180 Day Window is Tomorrow - Some Help Please!!

[zebsterama]

Hi everyone,

I'm sure that if I scoured the forums that I could find most of these answers, but my 180 day dining reservation window opens tomorrow, and there's already too much going on I’m hoping that I can get some quick answers from the DIS board's before I start booking online tomorrow am.

Some Background - Deluxe Dining (is confirmed / paid for), 10 nights at BCV, 2 Adults, 2 Children, and a whole lot of . I will be making the reservations online.

Here are my questions

1) Does online dining booking open at 7am EST?

2) I'm assuming all that all I need is my reservation number, date of arrival, a credit card number (to secure some of the special/sig reservations), I'm guessing knowing my name helps too! ... Can someone please confirm if I'm missing something else that is critical?

3) For special/sig reservations (i.e. reservations where I’m required to provide a credit card), is anything charged at the time of reservation (to reiterate - we will be on Deluxe Dining)?

4) We’re going to be doing California Grill at least once (probably twice ); loved it last time. What is the best time to book if we want to see Illuminations during our meal? (I know that we're allowed back to stand and enjoy the show atop the roof -- but I was just wondering).

5) Is Spirit of Aloha the same as Ohana's? If NO - is it worth trying?

6) We're renting points for this stay. For our last stay (which was 2 years ago - stayed at AKV for 10 nights) I used online booking at the 180 day mark as well. Is there anything special about booking online that I need to think about - since I'm renting points? I don't think so - but I just want to be doubly sure.

7) What's better Cape May or Chef Mickey? (we’re staying at BCV, hence the question)

8) Which do you prefer Kouzzina or Citricos?

9) Anybody tried Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks? Is it worth doing?

10) Please take a look at our list of restaurants below -- anywhere else that you would strongly recommend trying out??

APOLOGIES - - I know there are a lot of questions - if you could please help me out; our family would be very grateful!

Cheers,
Zebsterama


PS --- here's a list of list musts for our stay, in case you're wondering

- California Grill
- 50's Prime Time (nothing like combining abuse with fried chicken )
- Chef Mickey's (breakfast)
- Yak and Yeti (fried wontons!!)
- CRT for my DD 8th B-Day! (that reminds me I have to order a cake )
- Tutto Italia
- Ohana's
- Sci-Fi (got to do a lunch there)
- San Angel (probably a lunch)
- Yachtsman's (for a little steak)
- Flying Fish (for more steak)

 

[shannonstar]

Here are my questions

1) Does online dining booking open at 7am EST? - Yes it does. I would get up earlier though, grab some coffee and start stalking it the second you can.

2) I'm assuming all that all I need is my reservation number, date of arrival, a credit card number (to secure some of the special/sig reservations), I'm guessing knowing my name helps too! ... Can someone please confirm if I'm missing something else that is critical? - That should be all you need. Keep in mind that you might not want to use your debit card b/c there have been some people that have charges show up.

3) For special/sig reservations (i.e. reservations where I’m required to provide a credit card), is anything charged at the time of reservation (to reiterate - we will be on Deluxe Dining)? - Depends on what you are reserving, but yes there are some that do. Like the dinner shows, CRT, and a few others.

4) We’re going to be doing California Grill at least once (probably twice ); loved it last time. What is the best time to book if we want to see Illuminations during our meal? (I know that we're allowed back to stand and enjoy the show atop the roof -- but I was just wondering). - We went at 7"30pm last time and that was perfect for us. We didn't want to have to stick around too long just for the fireworks. We had appetizers, dinner, fireworks, and then came back in time for dessert.

5) Is Spirit of Aloha the same as Ohana's? If NO - is it worth trying? It is not the same at all. The food is just okay. It also gets cancelled if cold, rainy, etc b/c it is an outdoor show. If you are really wanting a show, I recommend HDDR

6) We're renting points for this stay. For our last stay (which was 2 years ago - stayed at AKV for 10 nights) I used online booking at the 180 day mark as well. Is there anything special about booking online that I need to think about - since I'm renting points? I don't think so - but I just want to be doubly sure. - I am not sure about this. Sorry.

