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

[#1hockeymom]

On topic>>You can still get your "zip-a-dee-do-da, tip for the day" on your S/D television set in your well appointed hotel room. The Disney park station is an included channel.

NO! I hope they don't put the gorilla down! Since no one was hurt, we had to laugh when we heard he was found at the bus stop, drinking a pop and rummaging through the snack food trash. Typical teenager is what DH said.

DF>> DD's car isn't fixed yet, as the insurance company just gave approval for fixing it on Friday. Hers was the last in the "domino", so it didn't have as much damage as the truck which was next to her car. I am just glad that everyone was fine in this accident, and no one was hurt. Our extended area has had a stream of teenage deaths due to car accidents in the past two weeks. Too many young lives lost....

Tiger sharks? I can hear the music to jaws right now! ACK!

Susie>> Jump in in! This is a very friendly group with a wealth of information! We can now be an international sorority!

It is just DS and I this weekend, as DH is up north bow hunting and DD is at a friend's house for the weekend. I had football duty this afternoon and tomorrow we have have hockey. A few videos (we're renting "Holes" as "mommy" finally finished reading the book to her fifth graders)and some hot cider should top off the night well!

Happy Saturday night!
Debbie

 

[zurgswife]

WHEW!!! I've had an wonderfully exhaused day....We decided to take our enclosed porch (circa 1940) and make a portion into a closet and the other portion 16x8 we are making into a study/computer area. Friday from 2pm until 6pm we removed 5ft glass window about 8..and demolished all the walls...so at dinner we were left with only the framing beams....This morning while I went off to work DH ran to HomeDepot and purchased studs and sheathing....We then finished demo and started building...at dinner tonight we had completed one end wall with window installed and I (entirely by myself)...framed the long wall with 2 window openings....I told DH I was ready to start building my large addition....He said a little more practice first LOL....any how it is coming along rather quickly....

DD UpdateStill lacking energy..has been on the couch since Thurs am....She has also caught a cold to top it off...I'm hoping the by tomorrow she is feeling a little better....Her immune system must be a wreck....


Mouseteacher We are headed to LeCellier for CP on Christmas Eve (my 40th BDAY)...our last meal there last Oct. was most enjoyable...can't wait to go back...might have to try the YC steakhouse another time...it sounds wonderful...We don't get the Travel Channel...soo I"m very jealous everytime anybody mentions a special

Muffy I'm hoping to do the Richard Petty Experience this trip also....just have to scrape up the money....I'm sure I'll figure a way...when does your dh plan on doing it?...and I totally agree about the 90days...took forever to arrive...but now I'm sad it's over...got to figure something else to plan...

DF Glad to hear that you beginnning to DE STRESS.....The wonderful story about ANNIE is soo touching....

JmcrossI think I'd try the surfing but I'm never there when the water is warm enough for me....a reason to plan a summer trip...

 

[Mouseteacher]

Just an FYI~ The TC program showed a segment on the Richard Petty driving experience. As well as the chef's table at V&A. Both mighty $$$, I believe.

 

[zurgswife]

OH DARN!! now I'm really jealous.....I'm hoping to as my dad if he has AE rewards points...there is a way to use them...if not I guess I'll pay cash....

 

[ozziewags]

HI all....
Been typing all day! Coming up for air and some S/D experience.

I think someone is trying to tell me I need a vacation at a Starwood resort! Yesterday we got two Platinum Starwood luggage tags in the mail. Then we got a 50% off coupon for 5 nights at any Starwood resort. Hawaii, here I come! With points and my coupon and my AA miles, I am ready to make my plans. Does anyone ever have trouble making ressies through the SPG website? Whenever I try it I always get a "Sorry, your rate is not available".....Guess I will have to call.

Z...sorry to hear your dd is still sick. That is a real bummer.

Z and Muffy.....we went to Lecellier on Christmas Eve and had a fabulous meal and wonderful server. I would definitely go there again. I would also like to go to CG, Y steakhouse and Shula's. I am not hard to please!

ww52.....go cubs. After I saw what Fisk did to your first baseman today, I will cheer for the Cubs and not the Braves. I just hate cheap shots. Of course, I wouldn't cheer for the Braves anyway.

See ya'll tomorrow.......

 

[jgates]

Well, I must be the only one not sleeping tonite! Brought my new Vaio home from Best Buy - then it's time to do all the Windows Updates and Anti-Virus updates. Since the tree still has leaves and is still blocking the satellite, it is sloooooowwwww going - I've been at it for about 3 1/2 hours so far. I'm starting to think that I should have paid them the extra to do the Windows updates at least. I said - Oh, no problem - I do those all the time. Yeah, well, on dial-up its a real hoot!

