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

[ennazus]

Hi S/D experts! We will be going in just under 2 weeks!!

How do you get from the S/D to Universal? We do not plan on renting a car while we are there, but I was wondering if it would be cheaper to rent a car just for a day (about $60.00)

Is there a shuttle? What are my options? Thanks so much!

 

[Disbug]

YIPPEE, YIPPEE, YAY! :jumping4:

 

[Disbug]

How many people are in your group? I imagine shuttle services charge per person, whereas a car may be your best option. You might also inquire how much a taxi would be.

Dreamflight always speaks of the National Car rental kiosk right inside the Dolphin and finds it most convenient, especially for pick up drop off! I would imagine asking her would be your best bet because she has probably done this before!

 

[Mouseteacher]

On our trip 2 years ago, we inquired about the cost of transportation to Universal (we were at the Dolphin). I believe the cost then was $40 but I'm sure the price has increased since then. Sounds like a car might be the way to go since it is so convenient to rent right on the S/D property.

Hi, Disbug.

 

[ozziewags]

Mornin' all! Busy around here too. Going to Columbia, MO today to see DS and take him out for dinner(and deliver his concert tickets he acquired through ticketmaster)!
OH, HOCKEYMOM.......where are you? Hope you and your mom had a great weekend! Tell us all the details!

Bye!

 

[ennazus]

Thanks Disbug & Mouseteacher,

We have 3 people in our party

 

[Disbug]

ennazus You are welcome!

Mouseteacher Back atcha!

Lauren, Muffy, jmcross, madge, debbie7452, lovingthemouse If you check your mail... you should have some unread PM's sitting there! (hint!hint!)

 

[Mouseteacher]

Our sorority house is quiet today, too!

DF, missing you.
Ozzie-glad to hear from you - enjoy your time with your DS.
ZW- how about an update on breaking the news?
Disbug- I see you have only 3 days left until you are back in the World. Will you be posting from the inside? If not, make sure you give details when you return. I need to live vicariously, you know!

 

[Disbug]

Wish I could post inside the magic, but alas I am sans computer when on the road! One day when the price comes down, (way down!) I will have the ability to post from the inside! I would really LOVE that!

I still have a pretty good trip report to do from the last time, but have been "mugging" around a bit! HEH! HEH!

Plus I must let the influence of delswife infiltrate so that I may be worthy of future trip posting!

This trip will just be me, DD2 and my parents! Working on a little bonding with the grandparents!

Baby is napping while I am packing, cooking, dis'ing, and enjoying this perfect day we are having in Florida... unbelievable weather..

Which means..... I have to pack two sets of clothes again, one set for the warm days, and another set for the cool days!

 

[zurgswife]

OK....UPDATE on TRAVEL plans....The mother of DD's friend still wants to try to use her FF miles to book a flight...she was supposed to try today...I'll have to call her back later....If she isn't able then she will just have to take our friends up on their offer (well if she really didn't want to I won't make her)..The worst part now is that I don't have a rental car for the dates to pick the girl up from the airport....this is going to get interesting....Towncar for 2 roundtrips would be outrageous....there aren't any rental cars available in the Orlando area...wonder how much a cab ride is.....Well it gives me something to figure for the next few days....

 

[zurgswife]

...DARN....I just finish posting and I get an email that it has fallen through....Well it was a good fight..but it was not meant to be....maybe another time....

 

[Disbug]

BOO HOO!

We were really rootin' for ya, and now it is for naught... but that's the right spirit ~ it'll work out NEXT time!

 

[Mouseteacher]

ZW~ ditto what Disbug said.

Disbug~I'm with you on not having a laptop - just too expensive right now. I could have had one through school for "business" purposes but I just couldn't justify the expense to the budget (which is very tight) for the amount of time I would use it. The cost of a laptop could purchase so much more in educational materials - it is a Catholic school and we are quite careful on how we spend our money and prioritize, too.

 

[zurgswife]

I'm disappointed that it didn't work out and part of me keeps trying to figure out how to make it work...but I think for a change I'll just leave it be.....Thanks for all your good thoughts....I'm not used to losing but I have to respect the mother's wishes....even though I'd jump on the chance for a free trip to WDW...

