Package vs. Booking Separately

[raidermatt]

General question, is there any advantage to booking a hotel/ticket package through Universal vs. booking them separately?

This is for a trip next summer. It will be a two week WDW trip, but we are booking the first two nights at Universal at an on-site hotel, probably the Royal Pacific, but definitely one of the three that offer Express Pass.

It looks like the prices are almost the same, but we would pay about $70 less to book the hotel separately from buying the tickets, and that's assuming we do not find any discounted tickets.

So that's why the question, is there any benefit to booking as a package, or is it only a pricing decision?

Thanks in advance.

 

[mommypenguin29]

We are going for the first time in November and I found no benefit to doing a package and found it cheaper doing things separate, which is what we did!

 

[saskdw]

The packages work out better for longer stays. We're staying at the Hard Rock for 10 nights and saving about $300-$400.

We get the same Stay More Save More rates on the hotel plus an additional $100 discount. We would normally just get annual passes for UO for this length of stay, but the Explorer tickets give us 14 day park to park access for alot less.

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

The only benefit that I can think of is that you get everything at check-in and don't have to pick up park tickets or other park perks separately. I did a package on one trip where I was more interested in convenience than pricing and purchasing everything separately, but I acknowledged at the time that I wasn't saving money.

 

[tweak89]

We've only ever seen an advantage when booking through Southwest Vacations (with park tickets through Undercover Tourist) vs direct booking. Now, this year we booked out room/tickets via Universal and our flights via Southwest. The reason was they had a promotion with HHN and 2 for 4 day 3 park tickets that worked out a little cheaper.

 

[GoldmanTrust]

I bought a vacation package from Universal (a two week Cabana Bay visit). We got the stay more save more discount and the three park explorer tickets for the whole trip. I couldn't buy them anywhere else (I know some UK sites sell them).

That was basically my incentive for buying a package. We got it for a price we were happy with and I didn't really give it another thought.

Our holiday begins in 8 days, can't wait.

 

[wagman67]

Yeah, if you fit into a niche group then some packages can save you money. For your run of the mill, 7 day or less vacation, not worth the hassle to buy a package....if something changes. If all goes as planned, you're fine. If not...and you need to change a date or cancel the trip altogether, it will probably cost you...unless you pay extra for travel insurance...which means you're paying extra.

 

[gotomu212]

We book seperately. Typically it's cheaper, plus with Loews hotel you have full cancellation rights (I believe it's up to 3 days before check in). The package charges you to make changes.

 

[Jennasis]

I priced out things separately (through Loews direct) and as a package (through USO). Exact same price. 4 nights at CBBR in a standard and the 2-day 3park tix with 2 days free promo. Actually the separate booking was $.10 more.

 

[macraven]

With a package you pay in full at a certain Id days out from arrival

Have to cancel a specific number of days out

Any changes to your package incurs penalty fee


Room only you pay a one night deposit when booking
Remainder when you check out
Can cancel without penalty

Most of my trips are solo
Since I keep my ap renewed, packages not to my advantage

Do the math and read package regulations

Some peeps are thrilled with the packages

Those with ap don't come out ahead with a package as tickets are included

 

[tony67]

It is rare that the package is cheaper than buying the stuff on it's own - I have spent a lot of time looking at it while planning.
I bought a package and got a $75 discount - so it was $75 less for the package than room by itself + tickets

Booking the room on it's own does give you better cancel options - and I have had less issues with LowesFirst upgrades when the room are booked direct.
I always have issues when booking the package through universal and getting the room upgrade and other benefits.

BTW - when you book room only there is still the multi night discount