Buy 4, Get 3 Promo + Extra Nights - best deal? Pro Help Needed!

[NorweJenNY]

I'm currently doing a Buy 4, Get 3 Free Promotion at Port Orleans - Riverside in July + 2 additional nights at full price, and I'm wondering if I can get an even better deal somehow in all of this...

Included at the moment, we have 1-day tickets for each member of the family, which we intend to upgrade to some type of longer passes, maybe even annual passes when we get there. (We just need time to think about what we're doing exactly.) We also added the dining plan. This is for all 9 nights.

I'm wondering if there's something I can do to bring the price down at all...

For instance... should I be getting at least 7-day tickets because 3 of the days are free? So when we get there and do an upgrade (whether to 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, or AP) will we save money overall because they will upgrade from the 7-day ticket price even though we only paid the 4-day ticket price?

Also, can I (or should I) break this down into two separate reservations? Like the 7-day, plus a 2-day room-only ressie? I'd be paying out of pocket for those 2 days of meals (which isn't as big of a deal to me, as we could cut back on TS dining a little anyway), but maybe there'd be a discounted price on the 2 days? Is it too much trouble? Like I might have to change rooms or check-out & re-check-in?

Any help is greatly appreciated... thank you!

 

[disneyfan55]

There was a thread on the tickets, if you are sure you are going to upgrade to the AP the idea was to get the 4 day non expiring pass. You would pay for the 4 days and get a 7 day non expiring pass. It saved quite a bit from what I recall. The difference between a regular 4 and 7 day is only a few dollars (9 I think) The savings would be to use the pass (non expiring) and then upgrade to the AP and have the dollar amount of the 7 day applied. I would have thought you did have 2 reservations already. When a package is generally booked, they make you book seperately, maybe since this one is just to purchase a minimum of the 4 days, and get 3 free they keep in on the same reservation. WE had 2 reservations when coming 2 days early before FD last year. If you do seperate them, and you should be able to, you have to basically check in and out, you may or may not be in the same room We were in the same but had to do this. It wasn't that big of a deal. But the ticket upgrade, if you are sure you will upgrade, is a good savings.

There probably will be some type of AP discount for the rooms and most likely it will be released soon. You don't have to have the AP to book at the AP rate, just have the AP when checking in just to let you know.

 

[maggiew]

We are staying 8 days and have the 4/3 deal. I booked the last day separate with a AAA rate. We are also moving from Yacht Club concierge to All Star on that last night to save even more.

Maggie

 

[NorweJenNY]

There was a thread on the tickets, if you are sure you are going to upgrade to the AP the idea was to get the 4 day non expiring pass. You would pay for the 4 days and get a 7 day non expiring pass. It saved quite a bit from what I recall. The difference between a regular 4 and 7 day is only a few dollars (9 I think) The savings would be to use the pass (non expiring) and then upgrade to the AP and have the dollar amount of the 7 day applied.

THIS is exactly why I posted the thread!!! That's ingenius!!! (if it really works!!!) So the non-expiring option...

Ok, let me make sure I get this right...

This is what I buy...
2 Adult 4-day Non-Expiring tickets @ $269 each + 6.5% tax = $572.97
2 Child 4-day Non-Expiring tickets @ $234 each + 6.5% tax = $498.42
For a total of $1,071.39

But what I will actually have value-wise is...
2 Adult 7-day Non-Expiring tickets @ $338 each + 6.5% tax = $719.94
2 Child 7-day Non-Expiring tickets @ $303 each + 6.5% tax = $645.39
For a total VALUE of $1,365.33

So this will actually save me an additional $293.94 total for the family when I upgrade, as long as I upgrade to an AP... if I did my math right, THAT'S AWESOME!

Please tell me I did this right... and if this is accurate...then...
THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!

(Is there still a chance that Disney will have some way of knowing these are special B4G3 tickets and know that I paid less for them, thus not upgrading us based on the 7-day price, but only on the 4?)

 

[NorweJenNY]

We are staying 8 days and have the 4/3 deal. I booked the last day separate with a AAA rate. We are also moving from Yacht Club concierge to All Star on that last night to save even more.