 

[dreamflight99]

I FOUND THE TICKETS!! Yes, while working away this weekend (Cleaning/organizing this homestead)...I FOUND the LONG-LOST BUSCH GARDENS TICKETS! I bought "6" of them in the Fall of 1996, in anticipation for the summer of 1997. Due to storms (Once in Tampa), we were unable to use them that summer. So, I placed them somewhere safe upon our return home. LOL. Somewhere...SO SAFE, even I could not recall the location! While cleaning the top dresser drawer this weekend, there they were! Inside a distressed-brown envelope (Busch Gardens Stationary), which I nearly passed over as a WARRANTY, etc. I am THRILLED (can you tell?). I can assure you all, we'll be VISITING BUSCH GARDENS theme park this summer! The tickets (like Disney) have no expiration (Whew!). This made my weekend.

Sitting in my laundry room at present, are "6" six-week old kittens rescued from a freshman @ DD's school. He informed the students his father was going to "kill" them if no one wanted them. I informed DD this was illegal, but would not prevent the unthinkable from occurring. In short...we have possession of the kittens (the boy brought them to school this am, DD called and I drove and retrieved them), and will work to find them good homes. DH went to the school to speak with the Principle in regards to the matter this am. Something like this should never happen, especially when there are shelters, etc. The fact remains...they are safe & sound in our home (and all sleeping together on the big sheepskin pillow-bed!).


Zurgswife~So sorry about all the UPS and DOWNS associated with the planning for DD's friend (TRIP TO WDW & DOLPHIN). Perhaps it will all work out in the end...I'll keep you in my prayers. ^_^

Disbug~I HAD to buy the laptop a couple years back, as without it...I could never survive so long on sojourn. I pay all my bills via Bank of America (online), and check many other things using the computer. It is a life-saver for me. I wish they were more affordable, so everyone could have one. Thanks for the nice PM's. [/b]

ennazus ~Rental car is the ONLY way to visit U. Studios from the Dolphin. You are able to leave when you want, and have the freedom to stop somewhere along the way. Call either ALAMO or NATIONAL from your room and book a reservation. Then, take the # to the rental counter and p/u your ride.

Mouseteacher~
:happy1: Thank you! Hope all is well with you.

Muffy~I'm still elated by the news, and hope you had a wonderful weekend.

Mom Poppins~I'm still awaiting the news from B. Kirks test. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

We are heading to DISNEYLAND this weekend. We will be there from THURSDAY-SUNDAY! There are many things happening in the MAGIC right now. Check-out www.disneyland.com for all the updates and info. We are all excited about seeing all the new things, and enjoying some time together (away from the grind).

TTFN...

DF99

 

[MOM POPPINS]

A big sigh of relief... Baby Kirk's test all came back NEGATIVE ! I am so happy and ready to settle in and enjoy Thanksgiving.

God bless you all and thanks for your support, pixie dust and prayers... Robin

 

[zurgswife]

Glad everything turned out Mompoppins....you and Kirk have been in my thoughts...

 

[jgates]

Mom P, That is FANTASTIC!!!!

DF - my dd would love one, but dh says no - unless fully declawed. That isn't too common. Glad you found your tickets. I just visited their website and it looks like fun!

I plan on ordering my Universal Tickets soon. AAA has a 5 day for 2 price pass right now, so I think that would be our best bet. Any other thoughts on deal for there?

Now, to keep this on track (the people at the Budget Board told me that it's too hard to find information because we are pretty much off-topic most of the time here) Who us? Never!!!

On Topic: Both Alamo and National are at the Dolphin/Swan? Are they two separate desks or does one desk handle all rentals?

 

[twinmomplus2]

Does anyone here have any recomendations for any of the Starwood propertys in Miami or Lauderdale? Particularly the Sheraton on Collins ave, Miami Beach?

 

[laurabelle]

We have 2,878 points from our 1st Dolphin stay in August. We'll be there again for 5 nights in April. According to the rewards paper, room upgrades start at 1,000pts. Is this per stay or per night?