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

[zurgswife]

Hi Gals and guys....been very busy this past few days...I've been reading but just haven't had time to post.

Sounds like some of you got the Nor'easter...we got about 5 inches not like those to the north...just made things very beautiful..

My dad is doing great...fun what stopping internal bleeding will do to ones health..

I've been sick with sinus infection/bronchitus the past few days...I stayed home from work today in hopes of feeling better...I managed to stay in bed until about 11:30...then picked my youngest up at 12:15 and spent the entire day cleaning my house...during all the construction it had gotten really gross...but I managed to get the entire first floor totally cleaned and rearranged. I've threatened the kids that any thing left out will be charged .25....I leave in 12 days and I don't plan on cleaning like this again....even DH pitched in tonight...so much for resting and getting better...

I'm hoping that my 2 bdrm suite faces Epcot....keep your fingers crossed....I can't wait to get to the Dolphin and maybe even get a heavenly bed...could I get that lucky....

Has anybody used points for a Jr Suite??? If so how many points did it take?

 

[jgates]

Zurgs - I hope your illness clears up soon! My cold is still on day #16. It is nearly gone however you get these brief coughing spasms periodically that wipe you out again. Your counter looks SOOOOO nice!!! I really hope you are healthy by Disney.

OK DF - is there a 'normal' way to ask what the rack rate is? I am going to guess that the rack rate is NOT the rate that is displayed on the web-site or I would be able to afford these rooms! Do I need to actually call and say 'What is your rack rate?' Are they even going to be able to find it in their computer? Then at least I would know if they were actually being 'honest' with their rates. If rack is $239 (or whatever I saw), then obviously they are padding those Entertainment rates!!! It just seems like Rack is always one of those 'unknown' quantities because no one EVER charges it!

I did e-mail Barb about a card yesterday, however I have not heard back from her. In reading those threads it appears she should be just about ready to deliver her baby! I asked about FanClub rate when I was on the phone and the lady said it was not showing for that time. I asked if it had been out and she said 'I really cannot comment on that' and then after 'but I really don't remember seeing it for that time period yet' - evidently she was not supposed to tell me that! But I'll keep trying that one too.

 

[Muffy]

Zurgswife, To upgrade to a Jr. Suite it is 10,000 points per night. I'm not sure how many points are required to book a Jr. Suite with points. You could call starwood's 800 number and inquire. How many points per night is the executive suite? Hope you feel better soon! Did your family get flu shots? Our family got them a few weeks ago. The flu could really put a damper on a Christmas vacation to WDW! We don't want to risk it. Hope your family stays healthy!

jgates, you can check rates for a Loews hotel at www.loewshotels.com We will be staying at PBH later this month and got a rate of 189.00 nt. I consider it a deal because Loews upgrades Platinums to a Portofino Suite at the time of booking now! Lowes matched my Plat SPG. When i booked this suite I went directly through Loews. They are no longer giving loews benifits to anyone that books through a second party. It seems like the cheap rates of yesterday are gone at Loews. Let us know what you find out!

Look at my countdown clock!

Muffy

 

[ozziewags]

Hi everyone,
Woke up today and realized it was my birthday! Ugh. Thought I quit having those! Sure wish I had a trip to Disney planned, especially for Christmas. The only reason we don't is because ds has to cover the Independence Bowl for his paper and has to be in Shreveport for 3 days over break. One of those days is his birthday(and he's not too pleased either....his bd is NYE!)

Raining here today....I want some of mouseteacher's snow!

Off to school

 

[Muffy]

Have a great day!

Muffy

 

[Mouseteacher]

Just arrived back home from MORE Christmas shopping. These 2 days out from school have given me the luxury of time. My shopping is almost done.


Happy Birthday, ozzie!

If I could, I would send you some of our snow! The mounds are incredibly high where plows have done their work --- it makes driving out of a side street onto a main street pretty tricky. Heavy rain is coming in on Thursday with mild temps - flooding is our next issue...that is New Englnad weather for you.

ZW - glad your dad is doing better. Now you need to get on the better health track and enjoy your Dolphin/WDW trip.

Wish I had a countdown clock to the S/D.

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Happy Birthday Ozzie I hope you have a great day !

Mouseteacher ~ Send some of your snow to Texas, It is suppose to get cold here tonight, but yesterday it was sunny and 70

Dreamflight ~ The answer to your question is Yes, the Little Prince will be escorting the Princesses to the breakfast along with me and DH.

The girls and baby boy with Santa

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season Muffy and Zurgswife your trips are right around the corner

 

[adisneynut]

We will be staying at the Swan NYE for 1 night and plan to head over to MK real early in the am. Will the Swan send our luggage over to WL for us? In the past we have left it up to bellservices and they have never let us down. Can any of you provide an answer?

 

[Debbie7452]

I had to take this opportunity to say Happy Birthday to Ozziewags!!

I also have to check my counter. It will be my first chance to see it in double digits...I am very excited!

Hi to everyone, sorry I've been such a stranger. I do keep up with the thread but don't have much time for posting.

 

[Disbug]

A DisneyNut... the Swan will transfer your luggage to the WL. We did it last July and transferred our luggage to the BWV. Only problem was, they delivered it but did not log it in the correct spot, so the BWV could not "deliver" it to our room because it was technically lost for a few hours. (I would consider this an isolated incident and probably caused due to a new trainee or something.) So not to worry, just call Bell Services from your room and say... we wish to transfer our luggage to the WL. They will tell you that it is not guaranteed to arrive there before 3 PM or something like that...

