Room only or package?

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

So excited that the prices came out today for 2015!!

We're going the end of May and want to stay at CR in a lake view room. Fingers crossed for a room discount to be released. It looks like historically they have run room deals up to 30% on these rooms. My question, should I just book the room only or go ahead with the package? I think it might be easier to add the discount later if it's just the room? The dining plan is not for us and it's a busier time so I doubt that's an option anyway....I'm thinking 30% off rooms is probably the best discount for us...thoughts?

Anyone experienced this?

Thanks!

Kate

 

[POOHsie]

So excited that the prices came out today for 2015!!

We're going the end of May and want to stay at CR in a lake view room. Fingers crossed for a room discount to be released. It looks like historically they have run room deals up to 30% on these rooms. My question, should I just book the room only or go ahead with the package? I think it might be easier to add the discount later if it's just the room? The dining plan is not for us and it's a busier time so I doubt that's an option anyway....I'm thinking 30% off rooms is probably the best discount for us...thoughts?

Anyone experienced this?

Thanks!

Kate

Deluxe is probably the worst category for Disney Dining in terms of value. A room rate discount would be much better. That's what I'd book, and hope for a discount. If you book a room-only, then later decide to change to a package reservation, you will actually be cancelling your room-only and booking a brand-new reservation based on availability at that time. The two booking methods are completely separate. For a room-only discount, you have to be fast to call when a price reduction comes up. There are usually few rooms allocated for a discount offer. And the discount might not be offered, or might be sold out, in the category you originally chose.

 

[michsig]

I have always booked room-only packages - they just work best for us. With that being said, I always rely on a room-only discount! I have only stayed in mods, but always have gotten 25% off with the discount. I booked my trip for this September in March, and the discount for that time was released in May. I simply called up and asked them to add the discount to my reservation. Very easy! I don't know how it works with packages though.

 

[disneyfan55]

Yes and the discounts seem to be less and less as the yrs go buy. Some not offered for discount at all or not that great of a discount. Good planning. Have fun!

 

[nkereina]

I think it might be easier to add the discount later if it's just the room?

It doesn't matter if you have a room or package booked as far as adding the discount later - there's no such thing as "adding" the discount. Disney allots a certain number of rooms per discount, and you will have to call and have your package or room changed over to one of the discounted rooms once the promotion is released. It won't be done automatically and if you don't do it early enough, you may be out of luck even though you already have a room booked there since it's dependant on how many discounted rooms are available.

I also agree that the room only discount is likely a better option at a deluxe resort, especially if you don't care for the dining plan.

 

[katt789]

I would say just book it, and when the deals are announced, add on the discount! Better to make sure you get the resort/room you want that way!!

 

[bcinohio]

Where can you go to see the discounts from last year?

 

[ArwenMarie]

Unfortunately, you can't add-on a discount if one comes out…If you get a discount, you end up re-booking one of the rooms that have a discount attached to them, whether free dining or a room discount, and your full-price room will go back into the bucket.

The only reason to book a room now is to make sure you have it, even if a discount never comes out or you don't get one of the discounts when they do come out. So if you really really really want to stay at the CR in May for those dates, even without a discount, and are ok with paying rack rate, then book it. If not, don't bother and just wait. Or book something that you are ok with paying the rack rate for, if that makes sense.

I don't see any reason to do a package at this point…there is a much less lenient cancellation policy. The only reason would be if you would prefer to put down $200 instead of the one night's stay.

HTH!

 

[ArwenMarie]

Where can you go to see the discounts from last year?

Mousesavers has historical data.

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

Thanks for all the replies!