We went belly up at the Dolphin! Fairy quest 12/16

[katierae81]

Oh yeah, I also noticed your Buckeyes shirt...where in Ohio are you originally from?

[prncess674]

Originally Posted by katierae81

Sheesh...does someone own Westin stock or something?

No, but I am an SPG Platinum who always seems perplexed by persons checking in in front of me who deem themselves worthy of a free upgrade. Why does everyone assume they should get something for nothing. SPG sells a host of rooms and if you are going to be disappointed with a room then don't book it. Book and pay for the minimum room you would accept.

Originally Posted by karajeboo

Everything in my TRs is said tongue in cheek. I'm a Disney addict who loves things "dripping" with Mickey Mouse!

No, I don't think that a value resort is "better" than the Dolphin, but it's definitely more Disney to me.

If you've ever read any of my other TRs you would know that its a joke because I just seem to get upgraded most every trip.

And again, I was not dissatisfied by my stay, just a bit perplexed by certain things. I've stayed at several Westin's in large cities and I found this hotel to be beneath the Westin standards. Maybe it's just due for an upgrade but my room was far noisier than I would have expected, as well as some other little things.

As for the resort service package, I find this comical. They quote a room rate, and then add this extra package as "mandatory." Never heard of that before...... Kind of like saying the swan boats are $15/hour and you must take at least an hour/day. Why not just include that package in the room rate and advertise free wireless internet in every room?

But no, I'm not upset by the Dolphin, per se. I'm just having fun with my TR, as I do with all my TRs. Would I stay there again? The jury's still out on that one.

As an SPG Platinum I am sure that SPG is providing services commensurate with the tough economic times.

Resort fees are common at just about every beach/ski resort I have ever stayed at in the Hilton and SPG chains. Downtown hotels do not usually impose resort fees.

Originally Posted by katierae81

I will tell you what I told my DH lastnight...everyone seems to be suffering from Dips**t-itis lately.

Have a magical day too! Do you use that potty mouth around your kids, I am sure that is a great example

[karajeboo]

Originally Posted by katierae81

Oh yeah, I also noticed your Buckeyes shirt...where in Ohio are you originally from?

I went to high school in Westerville (outside Columbus), and Miami University (in Ohio!!!). My folks live in the Canton area now..... Go Buckeyes!!!!

Originally Posted by prncess674

No, but I am an SPG Platinum who always seems perplexed by persons checking in in front of me who deem themselves worthy of a free upgrade. Why does everyone assume they should get something for nothing. SPG sells a host of rooms and if you are going to be disappointed with a room then don't book it. Book and pay for the minimum room you would accept.

As an SPG Platinum I am sure that SPG is providing services commensurate with the tough economic times.

Resort fees are common at just about every beach/ski resort I have ever stayed at in the Hilton and SPG chains. Downtown hotels do not usually impose resort fees.
Have a magical day too! Do you use that potty mouth around your kids, I am sure that is a great example

First of all, no snarky comments on MY TR!!! Save it for someone else's, like podsnel, or Alan Renfroe!!! Just kidding guys!!!

As for the free upgrade, I didn't ask, nor have I EVER requested a free upgrade. It's just that our last 3 or 4 stays in Disney we have gotten room upgrades, even a resort upgrade one time!!! So when people read my TRs I think we all kind of laugh at whether or not I got "my" free upgrade.

And I knew what to expect staying at the Dolphin or Swan. I knew it wouldn't be so Disneyfied. But there were definitely some things that I did NOT expect from a Westin property. Like no vending machines ANYWHERE! I had to order from the "personal pantry" to get a diet coke! Just silly things like that......

[prncess674]

Originally Posted by karajeboo

But there were definitely some things that I did NOT expect from a Westin property. Like no vending machines ANYWHERE! I had to order from the "personal pantry" to get a diet coke! Just silly things like that......

I was just reading up on the "personal pantry" and thought this was a fabulous idea that I wish more hotels would implement. I love being able to stock the mini fridge with snacks and drinks that I know my family would eat at reasonable prices! I plan on stocking my and my parent's room with snacks. No needing to yell, "put down that $8 mini bar Coca-cola."

http://www.swandolphin.com/pdf/pantrymenu.pdf

I guess I think that vending machines remind me a Holiday Inn and frankly have never gone looking for one at a hotel/resort. The pantry prices are quite reasonable and if I don't have to fumble for quarters or haul snacks up to the room I will pay these reasonable prices.

[Debbie6221]

prncess674 you're just cracking us all up because it's just a fun TR and you are posting like you are the Westin's lawyer! It's just funny...everyone is entitled to like or not like any place in the world they want for whatever reasons......

[katierae81]

Originally Posted by Debbie6221

prncess674 you're just cracking us all up because it's just a fun TR and you are posting like you are the Westin's lawyer! It's just funny...everyone is entitled to like or not like any place in the world they want for whatever reasons......

