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

[Mouseteacher]

klcason~The teacher/nurse/gov't rate is the best! Usually 50% off rack rate is still much higher than $129, $139 and even $149. DH and I spent our anniversary at the Swan last July and truly loved every "heavenly" minute! Happy Anniversary and enjoy your S/D stay!

 

[dreamflight99]

....I just posted on another POOL-HOPPING thread, even though I promised myself I would only READ it!! (LOL).

**HAPPY SATURDAY to ALL!

*Wow...FORDHAM has a strong showing here on our thread! I'm impressed! Thanks for letting me know, and for the positive NOD with respect to Jesuit Catholic education.

bballmom56~As Madge posted, I too use the National/Alamo rental car rental from MCO, dropping off at the Dolphin. It's ultra-convenient. If you check-out Mary's site at www.mousesavers.com, you will see how to apply multiple discounts. I too, have the entertainment book (plus costco, AAA, etc.). We take the car to Target, (stock-up), and maybe to the O. Garden or other restaurant off-property. We ALWAYS stop at Chick Fil A on the way to the resort from the AP/other location! Traditions!!

kctinkerbell~How exciting!!

Mass at the Shrine is inspirational/beautiful. It takes 15-20 minutes to reach it from the Dolphin.

lovingthemouse~Sending you Caroline! Hope all is ~MAGICAL~ in the kingdom of the !!

Mouseteacher~Your DH & I are cut from the same cloth...LAST-MINUTE PACKERS!!
I have tried to reform...to no avail. It's the "heightened sense & stress" under which I thrive!

lat~You're very welcome. CONGRATULATIONS!!

Dismom63~Grown-up Dinner date @ Blue Zoo sounds FAB!
I'm sure you can still make a PS for this restaurant. Give them a call as soon as possible. Enjoy your time alone together.

madge~I used to tell the front-desk my intentions, and then call room-service (mini-bar police) and inform them of my actions as soon as I was settled into the room. They were always gracious, and never once bothered me with "mini-bar" visits during my stay!

jmcross~Oh, Joanne! You & me both...
I can hardly wait to leave...just four months now! Seems like just yesterday I left our suite at the Dolphin. Where does the time go?

liltoot~Welcome! YES...the ent. rate is offered at 50% off the regular rack rate, and is subject to availability. Please, call the Dolphin/Swan asap and inquire about your specific dates/preferences! This discount is even available on SUITES (up to Exec)! The "early-bird" gets the worm...so call soon.

klcason~Welcome, Kayla! EARLY Congrats on your upcoming 10th-year anniversary~! Yes, informing the associate of your anniversary may indeed increase the chances of a complimentary upgrade (based upon availability). Your rate of $129 is fabulous, and the ent. rate would not be lower than this amount.

TTFN...DF99

 

[kctinkerbell]

Thanks DF, I appreciate the response about The Shrine

What about the size of the frig? Do you think I can fit 1/2 ga. of milk, some bottled water, and a six pack of beer? I might need a cold one before I go to bed since I'm traveling with 2 DD's who are going to wear me out during the day!
If I tell them that my daughter is on medication that needs to be refrigerated do you think they will give it to me for free, or should I just clean it out myself?

We leave next week and I am packing today. I have to because my DD's keep packing and unpacking and dragging their suitcases around the house. I think I will pack them up and put them in the car My 2 DD's (6 and almost 4) only learned of our trip last week and they have proceded to draw a picture for each of the princesses. Now I have something else to put into my fannypack .

Thanks for all the great help!

kctinkerbell

 

[liltoot]

help! Can anyone tell me if 147.00 a night at the Dolphin for the first week of December is a good price? It's for a king bed no view. Thanks in advance for any info on this resort or the swan resort.

 

[Loubon]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
[b*Wow...FORDHAM has a strong showing here on our thread! I'm impressed! Thanks for letting me know, and for the positive NOD with respect to Jesuit Catholic education.

I'm glad that you view me graduating from there as a positive nod!

 

[dreamflight99]

kctinkerbell~You're welcome.

As for the fridge...it is definitely FREE because you need to maintain a certain temp. for DD's medication. Call ahead and request this on your reservation. This fridge is "different" and larger than the mini-bar. It will hold a small container of milk, bottled water and other items. The mini-bar will easily hold/chill a six-pack of Beer, (the fridge may too...but could be crowded with the other items you mentioned).

*Drawing Princess pictures and dragging suitcases around? How endearing is that? You have two very happy, excited and expressive little girls!!

liltoot~Since I have never traveled to the Dolphin during December...I can not offer an answer. Hopefully, one of the sisters or other posters can offer an opinion based upon travel during this time of year. Sorry...

TTFN...DF99

 

[zurgswife]

Not much of an expert but I think $147 would be a great rate since rack rate is about $252 for that time of year...

I'll be there on Dec 11, 12...but I'm using points for my room...

 

[paras4ri]

DF99 - Following your comment on traditions, we've gone to Chef Mickey's for breakfast on each of our earlier trips with the kids. Their grandparents then lived in Orlando and they would join us.

Now it's 5 years later.....Grandma & Grandpa are living back in RI and DS is soon to be a teenager. We've been talking about PS since we can book them in a few short weeks and didn't even figure Chef Mickey's into the plan. Turns out he was very upset by that because it's a tradition that we go there. Needless to say we'll be heading back there in July!

Today I showed my friend who's traveling with us this summer the beautiful pictures posted on this thread. We can hardly wait to get there!!!!

