Package 'pickle' - need advice

[2ofUs]

Early ticket pick-up attached to a package - running into complications. Need help making decision!

Trip dates: 9/8-9/16/2010.
9/8 = ROOM-ONLY @ POP for arrival
9/9 = PREMIUM PACKAGE (1 night only) @ POP w/8 day PH passes
9/10-9/12 = 3 nights @ Wyndham Bonnet Creek
9/13-9/15 = 3 nights @ Bay Lake Towers w/DVC points.

Initally told by WDTC and POP front desk employee we COULD do early ticket pick-up the day before our Premium Pkg, so we added 7 nights to original 1 day pass required for pkg booking.

Yesterday a WDTC agent said we COULD NOT get tickets early - they are attached to a package w/room key and, therefore, Ticket agents at parks would not be able to pull up any information, much less make them availalbe.

If ANYONE has had experience with this, we would appreciate input.

Our OPTIONS at this point:

1) DROP 7 days from pkg, buy 8-day pass on room-only date, save 1 day required pk pass for another use - will cost us $168.

2) Leave package alone and NOT do park on our arrival day. Planned EPCOT WS afternoon, dinner at Tokyo Dining, view Illuminations from balcony, that would free up having to stay late on another EPCOT night.

3) Leave package alone, use 2 GAD vouchers (planned to use for FP) for 1 day admission on arrival day.

4) Drop 7 days, use GAD vouchers on arrival as $84 credit each to buy 8 day for DH and AP for me (plan trip w/son in March 2011), save 1 day required pk pass for future use/upgrade, loose GAD FP ability but saving $168 on passes.

Any advice/suggestions/tips would be GREATLY appreciated.

 

[clanmcculloch]

Many people have reported being able to pick up their tickets a day early. Technically I don't know if that's supposed to happen but I believe CheshireFigment reported that it is actually allowed.

Here's what I'd do in your position. I'd try to get the tickets a day early. If you can then you're set and still have those GAD vouchers for FPs. If you can't then use the GAD vouchers for tickets to go to Epcot.

 

[2ofUs]

Thanks, that is pretty much what I had decided, but it is very frustrating. Everyone at WDW you ask has "THE" answer, but it isn't their plans that are disrupted if it turns out they are wrong.

I read CheshireFigment's report on ticketing in detail, and he does say it can be done. Apparently the potential flaw is being attached to a PREMIUM (or PLATINUM) package. I'm just not sure how this could be any different than a plan with a dining package, etc.?

Sorry, I am a bit CDO (that's OCD in alphabetiacal order ... as it SHOULD be ) so this sort of 'up in the air' feeling is bothersome.

 

[clanmcculloch]

I totally understand that CDO feeling (love it!). I think by having a backup plan set in stone that can help with that feeling. I know it drives me NUTS not having definitely answers but you can mitigate that with a set backup plan. Do your touring plans without the GAD FPs and just make note of which FPVs you can drop if you actually have them (I saw your question on TGM as well).

 

[2ofUs]

Thanks for the encouragement. Most everyone I know considers me to be their WDW expert and I have helped numerous friends plan trips. I do very thorough research and utilize several websites (as you know) to learn as much as I can. So when I find myself in a situation like this it triples my anxiety as I just HATE - um, okay, hate takes too much energy so let's just say - I really don't LIKE unanswered questions.

I always have SEVERAL optional plans in place, about which my DH loves to tease me. Being my best friend and biggest supporter, he explains that I always go through this for every vacation we take. I exert so much energy into the planning that I am in desperate need of the vacation by the time it arrives!

Good thing he loves me so much since sometimes I can't stand myself.

 

[2ofUs]

FYI - just spoke to someone in the WDW Executive offices. Was able to confirm that YES, early ticket pick-up is allowed (even with Premium pkg) but only at Guest Services in any theme park. Go to the ticket booth to say you are there for early ticket pick-up as part of a Premium pkg and they will direct you from there.

So - NOW I AM A HAPPY CAMPER!!!

Thanks to all for your assistance.