We really enjoyed the Travel Channel program. DD wants to learn to surf - I didn't catch if there is an age limit on that. She was mad when I told her the MK tour she was too young for. We also watched the Dollywood program - she decided she wants to go there on a vacation too. (Might be kind of fun!)

The Cincinnati Zoo was mentioned as being nice - I agree. I had planned on going back when we go to Tall Stacks in 2 weeks, but my week off work turned into 2 days so we are drive down in a rush (start after work on a Wed nite), finish it on Thurs, Tall Stacks on Friday, start home on Saturday (we could make it in a full day but....), maybe stop at Joliet and visit the casino on Saturday nite!

Sorry if I am rambling - lack of sleep does that!

 

[susie2]

hi, thanks for the welcome, would love to join in and make it an international sorority, after reading your posts we have decided to try different restuarants this time, as we normally stay off site and tended to eat off site as well, any favourites,please share your choices, this will be our first stay on site and you made the swan and dolphin sound so nice we decided to pick the dolphin this time, we will be there from the 16 dec 04 till the 3 jan 05, does the dolphin decorate for xmas, we have also decided to do other things that we havnt done before with the illumination cruise top of our list, just got to figure the time difference out when it becomes time to book!!, has any one done the lunch with an annimator, our youngest son is 11 and would love to do this we our thinking of surprising him with this lunch, have been trying to talk them into horse back riding but there having none of it, to scared!! oh so many questions sorry, thanks again for the lovely welcome susie

 

[Mouseteacher]

Good morning, national and international sorority members. Wow -- we are an up and coming group! Wait til Disbug sees this!

Good to hear from you, ozzie! I was up late watching the Red Sox. They did it in the 11th inning - beat the A's. It is do or die for them. They play today at 1:00.

susie2~ I saw the Christmas decorations at the Dolphin a number of years ago. They were beautiful. The show piece, at that time, was a towering Christmas tree constructed from red poinsetta plants.

As for restaurants - Yachtsman Steakhouse, California Grille are must visits for us. I enjoyed Palio's at the Swan while on our last trip. We did try Shula's last summer - it can be on to try list but the Yachtsman Steakhouse and the CG steaks are equally as delicious. I, also, enjoy the Flying Fish at the Boardwalk.

 

[jmcross]

Zurgswife~I'm sure the water will be warm enough for me to give it a try. I swim here every summer and the water is freezing at around 60.

GO RED SOX!!!!!! I am so excited that they won last night!

Happy Sunday everyone!

 

[dreamflight99]

WELCOME~susie2~ So glad to have you "posting" on our thread! There are SO many things to tell you about...hmmm....where to begin.

*Oh my gosh.... the DOLPHIN DECORATES beyond your WILDEST DREAMS! The TREE & TRAIN (and that's all I'll mention....no pics, as I do not want to spoil your surprise!) are STRIKING in the Lobby area! I have only seen the pictures, but they are worth MORE than a thousand words. You will have such a lovely Holiday there....and I'll do anything/everything to assist you with any/all queries you may have.

*Favorite restaurants....there are SO many of these, but some we never wish to miss. Shula's steakhouse, in the Dolphin, is listed as one of the top "5" Steak houses in America. The service and atmosphere is top-rate. The California Grill atop the Contemporary Resort is another one of my all-time-favorites. Everything is wonderful (lobster bangers!), and infused with aromas, views and service beyond your expectations. For a great experience, it's a no-brainer. Also, the yachtsman steakhouse is a quiet "out of the hustle-bustle" place for a wonderful dinner. As I began...there are TOO many to list. Just ask about any specific places you are thinking of visiting. There is always sure to be someone on this thread who will have some insight to offer.

*Horseback riding~ I have a great idea for this venture. If the kids say NO WAY to actually BEING ON the horse, they will (perhaps) enjoy being PULLED by the horse instead! There is a "HAY RIDE" offered in Fort Wilderness (in front of the Hoop De Doo Revue). Two giant percherons pull a covered wagon filled with bales of hay for everyone to sit upon. The ride is so entertaining, and takes you along the Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon area to view the electrical water pageant filled with Wild Characters & Creatures! The trip begins around 9:00 pm, and lasts for about an hour. It is so reasonable, and loads of fun.
The sights are spectacular...and very memorable. It is one of the longest runnning shows at WDW...opening in 1971.

