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

[KIS]

Disbug, #1Hockeymom, Sarahsmom 73, kctinkerbell and Mouseteacher,

Thanks for your responses. I would have written sooner, but I'm in the throes of packing for our trip. We leave Saturday morning around 7 a.m. airport-bound.

Such varying styles on transportation to parks! We'd be either leaving our room anywhere from 6:45 to 7:15 am -- or so it seems by your collective wisdom.

I think we'll leave our room at around 7 am for the first day, early entry into MK and see how it goes.

Mouseteacher, how long is the walk to the Swan bus stop from the Dolphin, Fireworks views wing (I'm being optimistic here about the view upgrade)?

Sarahs mom 73, What do you mean by "opening the MK"? Please explain so I can appreciate how moved you were by this and what you are recommending.

#1hockeymom, We are looking forward to the Grotto. The big, adult kids and the 5 y.o. one, too. Same goes for the Dolphin Fountain. Mouseteacher's already explained about the ice cream. My daughter's got her documentation set for that free ice cream there for her raving school report.

Have any of you done the surrey ride? I thought two adults and a 5 y.o. could pedal that thing around the boardwalk. I recently read a thread discussing how difficult it was to do in fact.

I am really looking forward to this trip. It's down to the wire, but, I've been so well-prepared by these boards and Len Testa with www.touringplans.com that I may well get part of a day's work in on Friday, despite my assumption otherwise.

I'll try to check back on the boards to see how many of your are jealous that I'm going to your favorite haunt. I have a feeling that WDW is much better than virtual Disney on these boards. But, it's all I know so far. I can't wait to come back and give everyone a report.

Best to you all. And thank you for letting me break into your conversation. I wish I had the time to read this whole thread and enjoy seeing how you all have interacted. It sounds like some of you have had some rough times.

Have you ever looked back on your old posts and laughed? I have a feeling if I looked at mine, I'd crack up big time.

KIS

 

[paras4ri]

Originally posted by KIS
Have any of you done the surrey ride? I thought two adults and a 5 y.o. could pedal that thing around the boardwalk. I recently read a thread discussing how difficult it was to do in fact.

Good morning!

I can speak from experience that pedaling one of those surreys can be difficult, but not in all areas. There's a good-sized incline or hill when you approach the Swan/Dolphin from either the Boardwalk or Yacht & Beach Club. Pedaling up was near impossible for 4 adults (although I'm sure the beer we had didn't help!).....but we were fine with a push from some helpful folks on foot. You should be fine if you don't plan to go completely around the lake, just stay in the area of the Boardwalk and Yacht & Beach Club. It is fun and we hope to be able to do it this summer with our kids.

 

[sarahsmom73]

KIS

When we arrived at the MK at 7:50 there was a small crowd waiting... We went through the security and picked a line (BTW the one all the way to the right moved fast!!!) All of a sudden there was exciting music playing and a family was chosen to "open" the MK.. That wasn't us, but the atmosphere was amazing!The music brought tears to the eyes of many! I guess it just felt magical! Beinng one of the 1st people to walk through the gates was so cool! Seeing Main Street completely empty was really neat!

 

[Mouseteacher]

KIS~ the walk would be about 10 minutes, I guess. Leave your room, go to Dolphin lowest level, exit the door by the Dolphin fountain, walk the pathway (pass by the boat dock) that connects the Swan to the Dolphin, enter the Swan lobby and walk straight through to the opposite exit door (by the check-in counter to the drive entry area) and the bus stop is to your left. I found that the bus was less crowded by picking it up here rather than the Dolphin. Also, when a bus was crowded and we were standing coming home, we got off at he Swan.

Re: Surrey bikes! We had so much fun and lots of laughs! However, our bike held DH and DS (then 18) in the front and me and DS(then 16) in the back and even with all that male power(!)we had a hard time get up "heartbreak hill" or maybe it was the constant laughter that slowed us down. You can always get off and push your bike up the hill.

 

[madge]

Originally posted by paras4ri
Good morning!

I can speak from experience that pedaling one of those surreys can be difficult, but not in all areas. There's a good-sized incline or hill when you approach the Swan/Dolphin from either the Boardwalk or Yacht & Beach Club. Pedaling up was near impossible for 4 adults (although I'm sure the beer we had didn't help!).....but we were fine with a push from some helpful folks on foot. You should be fine if you don't plan to go completely around the lake, just stay in the area of the Boardwalk and Yacht & Beach Club. It is fun and we hope to be able to do it this summer with our kids.

I think they call that "Heartbreak Hill", LOL....we have done it in the spring, when the weather is cooler...when it's hot I don't think we'd be able to make it, LOL!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by #1hockeymom

DD is debating on going, although if she does, DBF stays HOME!

