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

[#1hockeymom]

Great pictures and family Debbie, great pics DF! Now we know what Muffy looks like! Thank you everyone for sharing! We also watch *not every week but we do watch* the Discovery channel shows. I have theories on the different treatments of son 1 and son 2, but it is still a very odd family unit!

I spent the last 24 hours in bed. I am hoping that if that was the flu, I now have had it and it is over with. I have been scared since I made my reservations that one of us would be sick during our trip. Whatever I had, matches how DH felt between Christmas and New Year's. I think I remember DS slowing down a day or two in there, which is frequently his version of sick. DD also didn't feel good during this time period. I hope the flu went by us and that was it! Disbug>> I am still praying for your DD to get better, quickly! How is the feeding tube going?

The puppy pictures are just precious!

Debbie
(I had to edit to SIGN my name..... Guess the brain isn't working, yet!)

 

[Disbug]

#1HM so glad you are over the flu bug... it is a nasty one this year and sounds like you got just enough to build up your resistance to the "whole enchilada" flu bug! Wish I could go with you on your upcoming trip! Your DS would have to wonder who is the kid and who are the adults!

Posting from work Got to have a FUN 18 hr day yesterday and back for more today! I can post as I am monitoring a secondary computer and waiting on test results. Also waiting on chemical truck deliveries...Wait, Wait, Wait! I need to be BUSY! So rather than read, I shall post!

I am working on our "Souvenirs" for the Dismeet...

Those were great pics, DF99 and Deb7452... but I must confess to ignorance I have never heard of West Coast choppers! I know I have seen that type of motorcycle, just not the show!By the time I make it to the TV set usually reruns of CSI, or Law and Order are what's on! But I do get to see the football/baseball games on TV as I walk through the room...

Sit down everyone... DH WANTS to (I repeat!) WANTS TO... go to Disney World!! He has found out (someone put a "bug" in his ear) that the YANKEES are PLAYING THE BRAVES at Wide World of Sports on March 13th during Spring Training. He oh so casually asked if I might like to come along...(WHO ME??) Can you believe the sacrifices I make for this man?? :

 

[Debbie7452]

jgates...thank you for trying to help with the fix. I will try it out but I think my problem is just a very old cd rom drive. I have heard that they don't "see" cd rw's only cd r's. At least my pictures are safe(but hidden) until I get a decent computer, or update mine with a cheap cd burner upgrade. Can anyone believe I still rely on floppies??

DF...I should have known you would be partial to the West Coast group. Hey, if they want my DH to build for them that's OK too. we do not discriminate here! We love Jesse's shows as well.

I have joked with my DH that he would be great on Monster Garage because he is such an excellent metal fabricator and welder. I can't really see it happening though, he is pretty shy.

Disbug, you might be in the world when we arrive on March 15th! Last time I checked S/D was booked on the 14th, I hope you can find a spot.

 

[joshua4]

Hey DF

I need some quick camera advice. My camera only came with a 32MB card which clearly will not be sufficient for my needs. How big of cards do you use? Also, where is the cheapest place to buy these cards -- is there somewhere on the web you order them from?

Back on topic, sounds like if I bring my kids to the dismeet I will not be totally out of place. It would be great to just bring one of them but I could never devastate the other one like that.

Hoping I can meet all of you in July - let's firm up those dates so I can at least book a room.

Cheers.

Lauren

 

[ozziewags]

I'm not DF, but I use a 256mb card. I have heard others recommend many 16mb cards in case you lose one, etc. I have never had a problem and just recently purchased a card reader for my pc, since I was having trouble uploading them from my camera(after a computer crash). The card reader solved that problem(also got that advice from Disers). I bought my card at Best Buy. Can't remember the price, but it wasn't bad. They have so many more choices now. I bet somewhere on the web there is a place cheaper. Try google. Good luck.

 

[Disbug]

I'm not DF either and I know she will be a great resource with those wonderful Sony cameras she uses... but here is my 2 cents as well!

I have a 128MB card and wish it was a 256! (LOL!) I'm getting the hang of this picture taking stuff and I am a WILD WOMAN let loose with a camera...(dangerous indeed)! Just ask my family!

