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

[jgates]

OK, we are mid-day so you guys are probably working hard.....

I installed my new wireless card in my laptop. This laptop is a few years old and is Window ME. It shows the icon for it down on the toolbar and the lights are blinking green on the card, but it is not connecting. The icon on the toolbar shows red. The hotel is telling me it should find it automatically. Somewhere back multiple pages here I was given directions to 'ENABLE THE CARD'.

Now this is a Windows ME machine, not XP. Where do I need to tell it to actuall 'look' at the card, not a dial-up.

Since I don't have the nice handy helpful people from the Swan to get me going, but a bunch of 'it should work' at the check-in desk......I'm asking you guys for help!!!!

(There is a configuration menu on the wireless toolbar icon, but the desk said it should not need to be altered - it should find it.)

Thanks guys!!! I'll check during our next break.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by MOM POPPINS


That settles it, I am in for May 2005 now to adjust that timer!
Does anyone know if they will be changing the parades to new ones during this time also?

I'm SURE they will!! You are SO cute! What happened to the "every other year thing?" (LOL). You are becoming an ANNUAL traveler...like me! Better buy some AP's on the MAY 2005 visit. You could plan the MAY visit, and hop aboard the DISNEY MAGIC for the incredible Special 14-day "repositional" cruise to CALIFORNIA! The MAGIC will travel through the Western Itinerary...through the PANAMA canal...and up the Mexican Coast to Long Beach. The date is May 14-28. You could rent a car from Cali...to Texas. Talk with DH...as the ship is filling FAST~! As far as the heat/humidity in early June (WDW), you have heat/humidity in TEXAS...eh? You can handle it. It does not bother me...and I live in ZERO humidity here in So. Cali.

Debbie~In telling the story of the "tragedy" which occurred with your DSIL...I actually began to cry. Just the "thought" of the scene...brings me to tears. They did all the "right" things, and complied 100%. They actually GAVE these thugs everything they asked for...only to have one turn around and SHOOT your DSIL in the leg. It defies common logic/explanation, making it that much more difficult to comprehend. My thoughts and prayers continue with your DB.

Keep on convincing yourself...as the glass truly IS half~full!! The Robbery/shooting is prime reminder and example of how FRAGILE life is, and how important it is "NOT TO WAIT" to do the things you desire with your loved ones. Congrats on your new ressies!! "Bradyland" is better than REALITYLAND any day of the week!

Kelli~Did you find the Concierge thread?

*DCL announced the cruises...and they are all posted on their website! I've had difficulty reaching anyone to CONFIRM our cruise...and "heard" they are more than 1/2 sold~out already~! There are no discounts being offered, and the price is a bit higher than the 7-nights out of Fla. Yet, the 14-day cruise would only cost us $3000 more than the 14-eve cruise! Not bad...at $1000 a piece for another 7-eves.

TTFN...DF99 :happy2:

 

[BambiTamby]

Just popping in to and everyone!!!!

dreamflight...please send me that cruise link!
I'd love to go on that with you and your family!
Think all the suites are already taken?

 

[madge]

:::waving to the room:::

we are at not quite 3 weeks away from our "mom & dad only" trip to the Swan.....I can't even tell you how forward I am looking to it while the stress that's been going on in our lives cannot compare to others on the board, there have been some tough times at our house (church related issues) and a break is in order! I just read that e-nights are back for May 31, and several nights in July, too!

On a lighter note, I was able to get the AP rate at the Wilderness Lodge for July, so we are doing another split stay...a few nights at the Dolphin and a few nights at the WL. It's been 5 years since we stayed there--I can't wait! I was also able to get a PS for breakfast with Cinderella

I like your thinking, Debbie....I need to start thinking that the glass is half-full, too!

 

[Mouseteacher]

madge~ I hope you and DH have a wonderful get away to the Swan. DH and I did that last July. The Swan was the perfect resort for the two of us - a bit more intimate and romantic. We had a relaxing and wonderful time. We loved sitting out on our balcony and watching the scenery - the scenery I love the most ---WDW and the S/D!! I felt the "World" wrap itself around me like a beautiful blanket.

