Is there any advantage to room only vs. package ?

[Crazy4Disney06]

I already know about the cancellation policy on both, but is there any other advantage to booking a room only vs. the package? I am looking at Aug. of next year, 3 adults and 2 children. I have booked the package already but wondering if I could save us some extra $$$ by going with room only.

 

[pepe of ohio]

These comments are just from our own experiences, we've been to the World over 38 times, is we always book room only. I've looked into the packages and knowing what we like to do and see, take the package listings and do the math. We could hardly do everything in most packages, being we would have full park tickets for the duration anf feel we would not get our fare money deal. We like to relax some at the resort pool, feel its good enough instead of heading over to a water park which we could do and just pay for out of pocket. As for the other offerings, like PI and DQ we're not interested in having done those on other trips and really didn't care to retry them.

That all being said, we just like paying for what we like and can do without racing around trying to get it all done. Time of the year means alot if looking into packages, to us not worth it if its the cooler months in Disney nor really good during the hot summer months with huge crowds. TL and BB can be real crowded and not alot of fun and if its cool out that wouldn't be great either, then that part of the package is lost. I guess it boils down to what spare time you have in your itinerery, time of year, season and length of stay.

 

[jenseib]

I wondered too. I could care less about the water park option, but would like parkhoppers, but don't HAVE to have them. But still couldn't you just get a lesser amount of days ticket? Like a 3 day ticket if you are staying for 5 days?
What is the cancelation policies as well? I didn't know there was a difference.

 

[Scutapipig]

We've done both, but prefer room only. We usually save about $200-$300 by doing this.

When we did the package it was for the opportunity to use the free dining promotion.

When I book room only, I use my AAA discount and then we'll purchase tickets through Undercover Tourist using the discounted ticket link from the Mousesavers newsletter.

We always park hop, but you could save even more money by not adding the hopper option.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong or if things have changed recently, but cancellation of a room only reservation is usually five days prior to arrival with no charge added. Cancellation of a package less than 45 days results in a cancellation fee.

 

[byoung]

You can save cash buy booking rm only.

 

[disneymom06]

A room only reservation requires one nights deposit, 5or 6 day cancellation policy, packages are $200 deposits, cancellation policy 45 days out and you are paid in full at that point. It is a big difference to me. I have only done a package when it included the free dining offer, otherwise it is room only.

 

[matysgrandma]

The ONLY time I book a package is when Free Dining is around. Other than that, it's room only that's going to save you $$.

 

[jenseib]

HOW does booking a room only save you more money> And where do you get your tickets then? Are they any cheaper or the same as buying them in the package?

 

[matysgrandma]

We have annual passes, but when I need to purchase tickets for anyone I use undercovertourist.com, following a link from Mousesavers.com newsletter. Usually the cheapest ticket prices around. Also save money on the room using an AP discount or AAA discount.

 

[kimberh]

We have annual passes, but when I need to purchase tickets for anyone I use undercovertourist.com, following a link from Mousesavers.com newsletter. Usually the cheapest ticket prices around. Also save money on the room using an AP discount or AAA discount.

This is exactly what I do too. This year we have became DVC members so Now I can book our room with points and still order the tickets serapately. We did do the Free Dining last Sept. so I booked a backage with a one day ticket to qualify for the package.