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

hightown · May 7, 2004

Thanks for everyone's advise. I sent an e mail to swan/dolphin requesting a balcony room if any upgrade possible due to my Gold status.

I haven't stayed that frequently at Starwoods since I got my card but everytime, I've never been given an upgrade of any sort. In fact one time, I checked in at the Starwood desk while my boss checked in at the normal check in. He had a really nice room on the pool w/balcony. I was given an handicap room on ground floor w/patio that looked at dirt. I went back to the desk and changed rooms! Didn't get a pool veiw but it was at least off the ground floor and not an accessible room. Maybe this trip will break the spell.

Can't believe it's so close. I certainly hope I love the hotel since it's our longest trip ever.

Will be thinking of all you S/D fans while there. Any other tips or S/D secrets?

Thanks, Sharon

dreamflight99 · May 7, 2004

Originally posted by BambiTamby
LOL, madge!
I never unpack either!

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

Are you on the May 14-28th? We are "reserved" on this one...with a wait" for a CAT 3 (1 BR suite). But, DD is graduating Catholic .H.S. during this time...so it looks futile *( the date of that particular cruise).

We are also on the 4th, & 18th (June) for a CAT 5, waitlisted for the CAT 3. I wish we were able to coordinate this together! ::yes::

If we miss the Panama Canal (repositional) cruise this spring/summer...there's always 2006!

Madge~Takes me FOREVER to unpack (longer than to pack!), as I am saddened by the reality (of the trip~end). :rolleyes:

MOM POPPINS~Yahoo!! AP holders-to-be!! Welcome to the club. :hug:

Also, I have to agree with you about the long-summer nights. Make use, and relax in suite/pool until the late afternoons (which cool-down considerably in the summer) to return to the parks. The late park hours are also a plus! :teeth:

Sharon~Secrets? Tips? Oh, where to begin. There are nearly too many to mention. Is there anything in "particular" you wish to know, or have a question regarding? I'm sure you will LOVE this resort.

Hopefully, some pixie dust will fall over you, and break the spell! I wish you the BEST check-in/stay ever!! :cloud9:

TTFN...DF99 :wave2:

madge · May 7, 2004

Madge~Takes me FOREVER to unpack (longer than to pack!), as I am saddened by the reality (of the trip~end).

well....with our trips spaced so "closely" together, I didn't see any point in putting ponchos, walkie talkies, etc. away, only to be dragging them out again soon....

have I mentioned that I am trying to sweet talk DH into 2 days in October, right around Anna's birthday? LOL.....we are going to Ft. Walton Beach (for free, on points....woo hoo!) and since we are in FL, I can't imagine not popping down to WDW for the Food & Wine Festival and MNSSHP....we won't have the APs anymore, but it sure sounds like fun!

MOM POPPINS · May 7, 2004

Madge ~ Where are you staying at Ft. Walton Beach.... We stayed in this area in 2002 at a Radisson and it was a very run-down hotel, never again

We stayed in Destin at the Hilton Sandestin this year and loved it.

I just realized my reservations are during the "gay days" events. I don't want to go any later in June so... Has anyone been during this time. I am hoping we can go around their scheduled park days and not have much of a problem. Please advise if you can...

madge · May 7, 2004

Originally posted by MOM POPPINS
Madge ~ Where are you staying at Ft. Walton Beach.... We stayed in this area in 2002 at a Radisson and it was a very run-down hotel, never again We stayed in Destin at the Hilton Sandestin this year and loved it.

we are staying at the Sheraton Four Points on Ft. Walton Beach. I've done a lot of research, and it appears to be a nice property. I should have enough points for at least 3, if not 4 nights

dreamflight99 · May 8, 2004

Originally posted by MOM POPPINS
I just realized my reservations are during the "gay days" events. I don't want to go any later in June so... Has anyone been during this time. I am hoping we can go around their scheduled park days and not have much of a problem. Please advise if you can...

