Any tricks to snag an Illuminations' Cruise?

[Maistre Gracey]

Well, I tried this morning and failed. Actually, it was a good test run, as I had the counted days wrong and can't book until tomorrow!

Anyway, I called at 6:59 AM (as viewed on one of those atomical radio clocks for absolute correct time). I got through even though it was before 7:00, but I was on hold for a few minutes. The lady who answered said I was about the 100th person already to call and request, and if I had the right day would not have gotten a cruise.

I am curious if any good folks here have tricks or strategies they might be willing to share?

Thanx, and wish me luck for tomorrow morning!

MG

 

[kimmie]

OK MG here is what I did.
I , like you, was unable to get one on my first try. You better believe I was ready the next try.
Make sure you start dialing at 6:57 (5:57 for me!). We used two phones! As soon as they are open begin using the prompts. Press *this* press *that* until you get someone to speak to. Don't let them even finish their sentence. Immediatley tell the Epcot cruise, such and such date.. They will begin to ask you for more info as soon as they get it reserved. Be prepared with credit card for the reservation.
If you do a test run, which you already have, you will know what numbers to press. Sorry I don't remember what they were.
Please keep trying for all the days of your trip.
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!

Here is some pixie dust for you!
Please let us know!!

Kimmie

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Thanx kimmie! I really like the multiple phone idea. I wonder if I should try three phones? If both my wife and I work together, we can use two cells and the home phone!
The menu numbers are another good idea. I have them written down already!

Thanx again...

MG

 

[01Sweetpea]

One thing you may want to know is the different messages. If the "we are closed message" starts, just hang up and redial, don't wait until the message ends. I think I started calling around 6:55am, and kept hitting redial. I was back in bed with a cruise secured by 7:02. I called on a Saturday, and have heard that it SOMETIMES is easier to get one on the weekend. Good luck!

 

[kimmie]

I think the more phones the better!!
I also agree with sweetpea, when you hear the *we are closed* hang up and dial again.



Kimmie

 

[Granny]

Maistre G....I guess you already know this, but there is an entire permanent thread at the top of this board about how to book those cruises, and if you're not successful, how to share one that is already booked.

Sorry if you already knew this. But I'd hate to assume!

Here's the link... http://disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=368533

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by Granny
Maistre G....I guess you already know this, but there is an entire permanent thread at the top of this board about how to book those cruises, and if you're not successful, how to share one that is already booked.

Sorry if you already knew this. But I'd hate to assume!

Here's the link... http://disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=368533

Granny, no, I was not aware of that thread. Thanx for pointing that out, as I hardly ever come over to this board!

Thanx again to all for the advice. I will let you know the outcome tomorrow...

MG

 

[disneyjunkie]

Keep calling back.

I was not able to get when I started calling at the 90 day mark. I kept calling and two weeks later I got the breathless for April 3. (not what I wanted but it was bettter than nothing) I called again on Tuesday and was able to get one of the other boats (can't think of the name right now) for April 4.

People cancel all the time, just keep calling.


When I'd call, I didn't give them just one date to check. I told them the dates of my trip and asked them to check all of them.

Good Luck.

 

[Bojo]

Something to add to all the good advice already given:

1) Do not omit Sunday from your count as reservations can be made on a Sunday.

2) If you are unsuccessful and numbers allow, try to share with others.

3) Keep trying ...

 

[MPLsDad]

1. Our first Illuminations cruise was had by using these boards to find someone to share. After months of asking, we were finally offered a share with a lovely family from California and had a great time getting to know thier Aunt and Uncle! I would highly recommed doing this if you can't get a reservation of your own - and keep checking back as our arrangements were made just prior to leaving for our trip.

2. Call back to check for cancelled reservations. Last year, I booked a crusie and my cousing booked a cruise because we both got through without knowing. We cancelled one immediately after. Keep checking back!

Good luck - both were great times with excellent memories - especially when parked under the bridge between England and France and our captain got everyone on the bridge to sing Happy Birthday to my son!

 

[bibbidiboo]

Yes, if you don't get one right when they become available, keep trying.

Last September, I called about 3 weeks out and got one. I was shocked because I had been trying to find space on others' cruises who were willing to share, but even they were all maxed. On a lark, I called Disney, and they had an available boat on the same night as the cruise I had been trying to share. Lucky!

If you drink wine, get a bottle in your favorite country in Epcot, and bring it on board!!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

<center>SUCCESS!!!</center>
We rehearsed this last night. We listened to the words, and the voice, both for the "we're closed" message, and the "we're open" message. As others have pointed out, this let us either hang up and re-dial instantly, or proceed through the menu.

I programmed the menu selections into my cell phone, so that at one touch of a button it instantly dialed the menu selections. My only worry with that was sometime you need to hear the voice on the next menu before it will accept the next selection, so I also tested and rehearsed that last night. The menu is instantaneous, and this allowed me to use that function of the phone to shave off a wee bit of time. During my rehearsal I told the cast member who answered what I was doing, and she got a good laugh at that!

Even though I had this cell phone technology thing figured out, it was indeed my wife who got through on the hard line! I sure am glad she took the time to rehearse this! They answered and she just blurted out "Illluminations' Cruise April 23rd" (I told here to skip the pleasantries on the initial greeting).

Anyway, thanx to everyone for their ideas and suggestions. They really did make the difference!

I am now going back to bed....

MG

 

[georgina]

Originally posted by Granny
Maistre G....I guess you already know this, but there is an entire permanent thread at the top of this board about how to book those cruises, and if you're not successful, how to share one that is already booked.

Sorry if you already knew this. But I'd hate to assume!

Here's the link... http://disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=368533

The prompts have changed, though, so that thread needs to be updated. You do not press 5 anymore for boat reservations, there are about 4 different numbers to press. I think I'll try rehearsing too before I call. That's a good idea!

 

[cooderbrown]

We snagged one too, same night, we'll try not to bump into you!

 

[kimmie]

YIPEEE!!! Congrats to you! Aren't these boards great!

I could not have done it without the boards!