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

[#1hockeymom]

On topic>> The Swan has a recipe rate out for the Thanksgiving holiday. Check it out if the other discounts don't apply to you!

Now to the important stuff!

Happy Anniversary! Hope you have a lovely day!

Muffy>> waving back at you!

zurgswife>> What a nightmare! I hope with the switch to doctors you can finally get to the bottom of what is bothering your daughter. Best wishes to you!

WW52>> I have heard of people adding on names to their reservations for club level rooms, even though they'd be staying in another room. That might be an option. Even if they are adults it would only be 25 extra, so much cheaper than upgrading to the club level price.

disfanrn>> Thanks for the apple cider! We have three orchards within a few miles of us, yet I haven't managed to get to one this year! DS was at an orchard north of here with part of his hockey team last weekend. He declared this years crop of apples as fantastic!
I also plan my lessons as Mouseteacher described. A lot of my lessons get carried over into the next week due to over planning. I also had to explain to a parent the other night that while I can give them the papers and readings, they will be missing the verbal part of my lessons, which in many cases is most of the lesson. I am sure your children will do fine with missing a bit of school! Have a wonderful trip!

Mouseteacher>> Congrats on the speech!
I am sure you did a wonderful job!

DF>> so...... Have you managed to steal away DD's car yet for a day to run around town?

Ozzie>>Come up for some air! I think we lost you between schools and certifications!

Lauren>> How is your mother doing? I have to say I miss your posts from the world! Whenever I hear Neil Diamond or ...."bye, bye Miss American pie..." on the radio I think of you guys at Jellyrolls and it makes me smile!

Lou>> We'll be writing to you later today! The class absolutely loves your letters! Thank you for taking the time to write! (Rangers... HA!)

Mompoppins>> Glad you have the school schedules all worked out! Now you can get to the important things, packing!

I am sure Disbug and Madge are having a lovely time! Someone have a PBJ shake for me over at Prime Time!

Have a beautiful day! It is Friday! (and I just had to post before my angels came in the room!)
Debbie

 

[ozziewags]

Hi all,
I am coming up for air, for a few moments......TGIF I have been lurking a bit, but don't have much to offer. Pixie dust to z and dd and family...good luck to ww52 and Lauren (choke, choke!) I will try to post over the weekend!
Bye

 

[joshua4]

Debbie, Thanks for thinking of me. Mom is somewhat stable - her eyesight is horrible but she is not in any pain and is trying to keep her spirits up. We are all thankful she is still with us given that last May the dr. said we could only have 2 months left.

WW52 -- How about those cubbies? My husband and son (Cardinals fans) have even come over to the "dark side" to root for the Cubs. Keeping my fingers crossed for them! (and also the garbage strike ends soon so that there is not a horrible odor permeating Wrigley!)

Zurgswife -- Hang in there - sounds like your new-old Dr. might be just what you needed.

Jgates -- Happy Anniversary!



Lurking around everyday just to keep up with everyone even if I don't post that often. Hope you all have a great weekend.

Lauren

 

[ww52]

Zurgswife - Continuing to pray for your daughter; it's a shame the red tape gets in the way; I hope the new/old doctor gets to the bottom of it soon.

 

[Muffy]

Hi Everyone,
I made a PS for NYE yesterday! We will be eating at LeCellier on NYE. I know you guys don't like that restaurant but we have never had a bad meal there. We always oder the cheddar cheese soup followed by the mushroom filet. A great combo along with the pretzel bread. I also made a reservation for Emerils NEW restaurant Tchop Chop, located at Universal (RPH) for our first night 12/27. We also have a reservation for Emerils flag ship restaurant at City Walk for later that week. We arrive at 11:55 in Tampa on 12/27. The flights and times were taken for MCO so we opted for Tampa. DH is familar with the route to Orlando from Tampa and it is just 30 min out of the way. We arrive on a Sat so who know if the traffic will be nuts at noon?! I will just be so happy to be there!

Zurgswife, Sending prayers and PD that the old/new docotor will figure out what is wrong with your DD. Scary to think it may be her meds?!

