Hidden costs in vacation packages

[mominalaska]

Hi,
It was exciting to see the 2009 packages open today. I am planning our first trip (well, I grew up in Orange Co, so my first trip as an adult) for January. We will be celebrating our daughter's second birthday during the trip!

So, looking at the vacation packages, I see that taxes are included. Is the daily resort fee included as well? Will there be any charges (other than in-room charges like room service and mini-bar) that we will need to pay upon check-in?

Also, should I book now for Jan 8-12 or wait to see if they offer any deals?

thanks!

 

[Hester]

Though I am not an expert, and perhaps someone can be more specific about it...

For us, it was cheaper to book a hotel separately instead of purchasing a package. We weren't interested in the "perks" either (coins, collectible tickets, etc., etc.) It probably depends on your exact stay duration. Also, don't forget to consider getting APs instead of single tickets if you're staying a while... add up the AP discounts you would receive. For us, this also made sense, especially if there are any special upcoming AP room rates for the off season.

Book now, as you can cancel up to 5 days before your trip. If you find a better rate, just swap it out... that's what I'm doing for our Feb. trip.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

where are you trying to stay off site book seprately. (check hojos)
on site call and see what the deals are they can give you., ive found its cheaper to book seprately

 

[CrazyDuck]

Hi,
It was exciting to see the 2009 packages open today. I am planning our first trip (well, I grew up in Orange Co, so my first trip as an adult) for January. We will be celebrating our daughter's second birthday during the trip!

So, looking at the vacation packages, I see that taxes are included. Is the daily resort fee included as well? Will there be any charges (other than in-room charges like room service and mini-bar) that we will need to pay upon check-in?

Also, should I book now for Jan 8-12 or wait to see if they offer any deals?

thanks!

I don't think the resort fee is included in the package deals but it's only $12/day so it will only cost you $48 during your stay. Very small amount compared to the price you are going to pay for your room! You don't pay upon check-in... You pay upon check-out... You can also charge stuff while shopping in the parks back to your room that way you don't have to carry any cash (except for the churro cart). When you check out you can pay for everything you bought durring your stay! Book now for Jan 8-12 as rooms are already disappearing. Also there is a $100 cancellation fee if you cancel more than 1 month out.

 

[Sherry E]

The package I got DID include the resort fee, parking and tax and all of that, and I paid for the whole thing up front, prior to checking in, not at the end of my stay. I didn't have to pay for anything else after checking in. The only thing is, if you incur any extra charges to your room tab during your stay, they will give you a final bill on the morning of check out with the new charges.

Next, you will be charged at least $100 for cancellation if you book a Walt Disney Travel Company package - no matter what. They will refund your money minus $100 if you cancel more than a month in advance of your arrival. But they charge you at least double that if you cancel closer to arrival date. You have to put down a $200 deposit when you first make the reservation (or you can pay the whole thing), and then the entire package amount is due thirty days from your arrival date, and then WDTC sends out your package with your extras and Park Hoppers about 21 days before arrival.

 

[CrazyDuck]

The package I got DID include the resort fee, parking and tax and all of that,

Wow thats good news.. I wasn't sure about that part.... More and more my Visa Dream Package is looking like a wise decision on my part!

 

[Sherry E]

Wow thats good news.. I wasn't sure about that part.... More and more my Visa Dream Package is looking like a wise decision on my part!

And that was only my experience last year. Other people have probably had different experiences. I don't know what the WDTC is doing now! I never trust these sneaky Disney people! I always feel like whatever was the case one year is going to change the next year! They could have changed their policy of how they bill for the packages now, much like Central Reservations changed theirs and they now require a one-night deposit up front, which they did not do last year!