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

[Mouseteacher]

good news, ZW!

Muffy~ some commutes took hours to get to destinations that normally take less than 30 minutes! I, too, was checking via cell phone on my DH who was stuck in stopped traffic. DS made it to the high school just before the ice took over. We are all home safe and sound this evening, thankfully.

 

[EpcotKilterFan]

Hi All!

That timer is counting down..but not fast enough!

I think I know the answer, but I thought I would ask. I would like to do online check in for my return flight. There is a business center at the Dolphin that has printers, right? There isn't one at the Swan..or is there.

I have the laptop, but no printer.

Debbie <---waiting for that Lake Effect snow to start

 

[Disbug]

RAV Love your tags! That Tag Fairy sure has a sense of humor!

epcotkilterfan Great logo! Just got back from seeing Off Kilter in Canada at Epcot! LOVE that group!

dreamflight So, glad about your daughter! I guess it's when we are sick that we truly Appreciate our good health! (Knock on something made of wood, everyone!)

zurgswife You, too! Glad that little black rain cloud is following eeyore around for a while instead!

About the Sigma Delta Journal! Thanks, Muffy.. Mouseteacher, Lauren, ! I thought we should have someway of communicating we'd been there! Also, thinking up a way for leaving messages for each other... Kind of like a "Sorority Hotline"! That way, we may only know a person's userid and/or first name but can still leave a message for each other if we're there at the same time!

In the middle of Santa's Workshop this week at DD9's school. I'm the decorator/designer who gets to come in and take things, arrange 'em, fix 'em, and merchandise 'em! A handful of ordinary doodads sometimes makes a Christmas wreath spectacular! Well, that's what I'm doing this week... God love ya, dreamflight! If I could get that recipe for slowing down this season, I would share it with you all!

A happy night to all!

 

[jgates]

Geez - I want to be a Tag Fairy!!!! I'm not sure I could be quick enough on the draw though!

I am so glad everyone is getting healthy and back on track - if there is left over pixie dust, can you sprinkle it my way? I am soooo tired of this cold. We are now at the end of day 10 I think. I have NEVER had a cold last this long. Being ill really mucks up the diabetes too.

Now....I'm going to try to come up with something (?anything?) to keep us on topic! This is stretching it again, but we all want to take good vacation photos~~~~~~~~~~~~

DF99 - I see buy.com has the Sony Mavica MVC-CD500 at $398.99 right now. Best Buy is still at $599 and Butterfly Photo is still at $478. I'm not sure if this is just do to buy.com's 24 hour sale- it doesn't have a sale logo by it. It's not eligible for free shipping - haven't checked that cost yet. I know you have one that is a floppy disk one? (My memory is fried right now) What's your opinion? Grab it and run or have you heard that there is a better one coming out? We did purchase this digital camera for work and use it on medium resolution - we get very nice photos. It seems sometimes they end up blurry if I don't hold it quite still enough (I don't have this trouble with my little HP). It is also a little bulky - I couldn't drop it in my purse! Any thoughts? Buy usually has a sale about once a week so I won't jump on it tonite but SOON. I want to have a nice one and know how to use it before next July!!!

Also - I need a clarification on Gov't rate(?) - does Swan do that? DH has been offered a job with State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections (can we say prison guard?). I can't beat my rate for next summer, but am looking to the future. Does that qualify for any of Swan's discounts? We have teachers, firemen, etc. Were state employees in there? Also - would an insurance card be a sufficient enough identifier if it displayed the State of WI on it?

Course the bad part of this job is - he was offered NON-LOCAL!!!! He has to go whereever they send him in the state and then try to rotate back to our prison! I could be paying rent (plus my DS's dorm room fees) (plus my mortgage) (plus my property taxes) for who knows how long!!!!

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Good Morning... It's a little after 6:00 am here in Texas and you know what that means ???? I have CINDERELLA ressies for my DD's.... yes... doing the happy dance... We have not been to the castle since our first visit in 2000. My youngest princess has never been and my DD 5 does not remember going. So this will be special for everyone, even Mom....

