MPHC, we host a lot of VIP Tour guests through MICHAEL'S VIPS on the Grand 1 so I have learned a few things that I hope helps you with this.
Firstly, if you're wanting to see the Wishes display that night while on the cruise, they'll book you at 30 minutes before show time, and its ends one hour later. That will be 9:30 p.m. and you'll be asked to meet at the Grand Floridian's Marina by no later than 9:15 p.m.
That's a pretty late time, no? How about dinner at the Polynesian, Contemporary (California Grill), or Wilderness Lodge (Artist Point!)? They will arrange for the Grand 1 to pick you up from those hotels' Marinas instead. Just be sure to allow plenty of time for your meal, and the way I handle it is to let the server know as soon as we are seated 'when' we have to leave: "Can you please ensure we have our bill and have it paid by 9 p.m.? We'll be counting on you to help us because we're taking a fireworks cruise after we dine, and we have to walk from here to Marina on time. Thanks!"
About the phone message: That's a pre-recorded message from quite some time ago, and unfortunately, the current staff does not know how to get it changed 'through the system.'
Sooo .... Call on your 90th day out, regardless of when it is, AND important: State that is IS your 90th day out and the cruise is really important to you. They get calls all the time from people who are way out from their 90th day out and they have to call each one back to inform them of the accepted Reservation Window. Those who leave a very friendly message stating that it IS their window are 'jumped on' as they want to help you succeed and you obviously know what you're doing.
Unlike the rest of the cruises, these are handled by the Grand Floridian Marina staff themselves, so that personal approach can make all the difference.
BTW, every guest I have hosted there through the years has said at some point with no prompting from me that it was worth every dollar. One more tip: Don't order dessert from the restaurant! Have it delivered to the Grand 1 for your cruise instead. Let the reservations cast member know at the Grand Floridian Marina, and it's arranged through the Grand Floridian Private Dining office -- regardless of which Marina you're being picked up from. They'll give you all the info.
Okay, last tip: Unfortunately I have learned not to trust the Private Dining staff. I have learned the hard way to confirm our order the afternoon of the cruise to ensure they have it on record -- and I get the name of the cast member I speak to. It's also a very good idea to confirm your cruise too -- the staff answers the standard Marina phone until at least 5:30 p.m., so don't wait too long to make the confirmation phone call.
Good luck!
