Booking room only or a package?

[berryinDC]

I usually book when discounts come out, but this year I want to do early ADRs so I'm thinking about booking AKL standard at the rack rate now. I'm planning a trip in September and I definitely know we want to stay at this resort on particular dates--I've even bought my flight already! My question is whether booking a room-only reservation or a package with tickets would put us in a better position to take advantage of any discounts that come out later. I read on another thread that with free dining you have to buy tickets when you apply the discount. So should I just do the room booking and add tickets later? What about a room-only discount? I'm confused!

 

[dansdad]

I usually book when discounts come out, but this year I want to do early ADRs so I'm thinking about booking AKL standard at the rack rate now.

You don't have to have a reservation to make ADRs at 180 days out.

I'm planning a trip in September and I definitely know we want to stay at this resort on particular dates--I've even bought my flight already! My question is whether booking a room-only reservation or a package with tickets would put us in a better position to take advantage of any discounts that come out later. I read on another thread that with free dining you have to buy tickets when you apply the discount. So should I just do the room booking and add tickets later? What about a room-only discount? I'm confused!

There is no way to put yourself in a better position when discounts come out. The room you book, either via room only or package, ahead of time may not be included in any discounts offered so then you would have to cancel and rebook under the discount.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Having an existing reservation doesn't guarantee that you will be able to take advantage of a discount. If you are hoping for free dining then your existing reservation will have to be re-booked, so it doesn't really matter what you have now.

 

[berryinDC]

Having an existing reservation doesn't guarantee that you will be able to take advantage of a discount. If you are hoping for free dining then your existing reservation will have to be re-booked, so it doesn't really matter what you have now.

Thanks, this is helpful context!!! I'm actually not attached to free dining, I've never had it. But some discount would be lovely, if it happens. Sounds like I should just book a room + tickets package now, because I can always rebook later with a discount if I need to.

 

[berryinDC]

You don't have to have a reservation to make ADRs at 180 days out.

Ah, I should have been more clear. I'm hoping to take advantage of 180 + 10 ADRs to hopefully get a BOG reservation. Thanks for the advice!