hah, thanks!
The packages aren't available 6 months out. Approximately 5 months out, TDR will announce a date when they will release an entire month's worth of packages to be reserved. The date is published several days in advance. We're east coast US and the packages opened at 2AM our time. FS packages went really fast. Other packages were available longer.
So the downside is a worse cancellation policy, plus the packages cost more?Cost, paying up front, cancellation fees start at 21 days vs 14 days for room only. I did the math and I think I figured the premium is in the realm of $300USD per person per night. Split across two park days, in my opinion it just makes it similar to US park prices. It’s more than just convenience imo because it allows you to book passes ahead of time that don’t count towards what you book once you’re in the park, so it essentially gives you 2-3 extra passes per day that aren’t subject to cool off periods (time between making bookings). For someone traveling from overseas with limited time I found it worth it. And of course with the current package you get unlimited rides with short waits on the new rides which is very valuable. If you have small kids who like to reride things it’s hard to beat that. Or adults that are kids at heart.
And the popular rooms are usually easier to book as VPs. I ended up choosing to do a split stay between Toy Story our first night and Miracosta.our next 2 nts. I ended up booking TS as a VP because we were not arriving until 12-1:00 that first day. Without the pre-booked passes in the VP, I knew we wouldn't get any that day since they sell out pretty early (at least pre-FS they did). I think it was about $300ish more total without factoring in the free drinks, popcorn and passes.Cost, paying up front, cancellation fees start at 21 days vs 14 days for room only. I did the math and I think I figured the premium is in the realm of $300USD per person per night. Split across two park days, in my opinion it just makes it similar to US park prices. It’s more than just convenience imo because it allows you to book passes ahead of time that don’t count towards what you book once you’re in the park, so it essentially gives you 2-3 extra passes per day that aren’t subject to cool off periods (time between making bookings). For someone traveling from overseas with limited time I found it worth it. And of course with the current package you get unlimited rides with short waits on the new rides which is very valuable. If you have small kids who like to reride things it’s hard to beat that. Or adults that are kids at heart.
There is no flexibility at all with the VPs. All VPs do TDS the first day and DL the second day. If you book the 2 nt VP, it is TDS the third day.
Correct, a 1 nt VP will give you one day at each park. A 2 nt VP will give you two days at TDS but with DL inbetween.
This is what I've seen too for the two night, three day.
I think 3 day packages are definitely a bit of a tough sell for value but 2 day is where the sweet spot is. Then a room only on last night in same room and submit inquiry form to stay in same room. By that third park day I was a pro at making passes so I didn’t need the pre booked selections to do well.
Yes. It changed starting with FS opening.
Vacation Package.
THANK YOU. I couldn't figure that one out!
The checkin day is always the first park day for the packages.
Wow. Well that helps. Maybe we will book something at the Hilton for the first night if we won't have time for the parks. I'll have to wait until the rest of the trip plans fall into place I guess. It seems wasteful to get a package and then not show up until later in the day.
You can book that evening at Hilton or the same hotel of the VP. If you have energy, consider thr twilight entry ticket as an option. Then next day start the vp bright an early....pickup the package as early as 7am at the designated hotel.
