for your interest...and support/comments and perspective on this life event. I relayed the story of your DH, (only child too), and his NEW CAR! Certainly, all this input made us feel better about our choice.

LadyJayhawk...what KIND words for our "humble" thread! I always feel the same about the "sisters" on here, (honorary BROTHERS too...ahem), and feel like we are all FAMILY. It's a wonderful place to come and visit...wholesome, fresh and always supportive of one another. Like a Breath of FRESH AIR. Please, feel free to stop by more often. We welcome all/any to our home. Mi Casa...et Su Casa!

madge!~so happy to hear the DVD arrived in time! All the PIXIE DUST & PRAYERS are quite effective on this thread. Hope you have a wonderful trip to the MAGIC. Keep me in your thoughts...as I will you! God Speed.

Bobump~CHEERS on the COUNTDOWN thingies! WOW...you'll be there TWICE in the next three months. Keep us posted of all your plans, and hold your family above all else (as I KNOW you do!). What a DW you have, SPORTS/DISNEY "ALL THE WAY"! LOL. Where are you in "God's Country" (PA)?

Disbug~You are ALL SET! Sounds as if everything is covered, from the truck/Magic/Halloween! You are on the go, for sure.

Glad the "charms" are ON and ready to enjoy! It had to be the PD!! (LOL).

About the GOLD SPG. Try calling again, and asking for the upgrade based upon your PLATINUM AMEX credit card. Do not, I repeat...DO NOT specifiy the TYPE of CARD (ie: Starwood, Costco, etc.). Just say PLATINUM AMERICAN EXPRESS card. This should do the trick.
*I just read where you were upgraded. Disregard my info...you are GOLD! Congrats!!

Lauren~Oh...the beach! You will have a wondrous time. We have friends in La Jolla, and somtimes use their shack (AKA: Mansion on the beach) for a quick get-away when they are traveling (which they do frequently). I resided in La Jolla for years as a youngster. Great Place to live/play. I'm with you on the Starbucks...and could easily forgo the Heavenly beds for the Ocean Vista! Enjoy planning this sojourn. ^_^

ww52~I'll be sure to post some! I feel as if it's MY FIRST CAR...and I'm 16 again! I even suggested to DD we could "switch" cars on some days, and she could take the truck and I could take her beetle. She made a "face" and replied, "We'll see, mom." (I could hardly stop myself from bursting out laughing...as I was not serious~but she THOUGHT I was! LOL).

LOU~ Your posts are the FROSTING on the CAKE! ROTFL....my sentiments exactly. In fact, WHERE DID YOU FIND that PICTURE OF ME?!?

marymrg~I too, have Central Vac system. Yet...it does not clean the floors on it's own. So, I bought the deluxe ROOMBA Pro Elite (Don't Laugh!)! It is such an innovative little treasure. Cleans my carpets and floors. Amazingly quiet...at night, it goes about it's business. Floors/carpets are always clean. My "hose-pushing" days are GONE! My precious "ibot" is a welcome addition to our home.

#1hockeymom~Seems like they come out with MORE and MORE of the cutest DISNEY charms everyday! I saw some adorable ones this afternoon in the mall. I'll have to add some to a "wish list" for Christmas. My current bracelet is finally FULL. I'm just going to HAVE to begin #2. Hope all is well with your DD, and her car situation. She must be blessed with some wonderful ANGELS, as that was a close-call and scare. I still "shudder" to think about it.

To all of you! Remember...to dance like no one is watching, and SING LIKE NO ONE IS LISTENING! A HAPPY SOUL...is a SINGING SOUL! I sing non-stop...doing chores, in the car, in the rain....(LOL).

We nixed the drive and p/u this afternoon. Too busy, and the LA traffic is horrendous on Friday afternoon/eve. AND...DD did not wish to miss her H.S. football game. As much as she loves/anticipates obtaining the new car, she loves and supports her H.S. more! We are driving down tomorrow am. ^_^

Take care...all of you. Be safe, and enjoy your FRIDAY!

TTFN...always,

DF99

 

[Loubon]

New additions to the DIS Class Yearbook.......


Bobump

ncbyrne

ladyjayhawk

 

[madge]

madge~ I think I will check in early Friday. The kids should be here by 2:30 to 3 PM I think. You should definitely recognize DD9, she was one of the two in the sig pic. DD2 will be in a stroller/wheelchair with DH and DD15. I will have my Disbug badge on and try to remember to wear my lime green shirt! Hope to see you there!

