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

[dreamflight99]

[.......... Lisa.....]

KIMMAR!!!!

How's everthing on the WL thread? I'll have to stop by a give a wave, etc. I have always loved that thread, the talks of "touching the nose of the bear in the lobby" along with the little memory box (remember that?) and all the other special MAGICAL things which coincide with that incredible resort. Everyone over there *(WL thread) is warm, welcoming and always so friendly! Nice to know some things never change...... ^_^

PM me when you have a moment to catch-up on life.

 

[dreamflight99]

My other suggestion would be Artist Point. The food is great, & the atmosphere is nicer (quieter) than most WDW restaurants. If you enjoy wine, try the pairings. After dinner, watch Wishes from the beach at WL. You could see if you could get a bottle of champagne & glasses to take to the beach with you. If the times work out, stay at the beach to watch the Electrical Water Pageant.

Oh, the planked salmon is so hard to top at this spot!! I also agree with the ambience of the place, the apps and service are incredible too (dessert is not too shabby either!). You just can't go wrong here. I love Calif Grill and the Yachtsman as well. Le Cellier is another hidden gem, even the Brown Derby is a winner. So many choices make it difficult to narrow it down *(you could always visit more than one over a couple of eves...lol). Hope you are enjoying the replies on here, and it's helping you with your decision. Enjoy!!

***DISLIFER***(AKA: Lisa), I sent you a reply to your pm--to help get started on sorting your plans/stay. You have plenty of time to work on the details and make it as magical as you can dream. I enjoy helping, and look forward to assisting you with my contacts, information, etc. Let the planning begin!!

 

[dreamflight99]

DH and I celebrated our anniversary a couple of years ago at the California Grille. The waiter was fantastic once he knew it was our anniversary. He told us to take our time and enjoy the dinner. After our main course, he came over and told us to take a walk out onto the rooftop walkway to view the "world" while he got our dessert and coffee. When we returned to our table, there was lovely chocolate dessert with Happy Anniversary written around the rim of the plate.

It was a very special evening, made special our waiter at the CG.

Hello there! I recall how much you love the CG (us too)!! The lobster mashed potatoes and the steaks (filet) are tops here as well. I know you enjoy the Yachtsman too (the beefsteak tomatoes and mozz app is one of my favs, as well as the aged Angus on display when you enter). They did the same thing (writing around the plate rim) for us at CG & Le Cellier (I have a photo of it if anyone's interested). It is such a special little touch...truly makes a difference (and memories as well).

You know, I still find the Rose and Crown (sitting on the lower outside balcony/patio to view illuminations) to be a wonderful experience. Food, service and atmosphere is all there in abundance.

At the Teppanyaki Grill in Japan (one of my all-time favs, as I LOVE the scallops, steak and lobster cooked in the showy-manner on the grill by a master artist/chef) we actually received an entire little miniature cake (outrageously delicious w/whip topping and festive sentiments written over the top too). It's the same as the one sent to our suite onboard the Magic. No one celebrates like DISNEY! DD and I are heading there tomorrow...and can hardly wait (sadly, DH is up north on business currrently...not much to see up there inland by the Delta besides a great mall, so we are heading to the MAGIC for a short stay together...stopping at Claim Jumpers along the way!) Any excuse to visit DL...lol.

So nice to see you on here Karen, hope all is well on your side of the world. Drop me a pm when you have a moment, as I'd love to hear about the boys...your DH, etc. I'm sure all is well, and life is wonderful. You are so kind-hearted to all, your positive energy always resonates in each posting.

Take care...always,

DF99

 

[Soupermom]

I'm wondering when I should book for our March, 2009 trip. I will probably need 2-3 rooms and can apply teacher discount, FL resident, or AAA...whichever will be cheaper.

How soon do you think I should reserve?
Once I reserve, could lower rates come out? --and will I be able to apply those rates?

What is the cancellation and down payment policy at the S/D?

We've always stayed at a Disney resort (AS or POP) and I usually book 1 year out without any problems. Not sure what to do with the S/D....

I have signed up for the Starwood gold card already.

TIA

 

[SingingMom]

My recommendation would be at a restaurant I haven't actually eaten at yet. I would go to Bistro de Paris in Epcot. It's the upscale version of Chefs de France. They don't have a kids menu, so the atmosphere should be more romantic. Try for a table by the window to watch Illuminations, while you dine.

