Code Veterans ... Can I Do This?

[disneymath]

I have a 40% PIN that "expires" March 31. We had no intention of going back this year ... but are now looking seriously considering a "quick trip" in August. (Gotta get my Disney fix.)

Obviously, I need to book like NOW, but in reality I won't know if the trip is going to actually happen for a few more months.

Here's my questions:

1a) If I book Room Only with my PIN, can I then upgrade to a package with Dining Plan later?
1b) How close to arrival date can I do this?
2) If free dining comes out and is a better deal for us, can I keep my room, give up my 40% off and get Free Dining?

I think I can do this stuff, but it's always nice to get confirmation from the experts on the DIS.

(FWIW, I've added dining to a PIN Code before up front, but never after the fact. I don't want to do that this time, because at 45 days out I still may not know for sure if we're going on not - although I will have a much better idea I'm sure.)

Thanks!

 

[chocovrdmicears]

1. Yes. You should be able yo book a room only with the 40% off code now and then upgrade it to a package and add dining at a later date. When you book a room only you need to put down a deposit for one night and the balance would be due in full when you check in. When you call to convert it to a package, they will have to refund the money you have down on the room only ressie (this can take 7-10 business days) and you will have to put down a seperate $200 deposit when you are making that ressie. The balance for a package needs to be paid in full 45 days before you check in date. So if you convert it to a package after your 45 days you will have to pay for the entire package at that time you book it.
Be sure they book the new package BEFORE they cancel your room only so that you don't loose that room as the availability of a discounted room may not be there.
2. I am not sure of the exact time you have to do this. I know that you can add the dining plan to a MYW package 7-10 days previous to check in. But I don't know how long you have to convert a room only to a package.
3. It would depend on availability. A 40% off room is allocated differently then a free dining room. So if they do not have any rooms available for free dining at the resort you have the 40% off booked, then you would not be able to keep the same reservation.

 

[mbanks21]

PP pretty much covered it all. You would have to call at least 72 hours from arrival to make it a package with dining and your room only deposit is refunded and you have to pay the package in full. You can switch to free dining assuming its available with your room. Just because you have a room booked doesnt mean you have a room with free dining, its completely differant availibility

 

[disneymath]

... I knew about the in full at 45 days on a package and that the Free Dining and 40% rooms were different - but thanks for the great reminder to make the "new" reservation before cancelling the old one. Also, I didn't know that the deposit on the room only could not simply be carried over if we upgraded to a package - thanks for pointing this out.

Hoping I can get the family to "prioritize" the resort preferences tonight so that I can call for the room only ressies tomorrow.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

Good luck!
Just another little fyi..this may help with your planning...the 40% off is a much better savings at a deluxe resort. The free dining tends to be a better savings if you stay at a value.
Happy Planning.

 

[disneymath]

Good luck!
Just another little fyi..this may help with your planning...the 40% off is a much better savings at a deluxe resort. The free dining tends to be a better savings if you stay at a value.
Happy Planning.

I know what you mean ... although it was "Free Dining" in 2006 that led to our first ever Deluxe stay (WL). We took our food budget and opted to splurge on accommodations instead. Totally spoiled us!