Question re: "Vacation Planning"

[minniecarousel]

I've seen mention of calling "Vacation Planning" on some threads. Is this just for those staying at Concierge level rooms at a Disneyland Hotel? We've booked a Grand Californian package through AAA. I'd like to know what the VP phone number is and who can use their services. And what types of reservations can they make for you? (still trying to get Fantasmic balcony seating on the first night they re-open it in late June.)

 

[Alex2kMommy]

Vacation Planning can be used by anyone. Here's the contact info:
(714) 300-7526
vacationplanning@disneyonline.com

I'm not sure what all they do, I have been in touch regarding gift baskets, but I think others have mentioned getting tickets to Fantasmic balcony seating and the tours.

 

[karylrocks]

Actually, I think they can only be used by anyone staying at one of the Disney hotels.

 

[Baloo2003]

Actually, I think they can only be used by anyone staying at one of the Disney hotels.

Karylrocks is right. Vacation planning is only for Disney hotel guests. Last year they booked our Fantasmic! balcony for us. We were on the front row. They are still subject to the 30 day window. You can call them before this and when the 30 day window opens for booking, they can book it for you. This means that you don't have to keep dialing the booking number as soon as they open to get the best seats for Fantasmic!

I booked Fantasmic! myself this trip since we are staying off property and I asked how many balcony seats were still available. I was told 16 (out of 21), but I was alos told that that didn't mean that we would have the front row. I was told that they don't do that anymore. I asked if it depended on when you showed up that night. I was told that didn't matter either.

It sounded like people were trying too hard to guarantee their place by the order that the balcony ticket was purchased to get the front row ....maybe....and that their department was just told not to tell us that you are guaranteed a seat based on the order in which you bought tickets.

This is just my opinion, but they have to have some system for who sits where. My guess is that it is based on the order you bought your ticket....they just can't tell you that.

 

[kwdietrich1]

Vacation planning can arrange just about anything you want. I used them for a a gift basket for delivery on arrival day, wine and chocolate covered strawberries to be delivered before dinner one night, a tour in DL, various other requests, and for booking dining. I spent an hour on the phone with a lovely CM named Kim. She was most helpful in aiding me to plan a wonderful Anniversary trip this June for DH and me. The neat thing was, that, I called and expected them to take down my requests for PS's (and it wasnt at the 60 day window yet) and she managed to book them and give me exact times for the entire week. I do know that for tours, they cannot book before the 30 day window opens up.

 

[Firebri12]

Minnie,

We tried the balcony seating in March but it was booked. We did get the VIP seating which is on the stair area next to the River. I think it was better than the balcony because we were 1 of 2 families in the roped off area and we were soo close to the show we felt like we were in it. You don't get the desserts that the balcony offers but you are close enough to grab a bread bowl of chowder and a mint julip that it makes up for it. Another benefit of the lower VIP seating is that if you get the late show, all you have to do is turn your head and you have great seats for the fireworks. Have a great time no matter what you decide.

 

[DevilDuckie]

What does that cost and do you book it the same way you do the balcony seating?

Minnie,

We tried the balcony seating in March but it was booked. We did get the VIP seating which is on the stair area next to the River. I think it was better than the balcony because we were 1 of 2 families in the roped off area and we were soo close to the show we felt like we were in it. You don't get the desserts that the balcony offers but you are close enough to grab a bread bowl of chowder and a mint julip that it makes up for it. Another benefit of the lower VIP seating is that if you get the late show, all you have to do is turn your head and you have great seats for the fireworks. Have a great time no matter what you decide.