Jgates ~ I hope you feel better soon... sending some pixie dust your way *************

Have a great day everyone

 

[Muffy]

Mom Poppins, So happy to read you have ressies at the castle! Looks like pixie dust is shining down on you this morning! Happy planning!

jgates, sending PD that you feel better soon.

I am having the best time using Tour Guide Mike's site for planning. Even WDW veterans can learn something new. Just printed info on hidden escapes in the theme parks! Fun!

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Muffy

 

[EpcotKilterFan]

Originally posted by jgates


DF99 - I see buy.com has the Sony Mavica MVC-CD500 at $398.99 right now. Best Buy is still at $599 and Butterfly Photo is still at $478. I'm not sure if this is just do to buy.com's 24 hour sale- it doesn't have a sale logo by it. It's not eligible for free shipping - haven't checked that cost yet. I know you have one that is a floppy disk one? (My memory is fried right now) What's your opinion? Grab it and run or have you heard that there is a better one coming out? We did purchase this digital camera for work and use it on medium resolution - we get very nice photos. It seems sometimes they end up blurry if I don't hold it quite still enough (I don't have this trouble with my little HP). It is also a little bulky - I couldn't drop it in my purse! Any thoughts? Buy usually has a sale about once a week so I won't jump on it tonite but SOON. I want to have a nice one and know how to use it before next July!!!

Also - I need a clarification on Gov't rate(?) - does Swan do that? DH has been offered a job with State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections (can we say prison guard?). I can't beat my rate for next summer, but am looking to the future. Does that qualify for any of Swan's discounts? We have teachers, firemen, etc. Were state employees in there? Also - would an insurance card be a sufficient enough identifier if it displayed the State of WI on it?

I am not DF99 - But that is an AMZING price for the Mavica. It is the one that burns on CD's! I love mine and can not wait to use it at WDW next week. If you can....jump on that price.

As for the govt rate... yes that qualifies. Usually a pay stub, or some kind of ID. I am not sure about the insurance card. But I am sure it would work.

Debbie

 

[dreamflight99]

WOW, "J"~, you find the BEST DEALS! Grab that Mavica an RUN (as Muffy wrote). I have a Disc which is also digital movie cam/audio, etc. It was very pricey new, about $1300. I also have the disc Mavica (Which Muffy has too ^_^), and LOVE them both!In my opinion (IMO)...SONY makes the BEST electronics in the industry. You just can not beat the quality, and durability. Practically everything I own, which is electronic...is SONY. Amazingly, I do not have a folio of stock with them. Hmmm....good idea.

Congrats on the offer for your DH, great benefits/pay, etc. Also, the perks...GOV'T rate, can't be topped. Good luck. Let us know how this goes.

MOM POPPINS~Congrats on the RESSIES! They are absolutely the most tough to snag, especially since they now make you pay (in full?) in advance, and even insure YOU are the party whom paid for them, etc. A CM explained this to me last summer, as loads of folks were apparently "buying" popular dates and selling them on EBAY!! Can you believe this? WOW...they were making a bundle off people. So, Disney devised a way to insure this would not occur. YOU must be the same person whom made the ressie and paid for it! Good for them, and US! Finally, one for the little people (all of us whom actually CALL for a ressie for our family!). XO So happy for you & the princesses! Is B. Kirk and Daddy going too? You will have a memorable time, for sure. Enjoy the rest of the planning, your countdown is LOOKING GOOD!

Disug~You darling ANGEL you! WOW...my MUG arrived today, in PERFECT CONDITION. I could KISS you! It is so lovely, it nearly made me cry. I was going to post a picture, but did not want to spoil the surprise for the rest of my Sisters (& Bros.). I will Cherish this forever, and always recall the "birth" of our sorority everytime I use it...or view it. Thank you, again. For all the precious work and effort you have put forth to make this all a reality. You are a treasured member, and I am so pleased! XO

TTFN....DF99

 

[Mouseteacher]

DF~ grateful to you for not posting a pic of the mug! I want to be surprised!!! can't wait to get it! Agreed, DF, Disbug is an angel and a treasured member. Are you listening, Disbug?