7) What's better Cape May or Chef Mickey? (we’re staying at BCV, hence the question) We loved Cape May for breakfast. Dinner was just okay. Hated Chef Mickey's - loud, crowded, etc. If you are at BCV, I would not consider Chef Mickey's.

8) Which do you prefer Kouzzina or Citricos? Citrico's hands down even if it is a 2TS.

9) Anybody tried Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks? Is it worth doing? Have not done it. Heard good and bad things. If it were me, which it will be soon, we are planning the Pirates & Pals fireworks cruise instead. Snacks, and the chance to meet & greet with Captain Hook, Smee and Peter Pan.

10) Please take a look at our list of restaurants below -- anywhere else that you would strongly recommend trying out??
Your list looks almost identical to mine.

 

[n2mm]

OP, I don't want to upset you, but I do feel like I have to warn you. DVC members have not been able to access the online dining system since late October to use the 180+10. We can make dining reservations 180 to the day, but the +10 has not worked for us. Seems there is a glitch with the DVC reservation numbers (at least some members have been told). I would suggest you try at 6:00AM tomorrow and if you can't get the +10 to open, be prepared to call at 7:00AM. As mentioned, this is just friendly advice, but first hand advice. I made my May 2012 reservations daily online and sometime via phone calls because the online system just didn't work. I've been following this issue for a few months and continue to see DVC members (who are using their points) continue to comment on this problem. Good luck and if you do get the +10 to work for you online, please post back. We would love to see someone successfully get the +10 to work for them.

 

[zebsterama]

Here are my questions

1) Does online dining booking open at 7am EST? - Yes it does. I would get up earlier though, grab some coffee and start stalking it the second you can.

2) I'm assuming all that all I need is my reservation number, date of arrival, a credit card number (to secure some of the special/sig reservations), I'm guessing knowing my name helps too! ... Can someone please confirm if I'm missing something else that is critical? - That should be all you need. Keep in mind that you might not want to use your debit card b/c there have been some people that have charges show up.

3) For special/sig reservations (i.e. reservations where I’m required to provide a credit card), is anything charged at the time of reservation (to reiterate - we will be on Deluxe Dining)? - Depends on what you are reserving, but yes there are some that do. Like the dinner shows, CRT, and a few others.

4) We’re going to be doing California Grill at least once (probably twice ); loved it last time. What is the best time to book if we want to see Illuminations during our meal? (I know that we're allowed back to stand and enjoy the show atop the roof -- but I was just wondering). - We went at 7"30pm last time and that was perfect for us. We didn't want to have to stick around too long just for the fireworks. We had appetizers, dinner, fireworks, and then came back in time for dessert.

5) Is Spirit of Aloha the same as Ohana's? If NO - is it worth trying? It is not the same at all. The food is just okay. It also gets cancelled if cold, rainy, etc b/c it is an outdoor show. If you are really wanting a show, I recommend HDDR

6) We're renting points for this stay. For our last stay (which was 2 years ago - stayed at AKV for 10 nights) I used online booking at the 180 day mark as well. Is there anything special about booking online that I need to think about - since I'm renting points? I don't think so - but I just want to be doubly sure. - I am not sure about this. Sorry.

7) What's better Cape May or Chef Mickey? (we’re staying at BCV, hence the question) We loved Cape May for breakfast. Dinner was just okay. Hated Chef Mickey's - loud, crowded, etc. If you are at BCV, I would not consider Chef Mickey's.

8) Which do you prefer Kouzzina or Citricos? Citrico's hands down even if it is a 2TS.

9) Anybody tried Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks? Is it worth doing? Have not done it. Heard good and bad things. If it were me, which it will be soon, we are planning the Pirates & Pals fireworks cruise instead. Snacks, and the chance to meet & greet with Captain Hook, Smee and Peter Pan.

10) Please take a look at our list of restaurants below -- anywhere else that you would strongly recommend trying out??
Your list looks almost identical to mine.

Thanks very much for taking the time to answer my questions!!

It's very much appreciated.

Cheers,
Zebsterama

 

[shannonstar]

Glad I could help. I am always in the process of planning a Disney trip and trying to make it better than the last. I scour these boards for advice.