I paid about $25 for a 128MB Smart Media card from SAM's Wholesale Warehouse when I was in Orlando. My backup card is the 16MB original card and I bring it along for when I "run out" of room on my disc. That happens more frequently now since I have improved the resolution settings on my camera. If you are taking "normal" shots I believe you can get about 423 pics on a 128 card. Now that I have it set for better resolution, I am down in the 275 range or something like that...

I have heard tell a larger card is either on the market or getting ready to be released and that is a signal (usually) to start the prices dropping on the "last" best size card you can buy... Have fun shopping for one!

ALL RIGHT! I HEAR YA! I will put the dates for the DisMeet back on the front burner...

 

[Rene McDaniel]

I've been reading the DIS boards and have gotten the most AWESOME information. But, I have a couple of Dolphin questions:

(1) Refillable Mugs at the Dolphin -- You purchase them in Tubbi's Buffeteria right? Is that the ONLY place you can refill them on-site? How about at the pool, etc.? Also, is the refillable cup $11.99 like the other Disney resorts?

(2) First night (Monday, April 12th) we arrive about 6pm, as we are flying from the west coast. What would be some fun things for my daughter and I to do that first night in/around the Dolphin/Boardwalk area? It sounds like some of the Boardwalk evening entertainment venues are geared toward adults.

(3) I read that there is an arcade at the Dolphin. I am wondering if we should check it out, or not I don't want to drop $25 in an arcade, when that could pay for a full day at a waterpark. Anyone been, or have ideas on the cost?

(4) Is the Fantasia mini-golf course worth doing?

(5) Has anyone ever ventured over to the Yacht & Beach Club to check out the pools at Stormalong Bay next door? I am assuming they use a wristband system to keep the neighbors out. I would like to go over to Beaches and Cream and use a Connections Voucher, but I am worried that if DD sees Stormalong Bay -- any appeal of the pool at the Dolphin will be lost. Sadly, we can't afford the extra $100/night for the "better" pool. (teachers rate@ Dolphin). I am also thinking we may need to use the BOAT to Epcot, rather than walking past Y&BC to avoid her seeing Stormalong Bay from the Walkway.

 

[Disbug]

We have some resident experts who have just returned from the Dolphin, so they can probably give you a heads up about the refillable mug. ($12 sounds about right) I would imagine that if it is a Swan or Dolphin Mug it would be good for refills at the Grotto pool and Tubbis. How about it Zurgswife or Muffy?

The Grotto Pool is very impressive, too... so I wouldn't worry about Storm Along Bay overmuch. If you are going to Beaches and Cream, SAB is right in front of it, so even if you take the boat over you have to walk alongside it to get into Beaches and Cream. My kids have also "oohed and aahed" over SAB and it did not affect their ability to enjoy the Grotto pool. I just tell them that IF we ever stay at YC/BC we will get to use their pool!

As for my ideas on your first night... I would definitely go down to the BW and explore. There are usually little cart vendors up and down the BW with carnival type games. This time of year, I don't know how late they are open. The Adult Only atmosphere is more in the Atlantic City Dance Hall, JellyRolls, ESPN Club. There are Surrey-Bikes for rent by the 1/2 hr. Just walk around a bit, but remember you will probably be exhausted from flying all day and getting settled in. I would not plan ANYTHING strenuous, because then when Mickey rings in the morning with your wake-up call you will be more likely to groan than jump out of bed! LOL! A swim is always nice... as is soaking in the hot tub!

I think the Fantasia Mini-Golf course looks like a lot of fun. I have never done it but DF has and I believe she really liked it, if memory serves.

 

[jgates]

OK - I'm going to start with the camera info - First - check your cameras direction book. For some reason my HP 315? or whatever it is will not accept a card larger than 128. It is a 2 megapixel & if I put it at middle quality it can still do about 350 photos. Next problem - the machines at WM, if you put your memory card in there, will not read past photo #299 or #300. So I had to burn & print the first bunch, then delete a bunch off the card and do it again. You might be better off doing a higher quality, less photos on the card and then taking them to Wallyworld. (DS has solved part of this now - I have learned to burn at home so I can put about 150 on a CD and then take to WM for printing.

Watch your Best Buy flyers - they usually have a card of some type on sale every other week or so. Sometimes a rebate instead - often these disappear QUICKLY - by Sunday night they are often gone. Don't know if BB rainchecks or not.