I'll be on the lookout

please, please...pixie dust and good thoughts for us overnight and through tomorrow morning...Carter had a near meltdown this evening and we were thisclose to driving instead of flying...as I go to bed, we are under a Tornado Watch. all of a sudden, upgrades don't seem so important, LOL....

No laptop, though...I may be back on in the AM, but if not...I'll see you on October 6

 

[Disbug]

there Madge! Lots of fingers crossed for DS and his nerves (yours as well!) Just whistle a happy tune and BTW, I find earplugs have been known to help when it gets REALLY stressful! Here's wishes that all will run smoothly!

DF99~ ooo, saw a cyber green bug. VERY nice! Can't wait for pics with cool rims, etc...! Lucky DD (as she knows!) Gosh it's nice when they appreciate the things you do for them. Mine are "getting there" in that department. DD9 wrote me a poem saying that she loved me more than anything, 'including horses'! GASP! That's a whole lotta love there!

Happy night all... sleep tight (don't let my buddies bite... you know, the bed 'bugs'!)

 

[ozziewags]

Disbug and Madge ...have wonderful trips. We will be waiting for your reports. Storms here tonight, but didn't last long.

Long week.....TGIF......1HM, where was that wine tonight? Isn't it amazing what kids know and say these days? Fifth grade is one thing, but mom poppins' first graders? wow. Have to go through the principal with that one. By the way, momp, how are things going with your new principal? Hope all is well. Sorry about the accident. So sad.

Hi bros........ww52..now don't go talking like a 'cub fan'! Hang in there with Lauren. My Cards are tied right now with DBacks. Too late for Cards. Will be interesting this weekend to see what happens. On to football for us.

See you all later this weekend.

 

[TinkOhio]

***I just wanted to stop lurking for a moment to send thanks and pixie dust to all the wonderful people on this thread. You do such a nice job of sharing your expertise of all things Swan & Dolphin!***

~Disbug and Madge- Have a great time in the magic! Can't wait to hear of your adventures...

 

[Kaycee]

Hi everyone! Although I am not new to the DIS boards, this is my first post to this thread. Even so, I feel like I know all the "regulars" here already. I've been lurking for quite a while, and everyone here seems so warm and welcoming.

We are planning a trip to the Dolphin for June 2004. This is actually our second stay at the Dolphin using my nurse discount; our first stay was in June 2001. Since then, though, a lot has changed. On that first trip, we were just happy to get such a great rate at a deluxe resort, so we didn't ask for anything else. We were very fortunate to be upgraded at check-in to a balcony room. My younger DS and I enjoyed that balcony so much, having breakfast there together every morning, I want to make sure we get another balcony room this time.

Since our first Dolphin visit, we have become SPG members and have a Starwood Platinum Am Ex. Thanks to the info on this thread, I called yesterday and was upgraded to gold. Thanks, everyone! We currently have around 6000 Starwood points.

What would be the best way to ensure we get a balcony room with a nice view this time? We would really love to have an Epcot view. This is what I have pieced together from reading this thread; please correct me if I have something wrong:

1. I plan on calling the Dolphin directly to make my reservation. From what I understand, this is necessary since I can't get my nurse discount online. Is this correct?

2. I should contact the Dolphin within 5 days of my visit to request any updates. How should I do this? Should I call them, fax them, email them? What works best? And should I contact the Dolphin directly, or ask for upgrades through Starwood?

3. I have heard several people say that I can get a comp upgrade to a balcony room just with my Starwood gold status. But I want to be sure we get a balcony room. What's the best way to ensure a balcony room? And if I don't use my points for a balcony room, what am I going to use them for?

Thanks, guys, for all your help. I look forward to hanging out here a lot more as we plan our next trip.

 

[ladyjayhawk]

Thank you Lou for my class picture! LOL It is great! I don't know how you find these pictures.

Disbug and madge, have a great trip! I can't wait to hear all about your adventures. In particular madge, please let me know how EMH works out for you on Sunday (saw this on another thread).

Have a great weekend everyone!

 

[Disbug]

1) You are right. You have to call 888-828-8850. The gov't emloyees can reserve online, but the nurses have to call direct.

2) I would make my room requests, first when I call to reserve the room (starting with what is most important or a MUST). RE: non-smoking first for us, then a crib... Then follow up with an email. I usually call or fax 4 days before arriving. Here I restate what I desired most and requested nicely for certain view, balcony, etc...

3) Must have balcony? Use points!

Enjoy your planning, it's half the fun! PS I know others on this thread will have input, esp Dreamflight and Mouseteacher who have a world of knowledge on this!