Chefs is our favorite 1 TS restaurant at WDW, so we've been wanting to try the Bistro for a long time. I once read that it had a 16 & up age limit, & we have a child. I don't know, if that is still the case. Since our DS was younger, I didn't bother checking into it again. He'll be turning 16 in Feb., so we'll be celebrating my 40th there in May. I hope it's worth the wait.

My other suggestion would be Artist Point. The food is great, & the atmosphere is nicer (quieter) than most WDW restaurants. If you enjoy wine, try the pairings. After dinner, watch Wishes from the beach at WL. You could see if you could get a bottle of champagne & glasses to take to the beach with you. If the times work out, stay at the beach to watch the Electrical Water Pageant.

I have to say, I enjoy the food at Chefs more than Bistro! The menu at Chefs de France just catches my fancy much more than the one at Bistro de Paris. And I like the atmosphere downstairs, also. But, by all means, try it - as you never know until you do!

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I have to say, I enjoy the food at Chefs more than Bistro! The menu at Chefs de France just catches my fancy much more than the one at Bistro de Paris. And I like the atmosphere downstairs, also. But, by all means, try it - as you never know until you do!

What's the atmosphere like at Bistro? What did you eat there? Maybe, you can save us from ordering the wrong thing.

 

[SingingMom]

What's the atmosphere like at Bistro? What did you eat there? Maybe, you can save us from ordering the wrong thing.

I found the atmosphere a bit "tight" - it reminded me of being in an upstairs room (which is what it is. )

I had quail and didn't care for it. I don't remember what DH had. This was a few years back... but even these past two visits, we checked out the menu and really liked Chefs de France better. I also feel the room downstairs is more spacious.

We both had the tenderloin and DD had the salmon. Last year, I had the tenderloin, DH had the short ribs, and DD had the chicken. But, I just now checked the menu at Chefs de France, and I don't see the tenderloin!! Not sure if they have changed their menu since June!

Again - remember this is my opinion - others may feel differently - and I am sure where ever you eat will be magical!! I don't thing there are any "bad meals" in Epcot's World Showcase!!

 

[MSC]

*As for the resort room number comments: I've always received my numbers in advance. Maybe just lucky. We usually request the same room each summer, and reserve it close to a year in advance. Even at Vero Beach, Portofino and the Dolphin, etc.--I've always asked (almost insisted--but in a kind tone) it be blocked with specific notes not to move/change it. We enjoy the feeling of having the same suite, view, etc. It's like "coming home" every time we arrive and open the door.

Cheers! Remember the MAGIC!

DF99

I'm curious, since you're the undisputed foremost S/D expert on the boards (I wouldn't dispute it, would anyone else?) if you'd be willing to disclose your favorite Dolphin room. If you prefer it, it must be the best location. I'm going to guess it's 9017ish, yes? That'd be top floor, easternmost wing out from the main tower.

I'd request again the room we just checked out of: 7023

 

[Mouseteacher]

I'm curious, since you're the undisputed foremost S/D expert on the boards (I wouldn't dispute it, would anyone else?) if you'd be willing to disclose your favorite Dolphin room. If you prefer it, it must be the best location. I'm going to guess it's 9017ish, yes? That'd be top floor, easternmost wing out from the main tower.


I read this as a sarcastic remark. Perhaps I am wrong. Tone by the writer is open for interpretation by the reader.

This thread has always been friendly, helpful and sarcasm-free.



Editorial comment done... moving on...

MSC~ we were in the same wing, 8th floor with the same view! I use my photo of the Epcot view as my computer wallpaper. It always brings a smile and warm memories of our trip.

 

[MSC]

I'm curious, since you're the undisputed foremost S/D expert on the boards (I wouldn't dispute it, would anyone else?) if you'd be willing to disclose your favorite Dolphin room. If you prefer it, it must be the best location. I'm going to guess it's 9017ish, yes? That'd be top floor, easternmost wing out from the main tower.

I read this as a sarcastic remark. Perhaps I am wrong. Tone by the writer is open for interpretation by the reader.

This thread has always been friendly, helpful and sarcasm-free.

Oh my gosh, no! I hope DF99 didn't take it as sarcastic..... I apologize if there was a tone detected there. I was being completely genuine. If someone enjoys her S/D stays as much as DF99 and has a favorite room, I'd like to know what it is!