HAPPPY BIRTHDAY ozziwags! CLICK HERE

 

[adisneynut]

I was hoping that they could. I can't imagine getting up early enough to pack and trasfer our luggage to WL and then head over to MK by opening time.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by jgates

OK DF - is there a 'normal' way to ask what the rack rate is? I am going to guess that the rack rate is NOT the rate that is displayed on the web-site or I would be able to afford these rooms! Do I need to actually call and say 'What is your rack rate?' Are they even going to be able to find it in their computer? Then at least I would know if they were actually being 'honest' with their rates. If rack is $239 (or whatever I saw), then obviously they are padding those Entertainment rates!!! It just seems like Rack is always one of those 'unknown' quantities because no one EVER charges it!

Hi, "J"... DID you call 1-800-BEA-STAR to ask for the entertainment rate? Please, give it a try. After you are quoted a rate, ask for the rack rate. Somehow...we'll get to the bottom of this!!

Hi, mouseteacher ~I was out running errands today, and shopping too. What a beautiful winter day here, cool and crisp, but sunny! Hope you're staying away from the flu that's making it's way around the country. I have a tiny "touch" of it...but not enough to keep me down. DD had it something terrible, and is just beginning to "feel" better. I still have two kitties...if you want to "stop over" and get them! (LOL)

MUFFY~ARE you SURE ABOUT the Suite? They only have about "5" Portofino Suites, and usually never "upgrade" to these. There are "lots" of other suites, as I've stayed in them...but the premier "portofinos" are rare and pricey! I'll give them a call to check, as I always have to PAY oodles to stay in mine! I'm platinum Loews too, and they have always offered a "one class" upgrade (as SPG does) to either a deluxe room with a view or a suite (used to be a $35 charge for the suite). Yet, these suites are very small, still two rooms...but one is a tiny room with a sofa/table and T.V.
The Portofino suite has a Butler pantry, and is massive and spread-out. I'll be estactic if I can get it for $189.00 per eve. It normally rents for $685.00 and up!! Post any further details on this for me!

$189 has always been the ent. rate for the PBH standard rooms. The RPH offered an opening rate of $99 (even saw it at $89) per eve last summer.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OZZIE!!


MOM POPPINS~WOW! What a PRECIOUS photo! Thanks for sharing, and letting me know EVERYONE will be at Cindy's Royal table for the festivities!

I'm enjoying my hot beverage from my FABULOUS MUG! Thanks again, Disbug...you're an ANGEL. ^_^

DF99

 

[Disbug]

dreamflight You are welcome! I am incognito on the mug mission, right now! By the time I am done, I will be working as a correspondent Quality Control Random Tester, something or other! No more news, until it is good news...

adisneynut You are welcome! But do not rule out being to the MK at opening! I packed up the 5 of us (including DD2) from a one bedroom villa (translation: everything spread out into 5 rooms or areas!), had the luggage transferred, and was at the rope drop inside of Typhoon Lagoon at opening. (I did lose DH and DD2 briefly since we were each driving... but THAT is another story!) So, it CAN be done! If possible, pack up what you can the night before and just leave out what you will need the next morning! (Easier said than done!! LOL!) Enjoy your trip!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Mom Poppins~ Since we have enough snow to go around to all who want some, I certainly won't hog it all --- sending some your way!
The Christmas picture was lovely - thanks for sharing your family. I certainly miss the days of Santa. DS(18) when he was young believed in 2 elves that he called Elf Ellen and Elf Bernard. It all started with a story his second grade teacher told the class about the elves. It was so much fun keeping the magic alive! He would leave the elves a note before he went to bed. He would get up in the morning and go right to the place where he left the note to see if he got an answer. And, of course, one of the elves would always leave a note in return!

DF~ DH and I got the flu shot - hope that will keep us well. So far DSs have been fine, too. Btw, my aunt adopted a beautiful tiger kitten - I think she is naming it Noelle. She hasn't made a final decision yet. She is so cute - has double paws. She doesn't know what to make of the dog yet - he's a cairn/yorky mix.

Disbug~ whatever it takes to get the mugs "just right"...hoping to have mine for Christmas? ya think???

 

[Disbug]

Mouseteacher! "Ix Nay on the wugs may"! (I'm zippin' my lip until I have good news!) :happy1:

 

[ozziewags]

Thanks for all the birthday wishes! Came home from physical therapy after school and DH had dinner all ready, complete with a chocolate cake he made from scratch! Wow, a keeper!
Really, you guys are great.....I can come here to vent, or share or whatever and know I can find support. You are great sisters and brothers.

 

[Mouseteacher]

That we are, ozzie - time for a



okay, Disbug - my queries are nixed!!

 

[jgates]

Happy Bday Ozzie!!! Will you please have once piece of chocolate cake for me? Cut the bottom half of the cake off & throw it so the frosting to cake ratio is better. (I know - I am a WEIRD person).

Tonite is sugar cookie night - we have to take a Bday treat for DD now because Bday is 12/29. (she is NOT happy - we will be on the road to Nashville during Bday). So I don't think I'll worry about Universal tonite. The rate of ?$239 or whatever it was on www.loewshotels.com as I mentioned can't be the rack or technically they would have to cut that in half.

 

[Loubon]

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Okay, so I know the cake says "4" but that is 28 in dog years so that means I got it right!

 

[jgates]

Mmm....I want one of the rose colored doggy biscuits.

OK - Now I need the help of one of you with a NEW Entertainment book. My expiring one is at college in Madison & I am not ordering the new one till he is close to going back after break (usually they have them on sale in Jan or Feb or sometime in there!).

So in the NEW book for 2004 in the Universal section (it was a separate section in the middle at one time - not sure about now). Does the coupon say 50% off or UP TO 50% off? Look at both sides for me (pretty please with sprinkles on top) and let me know. The reservationist says it s UP TO but I was sure my 2002 book (long gone) stated a flat 50% off - no UP TO part.

Have you ever met anyone who is as much of a pain as I am?