Yes...we have.~DD was much younger, and we were completely "oblivious" to the presence of such "events" (which apparently MANY people knew about). Well, We had definitely "noticed" a lot of gay men "openly" displaying affection (holding hands, arms around one another's shoulders/waist), but witnessed one shocking interlude when a "couple" began actually kissing (& groping) one another during an attraction. It was on Splash Mountain, and we were seated directly behind them. I know for a fact DD did not see them, but DH & I did. :eek:

I thought it was an isolated incident.

During this time, my DB & DSIL came to visit us at the resort (from their home in Melbourne Beach). As we walked through the park, again, I noticed a LOT of single-sex "couples" visiting WDW. Much more than I ever recalled seeing on any previous visit. Again, I witnessed a couple (some I would refer to as borderline vulgar) of "inappropriate" scenes, leaving me feeling awkward and uncomfortable. About this time, my DB informed us of the festivities taking place which were aptly dubbed "Gay Days" by the Orlando locals and media. I was completely taken-aback. I had never seen anything on the subject, nor had I ever heard anyone ever speak of it!

No offense intended...but I do not wish to witness ANY explicit public displays between two people of any sex, especially with our young DD present. We were only there on the "tail" end of the event. The day-to-day park atmosphere resumed when the "days" ended, and we could once again "relax" and spend less time "monitoring" DD's vista. :rolleyes:

We are not "uptight" people, but do not appreciate the "pretense" such an event seems to create. We try to keep to ourselves, and not cast judgements on others. Most all of the time, Gay people we witness use discretion when in public, like most other couples. Yet, during "gay-days" we witnessed a sense of relaxed/absent inhibitions which were either encouraged or rewarded with little remarks from passing participants.

The best times to avoid these crowds (and possible scenes such as the above-described) is during the early morning, and early afternoon. Late nights, especially e-ticket nights, could prove to be bothersome for a concerned family with young children. Just be watchful, and use it as an educational opportunity. When DD asked about a couple (men) she DID witness kissing, I told her I did not know them, and could not explain why they kissed (on the mouth). But, I did tell her that people express affection in a myriad of ways. Different cultures kiss on the mouth, and some families do as well, even with regards to men.

We do not visit WDW during this time, mostly because we always travel in July/Aug now (more convenient for DD w/regards to school schedule). Yet, we noticed a "lot" of single gay men last weekend at DL. When we rode the train around the kingdom, there were "5" sitting in the same box car. They also rode all the way around. Two were an obvious "couple," but the other three were sitting apart, just staring at each other...then looking away. We were the only "family" in that section. When we departed, they were still on the train. My husband glanced back at them, and the Disneyland conductor associate noticed. He said something to my husband as he exited the train. DH told me he said, "Yep, they are still there. They ride the train until they "hook-up" together, and get off somewhere. Happens all the time." :confused:

We are definitely not "in the know" on such subjects/trends!

I know you'll have a fabulous time...no matter WHAT events are taking place in the MAGIC! ::yes::

TTFN...DF99 :wave2:

Disbug · May 8, 2004

I believe I was there on the first official Gay Days... also unknowingly. I was 7 months pregnant with DD9. DH, DD15 (who was DD5 back then!) and I were staying at the Ft. Wilderness Cabins and we invited DH's parents to stay for the weekend! I found it rather shocking. Especially when several of them addressed DD5 during the day. I also was periodically having to explain why another man had his arm around another man with his hand in the man's back pocket! :eek:

I found myself uncomfortable most of the time that weekend. I would say you would probably be okay as long as you avoided the MK on Saturday and Pleasure Island on Saturday night. Their slogan is a "Day of Magic and a Night of Pleasure"... Don't wear red.. that is the color T-shirt that I have seen used to identify other gays. A lot of them were wearing their slogan on their red t-shirts.

Keep in mind this is a weeklong event now and other days are spent at Universal and SeaWorld. I would check out the Gay Days Website to see which parks to avoid which day.

SimonB · May 8, 2004

We are staying at the Dolphin this October.

From what I have read on here I can't wait.

