Because I'm now back in the queue to book another package and have 40 minutes to burn, a few notes on my (very lucky, but frankly heroic) 2-night August Fantasy Springs Hotel package booking for those interested...
- After an hour or so of refreshing the Vacation Package page, I was let in the queue at about 2:40p (Japan time) for the 3p release
- Initially my estimated time of entry was 3:01p (at this point I figured I had a shot), which was eventually stretched to 3:02
- I had a couple of other back-up devices going with 3:04/3:05 times (would be nice to have those spots now as I wait), but I fumbled those away once I got focused on this booking
- I had already logged in and pre-populated the reservation request prior to entering the queue - it was still there and I think this helped
- At the time I was actually let in (more like 3:03p at this point), there were Rose Court, Entry side and Bay Side rooms available (no Springs side rooms or Grand Chateau)
- I initially went for a Rose Court Superior Alcove Park View - it went through for like 10 seconds and then I got an error message that the room was no longer available (crushing!) and figured I was destined for a smoking room at the Hilton Tokyo Bay
- Down but not out! I found myself back at the initial screen and grabbed a Rose Court Superior Alcove (standard view), but would it last?!?
- The next several stages were as expected (I had done a prior dummy reservation which I purchased and cancelled so started to find my groove at this point), but with the thrill of agonizingly slow load times. I think once you get to the screen where you're contemplating the ramifications of a 6:30a breakfast, you're at least somewhat locked in.
- Finally I got to the payment screen and the card (a Venture X) I had successfully used before for the dummy booking was already pre-populated, so I figured I was golden. It even got me to verified by Visa and sent me the text message code to confirm (as it did during the dummy), but you guessed it...card denied.
- But again, your boy got up off the mat and kept punching! I was still on the payment screen, so entered a different card (this time an AMEX Platinum) and bamn...verifcation/text code...success
Ok, 20 minutes to go (4:03p entry) for what I hope will be an additional one-night package at Mira Costa. I haven't had this much fun booking something Disney for years! Happy to answer any questions...