Questions about switching from DLH to HOJO

[twinspluscade]

Several weeks ago, I booked a package through the Disneyland website for 4 nights at the Disneyland Hotel. The main reason we booked at DLH is because one of my kids spotted a picture of the "Peter Pan pool" (as she calls it), and fell in love with it since she's a huge Peter Pan fan.

WELL...since then I've heard about the HoJo's new pirate-theme pool. My daughter--being only 5--is not going to know the difference between the "real" Peter Pan pool, and the HoJo pirate-themed pool. In other words, I could certainly switch our reservations to the HOJO and my kids be none the wiser. I know it's a bit further to walk, but we have two old (but sturdy) umbrella strollers out in the garage, and I'm pretty sure the kids would still fit in them.

I did the math, and switching to HoJo would save me about $730, and that's without the entertainment rate!! That's a big savings for our family.

So...now I have some questions about switching!

Since we booked a package through the Disneyland website, how does that work? Do I need to cancel the package completely, or can I just switch hotels? Is there a penalty fee to cancel or switch? Can I still get the entertainment rate if I'm booking a package?

 

[bumbershoot]

Is HoJo available as a hotel option through your travel agency (I assume they booked using WDTC)? If so, and if you booked through a place that uses WDTC (in other words, directly through disneyland.com, with AAA, Costco travel, and I think getawaytoday.com), call them and find out.

If HoJo is an option, then you should be able to switch the hotels.

When we booked our package with Costco for last September, we first booked with Paradise Pier. Then we switched it to Carousel. Then back to Paradise Pier. With each change, they *could have* charged $25 in accordance with the WDTC policy. In our case, we got a CM who was sweet, and didn't charge it.

If you have to cancel it altogether, the policy is that you are refunded all but $100 of what you paid so far (assuming you cancel more than 30 days out).

If you cancel the package, you cancel the package. So none of the little extras.

If you can get the package with HoJo, I think you're just getting whatever the total is...no adding discount, I don't think.


Ooh I just checked disneyland.com, and hojo is a good neighbor that can be booked through them...I couldn't remember the dates in your sig and I don't know the exact makeup of your family, but this is the difference I got for the dates etc I used:

HOJO
Arriving on 9/9/2008 for 6 nights; 2 Adults and 1 Child (age 5)
$1,286.00
Room Type:Standard
Package: Good Neighbor Package
Tickets:7 Day Park Hopper® souvenir ticket
Dining:None
Special Features:
Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness
Character Calls


DLH
Arriving on 9/9/2008 for 6 nights; 2 Adults and 1 Child (age 5)
$2,276.12
Room Type: Standard View Room
Package: Resort Package
Tickets: 7 Day Park Hopper® souvenir ticket
Dining:None
Special Features:
Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness
Character Calls


That's a pretty good difference.

 

[ballarinamom]

You could just switch hotels through WDTC. Check the package price online. Then price it a la carte to se which would save you money. If Entertainment rates are available, it could save additional money. If you are outside the cancellation window, you can cancel with no penalty

 

[bumbershoot]

OK I just figured out that you doing the math meant you had done what I just did. Hey, I never said I was the brightest in the bunch!

If the extras (MM on all offered days during your stay, the character call, MTTMM, and anything else) are NOT important to you, your next step is to figure out the direct-with-HoJo rate you would get and add on the tickets. And see what that gets you!

Sorry for being a dolt.