 

[Muffy]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
WOW, "J"~, you find the BEST DEALS! Grab that Mavica an RUN (as Muffy wrote). I have a Disc which is also digital movie cam/audio, etc. It was very pricey new, about $1300. I also have the disc Mavica (Which Muffy has too ^_^)


DF, It was Epcotkilterfan that posted to jgates about the Mavica. I have a Fuji Finepix 3800. I WISH I had a Mavica! It sounds fab!

Muffy

 

[Disbug]

Well, I DO have tears in my eyes! Thanks so much for the plaudits!

For those who are being so patient, I am confident the mugs are finally right! *(Muffy yours should be there in the next day or so!) Not even I have a mug yet (if that makes everyone feel any better!) I am preparing the boxes to send them (that is my confidence level!)

Am back at work for a few hours to finish up so I'll check in a bit later!

Congrats MOMPNS! WooHoo! The princesses will be in the castle for breakfast! Good Deal!

Muffy I have a FujiFixPix 3600 Zoom, but I'm a Sony wanna be! But it would have to be small. My dad has the Mavica and that puppy is "HEV-VEE"!

 

[dreamflight99]

LOL...~Good morning ALL!

muffy~Sorry for the confusion. My head is in the clouds, as we are going to return to Disney in a week, on our annual sojourn to Lake Arrowhead and Knott's! Hooray!! I can not get enough, and these annual passes are burning a hole in my pocket (ouch!!~LOL).

mouseteacher~Glad you are pleased by the omission of the picture. Disbug certainly deserves TONS of praise for her efforts. My DH was "astounded" by the quality and the perfection! I am so "tickled pink" (And impressed) with the receipt of mine. I'm still floating, and enjoying a nice hot morning beverage right now! Speaking of hot Bevs...I have a good feeling DH bought me the Capresso S9 (on my Christmas wish list). Of course, this will benefit the household (DH & DD too).

Yesterday, while at Starbucks with DH for a hot Mocha Venti and some Gingerbread, I inquired with the Barista about the expresso machines. She said the best they had was the Saeco model, ($699.00). DH looked at me and said, "I thought you wanted the Capresso?" I smiled, and said..."surely I do!" He smiled wryly, and said it would be nice to be able to make expresso in less than a minute to take to work, w/o any grinding/mess, etc. Now...I'm excited! (www.capresso.com for a peek).

Disbug~My mavica is light, smaller than average. Yet, DD has the nicest sony, Cybershot w/audio mpeg movie HQX, 5.0 mega pixels, clip motion/multi burst...etc. It uses the mem. stick, and is "teeny-weeny" in size. We also bought her the digital photo printer w/flip-up screen. Together, they make for the ultimate SONY picture duo. She lets me use it whenever I wish, and I even purchased some mem.sticks for my own personal use (using her cam). As I wrote...we are a SONY home, all the way. We even have two AIBO'S (Fully autonomous...dock & charge themselves), running around the house. Too funny! They know their names (Astro & Abbey), and come when called. (LOL). The kittens are completely intrigued by these doggie-bots. Astro has taken some nice pictures (He can take 15 at a time using his mem. stick) of the kittens, as they sniff his nose! ^_^

WDW & DOLPHIN~Anyone check-out the website lately?

FRESH~the new restaurant!

I wish I were traveling there for the Christmas Holiday!

Enjoy the day...TTFN

DF99

 

[pooh31]

Do the Club rooms at the Dolphin have the heavenly beds

 

[dreamflight99]

pooh31~Apparently, the Dolphin is renovating "floor by floor", and they have yet to reach CLUB LEVEL. So the answer would be, NO. They are on the 8th & 9th floors, and will reach the CLUB LEVEL floors in the Spring of 2004 (Hopefully~!). Club leve is still nice and comfy, (with the old decor), but not as luxurious as the Heavenly beds. The SWAN is completely renovated, including all CLUB rooms. They renovated the CLUB FLOORS first! Hope this helps you.

