From one package to two...or not

[kristenabelle]

Hi all!

I'm headed down this October, booked at HRH (onsite for the first time!) for a few days before I transfer to BWV on my DVC points. I reserved a package including park-to-park tickets and a ticket for HHN (Saturday, Oct. 27th - I know it'll be nutso, but I'm planning on getting express when they're released, fingers crossed).

My friend's birthday is December 30th, and we've just decided to head down to UOR to enjoy the new HP Christmas decor/fun. Again, sure it'll be nutso, which is why we'll stay onsite and take advantage of EE and Unlimited Express.

That said, I'm thinking it's best that I get an annual pass at this point. I wrote to UOR Reservations and asked if it was possible to modify my first package, but I got a confusing response. I want to make sure I don't lose out on what's already booked this October, but I also want to upgrade to an AP and take advantage of any discounts/not have to buy add'l tickets in December. Thoughts? Should I call and speak with someone over the phone?

 

[wookiebeck]

On the advice of this forum, I have never booked a package. There seems to be fine print that restricts the amount of changes one can make without incurring penalties. The best (and many times cheaper) way is to book hotel rooms separately. Modifications and cancellations can be made up to a week out. Then buying tickets separately allows you to add days, upgrade to AP, etc. Restaurant reservations within a package are also overrated and can be done equally effective without.

Then if you go with an AP, you might be able to catch an AP rate on the HRH hotel room, too. The package does little but tie your hands. You are many months out still so you should be able to get a plan that meets your wishes.

 

[wagman67]

On the advice of this forum, I have never booked a package. There seems to be fine print that restricts the amount of changes one can make without incurring penalties. The best (and many times cheaper) way is to book hotel rooms separately. Modifications and cancellations can be made up to a week out. Then buying tickets separately allows you to add days, upgrade to AP, etc. Restaurant reservations within a package are also overrated and can be done equally effective without.

Then if you go with an AP, you might be able to catch an AP rate on the HRH hotel room, too. The package does little but tie your hands. You are many months out still so you should be able to get a plan that meets your wishes.

Wookiebeck is spot on...which is why I will not book a package...they are not bad or overpriced...they just don't leave a lot of wiggle room for changes. Also, when looking at an AP, make sure you look carefully at the blockout dates a couple of them have. We get the cheapest (Seasonal), because it has no blockout dates when we usually go, so it works for us. The Seasonal and Power Passes both have blockout dates on Dec 30th, so they may not be a fit for you.

 

[bumbershoot]

That said, I'm thinking it's best that I get an annual pass at this point.

Why do you want to do it *now*? IMO the only reason to cancel the package and do it now is IF there's an AP rate available right now for your October trip. If so, if there's a cancel fee, see if the AP rate makes it good enough to eat the fee. If not, just upgrade when you get there to the AP, and then you don't buy tickets in December. If there's AP rates for your dates in December (and I don't think AP rates are out for either month yet, if they'll be out for those time periods at all) you can book that when it shows up, even if you don't have the AP in hand.

 

[kristenabelle]

Why do you want to do it *now*? IMO the only reason to cancel the package and do it now is IF there's an AP rate available right now for your October trip. If so, if there's a cancel fee, see if the AP rate makes it good enough to eat the fee. If not, just upgrade when you get there to the AP, and then you don't buy tickets in December. If there's AP rates for your dates in December (and I don't think AP rates are out for either month yet, if they'll be out for those time periods at all) you can book that when it shows up, even if you don't have the AP in hand.

Yeah, I think this is a fair point - honestly, I saw the discounts as a bonus if anything (I know we're going at an expensive time of year, and it's unlikely we'll get any), and was more concerned about paying for tickets if an AP was more cost effective.

I've never done any of this before with UOR, and as you can see by my October booking I tend to move fast for fear of losing out. I really appreciate your help and advice!