Disbug and Madge, Hope you are having a blast at WDW! Can't wait for the reports about your adventures!

to Hockeymom, Ozzie, Mouseteacher, DF, Lauren and WW52!
Have a great weekend!

Muffy

 

[joshua4]

Waving back at you Muffy. The trip sounds great. I have no plans to go back for a couple of years, so I will have to live vicariously through the rest of you all.

Lauren

 

[marymrg]

Muffy - we ate there in May. I think my husband would've enjoyed his steak more if he hadn't had a filet at the California Grill the night before. It wasn't bad, just not as good. (according to him) I had a great salad, soup, bread sticks and I think something with shrimp. (I can't remember) I think we also ordered garlic mashed potatoes and mushrooms on the side which were very good. Congrats on getting the PS! It will be here before you know it.

 

[Mouseteacher]

back at you, Muffy

DH and I ate a LeCellier for the first time this past trip. I believe we were disappointed b/c we had eaten at Yachtsman Steakhouse the night before and after LeCellier we ate at CG. We are many times returnees to YSH and CG. I certainly didn't feel the meal was awful at LeCellier just not as good as the other two.

Heading home from school - TGIF - Happy weekend!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by disfanRN

DF- how are you feeling? Make sure you are getting enough rest and optimizing your nutrition so you don't become vulnerable to illness in times of stress!

Much better, thank you! I have been resting a bit more lately, and the stress is slowly subsiding. It's amazing how something seemingly "Not too traumatic", can actually affect you subliminally.

ww52~Thanks for the kind words! In reference to the CL query, just "ask" at the front desk (if your other guests may occasionally accompany you to the CL lounge), OR at the CL lounge. Our friends stating there this past summer, had two rooms (a "2 1/2 bay), and brought the occupants of the second room to CL every visit. They failed to ask, and no one in the CL lounge inquired. But...personally, I would "feel" funny doing this myself. I like to be open/honest with everyone, everywhere I travel, and avoid problems pertaining to such a situation . Therefore, if you inquire at the time of check-in, you will be able to take your guests there "guilt-free" (instead of "sneaking" them in). Under the cirsumstances you detailed, I do not forsee any problems with your request. Hope this helps. ^_^


MOM POPPINS~I'll BET you are getting excited! The days have really PEELED-AWAY~~ Pretty soon....you'll be down to single digits! Already, I've watched a month fly away on mine. For me...the excitement of the anticipation is a BIG part of the FUN & MAGIC!

zurgswife~ How terrible! All the RED TAPE/QUAGMIRE associated with her obtaining immediate treatment is RIDICULOUS! I am sending lots of P & PD to you and your family...hoping everything is straightened out soon. Please, keep us apprised. TY...and God Bless.

jgates "HAPPY ANNIVERSARY"

#1hockeymom~NOPE...not yet! (Are you kidding, she locks it tighter than a pirate & a chest of gold! No chance of driving it w/o her knowing... !

ozziewags~Dearheart....you always have something to offer here. Your posts are fun & invaluable. Please, hug and kiss OZZIE for me!

Muffy~Congrats on the RESSIES! You'll LOVE Chop-Chop @ the RPH. Wonderful food and atmosphere. Although we had an "inferior" experience at Le Cellier this past summer, I would not say we dislike the restaurant as a whole. It's the only place on property with ZERO WINDOWS, so the ambience is very different. This past summer, we felt "rushed", as we arrived a bit late for our seating. The soup was sparsely "slopped" into the bowl, and the meal followed ON TOP of the APP & first course (Which I personally detest). I should have complained to the management before exiting, but declined. We will give it another try next summer, but it is definitely not consistent or up to par with Shula's, Yachtsman or Cali Grill. Even the Concourse Steakhouse offered a better experience.

I wish you a FLAWLESS time at this restaurant, and look forward to your post (following your visit). May it be everything MAGICAL...and MORE!

mouseteacher~Have to agree with you in regards to the restaurants. The aged beef in the YM Steakhouse is to "die for", and the apps (Tomatoes and Mozz) are some of my FAV! I also enjoy the atmosphere, and the simple yet elegant table seating available near the windows. It is by all definitions a "traditional" steakhouse.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend, and enjoy the R & R away from your weekly workload!

