Confirmed! Book Land/Sea Separately

[two-foxes]

Back in 02, they offered the option of adding either the gold or silver dream maker add ons to the land portion of the trip. We did the silver (our favorite!) and we used all our wishes for meals. Doing that, we definitely got our $$ worth with the add ons. (We also added on a few pounds that trip!) Since 02, Disney has stopped offering the add ons with the land portion...and they have increased the amount of 2 wish restaurants, making the plan not such a great value.....but this is a subject for another board, I suppose!

 

[felixdacat]

Just an update.
I started this thread on 3/20. Today is 4/2 and I finally got a call from my TA confirming that they were able to add the REAS to my itinerary. She said she worked with somebody named Linda over at Disney. She hasn't yet confirmed my Palo & Spa reservations but I'm not too worried.
Those who have been told the same thing, take this as advice to fight for what you want. In another thread, a member of this board had a theory that the REAS is getting too popular and making it more difficult then ever to make Palo & Spa reservations, especially for those who do it onboard, and that is why Disney is tightening up on selling them. Sounds to me like a strong possibility of the truth.
I realize that some people disagree with the overall concept that booking the Land/Sea separately is better. However, both the Passporter book and the "General" consensus of these boards is that it is better for you. I never meant to imply that it is always better.
If you are flying into Orlando and want to take advantage of the transfers, if you like the idea of a one stop check in for both hotel and cruise, if the choice of resorts and their accommodations that come with it are acceptable to you, and if you are vacationing during a peak period, then the Land/Sea package would be right to you. My guess would be that these factors would account for a minimum of 25% of the people who look into the Land/Sea and perhaps as great as 45%.
I fall into the percentage that feels the package is too restrictive. I used to be in sales, and there is an old cliché about "Leaving Money on the Table". That is what Disney is doing. If at the time of my purchase of the package, when I requested Lagoon View rooms at the Poly, I was offered a guarantee of Lagoon View for an additional $120 a room (Lagoon View is usually $40 a night additional), I would have had a decision to make. Do I spend the extra money and guarantee it, or since it’s off peak, do I wait and see if any are available. Since my 5 year old is in love with anything 'Princess', and would lose her mind to wake up to Cinderella’s castle each morning, I probably would have spent the money.
I will probably have a wonderful time no matter how this plays out. I'll give a full report when I get back (cruise ends on 5/6). I just find that most companies that give their customer the freedom to decide how to spend their money make more money. Considering some of Disney's recent issues, perhaps being more flexible could help.

 

[two-foxes]

felix-
looks like your cruise time is coming up soon! You have done your homework, the money is spent, now just enjoy! I am glad to hear it worked out in your favor with the REAS! This will be an awesome trip for you! Enjoy, don't stress, and give us a report on how the REAS worked out when you get back!

Happy cruising!

 

[talicskai]

could someone please decode REAS for me?
Thanks!

 

[Hygiene99]

ROMANTIC ESCAPE AT SEA , THIS IS a package they offer
do a search there has beena couple of great threads about this package.. One person said They booked thru dreams and when they added on this package it brought them into a different tier for a rebate so they ended up geting $50.00 bucks off
so instead of being a $299.00 add on package they got it for $250.00 , they allow u to make reservations fr Palo and Brunch
and pick your dinning rotation.. BEFORE u board the ship .
also u get something at the spa for couples..

just the highlights .. im sure there is more...

 

[Chattyaholic]

For our first Disney Magic cruise in '01 we went to our local TA and she booked everything with Disney and it was a "package deal" because we wanted a category 6 stateroom with verandah but could not stay at the resort of our choice at WDW, it had to be "in the same category." We wanted to stay at the Polynesian Village, but couldn't. We ended up with the Contemporary and while we enjoyed it, it wasn't our "choice." Plus, because we wanted to stay another week in Florida after our cruise they made us pay $50 per person for a "flight deviation fee." We went along with all of this as we were "greenhorns" but if we were to plan a similar vacation with our local TA again we would tell her to book everything separately, so we could stay in the resort WE wanted to stay at, and we could fly home when WE wanted to.

 

[mousebrat]

I guess I'll join in the fray of people who are tight (cough), I mean prudent, about their Disney trip but who will have a blast once they get there nonetheless. When we were looking at package versus separate booking we priced everything out. To get our money's worth, and to feel well-rested, we are flying to Orlando the day before our land/sea package begins and staying at a moderate resort. One big factor in all this seems to be how many people are going. For two adults the package price came up cheaper for us, though you can toss some kids into the mix and get a different result. Also, Disney transfers are cheaper for two people than taking a town car or limo, though I understand that one more person would make the town car option cheaper.

As far as the REAS thing goes, I understand why it is so popular. You almost break even on the actual price of the services had you done them separately, plus you get the convenience of Palo and spa ressies before leaving. I can't say I would be totally miffed if we can't book the REAS with our land/sea package, but being able to book it would certainly make the trip more enjoyable and hassle free.

Oh well, my two cents...