 

[MOM POPPINS]

{{{ Hugs to the room }}}

I made ressies today
WDW here we come! Dolphin Jr. Suite Club level, May 29th. - June 8th. 2005. Told DH to take off 2 weeks for our trip to "Alabama"... I am so excited... now to keep this to myself..at least I can share here with you guys! Our vacation at Point Clear Alabama at the Marriot Grand Hotel resort will be June 8th- June 11th on our way back to Texas. BTW Summer 2005 is my 40th. birthday(ouch) this will be a birthday present to myself


Waving to the room!

 

[Mouseteacher]

MP~:thewave:

 

[#1hockeymom]

Yeah! mompoppins gets to book an earlier trip!

Madge>> I am PROBABLY booking the poly (DD and DS really want to go there) for the last three or four days of the S/D trip. Between all of us we'll have all the resorts covered!

Mouseteacher>> I loved your line about wrapping around you like a blanket!

You guys are great!

Debbie

PS Remember, the glass is half full, the glass is half full (no new news)

On a happier note, with the glass is half full stuff I also tend ot start saying "hakuna Matata.. what a wonderful phrase", whenever DH gets stressed out on the road. Not sure this is helpful, but it keeps me from glaring back! We can't get divorced, no one wants the house! (inside joke, but true!)

 

[hightown]

Ok guys! As you'll see by my counter am down to a week. I need your sage advise on what do to to maybe increase chance of getting a balcony room. That's first on my wish list. I'd also like to spend some points and get club access if possible.

We'll check in Friday 5/14 and leave Sat 5/22. Up until today, spg web site showed no availability for a couple of my nights but now shows available for the whole time. Right now I have a "Traditional, Resort View, View of Cresent Lake".

So should I call 5 days out and try to buy club access and do an 'oh by the way, does it look like a complimentary upgrade to a balcony is possible?

If I call, is it starwood that I call (the gold member number) or the hotel itself?

Looks like 5 days out is Sunday. Does this have to be a workday do do this?

Should I e mail the hotel and does that have to be 5 days out?

Should I wait till check in?

Thanks all for your advise and experience!

Sharon

 

[paras4ri]

Originally posted by #1hockeymom
Mouseteacher - I loved your line about wrapping around you like a blanket!

So do I!!!

We're doing the 8-week dance tonight because 8 weeks from now we'll be done with work and loading the van for our morning departure!!!!


Things are really coming together. Park hours....including E-nights have been announced. The PS I've already made fit perfectly. This is so exciting!

I'm telling myself that I'm going to wait until June 15th before I call the Dolphin to see if I can get any idea of the room we'll have. I e-mailed the resort asking for a room with a balcony a few weeks ago and they acknowledged getting it. I even have an "excuse" for the call so I don't get listed as a pest!

Sounds like everyone else's summer plans are falling into place....and some for 2005 already too!!!

 

[dreamflight99]

Bambi~Take a peek at the DU cruise link on the first page of the DIS! Yes, the suites are either taken, or WAIT~LIST ONLY. So, I am wait-listed for a 1- bedroom (Cat 3) on each of the cruises I reserved. We are booked in a Cat. 5 Stateroom, with verandah (otherwise). The prices are a bit higher than Florida's (because they are SPECIAL...LOL), and the rates actually increased overnight (probably due to high demand!). They are 3/4 sold-out as of this afternoon....and going FAST!
I had to pay $750 for each ressie, but can narrow it down and cancel the others (full refund) when we decide. I am SO excited...as it will be breeze cruising from here!

mouseteacher~What a beautiful "take" on the SWAN & WDW. I too...feel that "blanket" the moment I step off the plane in Orlando...and the MAGIC officially begins!

madge~Are you packed yet?

MOM POPPINS~{{{Hugging back!}}} HOW EXCITING!!! You DID it, and have "officially" joined the ranks of the ANNUAL trekkers...like moi! I'm so excited for you! Now...we can all keep up to date on the "particulars" since your DH is out of the loop. I chat about WDW and our trips so much with DH...I'd go CRAZY if he did not know! Keep your lips sealed.