ANNIE~ was the name of the little terrier mix I picked up while walking with DH the other eve. She was mostly white, and spotted with black here and there. She was simply sweet as pie...and adorable too. DH carried her home, as I didn't want to leave her wandering the streets at night. She wore a purple collar, with an SPCA LIC. # engraved. No Name. She spent the eve with us, and never made a peep. She was obviously an "indoor" dog, and housebroken. She slept on a cushion in a corner of the LR. In the AM, I contacted the SPCA and requested the information from a LT working there. He called me back with the Phone number, name and address (usually never supplied, but I volunteer there so much---he gave it to me). I called the owner, Beth...and told her I had "Annie" (the LT gave me the dogs name). I explained where she was found, and that I refused to drop her off in the exterior all-night kennels available for strays in front of the SPCA. She was so grateful, and came over to P/U her little pooch. She then told me ANNIE was her DD's pup. Her DD was in her first year in College, and always calls to ask how "Annie" is doing, etc. I was SO relieved to be able to reunite these two. Little things, such as this....just make my heart soar.

ON TOPIC PLANE RESSIES are all set for 2004! I made the reservations yesterday, and received the E-Tickets for all three of us. We are traveling on 767's all the way, the big 400. This is the same plane used to fly international, and First class is referred to as BUSINESS ELITE. I was told the service and accomodations on these are comparable to the 777, with the leather seat fully reclining, video games and movies available in the headrest, everything but a personal FOOT MASSAGE! At least this is the way the DELTA associate explained it to me. The flight has me very excited now...as we usually fly FC in the 757. It's nice, but nothing like she described to me. I'll be sure to post all the details from this journey. We are traveling through Atlanta, as the non-stop is SONG (no FC).

Have a wonderful weekend! MY vacation 2004 is beginning to take shape...(like an artist with a sculpture!), and I'm tickled beyond words....

TTFN... DF99

 

[jgates]

Ah, guys, another lovely evening with my friends here.....A round of Boston Public (kept flipping back & forth to Faith & Hope - hysterical!) And in 2 minutes off to see the disney program on the Travel channel!!!

PS- In case anybody was confused its my 4th anniversary with you guys! (see my tags to the left!) But trust me - I have more fun with you guys! My DH usually goes out and scores softball games on OUR anniversary (22 years!)

 

[Muffy]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
I wish you a FLAWLESS time at this restaurant, and look forward to your post (following your visit). May it be everything MAGICAL...and MORE!

DF, THANKS! I will have my laptop and will post from the magic! I agree that YS, Cali Gril and the CR Concourse SH are GREAT restaurants but I hope you give LeCellier another chance. We LOVE this restaurant and have never had a bad meal there. It does sound like you had a bad waiter. We feel the same way about the Rose and Crown. We have dined there a few times and thought the food was mediocre at best. The outdoor patio dining is nice for viewing illuminations though. Any restaurant can have an off night.

We are flying Southwest this year and could not believe how fast Christmas flights dissapeared from their site. The good thing about SW is you can make changes to your reservation w/o penelty/fees. I have made a few changes to arrive in Tampa at 11:55a on 12/27, N/S! We are also flying out of Providence RI instead of Hartford, CT this year!

We have our Cirque tickets for 1/7 and Hopp De Doo reservation 0.on 1/9. DH is doing the Richard Petty Driving Experience again this year. DD and I are getting massages at the Dolphin instead of the GF spa this year. I have heard great things about the Dolphin spa and can't wait to try it!

I agree that the planning is half the fun and I am so happy to finally be able to make PS's! For those that don't know, WDW has changed their policy from 120 days to 90 days for PS's. It took forever for 90 days to get here!

Have a GREAT weekend everyone!

Muffy

 

[#1hockeymom]

*cracking up laughing* OH jgates, I really thought it was YOUR anniversary! I am laughing because I totally understand the second part of your sentence!