Maggie

This is where I'm torn...

I'm already in a separate hotel 1 night off-property beforehand so we can be at WDW first thing in the morning... I toss and turn regarding whether or not we should try 2 nights in an All-Star too, or what... extra complicated as 8 nights are paid for by work (the average nightly cost of the ressie), since I'll be at a conference here and there throughout the week... it'd be simpler to keep those 8 nights on one bill... then that means another 1 night at a value either at the beginning or end of our stay, and I don't know if it's worth it for the convenience of staying put... know what I mean?

It'd probably be more worth it if I was staying in a place like you... Yacht Club concierge! Yikes! I'm sure that's an arm and a leg at rack rate (or even with an AAA discount). Have fun with that stay!

 

[thunderbird1]

THIS is exactly why I posted the thread!!! That's ingenius!!! (if it really works!!!) So the non-expiring option...

Ok, let me make sure I get this right...

This is what I buy...
2 Adult 4-day Non-Expiring tickets @ $269 each + 6.5% tax = $572.97
2 Child 4-day Non-Expiring tickets @ $234 each + 6.5% tax = $498.42
For a total of $1,071.39

But what I will actually have value-wise is...
2 Adult 7-day Non-Expiring tickets @ $338 each + 6.5% tax = $719.94
2 Child 7-day Non-Expiring tickets @ $303 each + 6.5% tax = $645.39
For a total VALUE of $1,365.33

So this will actually save me an additional $293.94 total for the family when I upgrade, as long as I upgrade to an AP... if I did my math right, THAT'S AWESOME!

Please tell me I did this right... and if this is accurate...then...
THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!

(Is there still a chance that Disney will have some way of knowing these are special B4G3 tickets and know that I paid less for them, thus not upgrading us based on the 7-day price, but only on the 4?)

Yes, they will know. When they enter the ticket into the computer they will know exactly what you paid for it. But it won't matter as long as you've used the ticket at least once. As long as you've used the ticket, CM's are supposed to credit you full gate price when they do the upgrade.

We traveled on the buy 4 get 3 free promo earlier this month, purchased 10 day NE tickets (for the price of 7 day tickets), and upgraded them to AP's. My last post on this thread describes our experience.

Good luck!

 

[NorweJenNY]

Yes, they will know. When they enter the ticket into the computer they will know exactly what you paid for it. But it won't matter as long as you've used the ticket at least once. As long as you've used the ticket, CM's are supposed to credit you full gate price when they do the upgrade.

We traveled on the buy 4 get 3 free promo earlier this month, purchased 10 day NE tickets (for the price of 7 day tickets), and upgraded them to AP's. My last post on this thread describes our experience.

Good luck!

Thunderbird, thank you!

In case anybody else is interested, I looked into the detailed ticket thread regarding upgrading tickets... I have to remember to use the tickets before upgrading them in order to get the Current Gate Price Value...

Here's what that ticket thread says (Post #15D):

"I have a completely unused ticket that I want to upgrade. Is there anything special I should know.

"There are three possible answers to this question.

"If this is a ticket for which you have paid the full Current Gate Price (CGP) there is no problem. You may upgrade it either before it has been used or after first use. If after date of first use it must be no later than 14 days from first use, even if you have the No Expire option. If it was sold as part of a package and is on your current trip KTTW it is considered to have been sold at the CGP.

"If this is a ticket which was sold by Disney for less than the CGP you need to use the ticket before upgrading it. If you try to upgrade the ticket before using it, Disney will only allow you credit for the amount they sold the ticket for. If it was bought directly from WDW before a price increase it is only worth what you paid for it. If it was bought from outside of WDW, such as a discounter, AAA, a travel agent, or even The Disney Store the amount credited will be what the seller paid WDW for it, not the amount you were charged.

"However, if the ticket was used at least once, then the CGP is locked into the ticket as its value. The ticket seller (in a booth or GRO) will first issue an 'intermediate' ticket at the current gate price and charge the difference between the initial selling price and the CGP to an internal account. These intermediate tickets will then be upgraded to add days and/or options to your target, and you will only be charged the difference between the CGP of the intermediate ticket and he new ticket.