GOOD FOR YOU!~I agree with you 100+%. My DS's daughter (my niece) has ALWAYS had a BF (as long as I can remember...LOL). She has missed SO many FAMILY trips and outings, because she refused to be "separated" for even one day! Well, she is now a single mom @ 19, with a 4 mo DD of her own. A few trips ALONE with her family may have helped to thwart this. Therefore...I support you in your efforts.

disfanRN~Welcome BACK! Celebration...is one of our annual stops. What a "quaint" place to relax and lookiloo. We enjoy the shops, and always take in an early eve flick at the little theater. It's absolutely MAGICAL there.

*WOW~6 Free Tickets? You'll be back to WDW and the SWAN in NO TIME!

KIS~I wish you a FABULOUS time in the MAGIC!

*Surrey Bike~We personally own one of these bikes, and have a fabulous time riding ours. Of course, I exercise daily, and try to keep my GAMS in shape! We ride up and over Freeway passes and large inclines with relative ease, (Haven't tried this after beer & wine Gail!) and TRULY ENJOY the wild/fast downhill ride on the other side. You have to be careful, as they can actually "tip" over during this time, if you make an abrupt turn. For the rest of the time, they are perfectly safe and fun.

sarahsmom73~Wow...I've never heard of that before. We sleep~in on our vacation, and usually never get to the parks before 2pm. What a nice and memorable feature...to open the MK! This summer, we will get up one day EARLY to OPEN the MK PARK!

mouseteacher~We have watched SO many people "pushing" the surreys over Heartbreak hill from our suite at the Dolphin...and also witnessed the Lightning "RUNNERS" tearing across the pavement as the afternoon "deluge" releases from the sky!

*Vacation change/update~I changed our flight plans yesterday, leaving from LAX and arriving at MCO by way of Atlanta. Seems better and a little faster than Salt Lake. Still first class, still the same seats. We leave at 6:00 am, and arrive in Orlando at 4:11 pm (lost three hours while traveling!). Of course, the flight home is MUCH faster...LOL.

DD is going to her Junior Prom Sat eve, with a "good friend." None of her friends are really dating, (too busy with school and other activities), and all are going with guy Friends. They all do things together as friends, and have known each other for years. She even paid $35 for her own ticket! He wanted to get her a corsage, but she wanted to "choose" her own. So, we went to a shop yesterday, and selected a very fragrant Wristlet for just under $20 (w/white tuberose, white roses, and delphinium). She's all set!

"There's something missing in my home, I feel it day and night, I know it will take time and strength before things feel quite right. But just for now, I need to mourn, my heart---it needs a mend. Though some may say "It's just a pet" I know I've lost a friend. You've brought such laughter to my home, and richness to my days...a constant friend through joy or loss, with gentle loving ways. Companion, Pal, and Confidante, and friend I won't forget, you'll live for always in my heart, my sweet forever pet..." (MAC). XO

TTFN...DF99

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Dreamflight and #1 HockeyMom ~ A little insight on my own personal experience to this... I was "the single Mom" although I found myself in this situation at 24 and a senior in college. I had dated the same guy for 8 years and even went to college together ... Anyways I also missed the family vacations during most of my high school years.... I look back now and wished I could have "seen the light" and spent more time with my family. BTW I met DH when DD was only 6 weeks old and we have been together every since.. and we married when she was 2. I am still figuring out how to explain all of this to DD's little sisters

Baby Kirk had his hospital discharge check-up today and is doing great, thanks for all your prayers and pixie dust....

I wished I was at WDW! I am jealous of all of you going this summer and I wished I could make it to the Sorority meet this summer.... I can't wait to see the new rooms at the Dolphin when we visit again!

Waving to the room

 

[Mouseteacher]

MP~great news about baby Kirk! Thank goodness!

DF~Of course, you must still mourn. The house must feel "empty and quiet". I know when I leave my Reilly at the groomers, the house just isn't the same. It seems too quiet without her and it's only for a few hours...she isn't under my feet while I'm vaccuming or begging for food if I'm having a snack or looking out the window and barking at squirrels or sitting in front of me staring at me telling me it's time for a walk or hearing her tags making tinkling noise as she moves about the house. They are certainly a "presence" and a gaping hole is in your family. to you.

 

[zurgswife]

sarahsmom73~Wow...I've never heard of that before. We sleep~in on our vacation, and usually never get to the parks before 2pm. What a nice and memorable feature...to open the MK! This summer, we will get up one day EARLY to OPEN the MK PARK

DF...You don't know what you are missing it is great fun...The Zurgs have actually opened the parks twice but that was before the opening family got to ride in on the train. We are planning to do it during our December vacation this year. We have made very good friends with on of the Manager CM's in charge of picking the opening family. She was very disappointed when we found her at the end of our trip last year...there wasn't time to be the opening family...so, next trip she is first on our list of CM check-ins...That way we can have enought time for it to be arranged..... can't wait until december...

