Email show 8/11/11 - ticket question??

[abish19]

I recently heard the discussion about Disney's policies regarding early package ticket pick-up on the 8/11 email show. I am helping a friend plan a trip, and after researching the information available on the DISBoards and calling Disney, they decided to try the early ticket pick-up two days before their package reservation begins. (They wanted to take advantage of Free Dining for as much of their vacation as possible). Following their 6 days at WDW, they will be taking a 4 day Disney cruise. The first two days of their trip would be part of a room-only reservation; the next four days would be part of the package. They currently have a six day ticket included with the package.

For those of you who are in the know - would you recommend that my friends just change the number of days on their package and purchase the extra days separately before they leave home, rather than hope that Disney will release the package tickets early? There is a WIDE price difference (+$1000), even when purchasing from a discounted ticket dealer, when compared to simply using the package tickets.

They DO NOT want to arrive at WDW for a magical vacation and have it start with problems.

True to form, several calls to Disney have produced several different answers, always with a "We can't guarantee this..." included.

Thanks to everyone for your advice and help, and extra thanks to the podcast team for alerting us to this possible challenge and offering some more information!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Hmm. I'm not an expert on this, but know someone will be along shortly to help you. I'd assume it'd be better to get extra park tickets rather than hope that the package will be available early.

 

[safetymom]

I would plan on not getting the tickets ahead of time. I really don't want to say you can do it and then get there and they can't give them to you. That would start the vacation off wrong.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest do not buy additional tickets ahead of time. I, as well as another person who is a Trainer at Guest Relations at one of the theme parks, have not seen anything about a policy change. Have the friend go a Theme Park (or DTD) Guest Relations Window to see about picking up the package tickets early.

If you go to the locked sticky Everything About WDW Tickets in the TPA&S Forum, especially Post #15-I, you can get a lot more information. An easy way to get to the sticky is by clicking on the link in my signature.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

I've done it before, but the policy seems to be in flux.

We hope to get ours a day early. If it doesn't happen we have alternate plans.

Be prepared is my motto!

 

[abish19]

Thank you so much for your responses! I've passed this information on to my friend so they can make an informed decision.

It seems like, unless there is a policy change, that someone (either a resort manager or ticketing Cast Member at a theme park) should be able to get the tickets; on the other hand, it is wise to be prepared!

Thanks again!
Beth