How are packages priced?

[OneBadApple]

I'm just starting to plan our 3rd trip to WDW for the week after Thanksgiving and have a question on how packages are priced?

I priced out the package for 7 nights with a 7 day park hopper and was quoted 2496.10. I then priced out the room only which I was quoted 1366.88 and the tickets purchased separately were 1124.64. When I total the room-only quote with the tickets I get 4.58 less than the package quote. If anything I thought the package would be a little cheaper. Does anyone know why there is a difference in price?

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Did you check to confirm the same room types were defaulted, same ticket options (Hopper, # Days, Waterpark Option, etc?)? Their website is notorious for "forgetting" options you updated when you go back and do something again. The cost difference almost looks like a difference of one day ticket change. When Disney prices packages, they give you hoppers for the length of stay, not nights, so you would get 8 day tickets by default.

 

[brentalex]

Unless there is some special deal with a package, like a ticket upgrade or free dining, I have never found a package to be cheaper than reserving a room and then buying the tickets separately. It is especially true if I get a AAA discount on the room and buy the tickets from one of the online ticket resellers. A package may be a bit more convienient, one stop shopping, but without some special deal, I have never found it to be cheaper.

 

[OneBadApple]

I'm 99.9% positive that everything was the same. I know that the room type was the same, both tickets had only the park hopper option and I'm pretty sure both were for 7 days. I'll go back and check to make sure that I changed the tickets to 7 days.

 

[OneBadApple]

Unless there is some special deal with a package, like a ticket upgrade or free dining, I have never found a package to be cheaper than reserving a room and then buying the tickets separately. It is especially true if I get a AAA discount on the room and buy the tickets from one of the online ticket resellers. A package may be a bit more convienient, one stop shopping, but without some special deal, I have never found it to be cheaper.

In my case the package was actually a little more than doing the room and tickets separately.

 

[dogodisney]

I have noticed the difference when I have compared packages VS. room only too. Maybe it has something to do with taxes?

 

[OneBadApple]

I thought about it being taxes too, but I can't figure out how the taxes are being applied.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Like a PP said, package are not necessarily cheaper they are just more convenient to purchase. Also by purchasing a package you are able to add dining if you choose.

 

[safetymom]

Because with a package you get more than just room and tickets.
http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/packages/2008-packages.htm

Stay 1 -10 nights at a Disney Resort
Magic Your Way Base Ticket
Add Dining to this Package!


Receive a $15 Certificate valid for food and non-alcoholic beverages and a souvenir merchandise keepsake at Planet Hollywood. VIP Preferred Seating is available from 11am through 6pm. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. (One certificate per room; one keepsake per room; one voucher required for keepsake).
One certificate per room for a round of miniature golf at either Disney's Winter Summerland or Fantasia mini-golf courses
One Sea Raycer certificate per room entitling the guest to 90 minutes of watercraft rental when purchasing 60 minutes. This offer is valid for up to 5 guests at the following resort marinas: Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans Riverside, Coronado Springs, Yacht & Beach Club, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Ft. Wilderness, Old Key West, Contemporary and Downtown Disney
Photopass certificate entitling the guests to one (1) complimentary 5x7 photo per room. This must be redeemed while at Walt Disney World.
One Walt Disney Travel Company luggage tag per person

 

[Luv2Roam]

Correct -- with a WDTC package, guests also receive and can add on WDTC exclusives as those already mentioned. So you do get more with a package, and have more options.