Hope this helps you some. So glad to have you with us!

jmcross~Me too! Our water is ALWAYS freezing (wetsuits year-round), so the Fla. water temps seem "warm" to me...anytime! ^_^ Martha's Vineyard...love it/miss it. My folks are there frequently. The Great whites haunt the place for some of the finest fishing your side of the continent. Whites are all over the place out here. Due to the gulf stream...we've had an influx of them this summer, with lots of juveniles too. They are "protected" (thankfully) off the coast of California, and I almost believe they are aware of this fact. I surf/swim....and try to keep the "thought" of them out of my mind. Yet...it's that darned theme from Jaws which permeates my psyche!

mouseteacher~ Hope you are enjoying the weekend! DD washed and WAXED her car (W/DH's assistance) yesterday for the FIRST time! She's had it for a week (already). She put 200 miles on it since we brought it home, and FILLED the TANK with PREMIUM for $25! That's less than half what it costs me in the truck. She also gave DH & I a ride after all the work was finished. I sat comfortably (surprisingly) in the back seat, with DH in the front. It's still difficult for me to fathom...my little girl is actually driving...her own car.

~jgates~You'll LOVE the Vaio once you have everything set. I so enjoy ours. Yes, Cincinnati Zoo is lovely. Also...the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (Jack Hanna = Director Emeritus) is a fabulous place to visit. Hope you are able to get some sleep.


Ozzie~I too, received the two PLAT. luggage tags from SPG (gifts!). I have three of the %50 certs from our HOLIDAY trips (good through 12/03). Yet, the resorts I've called actually offer better rates/specials than the certs. Be sure to call and check/double check. Congratulations on your new purchase. Have fun getting to know all the ins & outs of this system.

ZW~Whew...you have been BUSY! I was amazed while reading your post. You are quite accomplished. I would never think I tackling something like this (on my own). My fingers would be dialing the contractor (LOL). Kudos to you & your DH for DIVING-IN to such a project, and also for getting so much done in one day! I'm very impressed.

Hope your DD is feeling better. It worries me to think she is still so sluggish. More PD & P coming your way!

Debbie~I'll bet your DD is eager to get her wheels back! I'm relieved she was not injured in this incident.

Holes....is that with S. Weaver & J. Voight? How was the movie? Mmmm, hot cider...one of my favorite fall bevs. Enjoy the weekend with your DS.

TTFN....DF99

 

[susie2]

hi, thanks d99 your information was great, we all agreed that the hay ride sounds like great fun so thats another new idea to be added to our lists, your description of the dolphin at christmas sounds wonderful we are all so excited, hope you all have a lovely day its seems so funny to us that yours is just begining as ours is nearly ending bye for now susie

 

[Muffy]

Susie2, We were at the Dolphin last Christmas and will be there this Chistmas too. The lobby is spectacular and rivals any disney property decorations! DF is correct about the TREE and TRAIN!You will LOVE the Dolphin! Wear your green ribbon and maybe I will run into you! I have a green mickey on my bag! There are so many great restaurants on property. A few of our favorites are Chef's De France, Jiko and Brown Derby. Chef's has a great soup and sandwhich offer at lunch that we love. Jiko has great flatbread appts and filet with mac and cheese, just to name a few good items. Everything is great at the Brown Derby especially their signature grapefruit cake with cream cheese frosting! Happy planning!

Zurgswife, DH is doing the Richard Petty Driving Experience on 1/5. He enjoyed the rookie experience so much last year that he is doing it agian this year. It is 371.00 for 8 laps and a class. I have heard the Orlando Magic Card will get you 10% off. I may look into getting one! Hope your DD is feeling better.

Ozzie, I recieved the Platinum luggage tags too! I'm glad you liked LeCellier. We have Shula's on our list for this next trip. Don't work so hard....

Does anyone know when Disbug will be back?

bye for now!

Muffy

 

[jmcross]

I have to ask a question here......

While all of you rave about the s/d and I am excited to visit for the first time, I can't help but wonder what AKL would be like. The thought of AKL also appeals to me. I know the s/d location and transportation are better. Has anyone ever stayed at both? How would you compare the resorts or are they so different that you really can't compare them? I am thinking about splitting the stay.