Glad you feel better, DF!

Muffy, your plans sound fabulous!

sorority wave to everyone!
Debbie

 

[Mouseteacher]

Good morning

DF ~ Your lovingly sculpted plans sound wonderful. I must agree about the Concourse Steakhouse. Their bleu cheeseburgers are out of this world. I, also, have enjoyed their steak dinner. I haven't had a chance to return there in about 5 years. I need to put it on my to-do list.

What a great ending for "Annie". I am such an animal lover that I can't watch or hear anything about animals unless I know the outcome is positive. There was a story on our local news about some puppies being mutilated (I'm having a hard time even typing this) --- I had to switch the channel very quickly. I can't handle animal cruelty.

"Little Joe" an adolescent gorilla at our Boston zoo escaped last week (second time). It was on the national news. There is an outcry that he should be put down. The incident, in my opinion, is the fault of the zoo - inadequate facility. I say no - place him in another zoo who has the capability to contain him safely in a natural habitat. I can only visit zoos that are like San Diego Zoo.

jgates~ I completely forgot about the Disney program on the Travel channel. Was it a new one? Usually, they repeat their shows -- here's hoping they do for this one. I was up, too, watching JAG. Boston Public is getting a little too weird for me.


First Anniversary for me on the DIS! I have the gift of wonderful cyber friends here. We are a happy bunch of S/D and Disney fans!

 

[jmcross]

I recorded that Travel Channel special. Was it good?

My children begged me to watch Daddy Daycare even though I wanted to watch the special. Luckily the movie was on DVD so I could record on the VCR at the same time.

I'm going to watch it later today!

Joanne

 

[Mouseteacher]

jmcross~ The show was repeated this morning and I recorded it. Just finished watching it - the "undiscovered" secrets of WDW are certainly no undiscovered secrets to us DISers! But, it was fun to watch. I always enjoy watching sights from WDW.

 

[jmcross]

I just watched it myself. I didn't know that they had surfing lessons at Typhoon Lagoon. I am tempted although I could be the mother of any one of those kids in the surfing class(or the instructors, for that matter!)
I may give it a try anyway as it's something I've always wondered about and wanted to try!

Joanne

 

[dreamflight99]

jgates~I KNEW you were married longer than "4" years! (Duh!!...LOL). I was Wishing you a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY with US!



Muffy~Yes...we certainly did. It was a male, dark-haired with an odd name (DD will recall). Since so many are students, they come/go from month to month (each doing 12 months for international/6 months for U.S.). He was not attentive, and was completely inept at serving. He would be better served in a pavillion as opposed to a restaurant. I am excited for you, and can hardly wait to read your posts from INSIDE the MAGIC!

SW Airlines is SO BUSY! They are one of the only carriers consistently in the GREEN. I envy the NS...and hope one opens prior to our departure. We are also able to make changes without any penalties. I have heard a lot of airlines are following suit with this feature, in an attempt to rebuild their customer base. I have flown SW in the past, quick hops to SF and Seattle, etc. No perks, though great flights.

I prefer DELTA for WDW, as they are still the "official carrier" for the parks. Also, (Delta Dreamflight!), I'm able to use my skymiles for upgrades and save a bundle on the total fare. FC would normally cost me about four times what I pay for each of us! I would not pay full-fare for this class of service. But...I absolutely LOVE FC travel, and have flown nothing to WDW but Delta FC for the past 15 years (Creature of habit...eh?). The service/perks is awesome. So..."Skymiles" (like CALGON), TAKE ME AWAY!

Your PS's sound heavenly. The massage at the WDW Dolphin is fabulous, especially the cost! Are you reserving the Full Swedish massage (50-60 minutes)? It's my FAVORITE. Everything else looks great. I am looking forward to all your reviews on these experiences. We LOVE the Hoop De Doo review, but preferred it with the old BEEF braised short ribs (pre-96), as opposed to the pork they serve now. Everything else, including most of the staff, is the same. What a fun show...I hope you have great seats!