"If your unused ticket was pre-MYW your best bet is to just use the ticket. You will not get any high value for it when unused and once it is used it cannot be upgraded."



If we had gotten our original 1-day tickets, I would have upgraded them before going into the parks... now, our first day (my son's birthday), we will actually be able to go in with our tickets and don't have to worry about upgrading them until later!

We were just planning on 1 park our first day, so the fact that we won't have the privilege of hopping as we would with the AP doesn't even matter...

Thunderbird, I'm am SOOO thankful you read my post and responded so quickly! You're saving us both money and time (on my son's birthday)!

Thank you soooooo much!

 

[thunderbird1]

Thunderbird, thank you!

If we had gotten our original 1-day tickets, I would have upgraded them before going into the parks... now, our first day (my son's birthday), we will actually be able to go in with our tickets and don't have to worry about upgrading them until later!

We were just planning on 1 park our first day, so the fact that we won't have the privilege of hopping as we would with the AP doesn't even matter...

Thunderbird, I'm am SOOO thankful you read my post and responded so quickly! You're saving us both money and time (on my son's birthday)!

Thank you soooooo much!

You're very welcome--anything for a fellow "Jen." I'm glad I happened across your post, and was able to "pay it forward." Hope your son has a terrific birthday (even more savings, if you choose the gift card)!

 

[Lady SnowElla]

This is where I'm torn...

I'm already in a separate hotel 1 night off-property beforehand so we can be at WDW first thing in the morning... I toss and turn regarding whether or not we should try 2 nights in an All-Star too, or what... extra complicated as 8 nights are paid for by work (the average nightly cost of the ressie), since I'll be at a conference here and there throughout the week... it'd be simpler to keep those 8 nights on one bill... then that means another 1 night at a value either at the beginning or end of our stay, and I don't know if it's worth it for the convenience of staying put... know what I mean?

It'd probably be more worth it if I was staying in a place like you... Yacht Club concierge! Yikes! I'm sure that's an arm and a leg at rack rate (or even with an AAA discount). Have fun with that stay!

Have you called because you might be pleasantly surprised. We originally booked to use the 4/3 for Mardi Gras but circumstances made me change it to June--then forgot dance review so needed to change again! I called wanting to be there for July 4th for special family anniversary & the prices actually went down. I extended to 10 days as that was the limit with the 4/3 starting on June 30 for 10 nights at POFQ.

 

[Lady SnowElla]

This is where I'm torn...

I'm already in a separate hotel 1 night off-property beforehand so we can be at WDW first thing in the morning... I toss and turn regarding whether or not we should try 2 nights in an All-Star too, or what... extra complicated as 8 nights are paid for by work (the average nightly cost of the ressie), since I'll be at a conference here and there throughout the week... it'd be simpler to keep those 8 nights on one bill... then that means another 1 night at a value either at the beginning or end of our stay, and I don't know if it's worth it for the convenience of staying put... know what I mean?

It'd probably be more worth it if I was staying in a place like you... Yacht Club concierge! Yikes! I'm sure that's an arm and a leg at rack rate (or even with an AAA discount). Have fun with that stay!

Have you called because you might be pleasantly surprised. We originally booked to use the 4/3 for Mardi Gras but circumstances made me change it to June--then forgot dance review so needed to change again! I called wanting to be there for July 4th for special family anniversary & the prices actually went down. I extended to 10 days as that was the limit with the 4/3 starting on June 30 for 10 nights at POFQ.

 

[Lady SnowElla]

Yes, they will know. When they enter the ticket into the computer they will know exactly what you paid for it. But it won't matter as long as you've used the ticket at least once. As long as you've used the ticket, CM's are supposed to credit you full gate price when they do the upgrade.

We traveled on the buy 4 get 3 free promo earlier this month, purchased 10 day NE tickets (for the price of 7 day tickets), and upgraded them to AP's. My last post on this thread describes our experience.

