Changing from Room only to package

[cgh]

Is this usually difficult? I had quite the odd experience when I called today and i didn't know if it were just the person helping me or things are very difficult. I had a room only, and wanted to add park tickets (which I thought would make it a package). When I made that inquiry to ask how much more a package would be, she had to talk to guest services.

So, basically, in order to change to a package she booked a different room type then had guest services switch out the rooms and cancel the other reservations?!?

Meanwhile, she said I had to make a $200 deposit. To which I said I've already paid $700. Where did that money go? It, apparently will be refunded in 7-10 days.

Is this normal? I found it to be so odd. Is it because the room type is sold out?

 

[vicki_c]

Packages and room only are handled by two separate parts of Disney. Funds are no transferable from one to the other. To switch from room only to package, they have to cancel, refund you and rebook it. It all sounds exactly like what is supposed to happen.

 

[TDC Nala]

Yes, to switch from a room-only to a package you have to cancel and rebook. They are two separate reservations systems. So yes, you would have had the $700 refunded and you would have had to pay a new deposit, because they can't just transfer the room-only balance to a package.

Nothing odd about it as far as Disney is concerned, it's standard operating procedure.

The CM did what she did to ensure that you could keep the room type you had booked, because she had to make a cancellation on your previous reservation.

Also make sure you note that in switching from a room-only to a package, you're now subject to a different set of rules. Room-only has a 1 night deposit with the balance due at check-in. You can cancel without penalty anytime up to 5 days before arrival (it's 6 days if you book online, no idea why). Now that you have a package, you need to pay it off in full no later than 45 days before arrival. After 45 days, a $200 cancellation penalty kicks in. Any changes to your package after 45 days resulting in a lower rate are subject to a $50 change fee.

 

[davedmaine]

Is this usually difficult? I had quite the odd experience when I called today and i didn't know if it were just the person helping me or things are very difficult. I had a room only, and wanted to add park tickets (which I thought would make it a package). When I made that inquiry to ask how much more a package would be, she had to talk to guest services.

So, basically, in order to change to a package she booked a different room type then had guest services switch out the rooms and cancel the other reservations?!?

Meanwhile, she said I had to make a $200 deposit. To which I said I've already paid $700. Where did that money go? It, apparently will be refunded in 7-10 days.

Is this normal? I found it to be so odd. Is it because the room type is sold out?

There's no benefit to do that and you get into some tougher cancelation policies

 

[summermac]

There's no benefit to do that and you get into some tougher cancelation policies

Yeah, this. The only reason to get a package is to then get DDP if you ask me. Unless you got some kind of PIN that you had to book a package for. Oh wait, I guess another advantage is having your tickets for only the $200 deposit to make your FP+ reservations rather than having to pay for them entirely upfront.