Thanks,

Joanne

 

[susie2]

hi, muffy would of loved to have bumped into you, but unfortunately we are not going till dec 04, but if you go same time next year then maybe we will meet, thank you for the restuarant ideas there seems to be so many lovely places to eat that we have missed on our last trips, but so many to try on our next!!. thanks again susie

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by susie2
hi, thanks d99 your information was great, we all agreed that the hay ride sounds like great fun so thats another new idea to be added to our lists, your description of the dolphin at christmas sounds wonderful we are all so excited, hope you all have a lovely day its seems so funny to us that yours is just begining as ours is nearly ending bye for now susie

Hi, Susie! ~So glad you enjoyed my post, and the HAYRIDE suggestion. Just check with guest services upon arrival, and they will assist you with the details of this feature. There are nightly hayrides from Pioneer Hall at Ft. Wilderness at 7:00 and 9:30 pm. Cost: $8 adults, $4 children. I believe you still have to pay for the ride just prior to boarding, no advance ticket sales are available. The later ride is the BEST...and you are able to see the water pageant and the fireworks over Cinderella's castle! Happy time for ALL. (nite~nite).

Muffy~Wish I were able to visit then, and all of us could spend a few moments together!

jmcross~The AKL is the only resort we have YET to stay at. We just can't get past the posts...(mod resort w/deluxe prices). So many reports reflect the small size of the rooms, the lack of views/privacy from the balconies, the noise and remote location, etc.

We have, however, visited the resort and dined in BOMA'S. It was astounding. We also enjoyed the lobby, gift shop and observation trail (night). The atmosphere seems dark, yet warm with incredible aromas/scents throughout the lobby. Fires are burning, and there are SO many seating areas. DD expressed a strong desire to stay there next summer. We are contemplating including a CL 3-eve hop there just to give it a try. I'll let you in on the details...and anything (rates, etc.). I discover. Please, feel free to do the same! TIA...

HAPPY SUNDAY!

DF99

 

[tink44]

Is there a chapter in the sorority for affectionate lurkers? You guys are such prolific posters, it's hard to keep up.

DF I have to comment- I'm so glad you and family were unhurt. You've truly been blessed beyond measure. And although you may have aged some years in your near miss, another blessing is that your DD has received instant maturity in her driving habits. So many young people drive around carefree and careless because they can't conceive of the possibility that life can change in a twinking of an eye. Although we like our children to be innocent as long as they can, they can't afford to be, in this day and age. In our teens, my dear friend crashed 2 new cars (inattentiveness, horse play) before she "got it". Not to say that your DD is a 'wild child', but she may be able to persuade other friends and acquaintances because of her experience.

I find the talk of snow and cold weather kind of shocking, but also appealing. We just lost our 4 day cold snap of 78-80 degree weather, now it's back to the low 90's.

On topic:
Do the renovated rooms at the Dolphin have queen sized beds? I've read the various comments about the similarities to the Heavenly Beds except the name, but no one has specifically said that the beds are queen sized.

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Popping in for a quick hello . DH and I attended my 20 year high school reunion over the weekend. It was fun to see my old classmates. Most of which I have not seen in 20 years, we missed the 10 year reunion. I slept in a heavenly bed at "Westin City Center" in downtown Dallas. We were upgraded to a suite with a nice view. My DH's parents stayed here with the kiddos... will post more later....

 

[KelliR]

I'll trade you my 50 degrees (in the 30's at night) for your low 90's. Is it a deal?!?

Susie2 ... I am agreeing with DF99 about Cali Grill and Shula's. My whole family loves those restaurants. The Brown Derby is wonderful and we also enjoy the Prime Time cafe at MGM. Since you will be so close I also recommend Cape May Buffet at the Beach Club and Gulliver's Grill at the Swan. You can take a look a the menus on Deb Wills sight if you need to narrow the selection. www.wdwig.com/

Joanne ... my family has stayed at AKL twice. In August we stayed concierge and it was fantastic! We love the lodge, the concierge lounge, the activities at the resort, and BOMA restaurant. I do recommend splitting your stay ... and I recommend staying more nights at the Dolphin, because of location. We rent a car so the AKL location is no problem for us. I loved sitting on the balcony and watching the animals. My DD and I very much enjoy the storytelling by Arusha Rock, the cookie decorating and making a doll (as an activity one day). I also thought the lodge tour was interesting and enlightening. The CM's are about the best on property! ~~~ But you are right ... it is too hard to compare the AKL and S/D resorts. They are both wonderful and offer such different experiences.

 

[Disbug]

Quick pic post before off to Mass! More later after I've caught up reading all the pages I missed! I brought souvenirs for everyone!

HELLO to ALL!

 

[jmcross]

Thanks KelliR and dreamflight for your input. I am still waiting for codes for February to see if I can make the AKL more affordable. I am going President's Week so I know they are unlikely although they were available last year. I still have my fingers crossed!

Thanks again,

Joanne