Good luck![/

I have been looking for this information also. I have purchased 10 day tickets with the 4/3. If I want to trade for APs do I need to change my purchase from 10 days expire in 14 days to NE? Thanks, Kaye

 

[NorweJenNY]

I have been looking for this information also. I have purchased 10 day tickets with the 4/3. If I want to trade for APs do I need to change my purchase from 10 days expire in 14 days to NE? Thanks, Kaye

If you have 10-day tickets, you're technically paying for just 7 days. There is not much difference between a 7-day base and 10-day base... and that goes for 7-day park hoppers & 10-day park hoppers, and 7-day water park fun+ & 10-day water park fun+... not much difference when adding the 3 extra days to those types of passes...

However, there is more like a $100 difference (estimate) between a 7-day NE & 10-day NE... and that multiplies when you're talking about a whole family's tickets...

So you just need the NE option if you intend to save more money when upgrading from a 10-day ticket to an AP.

I hope that makes sense.

 

[thunderbird1]

I have been looking for this information also. I have purchased 10 day tickets with the 4/3. If I want to trade for APs do I need to change my purchase from 10 days expire in 14 days to NE? Thanks, Kaye

No, you don't have to have the NE option in order to upgrade to AP's. But with the 4/3 promotion, you save a lot more money by having NE because the difference in price between a 7 day expiring ticket and a 10 expiring ticket is less than $10, but the difference in price between a 7 day NE ticket and a 10 day NE ticket is over $100.

Just make sure you don't also have parkhopping on the 10 day NE ticket, because those tickets are actually more expensive than an AP. You'd still be able to upgrade, but you wouldn't get any money back, so the savings would not be as great.

 

[VBsHustla]

OP - I have no actual facts or 4/3 ticket experience to contribute to this thread, but I wanted to say that I love your screen name!

-Jen (another one )

 

[thunderbird1]

OP - I have no actual facts or 4/3 ticket experience to contribute to this thread, but I wanted to say that I love your screen name!

-Jen (another one )

It's the Jen thread--all Jen's all the time!

My dd is doing a big project on Norway for social studies--another connection! Being the good DIS fan I am, I told her she had to pick a country in Epcot's WC so we could go do "research" while on vacation.

 

[Lady SnowElla]

No, you don't have to have the NE option in order to upgrade to AP's. But with the 4/3 promotion, you save a lot more money by having NE because the difference in price between a 7 day expiring ticket and a 10 expiring ticket is less than $10, but the difference in price between a 7 day NE ticket and a 10 day NE ticket is over $100.

Just make sure you don't also have parkhopping on the 10 day NE ticket, because those tickets are actually more expensive than an AP. You'd still be able to upgrade, but you wouldn't get any money back, so the savings would not be as great.

Ok, all you Jen ladies I need more help (even though I'm not named Jen but it is a very nice name),
I called tonight to clarify what was actually on my 4/3 package which has been extended to 10 nights. . .June 30 to July 10 to celebrate both my DDs adoption anniversaries!
My area code on my disney account has been incorrect ever since we actually got new area codes several years ago. I always have to mention this so they can better fine me. The CM nicely volunteers to once again fix it as they all do. He leaves me on hold for over 13 minutes and says that everything with my account was messed up and now he has fixed it (I hope so). This alarmed me a bit and I tried to confirm those dates for the package & he became a little testy but we kept going.
I started asking him about adding the NE and park hopper (I had forgotten that you recommended not adding this if planning to upgrade to AP.) He explained that I could wait and do this all on check in but since I persisted he told that it would be the $50 per person plus tax park hopper update. He explained at length that update for the NE is based on the 10 day price even if I am paying for the seven day ticket and getting the three days free. This would add approx $100 per person for the NE of the 10 day ticket rather than the 7 seven ticket. Does this make any sense?
Also, I have another question for any of you. . .I wanted to pay for the rest of package as it was due by May 16 but I wanted to pull out the DDP (hopefully temporarily) to make the payment due now a little less and give me another paycheck for the DDP. Is that possible?
Sorry for so many questions!