Debbie~Thanks~! Hope you enjoy your weekend. How's your DD's car?

mouseteacher~"HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!"~what a warm "GROUP HUG" that was! Thank you.

I kicked myself for not taking a quick snap of ANNIE to post here. You would have loved her too. I just do not have the heart to ignore the plight of any animal. When I saw Annie running loose, I called to her and she came right over. DH picked her up carefully, and she began "Kissing" him all over the mouth/face. He lovingly carried her the 2-miles back home. We called the authorities, but there was no one to assist us so late in the eve. We were happy to keep/help her. She was also grateful, and after eating and drinking water...retired to the soft cushion in the corner. In the am, she appeared a bit more anxious. Once I learned her identity and name (you should have seen the look on her face when I first called her name...Priceless!), I worked quickly to reunite her with her family. All is well...which ends well.

How sad about the gorilla. I too...read the story about "little joe", and wept over the situation it has seemingly caused. Yes...San Diego is a fab Zoo, as is the Cincinnati zoo, etc. Too bad, I would think by now...Boston would be more advanced and "avoid" such trouble. Please, keep me apprised on the situation with this little fella. My heart goes out to him, as well as the puppies you mentioned. How sad. People, can be so deviate and capable of such atrocities.

*What "Disney" program on the TC? (Who's on first, What's on second?!?)

jmcross~Joanne, give it a try! We all Surf here...and even in Fla (three of our boards are stored at the Dolphin!). Our neighbor, a pilot w/AA, surfs all the time on his travels. He flies mostly to Hawaii now, and loves surfing longboard over there. Lots of TS (Tiger sharks), but he says they usually do not bother anyone. He surfed all alone in Kona last week, and said he got a wierd and strange "feeling", as he was sitting all alone awaiting a wave. He glanced down...and saw a huge Tiger pass under his board. He slowly and calmly paddled to shore and awaited the arrival of more surfers (safety in #'s). Typhoon Lagoon is "shark-free"! You would LOVE the experience. GO FOR IT!

TTFN....DF99

 

[susie2]

hi, i am always reading through all your posts to find out different information for our trip, not until dec 04 but staying in the dolphin and really looking forward to it, mouseteacher just wanted to say that your gorilla is very famous it also made onto our news here in liverpool england, but we never heard what happened after they caught him, after reading your thread i hope his is ok, he looked lovely and cute in the pictures that we saw, hope it turns out alright for him, i enjoy reading all your posts you are all so friendly back to lurking now until nearer the time of our holiday then i will probably have lots of questions for you all. susie

 

[Mouseteacher]

susie2 Don't lurk - join in!
Wow, the gorilla story made it over in the UK?!
The last I heard the gorilla was "backstage" -- probably a cage --- until they decide what will happen. I believe the zoo is looking for a placement in another zoo. One story said there weren't enough females for the number of males which could have caused him to wander. The males like a harem so the story reported. Another story said since he was an adolescent, his body weight was still light enough so that he could use his long arms and legs to lift his body weight to climb over the barriers. The woman and her niece who were injured are crusading for him to be put down. So far, I have not heard this has happened.


DF~ I flew SW for the first time on this past trip due to no Delta morning nonstops to MCO. I must say I loved SW == plenty of "breathing" room in your seat. JetBlue is due to come to Boston. It will challenge both SW and Delta Song. SW flies out of Manchester, NH and Providence, RI not Boston's Logan.

RE: TC program -- it is titled "Undiscovered" 'Behind Walt Disney World'. It was a new program. It is being repeated so hopefully you can catch it.

 

[jmcross]

dreamflight~Thanks for the words of encouragement about surfing. I'll look into it some more and give it a try! I would have been freaking out about the tiger shark. I spend quite a bit of time every summer on Martha's Vineyard where they filmed the original Jaws. That movie still gets to me after all these years even though I know that shark attacks are rare.


Since I'm close to Boston I have also been following the gorilla story. I certainly don't want to see this gorilla hurt anyone but is it truly his fault? He is after all a gorilla!!