Feel like I should know the answer..

[BebopBaloo]

If I book with a room only discount ..can I add the Disney dining plan, or do I have to have a package?

really feel like I should know the answer to this, as often as I read the boards..

 

[TDC Nala]

You have to have a package.

Some discounts are applicable to packages, not just room-only reservations. Ask a Disney reservationist if the discount you have is applicable to a package.

If you're an AP holder, you can book a ticketless package with dining and still get the AP room discount.

 

[gigi1313]

you can add the dining plan to a room-only reservation only if you buy tickets... if you are doing your reservation online, start with room-only using the discount... then add tickets as suggested (personalizing them for what suits your needs)... then add dining plan...

if you start with a package, you will not get the discount and the price will be higher for the exact same components...

 

[BebopBaloo]

Thanks! If that's the route we end up going, I will be sure to start with just the room.

 

[TDC Nala]

you can add the dining plan to a room-only reservation only if you buy tickets...

But it will then be converted to a package, and it will no longer be a room-only reservation. So if you have a discount that is applicable only to room only reservations and not to packages, you will not be able to apply that discount to the new reservation. It will still depend completely on whether or not the discount you have is applicable to a package reservation, because you cannot get a dining plan if you do not have a package (unless you are DVC staying on points)

While many discounts may be applicable to packages, there may be some that are not.

 

[gigi1313]

But it will then be converted to a package, and it will no longer be a room-only reservation. So if you have a discount that is applicable only to room only reservations and not to packages, you will not be able to apply that discount to the new reservation. It will still depend completely on whether or not the discount you have is applicable to a package reservation, because you cannot get a dining plan if you do not have a package (unless you are DVC staying on points)

While many discounts may be applicable to packages, there may be some that are not.

while i agree with you in principle TDC Nala, my experience for a number of reservations for this may/june has been that by beginning a ressie that way, you don't lose the discount when you add the other components... i don't know *why* but i've got a few reservation numbers (and prices) to prove it... i chalked it up to "just one of those crazy disney things" (and made a few people happy in doing so!)

 

[gigi1313]

and here's what i got... first quote was thru the "summer room only" promo link...

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
Check In May 02, 2010
Check Out May 08, 2010
Staying for 6 nights, 7 days
Adults 2
Children 3
Room Type Water View
Tickets 7-Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket
Package Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining
Package includes 2010 Package Inclusions
Special Rate Summer Magic Your Way Plus Dining
Total $3,362.86


second quote thru the "vacation package" option on the main booking screen...

Package Offer
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
Check In May 02, 2010
Check Out May 08, 2010
Staying for 6 nights, 7 days
Adults 2
Children 3
Room Type Water View
Tickets 7-Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket
Package Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining
Package includes 2010 Package Inclusions
Total $3,629.50


almost a $300 savings just by going thru the promo link! and there is no "package" promo available that i could find...

 

[Luv2Roam]

Seems like they just are not calling it a package. But that is what it is judging by their wording -- a summer promotional (WDTC) package.

Special Rate Summer Magic Your Way Plus Dining

If it has dining -- it is a package. (With a few exceptions, such as DVC members on points.)

 

[gigi1313]

i understand it becomes a "package" deal, but you cannot get the discount if you just attempt to book a plain vanilla package... by using the room-only link, the discount stays when you add the package parts...

just figured i'd put it out there for those that don't know and could save a few shekels!

 

[BebopBaloo]

oh disney..lol..thanks gigi for checking it out

 

[TDC Nala]

Booking online is different from booking by phone. It may not connect for that particular discount when you are booking a package from the website unless you book it as a room only first. But when you add tickets and dining it does become a package. If you're an AP holder and you add dining, it becomes a package. Unless you're DVC you can't have dining added without making it a package. If your discount carries over, great, but it's still a package.

This is important because package reservations have very different policies regarding deposits, payment, and cancellation than room only reservations. Someone may go this route and then not realize they have to pay it all off 45 days from arrival, or there's a cancellation fee within 45 days now that it's a package.

 

[gigi1313]

Booking online is different from booking by phone. It may not connect for that particular discount when you are booking a package from the website unless you book it as a room only first. But when you add tickets and dining it does become a package. If you're an AP holder and you add dining, it becomes a package. Unless you're DVC you can't have dining added without making it a package. If your discount carries over, great, but it's still a package.

This is important because package reservations have very different policies regarding deposits, payment, and cancellation than room only reservations. Someone may go this route and then not realize they have to pay it all off 45 days from arrival, or there's a cancellation fee within 45 days now that it's a package.

ahhh, very good points...