Booking question - room only then change to package?

[ktrask]

So we are looking to take a Disney trip in October 2020. Super excited, as our last trip was 2013.

So I'm pretty sure I know where we will stay (POP). I know I can do a room only reservation at 500 days, and packages won't be released until probably end of June.

Does it make sense/is it possible to book the room when we are at 500 days....then adjust it to a package when that time comes? Or should I stop being so eager and just wait until end of June to book the package as is.

It's just been so long since I've planned a vaca to Disney....but man do I love doing it

 

[sponica]

I'm just waiting for the 2020 rates to be released for a summer 2020 trip. But I'm coordinating a multi family trip with different budgets.

 

[caylene44]

If you book it as room-only and then want a package later, they have to cancel the room-only reservation and re-book it as a package. So you will initially pay the first night's deposit for the room-only reservation (at 500 days out), they cancel it and refund your money when you call to change it, then you pay the $200 deposit for the package.

It's not that big of a deal (we changed our minds and converted to a package later on) but it seems unnecessary if you already know you want to do a package.

I'm type A+/total over planner so I'd be the same as you, wanting to book RIGHT when I can. If you don't care about that short period where you're waiting for them to refund you the first night's deposit/have to pay out the $200 package deposit, just do whatever feels best to you!

 

[ktrask]

If you book it as room-only and then want a package later, they have to cancel the room-only reservation and re-book it as a package. So you will initially pay the first night's deposit for the room-only reservation (at 500 days out), they cancel it and refund your money when you call to change it, then you pay the $200 deposit for the package.

It's not that big of a deal (we changed our minds and converted to a package later on) but it seems unnecessary if you already know you want to do a package.

I'm type A+/total over planner so I'd be the same as you, wanting to book RIGHT when I can. If you don't care about that short period where you're waiting for them to refund you the first night's deposit/have to pay out the $200 package deposit, just do whatever feels best to you!

Yep....I come here because I know people will "get" me and my thought process...hee hee.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

The only advantage to booking room only asap is you are guaranteeing the room you want won't be sold out when you try and book the package. As PP said, they'll have to book a new package reservation (with a new confirmation number) and cancel the ro. And, I'd make sure they did it in that order, also (book package first, then cancel ro) just in case the package doesn't go through, you don't lose the ro.

Disadvantage to booking ro asap:
1. Disney holds on to your money for that much longer
2. Annoyance of calling to book package/cancel ro when time comes
3. Delay of getting ro deposit back for a few days, means Disney is holding two deposits for that period of time

 

[caylene44]

Yep....I come here because I know people will "get" me and my thought process...hee hee.

Exactly why I love the DIS

 

[Someluck]

I have booked room only and then later purchased tickets through Disney and linked them to my room. The ticket prices were the same as when I calculated the package price. If the package is offered with a discount then its a better deal, otherwise it seems like it wouldn't make too much difference. However, if there is more to know about this idea I'd love to be educated!

 

[sponica]

I have booked room only and then later purchased tickets through Disney and linked them to my room. The ticket prices were the same as when I calculated the package price. If the package is offered with a discount then its a better deal, otherwise it seems like it wouldn't make too much difference. However, if there is more to know about this idea I'd love to be educated!

For me the tickets are bonkers expensive. The entire package price is easier to deal with than the bonkers prices on different components.

ETA: Also 0% financing for 6 months if I use my Disney Visa is available for packages.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

OP, if you know you will purchase a package, I would just wait until the 2020 packages are released otherwise, you will need to call back and put yourself through several additional steps to re-book the package. The chances of Pop selling out for your dates are slim to none.

I have booked room only and then later purchased tickets through Disney and linked them to my room. The ticket prices were the same as when I calculated the package price. If the package is offered with a discount then its a better deal, otherwise it seems like it wouldn't make too much difference. However, if there is more to know about this idea I'd love to be educated!

Package vs. room-only is really more about how and when you want to lay out your cash, especially now that they've introduced date-based tickets. When you purchase tickets separately, you have to pay full price immediately and they are date-based and non-refundable. With a package, you have up until 30 days prior to change your mind and get all of your money back. Even within 30 days, you can change your package dates with the possibility of only a $50 change fee which is typically waived. IMHO, now that date-based tickets have been introduced, I think booking a package has far more pros than cons as I, personally, don't want to have expensive, expired ticket media sitting in my MDE account.

 

[Someluck]

Package vs. room-only is really more about how and when you want to lay out your cash, especially now that they've introduced date-based tickets. When you purchase tickets separately, you have to pay full price immediately and they are date-based and non-refundable. With a package, you have up until 30 days prior to change your mind and get all of your money back. Even within 30 days, you can change your package dates with the possibility of only a $50 change fee which is typically waived. IMHO, now that date-based tickets have been introduced, I think booking a package has far more pros than cons as I, personally, don't want to have expensive, expired ticket media sitting in my MDE account.

Thank you for this easy to follow information! I had not considered how date-based tickets might impact the situation.

 

[Farro]

Just about the date-based tickets, we booked room only for 9 nights. We are buying a 9 day park hopper and it says valid for any 9 days within 13 days of start of trip, so it still wouldn't make a difference between room only and a package in that instance.

Just another point of view.

 

[ktrask]

All awesome information! So helpful

I'm going to wait for the package...it won't be that far between the 500 day mark and the package releases. It's just me being eager and excited more than anything else.

I appreciate everyone helping!!!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Just about the date-based tickets, we booked room only for 9 nights. We are buying a 9 day park hopper and it says valid for any 9 days within 13 days of start of trip, so it still wouldn't make a difference between room only and a package in that instance.

Just another point of view.

The difference is if you have to cancel your trip or change your dates. You are going to end up with ticketing issues that will need to be resolved for a future trip.

 

[Farro]

The difference is if you have to cancel your trip or change your dates. You are going to end up with ticketing issues that will need to be resolved for a future trip.

Well sure, but I was speaking in terms of having to use the tickets within a certain amount of days for the trip. If you are buying tickets for everyday of you trip (just about), then the issue of having to use them within a certain time doesn't really matter. It's when you buy 3 days for a longer stay, then you have a time-frame to use them in. That's what my post was referring to.

 

[Farro]

All awesome information! So helpful

I'm going to wait for the package...it won't be that far between the 500 day mark and the package releases. It's just me being eager and excited more than anything else.

I appreciate everyone helping!!!

I totally get that excitement! We aren't doing a package this time (bought one AP), so I booked us at 499 days just so I could have it on the books!