[prncess674]

Originally Posted by Debbie6221

prncess674 you're just cracking us all up because it's just a fun TR and you are posting like you are the Westin's lawyer! It's just funny...everyone is entitled to like or not like any place in the world they want for whatever reasons......

Your TR may be "just for fun" but blasting a hotel in a public forum could give someone the wrong information. I am looking forward to my stay at the Dolphin because SPG has been VERY good to me over the years and to see somone blasting a hotel in a public forum over lack of vending machines, no free upgrades and you weren't greeted with "magical" Disney greeting at the door is what is cracking me up. Apparently a value resort that has Mickey on every corner is more your style, I suppose I prefer a proper hotel and amenities.

Disney sure does have a lot of people hood winked. If you take a Motel 6 like "inn" and slap some Mickey heads on the wall it is somehow better than a nice standard business hotel with interior corridors, feather pillows, down comforters, balconies, room service and valet parking. I give it to Disney on their marketing efforts, but I never understand how paying rack rate for a hotel is a good deal even when they throw in "free dining," when you add it all up you are overpaying by any standard resort.

[DizzyErin]

Hey kara i see i have walked into the middle of a to do over here .. shall i come back when that's finished
What a shame no upgrade this trip, we knew your mojo would wear off eventually

[lauren_elizabeth]

I know it's been said before, but you & Ally are adorable! And dangit! I was hoping you'd get a free upgrade again so I could have you send me some of that upgrade mojo!

[karajeboo]

Originally Posted by prncess674

I was just reading up on the "personal pantry" and thought this was a fabulous idea that I wish more hotels would implement. I love being able to stock the mini fridge with snacks and drinks that I know my family would eat at reasonable prices! I plan on stocking my and my parent's room with snacks. No needing to yell, "put down that $8 mini bar Coca-cola."

http://www.swandolphin.com/pdf/pantrymenu.pdf

I guess I think that vending machines remind me a Holiday Inn and frankly have never gone looking for one at a hotel/resort. The pantry prices are quite reasonable and if I don't have to fumble for quarters or haul snacks up to the room I will pay these reasonable prices.

To be forced to order a minimum quantity of 6 sodas was silly. All I wanted was one diet coke when we got back to the room. I called the front desk and was told there are no vending machines. So I was forced to spend $5 for the sodas, plus gratuity. Seriously, I was on a mission for just one soda!!! And Ally and I walked all over that place to try to find one. It became humorous after awhile.... poor Ally was already so tired from walking all day. And quite frankly I've never stayed in a hotel that DIDN'T have vending machines.

Originally Posted by Debbie6221

prncess674 you're just cracking us all up because it's just a fun TR and you are posting like you are the Westin's lawyer! It's just funny...everyone is entitled to like or not like any place in the world they want for whatever reasons......

Thanx Debbie!

Originally Posted by katierae81

Originally Posted by prncess674

Your TR may be "just for fun" but blasting a hotel in a public forum could give someone the wrong information. I am looking forward to my stay at the Dolphin because SPG has been VERY good to me over the years and to see somone blasting a hotel in a public forum over lack of vending machines, no free upgrades and you weren't greeted with "magical" Disney greeting at the door is what is cracking me up. Apparently a value resort that has Mickey on every corner is more your style, I suppose I prefer a proper hotel and amenities.

Disney sure does have a lot of people hood winked. If you take a Motel 6 like "inn" and slap some Mickey heads on the wall it is somehow better than a nice standard business hotel with interior corridors, feather pillows, down comforters, balconies, room service and valet parking. I give it to Disney on their marketing efforts, but I never understand how paying rack rate for a hotel is a good deal even when they throw in "free dining," when you add it all up you are overpaying by any standard resort.

A) I have not blasted any hotel in any forum.
B) I never complained about no free upgrade, and I think I've explained this sufficiently.
C) I never actually complained about no "magical" Disney greeting at the door.

I DID say that there is no Disney theming, and it's apparent that these are hotel employees and not Disney cast members. And I DID say that this hotel did not live up to Westin standards. But so far, I've never said I didn't like the Dolphin.

But suffice it to say, I'll take the Motel 6 with Mickey heads slapped on the walls if I can get the Disney service, magic, pixie dust, whatever you want to call it, to go along with it.

And that's all I'll say as far as rebuttal goes.

Originally Posted by DizzyErin

Hey kara i see i have walked into the middle of a to do over here .. shall i come back when that's finished
What a shame no upgrade this trip, we knew your mojo would wear off eventually

See? YOU understand my upgrade mojo!!!!

Now, on with a (hopefully!) fun trip report!!!

[DizzyErin]

Originally Posted by karajeboo

See? YOU understand my upgrade mojo!!!!

Now, on with a (hopefully!) fun trip report!!!