 

[anbouk]

Mouseteacher, SingingMom, and a few others names which escape me at the moment, you guys are expert gems here for the S/D boards. THANKS to all of your knowledge we are having even more magical stays at our FAV hotel and WDW Now, I have a question... we are checking in next week for a week, and are SPG members (Gold). I have secured a room with a balcony, lakeview (paid for it!) before hand. I am SO GLAD I did because I called to see if any chance of perhaps getting a upgrade...to a larger size room and I was told there is a convention going on and they have the suites taken up!! So of course, I was disappointed, but then again I have noticed all the S/D reservation people I have spoken to haven't been too accomodating! Has anyone else felt this? As soon as I tell them we're SPG members it doesn't seem to matter to them by the tone of their voice. I'm starting to think everyone else out there are SPG members, too I am hoping perhaps my luck can change at check-in because we have two older children and it would be nice for a li'l exta space We have stayed at 6075 (again with a balcony) which has been a nice view for us (can anyone comment if we should ask for a 'better' room for a view) Does it get any better? as we were content with the friendship launch of the boats just below our balcony and the view of the lake (thinking of asking for this again, unless taken or a better view is recommended to us here). So any input would be GREATLY appreciated. We are staying on the Dolphin side. Thanks S/D EXPERTS!!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Oh my gosh, no! I hope DF99 didn't take it as sarcastic..... I apologize if there was a tone detected there. I was being completely genuine. If someone enjoys her S/D stays as much as DF99 and has a favorite room, I'd like to know what it is!

Sorry, MSC, must have been my early morning fuzziness and no coffee.

 

[SingingMom]

Mouseteacher, SingingMom, and a few others names which escape me at the moment, you guys are expert gems here for the S/D boards. THANKS to all of your knowledge we are having even more magical stays at our FAV hotel and WDW Now, I have a question... we are checking in next week for a week, and are SPG members (Gold). I have secured a room with a balcony, lakeview (paid for it!) before hand. I am SO GLAD I did because I called to see if any chance of perhaps getting a upgrade...to a larger size room and I was told there is a convention going on and they have the suites taken up!! So of course, I was disappointed, but then again I have noticed all the S/D reservation people I have spoken to haven't been too accomodating! Has anyone else felt this? As soon as I tell them we're SPG members it doesn't seem to matter to them by the tone of their voice. I'm starting to think everyone else out there are SPG members, too I am hoping perhaps my luck can change at check-in because we have two older children and it would be nice for a li'l exta space We have stayed at 6075 (again with a balcony) which has been a nice view for us (can anyone comment if we should ask for a 'better' room for a view) Does it get any better? as we were content with the friendship launch of the boats just below our balcony and the view of the lake (thinking of asking for this again, unless taken or a better view is recommended to us here). So any input would be GREATLY appreciated. We are staying on the Dolphin side. Thanks S/D EXPERTS!!!

I have to admit, I have never paid for an upgrade or had too much contact with the reservation people, other than my initial booking and always calling to "confirm" a few days prior. (that's just a security blanket for me. )

When I check in, I have my SPG card out, chat very pleasantly to the front desk associate, and will sometimes say "so, do have a pretty room for me?" and smile. We've always gotten an upgrade to a balcony.
I truly feel that if you are friendly and pleasant, you have a better chance! They must deal with "all kinds" in that job. (you know the type - the guest who NEEDS to find something to complain about ) Grandma was right, "you catch more flies with honey than vinegar"!
If you don't ask, you'll never know; just don't have your heart set on it.
Here's hoping you get that upgrade to the "larger room"!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Mouseteacher, SingingMom, and a few others names which escape me at the moment, you guys are expert gems here for the S/D boards. THANKS to all of your knowledge we are having even more magical stays at our FAV hotel and WDW Now, I have a question... we are checking in next week for a week, and are SPG members (Gold). I have secured a room with a balcony, lakeview (paid for it!) before hand. I am SO GLAD I did because I called to see if any chance of perhaps getting a upgrade...to a larger size room and I was told there is a convention going on and they have the suites taken up!! So of course, I was disappointed, but then again I have noticed all the S/D reservation people I have spoken to haven't been too accomodating! Has anyone else felt this? As soon as I tell them we're SPG members it doesn't seem to matter to them by the tone of their voice. I'm starting to think everyone else out there are SPG members, too I am hoping perhaps my luck can change at check-in because we have two older children and it would be nice for a li'l exta space We have stayed at 6075 (again with a balcony) which has been a nice view for us (can anyone comment if we should ask for a 'better' room for a view) Does it get any better? as we were content with the friendship launch of the boats just below our balcony and the view of the lake (thinking of asking for this again, unless taken or a better view is recommended to us here). So any input would be GREATLY appreciated. We are staying on the Dolphin side. Thanks S/D EXPERTS!!!