KIS · May 8, 2004

Sharon,

We recently returned from our Dolphin WDW stay. It was our first. We loved it. We used the SPG status to get a view upgrade on a teacher discount rate. I emailed and faxed something prior to our departure, about 5 days prior. I made sure much further beforehand that our SPG # was also listed on our reservation.

I did not know prior to check-in whether or not we'd be successful. I inquired specifically upon check-in for a fireworks view upgrade using my SPG points if necessary. We got that view and I have yet to discover if the points were deducted or if it was complimentary.

We got a beautiful view. Epcot in the distance, with the Spaceship Earth orb on the horizon, the lagoon in the front and the Boardwalk in between. We could watch Illuminations from our window and enjoyed it and the view so much. My daughter loved to watch the boats go by.

Everyone,

As promised, I started my trip report. The first day is just travel and check-in, but you might want to see the Dolphin mentioned. I did not yet sing it's praises much, but during the report, I plan to share there how much we enjoyed various features of it as well as the parks.

Thanks again for all the support and help throughout the planning stages.

KIS

marymrg · May 8, 2004

Mompoppins........which 7 day passes did you buy to upgrade? I might do that for my ds7 when we go at the end of the summer. Did they credit you "face value" or did you have to show a receipt?

MOM POPPINS · May 8, 2004

marymrg ~ I bought the tickets through www.disneyworld.com I know Madge has upgraded before without a problem, but I have not upgraded before. 7dayplus adult tickets were 316 plus tax, I thought that was a pretty good price

I wanted to be sure to by at disney in case I have any problems. I was not sure if I bought an annual pass on line when I would be required to make my first visit to start my one year pass. So I decided to go this route...

I am concerened about the "gay days" mostly because of the open affection. I don't want to feel uncomfortable, nor do I want to explain this to my young children. I may want to re-think my plan of days.... :confused:

Thanks for your input DF and Disbug

Waving to the room :wave:

Mouseteacher · May 8, 2004

Good morning, everyone.

DF and Disbug, your experiences during Gay Days was interesting to read. My only comment, for what it's worth, is this: Public displays of affection despite your sexual preference is crass at best. I have always viewed WDW and DL as family entertainment (that is what Walt Disney said upon opening DL)even when I was single and visited with my friends. We were aware that we were choosing to visit a place where children are in abundance. Thus, we never were annoyed or aggravated by the presence of children. With that said, I believe that all adults should be aware that children are present and conduct themselves accordingly. Idealistic thinking on my part, wouldn't you say?

I could go on about social mores and lack of decorum in our world today --- but I will spare you all my dissertation! LOL

madge · May 8, 2004

Originally posted by MOM POPPINS
marymrg ~ I bought the tickets through www.disneyworld.com I know Madge has upgraded before without a problem, but I have not upgraded before. 7dayplus adult tickets were 316 plus tax, I thought that was a pretty good price I wanted to be sure to by at disney in case I have any problems. I was not sure if I bought an annual pass on line when I would be required to make my first visit to start my one year pass. So I decided to go this route...

I am concerened about the "gay days" mostly because of the open affection. I don't want to feel uncomfortable, nor do I want to explain this to my young children. I may want to re-think my plan of days.... Thanks for your input DF and Disbug

Waving to the room

yes, I upgraded 7 day PHP (bought through Paramount) without any real problems. There was a glitch in the computer system, so we paid less than we probably should have to upgrade....I tried to be honest about it, but the CM wouldn't hear me, LOL. He just cancelled out our old passes and started over as if we had bought undiscounted passes straight from WDW. I just look at it as a little bit of pixie dust....LOL....we will have taken 3 trips with those passes

add us to the list of families that visited during gays days. we were last there in June 2002. we did not visit the MK on the actual day, but there were many, many couples milling around at the Boardwalk in the evenings (and I know you won't want to hear this, Mom P) . We also found that many of the couples were staying at the S/D. Most of them were tasteful, but the ones that weren't....they really weren't

would we go back at that time? I don't know....

sarahsmom73 · May 8, 2004

Good Morning everyone!!!

DH is really hoping for a possible trip to the conference at the Dolphin in NOV..... So am I...

