Are Packages Always Cheaper?

[SuperTink]

I just want room and MYW tickets. I have AAA.

Will a package offer more savings? If I do a package I have to give up my wonderful (non AAA) TA. I don't know if it would be worth it.

 

[episode]

I just want room and MYW tickets. I have AAA.

Will a package offer more savings? If I do a package I have to give up my wonderful (non AAA) TA. I don't know if it would be worth it.

What advantages are you getting by booking through the travel agent? Booking takes very little time. If thats all you are getting, then yes, it is better to do a discounted package and book yourself.

You also get the advantage of being able to modify your reservation yourself and not have to go through the TA.

As for 'is it always cheaper' the answer is no, sometimes you don't save anything. With AAA, you nearly always do, but it is not a guarantee that you will save anything additional from booking a package as opposed to booking seperately.

 

[iloveeeyore]

We booked a room-only AAA discount directly through Disney CRO. The package discount through AAA is actually only offering the exact same % off the room portion of the cost. Sometimes it's more expensive through AAA because you may be tempted to purchase the trip insurance on the package, and you can't take advantage of ticket discounts through other agents like undercover tourist. We don't buy the dining plan because we believe it isn't worth the cost for us (can't eat at LeCellier EVERY night), and even if you buy it through AAA, they charge the exact same price as Disney charges.

We have found that it is ALMOST ALWAYS cheaper NOT to book a package, except at times when Disney is offering specific package deals, like free dining or 7-for-4 (and BTW, these discounts can also be booked through AAA, I believe). Some may prefer to book the package for the simplicity of it, but I like doing my own research and planning.

WARNING: I was checking with CRO last week for codes that might be applied to my ressie. The agent told me that if I booked a package instead of room-only, I'd get a discount on the room. "Really? Please price that out for me, cause I've never heard that before." The price she quoted was about $300 MORE than I'm paying separately, exactly what I'm saving by using my AAA discount.

 

[SuperTink]

Thanks!

My TA saves me loads of time doing the research for rates, booking my dining ressies, etc. I change my mind a lot, and she is fantastically patient. : And I do have access to my ressie if I needed it.

I think I'll just stick with her. She did a great job two years ago. I'm just seeings lots of $$$ right now.

 

[glass slipper girl]

In the last year or so the room only discounts have become fewer and farther between with them leaning more towards offering package discounts. We've had several trips where we have been willing to book either way to get the best deal...room only with seperate tickets, getting 1 AP if that made sense, package...whatever worked out best. In prior years doing it seperately was cheaper but in the last year or two the package deals have been the better price.

 

[StrwLady]

As far as room only goes AAA will save you 10% to 20% off of your room if available. You can save a few bucks of your park tickets if you purchase through a site such as undercover tourist. (I can save a little more buying through my hubby's corporate perks web site. Sure if you are not to to deal with researching stuff (or a control freak like me ) then a TA might be the way to go. But personally for the AAA discount and the discount tickets..I'd book myself

I really don't think a package saves much unless there is actually a package discount out (such as the ticket upgrades to water parks and more). I would even swear without any discount the package ends up a tad more then booking non discounted room and tickets.

You could always check in to the room only AAA discount. Then if available for your resort and dates book it through CRO or AAA. Then keep an eye out here. Believe me if you check these boards every day or so you will find out if any general public discounts come out. And when they do you can call and try to change to that discount (again if rooms are available at your resort for that discount code)

What ever you do Good Luck! And have a great trip!

 

[StrwLady]

Ok I need many many many Disney planning fixes so I did some figuring

I used my dates in May for 5 nights 1 adult 1 child pop century preferred.

Hotel and tickets purchased separately through Disney
$1169.00

Hotel with AAA discount and through hubbys corporate perks site (undercover tourist was down so I used hubbys site)
$1049 (thats with 6 day ticket...can do 7 day for $7 less)

Package though Disney
$1172 Now a Disney package does offer a little more. Free 5X7, Planet Hollywood $15 voucher , one round of miniature golf per room and discount on water mice rental.

With AAA you can still get the % discount off of the room portion of the package. (for instance I have booked a package through AAA and I'm saving about $100)

Where I do see a package is a very good deal is if you eat at table service restaurants during your trip. And personally I think it saves you lots. Sit down and work out the numbers. Figure what you spend in food in relation to what the different dining plans offer. It might be a good deal for you too.

If you did decided to book a package your TA could book it and still apply discounts that come up. Unless you get an AAA discount. You would have to book and make changes through them, But even then. If you have a reservation booked through AAA and you see a code here you can call them to try to apply it.

So I guess it all boils down to how much not dealing with reservations is to worth to you?

 

[SuperTink]

Well it is a little more than the ressies, to consider, actually. Price is also very important. Someone checking on rates is more important than the ressies!

I have a plan to get AAA rate on the room through my TA and I will buy my tickets at a discount as well. The way I price it out, it is the cheapest, and I get all the perks of a great TA.

All good!

Thanks, everyone!