On a sadder note looks like I'm headed to NC again (4th time in 3 months)...my mom isn't expected to make it through the week...my dad needs lots of support to I'm headed down. I think my sister will arrive about the day I leave. That way no matter when she passes in the next 8 days...my sis or I will be there to comfort my dad...

 

[KIS]

My family may as well try the surry ride, I think. I'll let you know if that's actually what happens.

Thanks for the information about the opening gate, sarahsmom 73. It sounds very exciting.

Mouseteacher, I appreciate the Swan tip. I bet the bus stop won't be too hard to find.

I think I'm beginning to fly (magic, not the airplane). Actually, this will be the first flight of anyone in my family since 9/11. We can't stop our lives because of that.

When I come back, I want to read this thread. You guys seem to have really enjoyed each other's company.

I appreciate you taking the time to respond to my questions.

I'll let you know how magical everything is. I'm psyched.

KIS

 

[paras4ri]

So sorry to hear about your mother ZW.

Glad to hear Baby Kirk's checkup went well. :happy2:

Have a wonderful trip KIS. When do you leave?

 

[jgates]

Travel safely ZW!!!! My heart is with you!

 

[BambiTamby]

{{{{HUGS}}}} to you, ZW!

Wave to all in the room!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Thank you for the support, DF and MP! Glad baby Kirk is doing better and better! I was away when he had his last hospital stay. Sounded very scary!

ZW>> Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! ((hugs))

KIS>> Have a wonderful trip! The Swan bus stop is easy to find, and it is always first on in the loop! You'll always have a seat!

Sarahsmom>> I have finally made it to park opening, but have yet to see the actual park OPEN! *in real English now* A half hour after park opening has even impressed us! We tried to do as many early mornings as possible, but we also tend to sleep in on vacation! I think MK glows in the morning sun! It is just beautiful with the sun rising and less people around!

Giant sorority wave to all! It is Friday!
Debbie

P.S. I miss Disney!

 

[sarahsmom73]

ZW~ My prayers are with your family.......

You guys all have me excited for you to open the MK!!!

I don't think a day has gone by since we got back that DH or I or both haven't mentioned going back home to the Dolphin!!! It iwll be a couple of years as DH and I don't have the same spring break (we teach in different towns!)

KIS~ You have to try the Dolphin Fountian onion rings!!! They are AWESOME!

 

[DonnaLeah]

Just popping in to say "Hi"!!

Sending prayers from Illinois to those whose lives have been touched by tragedy and illness.

My family is staying at the Swan starting on May 5th. Think I have decided to add an extra night if possible. Checked the website last evening and there was availibility!!

Paras4ri- Did you ever find out where to find Mickey donuts? I will check out the Boardwalk Bakery for you. LOL

Also, has anyone ever used Club Dolphin for their children? Usually don't leave DS5, but the possibility of a nice dinner with my DH sounds very tempting!!

Wishing everyone a bright and sunny weekend!!

Donna

 

[Disbug]

Good for you! Glad to hear you were able to get a room..

Camp Dolphin is supposed to be a lot of fun from what I've heard! My children have done the Neverland Club at the Poly and Cub's Den at WL and loved them both! The only one my older DD who is now 15 thought was JUST OKAY was the one at the Contemporary.

Did you know if you eat at a Swan or Dolphin restaurant (Shula's, Palios, Blue Zoo, to name a few) you get 2 hrs of childcare at Camp Dolphin for free? That is like getting $20 taken off of your bill! Also, if you get her there between 5:30 and 6:45 PM, they will feed her dinner at either the Dolphin fountain or Tubbi's (no extra charge)...

Wave to the room! Hello Sorority! See ya at 8 PM tonight!

 

[madge]

Originally posted by BambiTamby
{{{{HUGS}}}} to you, ZW!

Wave to all in the room!

hugs and safe travel from me, as well, ZW {{hugs}}

 

[madge]

Originally posted by sarahsmom73
ZW~ My prayers are with your family.......

You guys all have me excited for you to open the MK!!!
we have never opened the MK, but in the pre-Sept 11 days, Carter was selected to open Fantasyland. He was thrilled, until he saw the people rushing to ride Dumbo, LOL...that scared him!

I don't think a day has gone by since we got back that DH or I or both haven't mentioned going back home to the Dolphin!!! It iwll be a couple of years as DH and I don't have the same spring break (we teach in different towns!)

KIS~ You have to try the Dolphin Fountian onion rings!!! They are AWESOME!

they are de-lish and you can get them to go, too! yum!!

 

[paras4ri]

Originally posted by DonnaLeah
Paras4ri- Did you ever find out where to find Mickey donuts? I will check out the Boardwalk Bakery for you. LOL

That would be great! Nobody answered that post. I found them at Beaches & Cream 3 years ago.