**BTW..."40" is the NEW "20!"

Debbie...~You are a hoot! "Hakuna Matata" what a wonderful phrase!! I can picture it now. I sometimes sing the old "Don't worry...be happy" tune myself! Lol...
I also love your inside joke...as everyone truly knows, these are the SECRETS of the LIFE~LONG MARRIAGES! We have OODLES of them...and they all evoke laughter, even in the midst of turmoil.

hightown~Sharon...I would definitely email your request, and also call on the 10th (monday), to confirm your request. As for the CL, I'm not sure the best angle. Personally, if the balcony is more important, I would secure that first. THEN, I would go about requesting "Club level privs" from the Balcony room. YES...it CAN be done. You have to be a bit "insistent" on the balcony...as the CL rooms do not have this feature. I wish you the BEST with your plans...and will send extra pixie dust your way! I'm sure some of the other sisters will have more to offer on the subject.

paras4ri~You could never be listed as a pest...you're too sweet!! 8~weeks...that's about the time we leave too! I'm excited, and nervous..trying to "tighten" everything down. Have to keep swimming, swimming, swimming...

TTFN...DF99

 

[Mouseteacher]

Sharon ~ I would deal directly with the resort and make sure your spg # is attached to your ressie. Don't get discouraged if after e mailing or calling in a request doesn't appear to be working, you still have a good chance at check-in to get your balcony room (follow DF's advice on the order of your preferences). We got our balcony room (jr. suite attached to that balcony, I must add again!) at check-in even though I e mailed the Swan my request months in advance and called 3 days out. I had to ask at check-in. The CM at Swan check-in was a sweetheart!

 

[paras4ri]

Good luck with your requests Sharon. I'm hoping you get all you wish for at the Dolphin - and that you have a magical vacation!!!

 

[madge]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher
madge~ I hope you and DH have a wonderful get away to the Swan. DH and I did that last July. The Swan was the perfect resort for the two of us - a bit more intimate and romantic. We had a relaxing and wonderful time. We loved sitting out on our balcony and watching the scenery - the scenery I love the most ---WDW and the S/D!! I felt the "World" wrap itself around me like a beautiful blanket.

boy, oh boy....that is exactly what we need! add a little TLC from Mama T and we are all set

Lisa.....am I packed? LOL....I haven't unpacked all the way from our trip last month

 

[BambiTamby]

LOL, madge!
I never unpack either!

dreamflight....can't do those dates!
DS is graduating from 8th grade (Catholic School) during that time!

And we were sooo close, in fact, I got a quote from DU for that cruise this evening.....

Well, you can tell us all about it next year!

Maybe I'll swing out to LA and go from there!
Make a market then cruise trip out of it!

Nite-nite!

 

[bard721]

MomPoppins
Are your ressies using the teachers' rate for May 2005? I am still not exactly sure when our colleges have graduation and final grades due in May, but I will certainly expedite the process if the teachers rates have been released.

 

[sarahsmom73]

I'd like to know about the teachers rates that far in adavance too... DO they do them?

 

[#1hockeymom]

Have a wonderful trip, Madge!

 

[madge]

Originally posted by #1hockeymom
Have a wonderful trip, Madge!

3 more weeks.....3 more weeks.....it will fly by, too! My oldest is graduating from 8th grade on the 25th, and then school is officially out on the 27th....it's a busy time.

have a great weekend, everyone!!

on topic: are there king rooms on CL at the Swan?

 

[MOM POPPINS]

I made a regular reservation for May/June 2005. I will have it changed to Teacher/Government rate when/if available. I know its early but I wanted to make sure and have a suite for the Dolphin. I have also bought 3/ 7-daypasses and I need to buy 3 more. I am going to convert these to annual passes on arrival. I want to have everything pre-paid before we go I am still hoping it will not be to hot.... DD with progressive hearing loss cannot be out in oppressive heat. I think the longer hours this time of year will help and we can always take a afternoon break and head back out at dusk when the sun is not so smoltering.

Waving to the room