Wooohoooo here's hoping the TR can get going now that's all out of the way then!
You know i loove your upgrade mojo

[karajeboo]

Originally Posted by lauren_elizabeth

I know it's been said before, but you & Ally are adorable! And dangit! I was hoping you'd get a free upgrade again so I could have you send me some of that upgrade mojo!

We ARE adorable, aren't we!!!! And, sadly...... I think I've lost my mojo..... But wait, there's more mojo to come!

Originally Posted by DizzyErin

Wooohoooo here's hoping the TR can get going now that's all out of the way then!
You know i loove your upgrade mojo

Like I said above, there's more mojo to come, just not in the view. But, hey, I really like what they've done with the rooftop a/c units!

[karajeboo]

So I just really want to get back to the fun that is the TR.....

As we made our way to DTD, I looked back at the Swan and Dolphin, referred to by many as the Swanolphin. But I noticed something, in the way only I can......

That's not Flipper on the roof of the Dolphin. It's..... it's..... it's a freakin fish! Jeff said it's a dolphin FISH, also known as mahi mahi.

So from heretofore (only because I rarely get to use the word heretofore), our resort for the weekend will be known as the Mahi Mahi, even though it does take more time to type that.

I just like it. It has a ring to it. Ya know?

So as we're riding to DTD from..... yup, the Mahi Mahi.........we pass the CM dorms. I point it out to Ally and tell her maybe she can stay there someday if she works at WDW in the summer.

She looks at me like I have just told her there's no Santa Claus, and says, "No Mommy, I'm not gonna work here in the summer. I'm gonna work here FOREVER!"

Way to dream, Ally! Go for it! Live up to your full potential!

But all I can think is, how will she support Jeff and I if she's a Disney Cast Member? I was thinking rocket scientist..... or neurologist.... or professional golfer...... or CEO - WAIT! She can be the Disney CEO someday!

Whew! That was close! I thought I was losing my meal ticket!

After the shock wore off, we were soon pulling up to DTD. But the bus stopped on the Pleasure Island side. So I asked the driver if we would be going over to the Marketplace, too, and he told me that the Marketplace bus stop was closed for renovations!

So I have to WALK??????

Wait one second. Renovations? To a BUS STOP???? Only in Disney!

So we made our way to Marketplace to grab a bite to eat at Earl of Sandwich. I really like this place for a quick bite. The sandwiches are good, and it won't break the bank.



I ordered the club and Ally got a grilled cheese.







And for you food porn addicts, a photo of my frozen latte, plastic cup and all......



Now I ordered a few frozen lattes on this trip, and this was by FAR the best of all of them!

Ally loves to "taste" my lattes - she loves them!!! For obvious reasons I won't let her have too much - that's all I need, an 8 year old all hyped up on coffee!!!!

After dinner we headed straight to sugar mecca.......



I had promised Ally that if she was good in school on Friday, we would go to Goofy's our first night. See, Ally has a problem in school with talking. She can't shut up!!!! Her teachers comment every year, "sweet girl, but talks too much."

Don't know where she gets that!

So when I picked her up from the bus stop before we left she complained of a tummy ache. She said she thought it was because she was so nervous. Why? Because she was so scared all day that she would get in trouble for talking and we wouldn't be able to go to Goofy's!!!!

Once inside, we heard the angels singing....... Or maybe it was all the kids singing from their sugar high. Or maybe it was all the mothers sighing because of the kids sugar high.

No matter. We were here and we were gonna make our own sugar high!









After what seemed like forever, Ally finally settled on a bag of jelly beans. Yes, jelly beans. With all that wonderful chocolate, she gets jelly beans....

So we took our big ole purchase of jelly beans (and a couple of chocolate covered pretzels for me!) and headed for the Disney store of all stores.... World of Disney, Disney, Disney.........

Ally found a Halloween Minnie to add to her collection. WE try to get her a new Minnie each trip - she has AK Minnie, HSM Minnie, Minnie Minnie, YOAMD Minnie, 50th Anniversary Minnie..... well, you get the idea.

We also got some ears for Buckeye, our 2 year old lab/chow "puppy." After all, he IS part of the family, and the whole family has ears, right?

And of course, there is no way I"m walking into World of Disney, Disney, Disney (darn echo!!!!) without a new shirt! So I found the cutest Halloween shirt.......

Oh, oh, I think Ally ate too many jelly beans. She was getting the giggles....



So our belly was full, and our pockets were empty, and our feet were tired. And we haven't even hit a single park yet!!!!! But it was time to head back to the Mahi Mahi so we could get a good night's rest before EMH at DHS the next day.

When we got back to the Mahi Mahi, I was parched. I needed a big ole diet coke and I needed it NOW! So we decided to stroll around the hotel in search of.....