My Mom is convinced we need to go for Christmas so it looks like we might go in Dec 2005.... So I have 2 possible trips to look forward to....

I think you guys are stuck with me!

Looking forward to going home to the Dolphin!

Disbug · May 8, 2004

Appreciated reading others input that have also experienced the Gay Days phenomenon. I second Mouseteacher and DF's opining of "PDA"! LOL! I think when I went, it was intended to shock as this was one of the first organized events of it's kind at WDW. The week chosen was the first week our kids were out of school. That was a bothersome coincidence, since this was the week we most loved to go. (Before the heat and the real summer crowds arrive.) Also, the advertising on the T-shirts was a bit over the top for my taste.

If I see couples together of the same sex, I just assume they are good friends visiting WDW! (My PollyAnna glasses are always on! LOL!) Some people just give TMI! Visually or otherwise...

As for going back during Gay Days? For our family, it's a definite NO. There are too many weeks left in the year to enjoy WDW.

sarahsmom73~ We're stuck with you, huh? Well, that's GREAT! We're glad you would want to be stuck with US! LOL! :hyper:

dreamflight99 · May 8, 2004

Originally posted by Disbug
Don't wear red.. that is the color T-shirt that I have seen used to identify other gays. A lot of them were wearing their slogan on their red t-shirts.

This just blows my mind... As the "men" on the train in DL were ALL wearing RED~! I had NO idea this was a CODE~COLOR! :eek:

I also had no idea there was a "GayDays" website...but there is!! :scared1:

www.gaydays.com :rolleyes:

SimonB~WELCOME!! :wave2:

KIS~Where is your TRIP REPORT? I'm eager to read it!! :hyper:

MOM POPPINS~I too...strongly disliked having to "explain" some of the things to my young DD when she asked. Like I wrote...I gave the "vague" answers...and then MOVED ON (using the #1 mom tool of DISTRACTION: Ohhh...LOOK OVER THERE!! LOL).

It's the BEST I could summon under the circumstances. They seemed to be there a couple of days...but then as soon as they came, they were gone. According to their website Calendar...they are at ANIMAL KINGDOM on JUNE 3, MGM STUDIOS on JUNE 4 (& Typhoon Lagoon), MAGIC KINGDOM on JUNE 5, EPCOT on JUNE 6. Maybe it's better to change it early...and avoid all the stress. :hug:

mouseteacher~You are RIGHT-ON the mark!! ::yes::

I agree with you on every point. CHILDREN are PRESENT! I rarely hear profanity while walking around the park...and when I DO hear it, It's mostly from young adults *(trying to be COOL). :rolleyes:

I also feel THONGS at the POOLS are inappropriate swimwear at a FAMILY RESORT! (Now...that's a GREAT TOPIC for a THREAD!) I could also go on & on, but do not like to jump on the soapbox. I am not a prude...but it's a matter of having a little "tact & class." Spitting, Groping on another, loudly using/spewing expletives, showing too much skin, etc., is definitely not appropriate behavior in WDW (or anywhere else!).

sarahsmom73~We're HAPPY to have you "STUCK" here!!

Hope your DH gets the NOV. Dolphin news soon, so we can help you begin planning your visit!! :goodvibes

*Disbug...Thanks for the humorous take, and the light-hearted approach (PollyAnna Glasses). :teeth:

From the website I see there is a HUGE BILLBOARD out on the roadway, advertising the EVENT. You would need VERY special glasses to avoid this one... :cool2:

TTFN...DF99 :wave2:

#1hockeymom · May 8, 2004

*waving*
I think this is one of those times when I am glad we're all in school so we don't have to worry about being there at a time that wouldn't make us feel comfortable!

72 more days to go.... just over ten weeks... will I make it?

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers! P and PD for great kids, fantastic husbands, and nothing but relaxation all day long!

Debbie

KIS · May 8, 2004

dreamflight99:

I put it on the trip reports. "First Family WDW tTrip"

I just did our first day (travel and arrival to Dolphin) and now I'm about to start our first MK park day!

KIS