 

[#1hockeymom]

*room wave*
I have now joined the group of totally Disney insane.... I just booked CBR for the 16th through the 20th of January. I was trying for AKL.... then WL... ended up at the new allstars and couldn't take the idea of that so now its CBR. I am hoping the Swan/Dolphin can come up with a cheaper rate and then I am switching to the Swan! It will just be DS and I as someone took too many days hunting this fall, and DD doesn't want to part with her bf for five days *HA!* So its mother/son bonding time in the land of Mickey!

I had to smile when I read another thread here. I just dropped my son off at a friend's house so they could drive him to the hockey meet tomorrow *we'll be joining them later in the evening and staying all weekend for the tournament* In the car he was practically begging me, ok he was begging me, to switch to the Swan, at any price! If a ten year old boy likes the Swan... it's kid friendly!

Disbug>> YOU RULE, GIRL!

I miss you guys!
Debbie

 

[ozziewags]

Things are not better here, sorry to report. Just got a call to get to Indiana ASAP, to see our friend who is full of cancer. 54 and his DW just lost her mom in Sept and dad in Oct. How much does one person have to go through?
Ok, sorry for the doom and gloom on such a happy thread. Probably won't be posting much for a while. We are leaving early in the morning and hope we get there in time. We stood up for them in their wedding and they were always there for us.


hockeymom....happy for you and ds. You will like CBR unless you get the Swan! I bet they come up with a good rate for you.

mompoppins....glad you got your Cinderella ressies. How fitting.

To rest of sis' and bro's...

 

[cindala]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
LOL...~Good morning ALL!

muffy~Sorry for the confusion. My head is in the clouds, as we are going to return to Disney in a week, on our annual sojourn to Lake Arrowhead and Knott's! Hooray!! I can not get enough, and these annual passes are burning a hole in my pocket (ouch!!~LOL).

mouseteacher~Glad you are pleased by the omission of the picture. Disbug certainly deserves TONS of praise for her efforts. My DH was "astounded" by the quality and the perfection! I am so "tickled pink" (And impressed) with the receipt of mine. I'm still floating, and enjoying a nice hot morning beverage right now! Speaking of hot Bevs...I have a good feeling DH bought me the Capresso S9 (on my Christmas wish list). Of course, this will benefit the household (DH & DD too).

Yesterday, while at Starbucks with DH for a hot Mocha Venti and some Gingerbread, I inquired with the Barista about the expresso machines. She said the best they had was the Saeco model, ($699.00). DH looked at me and said, "I thought you wanted the Capresso?" I smiled, and said..."surely I do!" He smiled wryly, and said it would be nice to be able to make expresso in less than a minute to take to work, w/o any grinding/mess, etc. Now...I'm excited! (www.capresso.com for a peek).

Disbug~My mavica is light, smaller than average. Yet, DD has the nicest sony, Cybershot w/audio mpeg movie HQX, 5.0 mega pixels, clip motion/multi burst...etc. It uses the mem. stick, and is "teeny-weeny" in size. We also bought her the digital photo printer w/flip-up screen. Together, they make for the ultimate SONY picture duo. She lets me use it whenever I wish, and I even purchased some mem.sticks for my own personal use (using her cam). As I wrote...we are a SONY home, all the way. We even have two AIBO'S (Fully autonomous...dock & charge themselves), running around the house. Too funny! They know their names (Astro & Abbey), and come when called. (LOL). The kittens are completely intrigued by these doggie-bots. Astro has taken some nice pictures (He can take 15 at a time using his mem. stick) of the kittens, as they sniff his nose! ^_^

WDW & DOLPHIN~Anyone check-out the website lately?

FRESH~the new restaurant!

I wish I were traveling there for the Christmas Holiday!

Enjoy the day...TTFN

DF99

Thanks for the great pictures!