We walked by Blue Zoo - looks nice! And down a hall, turned right, down another hall, took a left, passed the laundry, passed the kids club, the health club..... still no diet coke.

We somehow ended up at the pools so decided to take a look, and I found the cabana bar!!!! So I asked for the biggest diet coke I could get. With no smile, not even a head bob, I got about the equivalent of a dixie cup, but a very full dixie cup. I literally sucked it down in 3 swallows. I kid you not. And that will be $2.66 thank you very much!

So we did the Chevy Chase at the Grand Canyon scened. Yup, nice pool. Let's go. Mama still needs a diet coke.

We made our way back down 27 hallways, passed Blue Zoo - still looks nice! Up the escalator, through the lobby, up the elevator. Down the hall looking for a vending machine. Aha!!!!

The ice machine! There's always a vending machine by the ice machine, right?

WRONG!

So as Ally looked at me with those tired eyes, I knew we had to get back to the room.

So being the smart gal I am, I called the front desk. And was told by the very nice lady there, that I could only order from the "personal pantry" and the menu was by the refrigerator. Hmmm......

So I looked and ordered a 6pack - of diet coke...... Ally only drinks water or milk, so don't think I'm forgetting my child!!!!

$5 for a 6 pack - actually cheaper than a $1.75 coke out of the vending machine. Except that I only wanted ONE!!!! And of course I had to tip the man who brought it up on a tray. Oy vey!

I got my diet coke. Ally got to bed. And I got to watch STacy. All was well at the Mahi Mahi tonight...... And we did have the heavenly bed - take THAT all you at the BW and YC/BC! Yeah, I see you - sort of, if I look just to the right of the roof top a/c unit, and through the trees, and squint real hard. Yeah, I see you now!!!!

Up next, DHS and a very special tea at the GF!

[soontobewed07]

Kara loving the trip report it wouldn't be yours without the sarcasim

Glad YOU'RE keeping things light and fun!!!! Can't wait to read more. I think I would be very disappointed in that view also. I have asked to be moved from rooms with those views. When I managed the hotels I would give those out last.

Mahi Mahi

[MAGICFOR2]

Originally Posted by prncess674

I am perplexed by your dissatisfaction of the Dolphin. It is not Disney owned and you are correct Mickey Mouse isn't dripping everywhere but it would certainly count as a resort by any standards. I can't believe you think that staying at a Disney Value is better. You get a full service hotel with top notch restaurants, grotto pools, hot tubs, interior corridors and room service.

Did your room confirmation at booking say a room with a view? Are you an SPG platinum who is guaranteed an upgrade if available? Did you use SPG points to upgrade? Did you pay an upgrade fee? Once again I am perplexed why you believe why you were due an upgraded view based on a very low rate?


Did you not read that these fees are clearly posted on the website? I don't think they were pulling a fast one.

http://www.swandolphin.com/rates/index.html

* Rates are per room, per night based on rate schedule availability and do not include the mandatory Resort Service Package, daily parking fees (if applicable), applicable taxes or gratuities. Not valid with any other special offers, promotions, existing reservations or for groups.

Resort Service Package is $10 + tax per day and includes:

Up to 60 minutes free local telephone calls, toll free and credit card access calls
(.10 cents per minute after 60 minutes)
20 minutes of domestic long distance per day
Unlimited access to the resort’s health club facilities
In room high-speed Internet access
2 bottles of water daily

Originally Posted by katierae81

Sheesh...does someone own Westin stock or something?

Originally Posted by katierae81

I will tell you what I told my DH lastnight...everyone seems to be suffering from Dips**t-itis lately.

Originally Posted by prncess674

Your TR may be "just for fun" but blasting a hotel in a public forum could give someone the wrong information. I am looking forward to my stay at the Dolphin because SPG has been VERY good to me over the years and to see somone blasting a hotel in a public forum over lack of vending machines, no free upgrades and you weren't greeted with "magical" Disney greeting at the door is what is cracking me up. Apparently a value resort that has Mickey on every corner is more your style, I suppose I prefer a proper hotel and amenities.

Disney sure does have a lot of people hood winked. If you take a Motel 6 like "inn" and slap some Mickey heads on the wall it is somehow better than a nice standard business hotel with interior corridors, feather pillows, down comforters, balconies, room service and valet parking. I give it to Disney on their marketing efforts, but I never understand how paying rack rate for a hotel is a good deal even when they throw in "free dining," when you add it all up you are overpaying by any standard resort.

:r otfl2:

I have DVC and AAA and SSR and DDP - I object to the implication that just because something has Mickey in the room, it would be rated like a "motel 6" - I have actually slept on feather pillows in a Disney Resort. I have sat on balconies in DISNEY resorts while watching giraffes eat, and I have ACTUALLY parked my car in valet AT DISNEY!!! I'm sure we all realize there are other places to stay besides on site, in fact I'm sure we've all stayed there.