Butterflyphoto.com has great prices on a lot of cameras - haven't checked memory supplies there. We bought our Mavica for work from there and I will probably buy my Mavica CD camera from there too (as Buy.com doesn't seem to be ever going to get it back in stock). It is $85 less there than at BB, if not more.

Originally posted by Rene McDaniel
I've been reading the DIS boards and have gotten the most AWESOME information. But, I have a couple of Dolphin questions:

(1) Refillable Mugs at the Dolphin -- You purchase them in Tubbi's Buffeteria right? Is that the ONLY place you can refill them on-site? How about at the pool, etc.? Also, is the refillable cup $11.99 like the other Disney resorts? DON'T REMEMBER THE PRICE, BUT YOU MAY HAVE TO ASK OR LOOK FOR IT AT TUBBI'S. IF I HADN'T KNOWN ABOUT IT, THEY DID NOT HAVE THEM OUT UNTIL THE CHECK-OUT AREA & I WOULD HAVE MISSED THEM. (I SUPPOSE TO KEEP PEOPLE FROM GRABBING ONE AND THEN SAYING THEY ALREADY HAD IT). YOU MAY HAVE TO GO UP THERE TO PURCHASE FIRST. I DON'T KNOW ABOUT POOL AREA - WE DIDN'T TAKE OURS OUT THERE. I WAS THINKING 9.99 IN '02 BUT THAT HAS PROBABLY INCREASED.

(2) First night (Monday, April 12th) we arrive about 6pm, as we are flying from the west coast. What would be some fun things for my daughter and I to do that first night in/around the Dolphin/Boardwalk area? It sounds like some of the Boardwalk evening entertainment venues are geared toward adults. DO THE MINI-GOLF, IT IS SO MUCH COOLER IN THE EVENING AND MAKES A VERY PLEASANT OUTING. OR GO TO THE ESPN ZONE AND EAT IN THE BAR AREA - YOU CAN TAKE YOUR DR LIC TO THE STORE CHECKOUT AND GET A GAME CONTROLLER SO DD CAN PLAY VIDEO GAMES IN THE BOOTH. (NOT AVAIL IN REGULAR RESTAURANT PART). I HAVE THE NACHOS AS MY FULL MEAL -NUMMY. THERE ARE ALSO A FEW ARCADE STYLE GAMES ON THE BOARDWALK BUT YOU CAN SPEND $$$ REALLY FAST.

(3) I read that there is an arcade at the Dolphin. I am wondering if we should check it out, or not I don't want to drop $25 in an arcade, when that could pay for a full day at a waterpark. Anyone been, or have ideas on the cost? NOT THE GREATEST - 10 GAMES? .50 PER GAME I THINK. NOTHING SUPER EXCITING.

(4) Is the Fantasia mini-golf course worth doing? YES - SEE ABOVE - THERE ARE 2 COURSES - WE HAVE DONE BOTH.

(5) Has anyone ever ventured over to the Yacht & Beach Club to check out the pools at Stormalong Bay next door? I am assuming they use a wristband system to keep the neighbors out. I would like to go over to Beaches and Cream and use a Connections Voucher, but I am worried that if DD sees Stormalong Bay -- any appeal of the pool at the Dolphin will be lost. Sadly, we can't afford the extra $100/night for the "better" pool. (teachers rate@ Dolphin). I am also thinking we may need to use the BOAT to Epcot, rather than walking past Y&BC to avoid her seeing Stormalong Bay from the Walkway. I HAVE NOT BEEN TO Y & B - NOT EVEN FOR THE FANTASTIC SODA FOUNTAIN OR WHATEVER THEY AHVE OVER THERE. USE DISNEY ITSELF AS YOUR BLACKMAIL TOOL. I REFUSED ANY WATERPARKS AS WE LIVE AN HOUR FROM WISCONSIN DELLS - SAID I WASN'T DRIVING 26 HOURS TO DO SOMETHING WE COULD DO AT HOME IN A 80 MINUTE DRIVE.

 

[maggiew]

Can you "buy" club level with points if you have a Hotwire reservation? I know about the new policy and how the stay won't count towards gold level, etc.

When is this Swan/Dolphin meet?