 

[n2mm]

Wanted to mention that the online booking site opens at 6:00AM and the phone line opens at 7:00AM.....remember to post back if you're successful with using the +10 function.

 

[disneybliss2]

The last poster was correct. Phone lines open at 7 am EST and online opens at 6 am EST. Adjust accordingly to your time zone.
I would do Cape May over Chef Mickey's for dinner. For breakfast, either.
No, Spirit of Aloha is different from O'hana. I would so go with O'hana. The rest of your choices look great!

 

[zebsterama]

Thanks everyone - I will post back my results and experience. WONDERING - we're thinking of doing Brown Derby Fantasmic show combo.

I just read something on trip advisor saying that Brown Derby was a 2 credit meal BUT it did not include the app and dessert (we're on deluxe dining) - is that true??

Can someone please let me know ASAP?

Cheers,
Zebsterama

 

[shannonstar]

If you are on the DXDP, you will be able to get a dessert and appetizer. I wouldn't burn two credits for the HBD, but that's just me.

 

[Jacquaman]

My window opened today as well. Also for the Beach Club (best place ever, but that's another thread )

Sounds like you have some good answers here so far.

 

[zebsterama]

Hi everyone,

Had to book my dining reservations this AM at 7 via the Dining Phone Line.

I tried to book online and I couldn't. Luckily I got everything that I wanted, minus the Fantasmic Booking at BD & Cape May Cafe (Character Dining). The reason given was that it hasn't been loaded as of yet in the system. Tried again at 7pm EST - Same result.

Online via Disney.com - I can see my reservation & my dining confirmations - so that's good!!!

BUT HERE'S Something interesting ---

- I called the Disney Tech Help Desk about the issue
- I told the rep that I have done this process before without issue (didn't mention renting points, but did say that my Resi was booked by a DVC member using their points) where I booked deluxe dining while staying onsite via a DVC members ponts
- The IT Tech told me that I should be booking dining on the DVC site

Oh well .... live and learn.

Obviously there's a problem of some type.

Thanks to everyone for their help.

Cheers,
Zebsterama

 

[n2mm]

Hi everyone,

Had to book my dining reservations this AM at 7 via the Dining Phone Line.

I tried to book online and I couldn't. Luckily I got everything that I wanted, minus the Fantasmic Booking at BD & Cape May Cafe (Character Dining). The reason given was that it hasn't been loaded as of yet in the system. Tried again at 7pm EST - Same result.

Online via Disney.com - I can see my reservation & my dining confirmations - so that's good!!!

BUT HERE'S Something interesting ---

- I called the Disney Tech Help Desk about the issue
- I told the rep that I have done this process before without issue (didn't mention renting points, but did say that my Resi was booked by a DVC member using their points) where I booked deluxe dining while staying onsite via a DVC members ponts
- The IT Tech told me that I should be booking dining on the DVC site

Oh well .... live and learn.

Obviously there's a problem of some type.

Thanks to everyone for their help.

Cheers,
Zebsterama

Glad you got your dining reservations. I'm glad I had a chance to warn you but I was hoping that you would post back online success. So it's still not working correctly -- almost 3 months now of not working. It is very frustrating. And this shows you how much they don't know....that is funny about the IT person telling you to book through the DVC site....there is no such animal as a DVC online dining reservation site. We have always used the online website and it use to work all of the time. It's only been since the new requirement of adding the credit card to select locations that it has not worked correctly since. DVC is starting a online reservation system this week so maybe that is something that will be part of that system then. Glad you can see all of your reservations online and I'm sure you can see your DVC reservation online too....which is just crazy that it recognizes it, yet it won't let us do the +10.

 

[zebsterama]

Glad you can see all of your reservations online and I'm sure you can see your DVC reservation online too....which is just crazy that it recognizes it, yet it won't let us do the +10.

Thanks and I agree. I actually work in the IT business, and these are the kinds of systems that I help build .... so yes I understand ... but I also am flabbergasted by the fact that this isn't being handled better.

I'm sure that the person responsible for Disney's Dining Reservations Call Centre is fuming over this -- I can't see how it's not negatively impacting their quality of service numbers.

It was actually the reservations rep that put me through/pretty much insisted that I speak with someone from their Tech help desk.

Cheers,
Zebsterama