soniam
Wooden leg named Smith...
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2012
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...
You mean you haven’t had this much fun since a colonoscopy Congratulations!!! How did you prepopulate the booking info? With the checklist? I don’t think I blinked the entire 3-4 hours for something to open while looking at my 4 windows.
I was actually able to book a leading one-night package at the FS hotel for the same room type.
Anyone have an idea if I will be able to stay in the same room? Of course, I’ll ask in advance.
You just have to ask.
I think it’s only 1 hour. Both my room only and packages say 9am JT 1 month before the checkin date. However, my 3day/2 night package let’s me book 3 days at once. I think multi night hotel is the same.Am I interpreting that we can book the dining reservations one day in advance of the general public if you are staying on site for the restaurants inside the parks? I booked Canna and Oceana dinners already. Not sure if I will keep these if we can get some of the more coveted park restaurants. It also looks like the travel packages will allow us to dine in the fantasy spring restaurant in the park but not the new hotel, only if you stay there.