Maggie

 

[Disbug]

That is TOO funny? I also asked this over on the SPG info thread... I would also like to know, because that would be great! However, I have a sneaky suspicion the answer is going to be "UH, UH"!

The DisMeet has been narrowed down to the last 2 weeks in July 2004. I am working on it as we speak!

Hope I'm wrong about the Club level upgrade with points (for Hotwire and Priceline)!

 

[Muffy]

Hockeymom, You MUST get better soon! Your trip is almost here! Start taking enchinacea imediatly!

Today we went to MGM and saw Josh'smom again! Last time I mentioned her as being Joshuasmom. Wrong! She is called Josh'smom here on the DIS. Josh is a sweetie too. I am still so happy to have met a DISer, twice!

Tomorrow is our last full day! All good things must come to an end. We all miss our dog anyway. Can't wait to give him a big smooch.

Thanks for the comments on my pictures. Now ya'll know what I look like!! I'm getting the hang of it and will post a picture of DD soon.

Off to see Illuminations!

Muffy

 

[joshua4]

Thanks for all of the camera advice. I think I am screwed though because the camera my dh gave me as a gift is a 5 megapixel Olympus c-50. This means that only 24 pictures fit on a 32 MB card. I need a 512 MB card for 120 or so pics. That is ugly. I did not research cameras before he bought this and I think I could return it if I did it in the next few days (and could get it all packed up the way it was originally). Am I stupid to keep a 5 mp camera? It is so cute and little but I think I am going to go broke on the memory card that I need. Help, help.

On another topic, Disbug, watching for those dates. Keep us posted.

Lauren

 

[jgates]

Lauren - Dig through that direction book carefully. I can't believe there would not be an adjustable setting on that. 5 megapixel should be the MAX it can do. It may default to that also, but SHOULD BE adjustable.

My camera (I checked it is a HP 2.1 Photosmart 320) has the max of 2.1, but again has 3 settings so you can do it at about 1, 1.5 & 2.1. My DS's Sony Cybershot is 3.2, but has 5 or 6 settings so you can do, 3.2, and appr 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1 - you get the idea. My default is whatever the last picture type setting I took was. Unless I change batteries, then it loses that and defaults to position 2 of 3 for mid-quality.

If you can't seem to find it in the book, email Olympus from their web-site - HP answered my questions very quickly and very nicely.

 

[madge]

Originally posted by Disbug
That is TOO funny? I also asked this over on the SPG info thread... I would also like to know, because that would be great! However, I have a sneaky suspicion the answer is going to be "UH, UH"!

The DisMeet has been narrowed down to the last 2 weeks in July 2004. I am working on it as we speak!

Hope I'm wrong about the Club level upgrade with points (for Hotwire and Priceline)!

If someone finds out about the points for CL upgrade with a hotwire reservation, please let me know....just found out about the possibility of a June trip, and the hotwire rate looks pretty darn good I'd love to be able to upgrade to CL with points....I suspect it's a no-go, though.

 

[ozziewags]

Lauren,
I agree with jgates......your camera should be adjustable. 5 megs is the top of the line! Mine is 3.2 and I can use any size card and adjust the quality of the pic and get fewer or more with the adjustments. The less quality the more you get, but it depends what you are shooting. Look again at your instruction booklet. Let us know.

 

[jmcross]

Hi everyone,

After MUCH torture on myself, I have finally convinced my DH to split our upcoming stay. 5 nights at the Swan CL and 2 at AKL savannah view. I can't wait! Now I get to experience two of the most interesting resorts on property.

Hooray!!

Joanne

 

[Disbug]

for you!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Just a quick "Good Morning" (I'm in my office and getting ready for the day). I had such a busy weekend that i needed to catch up on posts!

sounds like a great plan, Joanne!

...will check in tonight since my day is a busy one with an eye doctor appointment after school, too. The ole eyes are starting to age - although I am and always have been extremely nearsighted but now the farsightedness is really kicking in!

Have a Disney day!

 

[marymrg]

Rene - I did this with 2 of my kids. It was a lot of fun. (even though DD fainted at the end..........too much sun, too little water and no breakfast) I would recommend early morning or after dinner.

Disbug - sorry to read about all the sickness but hope that your DD is on the mend!

MaryG