Fairy Tale Package Question

[MDAL12]

I currently have reservations at the CBR for November 1-8 through the Fairy Tale Package. We will not be using our UHP the last day because our flight is leaving early. Is it possible to get a refund for the last day of the ticket since we won't be using them? We have already paid our trip in full, but I was just wondering.

 

[Kimberle]

I don't think so. We, too, did not use day 8 because we had an early flight. 2 yrs ago, we also did not use the last day because of an early flight. We paid rack then, no discount. We did not get any kind of a refund.

 

[Jen117]

We asked last time about getting ours changed to one day less and they said... No. That is how the package comes!

Jen

 

[turnlisa]

I think the reason for no discount is that they are advertised as "length of stay" passes.

 

[princssdisnygina]

Unfortunately, when you book a package that is how it works. It is the same thing as if you decided to stay at the hotel one day and not go to the park. It is your choice to do so and your choice when your flight leaves. I would not suggest the packages because in the end you have control. The packages don't save you any money, just maybe a little convenient. I have been to Disney 27 times and have done packages twice because they are not a savings. All the things that come with packages you can purchase on the side and pay less. You can create your own package. Just a thought for future reference. Refunds aren't available on unused items in the package.

Gina

 

[2MuchOhana]

Unfortunately not as it is part of the package deal. In many cases it is still a better value than booking room and buying passes separate. Although, that is always something to consider when planning.

The FTP we had for July was an excellent value with three nights free. We also stayed at the CBR; and were unable to use the last day of our pass due to a long days drive. If you got the same deal then it is still worth the amount even with the extra days pass.

Hope you have a great time!

 

[sue1013]

Princess Gina,
FTP certainly was a savings. Even most that are like you thinking packages don't save will agree the FTP was a great deal. If you can't use the last day with the FTP it was free so what!

 

[Chad&Janet]

I agree with Sue as well, Gina. You are correct in your statement that packages in the past have not been that good of a deal, but FTP was unprecedented in the cost savings. Believe me, I did the math many ways and couldn't beat the package deal. Even Mary Waring from Mousesavers, the queen of price shopping, said to jump on the deal!

Mdal12, what I did was to "sandwich" my FTP stay in between 2 value resort stays for 1 night each. my understanding is that you get to use your UPH for the entire day of the first and last day of your stay regardless of when you check in/out. (you can check in anytime though your room may not be ready, but they still go ahead and issue the UPH's.) So we actually have 3 separate reservations! If you don't mind to move hotels, it's a good way to get settled in and also maximize your UPH use. But you don't necessarily have to move hotels, it's just that the room only rate @ a deluxe is quite a bit more money than a value, since our FTP is a savannah AKL room.

 

[MDAL12]

Thanks everyone for your replies. The fairy tale package is a great deal. I am just always looking for ways to save a buck!

 

[whozit]

In August, we sandwiched the FTP between room only reservations at the beginning and the end. We did know ahead of time that the terms of the package were non-negotiable, so we scheduled our trip to get the best deal that would work for us. If we had been able to stay 14 days, we probably would have done two FTPs back to back (paying for a total of 8 days and getting to stay for 14 days), but we didn't have quite that much time. Instead, we booked room only for our first 2 nights....figured we'd arrive in early afternoon on a Saturday and just checked things out and settled in our room instead of heading off to the parks since we'd have plenty of park days once the UPH started (we took this opportunity to try to see the campfire program....unfortunately it was rained out and the Electrical Water Pageant). On our second day (sunday), we slept in (we knew there wouldn't be much of that over the next 8 days), went to DD, did some resort hopping, swam in our resort pool etc. Then at 7am on Monday morning, went back to the front desk and checked in for our FTP reservation (we had requested no room change, and when we checked in on Sat, the CM told us that we would be in the same room for the entire stay). Then, with our UPHs in hand, we walked to the bus stop and hit the parks. On the following Monday morning, went to the front desk and checked in for a room only....the UPH from the FTP was still good til midnight, so we hit the parks again. Tuesday and Wednesday (getaway day) we did non-park things and got packed up for the flight home. Overall, we were there for 10 full days and 2 partial days. With the FTP, we paid for 4 nights and got 7 (along with 8 days of UPH), and the remainder of the nights were room only. I compared the prices at the time, and this was a better deal for us than using the FTP for our entire stay (or booking 2 differect FTPs). And, if we had UPHs for the entire, we would not have been able to use them every day.....we had to rest sometime.

 

[MDAL12]

That was a well thought out plan. I'm impressed!

 

[GoldenOldie]

Just wanted to remind everyone that the FTP package that's available for 2004 is not the same as this year's was. It has the same name but it is very different. You do not get any free days with the 2004 package.

 

[dcgrumpy]

Well technically your last day is already free

 

[princssdisnygina]

Ok so here is my research. I have been to Disney MANY times and have checked on packages all of those times, and not once have I found it to be a better deal... For example: I just called Disney and checked the website for May 5-12, 2004 with the FTP. The cost is $1925.52 and includes 7 nights at the Carib Beach, Ultimate Park Hopper for length of stay, and character art and pin from PhilHarMagic framed. Now....Here is what it is seperate standard price:

7 nights at CBR - $1123.92
7 night Ultimate Park Hopp - $686 (2 people)

= $1809.92

AND, if you don't use your park hopper ticket it is good after you leave forever.
Now, we have AAA so here it is even cheaper:

7nights at CBR - $871.50
7 night ult park hopp - $686 (2 people)

= $1557.75

Either way, you are still saving money doing it on your own. I checked several different dates and it all equals the same. Now, unless the character art is a HUGE deal and it worth over $100 and you don't care about losing unused days on park hopper, then ok, it is a good deal. First of all, how many people go to parks for all days they are there? I guess if you are only there for 4 days then maybe, but you will almost always loose the last day, so if you figure it on your own for a 6day park hopper it is even cheaper. Just an FYI. Maybe I am missing something but I have alot of experience with Disney and their packages are purely for convenience.

Gina

 

[HM]

Gina--

Here's what you are missing (as stated by GoldenOldie above)....
The FTP packages that are currently available for next year are DIFFERENT from the FTP that were available for this year.

The packages that were available from July until November this year were BUY FOUR NIGHTS AND GET THREE FREE. That is a HUGE savings over a regular package. For a week's vacation, the guest payed for four nights lodging and 5 days UPHs and got 7 nights lodging and 8 day UPHs.

The currently offered FTP packages are not a deal....and you are correct about that.

-HM

 

[2MuchOhana]

Agreed.

The new "FTP" they are offering is no bargin. Unfortunately, I think a lot of people are going to be confused into thinking it is a great deal when it isn't. They really should change the package name to something else.

I admit packages are not always the best way to go. It can be a matter of convience; and it pays to do your homework ahead of time.

 

[princssdisnygina]

Yes, I agree, with the 3 nights free it is a better deal. I was, however, aware of that being the case from the summer and fall. What I was trying to say, and maybe I didn't express myself, but for the most part, unless they offer special deals like that, the packages are not a bargain. Sorry if I misinterpruted myself.

Gina