 

[lovingthemouse]

Thanks DF - i think all of them are ready for this trip- i sure am!!!

Hey, just think - if i can't stay at the Dolphin, i'll get to ride by it on the Disney bus every night on the way to the ASMovies.
We also love Chef Mickey's for a dinner and when we bring our 5 yr old grandson in April, plan to take him there. Always wondered what would happen if anyone had a full napkin and then swung it around their head... i know, a strange thought!!!

JMCross- you can always sneak into one of our bags - you aren't too far from our airport!!!

Mouseteacher - hope that you had a good week at school.

Used some of our Starwood points for a free first night in April at the Sheraton Safari in LBV - then into our timeshare.

Hope that you all have a wonderful week. I'll post when we get back - and i am sure there will be many happy kids for having had this great "field trip!"

Caroline

 

[paras4ri]

Originally posted by lovingthemouse
We also love Chef Mickey's for a dinner and when we bring our 5 yr old grandson in April, plan to take him there. Always wondered what would happen if anyone had a full napkin and then swung it around their head... i know, a strange thought!!!

LOL!!! Now that would be a sight!!!!

On another thread someone posted that they were told what floor and wing they'll be on at the Dolphin this summer. Has anyone heard of specifics like that available this far in advance of a stay? I did ask the OP who they spoke with but am still waiting for a reply.

 

[dreamflight99]

paras4ri~Oh, Gail...what a sweet account. Sometimes, in the hustle/bustle of the "rush" of life, we tend to overlook things which are near/dear to our children (even when they are growing & have grown). We may underestimate or even fail to recognize the importance they place on such "things," (traditions).

It would literally take an entire PAGE to list the many traditions we have maintained together over the years. We return to them, again and again, year after year, nurturing them as if they (events) were some kind of entity, (LOL). It is strange how the "feeling" associated with these practices never wavers. The warmth never fades, and the glow remains long afterward. We even reminisce together, as we grasp for the "ties which bind" and define us as a family. Looking back, some of the fondest memories we share, are times wrapped tightly in an inherited pattern of some type. We are truly "steeped" in such an essence, and embrace the act of family rituals/customs.

You have obviously raised a very conscientious, caring and sentimental DS. The markings of a truly decent human being. You are to be commended for such efforts. As in this world of often harsh reality, it is comforting to know such character traits exist, and are continually fostered by caring, loving and wonderful parents (such as yourself!). Keep up the GREAT work.
Be sure to make the plans soon, and offer the details to your DS for peace of mind. Just the "knowing"...is PRICELESS.

zurgswife~: Your plans sound wonderful. Hope you are doing better, and everyone is supporting/loving during these trying times.

LOU~I didn't even see your post in there (sneaky!).
Which Fordham (campus) did you attend? You are in GREAT company here on this thread, as other Alum checked-in after you posted!

TTFN...DF99

 

[paras4ri]

DF99 - You just made me tear up reading your beautiful words. He is a special kid and so is his sister. Thank you for reminding me of that!

 

[madge]

Gail,

I know that my room has been blocked for several weeks, since late January/ early February. The only reason I know this is because I have 2 seperate reservations and I don't want to change rooms. I was assured that I was blocked in the same room. No idea what room/floor it is, though....

it can't hurt to call and ask. the worst they can say is that they can't tell you.

chef mickey's....we have eaten there every trip but one, I think. I thought aout skipping it this time, trying to Crystal Palace instead...but my oldest, my 14-year-old, is the one insisting on Chef Mickey's

 

[sarahsmom73]

Almost to the 30 day mark until the Dolphin!!! We will be arrive April 7th! I can't wait!

Anybody been to spa at the Dolphin for a massage? I think I may treat myself!

 

[Loubon]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
LOU~I didn't even see your post in there (sneaky!).
Which Fordham (campus) did you attend? You are in GREAT company here on this thread, as other Alum checked-in after you posted!

Mostly Lincoln Center since I grew up in NYC but I did take a few courses at the Rose Hill campus in the Bronx.

And ditto what you said about my pal Gail!

 

[paras4ri]

Originally posted by Loubon
And ditto what you said about my pal Gail!

Right back at you Lou!

Madge - who would I call to ask? I'm an spg member and can see my reservation on their website. I made the reservation directly with the hotel because it's a corporate rate.

 

[Muffy]

Originally posted by paras4ri

who would I call to ask? I'm an spg member and can see my reservation on their website. I made the reservation directly with the hotel because it's a corporate rate. [/B]

I always call the Dolphin directly. 1 407 934 4000

 

[Mouseteacher]

Paras4r1~ Traditions- we, too, have a list of traditions and like you thought my DSs wouldn't want to do them anymore...WRONG! Just like family Christmas traditions are important to them so, too, are our Disney traditions.

Caroline~ Have fun - I would take a Disney trip any way I could -- ASMu, S/D or any resort would do if choice was not an option.

sarahsmom73~ I haven't used the spa but am thinking of doing so this summer. If you do, please post when you return about your experience.

 

[madge]

Originally posted by Muffy
I always call the Dolphin directly. 1 407 934 4000

what Muffy said, LOL....

I have made the conscious effort not to pack, just yet. why? I'm not sure, LOL....it just doesn't seem right to be packed and ready this far out.

on topic....is Thabo at the Swan these days?

 

[TexasErin]

The last time we stayed at the Dolphin was in 2000. Are the rooms still the same with the turquoise and coral stripes?