I have found that I received little feedback on upgrades prior to arriving (CMs were polite but noncommittal). All my wonderful comps were done at check-in.

Now, for room - my only thought is if a suite is not available, might you want the far east wing (a high floor - 7th or higher) which gives you the view of Epcot, Spaceship Earth, and the higher fireworks of Illuminations.

It looks like you do have a great room already. The only difference would be the view.

 

[NancyIL]

The views from the rooms in the far east wing are great - but it's a long hike to the elevators or pool area. I am never in my room long enough to enjoy a balcony.

 

[michboro]

We have stayed at 6075 (again with a balcony) which has been a nice view for us (can anyone comment if we should ask for a 'better' room for a view) Does it get any better? as we were content with the friendship launch of the boats just below our balcony and the view of the lake (thinking of asking for this again, unless taken or a better view is recommended to us here).

Is there a certain location or wing or type of room to ask for if you want a view of the friendship launch of the boats and the lake? It sounds like this would be a good choice for us. If you get this type of view are you close to the lobby?

 

[MSC]

I agree with the comments above: the upgrade always seems to happen at check-in. Any phone contact will be like talking to a (very polite) brick wall.

For example, I booked my 5 night stay last week all on points (and, not only that, but it was buy 4 nights, get the fifth night free, so I saved 10,000 points!). So it was going to be the most basic room possible, no balcony, nada. But when I asked at check-in if I could get an Epcot view balcony, the CM said, as an SPG Gold status, I had already been upgraded to a lake-view balcony. A few more taps on her keyboard, and she found me the Epcot view that I had hoped for! Not only that, but it was already cleaned and ready to go @ 11:00am!!

So, like others have said, with a full hotel, larger rooms may be hard to come by. But primo locations can be had, esp. as an SPG Gold member.

 

[madge]

Mouseteacher, SingingMom, and a few others names which escape me at the moment, you guys are expert gems here for the S/D boards. THANKS to all of your knowledge we are having even more magical stays at our FAV hotel and WDW Now, I have a question... we are checking in next week for a week, and are SPG members (Gold). I have secured a room with a balcony, lakeview (paid for it!) before hand. I am SO GLAD I did because I called to see if any chance of perhaps getting a upgrade...to a larger size room and I was told there is a convention going on and they have the suites taken up!! So of course, I was disappointed, but then again I have noticed all the S/D reservation people I have spoken to haven't been too accomodating! Has anyone else felt this? As soon as I tell them we're SPG members it doesn't seem to matter to them by the tone of their voice. I'm starting to think everyone else out there are SPG members, too I am hoping perhaps my luck can change at check-in because we have two older children and it would be nice for a li'l exta space We have stayed at 6075 (again with a balcony) which has been a nice view for us (can anyone comment if we should ask for a 'better' room for a view) Does it get any better? as we were content with the friendship launch of the boats just below our balcony and the view of the lake (thinking of asking for this again, unless taken or a better view is recommended to us here). So any input would be GREATLY appreciated. We are staying on the Dolphin side. Thanks S/D EXPERTS!!!

I make most of my reservations online through the SPG site, so I can't say that I have much experience with calling the S/D directly. But, I can say that I've been treated very well as a SPG gold member by the front desk staff at both the Swan and the Dolphin. Well, there is one exception to that rule ... we had a terrible check-in agent at the Dolphin some years ago.

Anyway, I'm not sure what would be better than a lake view room with a balcony, especially if there's a convention and the suites are booked? I'd use my brightest smile and pleasant voice and ask if there are any upgrades available for Starwood Gold status members.

 

[BlueFairy]

Is there a certain location or wing or type of room to ask for if you want a view of the friendship launch of the boats and the lake? It sounds like this would be a good choice for us. If you get this type of view are you close to the lobby?

Ask for a room on the EPCOT side (east) facing the boat launch. In the furthest wing, you want to face back toward the rest of the hotel and the Swan walkway. In the wing closer to the elevator, you would want a room facing away from the hotel, toward the BW. Ask for a room toward the end of the wings.

Also, I had a fantastic experience dealing with requests and calling the CM at S/D directly. See my earlier post.

 

[michboro]

Ask for a room on the EPCOT side (east) facing the boat launch. In the furthest wing, you want to face back toward the rest of the hotel and the Swan walkway. In the wing closer to the elevator, you would want a room facing away from the hotel, toward the BW. Ask for a room toward the end of the wings.

Also, I had a fantastic experience dealing with requests and calling the CM at S/D directly. See my earlier post.

Thanks for info.