I have a question I thought you might be able to answer. Friends of ours just stayed at the Dolphin over Thanksgiving, on the 4th floor. They had a heavenly bed, but their room decor was not redone. Someone on the elevator told them they are putting in the beds from the lower floors up, and redoing the decor from the top floors down. Do you know anything about this?

I was told by a manager at the Dolphin a while back that the Swan and Dolphin would have the same decor, but I though they would do the room renovation and the new beds at the same time. We are not going until July, so hopefully we will get a totally redone room by then.

Has anyone else noticed this?

 

[jgates]

DF99 - I NEED HELP! I know you are a Universal resident during the summer.

DD wanted to stay at Royal Pacific again. Since we got such great Entertainment Rates last time, I told her we would try to stay 3 nites this time (before we check into Swan). However, after calling for 4 months, the rates have finally appeared. They are horrid in my opinion. The guy goes, yeah, we had a 'slight' increase this year in the Entertainment Rate section - You think? I can book AAA for $4 less per night @ $175 per nite! They were $179 & $189 for the weekend we want in July!!! We paid $99 on the last trip so this quote is devastating to the budget - especially for only 2 of us - I don't know if the room even had 1 bed or 2!

I did post on the Universal Resort board but haven't received any replies yet - any suggestions on discounting rates any further? I checked hotelkingdom.com and they are at $219 so that isn't an option. I don't even know where else to check! I can't dump $600 on 3 nites motel or we won't be eating! I asked about gov't rates and was not very kindly told 'we don't do that at our resorts'. I'd just drive from the Swan and add 2 more nights at our good rate there but I want FOL access!!! PS - the dates we are after are Sat 7/17, Sun 7/18 & Mon 7/19.

Also - anyone have a suggestion for Nashville? I want to take a moderately inexpensive trip to Nashville to take DS & his cousin (& me & DD) to the UW Badger game at the Music City Bowl. It is at The Coliseum. I can book Loews at $179 for Concierge Level ($159 standard) there on 12/30 & 12/31- I had them hold that but I think I will cancel. There is a Spring Hill Suites Metro Centre listed 1.8 miles from city center - anyone familiar with it? Appears to be a new facility and they said about 7 min to Coliseum. They have a special holiday rate (have to ask for it but it does appear online - for $69 per nite!!!!! Their non-promo rates are about $100. 2 beds - cont. breakfast. They had only smoking doubles but she said she had enough handi-cap rooms to give us a n/s in that - bathroom is only difference in it. But I am open to suggestions for ANYTHING else close to the Coliseum that is decent and preferably has a continental breakfast to feed the bottomless pits, (oops- I mean the boys) - I'm just thinking there is no way we can beat the $69 at SpringHill. I have only stayed out by the Hermitage so my familiarity with downtown Nashville is non-existent except to drive thru it as fast as we can. We will drive down & back so I can Motel 6 it on the road if I have to to save more $$. (I know - you guys are thinking - take the $159 - $69 and put that towards Royal Pacific.........I'm thinking that too - their rates just burn me!)

Also - I held out too long on the Mavica - it is now out of stock. (Probably would have received a cancellation anyway). I'm going to keep watching their site. It says unavailable from manufacturer right now - so maybe a new model is coming out. If not, they have a sale about 2x a week so I'll just keep my eyes open.

 

[Mouseteacher]

A quick pop in to say Good Morning to the "house"! I have been so busy the last 2 days - presenting at a conference in Boston yesterday. Major snow storm headed my way tonight through Saturday and into Sunday morning - 8-12 in. Looks like a good weekend to DIS!

ozzie -

TTFN! Swan/Dolphin fans

 

[Muffy]

Hockeymom! WOW, your Jan trip sounds like just the thing! Good for you and your DS. See what an AP in your pocket will do? I will miss you by only 3 days! Happy planning!

Ozzie, sending more PD and prayers.

Mouseteacher, we have the same big snow storm headed our way too. It may turn into a north easter so be careful!

Happy friday everyone

Muffy