Room-Only Rates vs Package Rates

[HLAuburn]

Can anyone tell me how room-only code rates compare to the savings you get on a room when you book a package? For instance, with this Fall special that came out for 10/23-11/23, has anyone been able to compare the room rates you got with room-only code BJV vs package code YQC. I don't think Disney breaks down the parts of a package for you, but can anyone give me an idea of what codes give the lowest room rate?

Thanks!

 

[lark]

Can anyone tell me how room-only code rates compare to the savings you get on a room when you book a package? For instance, with this Fall special that came out for 10/23-11/23, has anyone been able to compare the room rates you got with room-only code BJV vs package code YQC. I don't think Disney breaks down the parts of a package for you, but can anyone give me an idea of what codes give the lowest room rate?

Thanks!

My unscientific "sense" is that the package is better, but it can vary widely. In other words, assume that disney releases a package code and then a room only code at the same time or within a few days. If you take the package price and deduct the advance purchase price that MYW tickets would otherwise cost, and then deduct out the cost of the dining package, you usually, but not always end up with a lower price for the rooms as part of the package than you would with room only. Since the room only code was more heavy for deluxes, it mattered whether you were going deluxe v. mod or value.

Just by way of example, mousesavers reports the package savings on a 3-night WL courtyard stay with the package was $128, but with the room only code, it would have been closer to $180. However a 5-night at POR for the package was a savings of $508, whereas the room only savings would only have been about $250. The package savings on an 8-night poly stay looks to be about $770, while the room only code savings would be $480. (To make it even more complicated, the numbers above show savings on the packages INCLUDING tax, but I didn't include tax on the room-only savings, so you actually have to multiply the room only savings by 1.115 to get a true sense -- e.g., the actual room only savings on the poly was not $480 but $552.)

In short, particularly for longer stays, the package was a better deal. If you think the dining plan would save you even more money, then it's a really good deal. Add in the fact that people seemed to report getting the package deal easier than the room only deal, and the package seems to be the winner.

Here's the big caveat, though: The recent room only code BJV really was not nearly as good as room only codes in the past. It was very modest. If room only codes in the future are better, then the calculation might be completely different.

 

[HLAuburn]

Thank you so much for your response! I knew someone smarter than me would have it all figured out! That's exactly what I needed to know. I am definitely leaning towards a package, especially now knowing it is probably easier to book and I think we'll be doing the 0% APR on the Disney Visa.

Thanks again for responding. You were a huge help!

 

[lark]

Thank you so much for your response! I knew someone smarter than me would have it all figured out! That's exactly what I needed to know. I am definitely leaning towards a package, especially now knowing it is probably easier to book and I think we'll be doing the 0% APR on the Disney Visa.

Thanks again for responding. You were a huge help!

Just one more addition -- here's what I would reocmmend doing to figure out how much you are actually saving on the hotel.

When you hear that a package code has come out, and you're getting ready to call your TA or CRO, start by figuring out the cost of the MYW tickets you'd be buying and the cost of the dining plan. Have that number written down.

So, for example, if you are calling for a MYW plus dining package for 2 adults and two children, with 7 nights and 7-day MYW tickets with park hopping, before you get on the phone, figure out the a la carte prices for everything but the room. Make sure to include tax. The price for 2 adults and 2 children for 7-day MYW tickets with park hopping, with tax, is about $915. The price for 7 days of the dining plan for 2 adults and two children is about $680. (The are approximations, you'll want to figure out the exact numbers.)

So, add those two numbers together: $915 and $680 is $1595. Now, when you call and get quoted a package price, you know exactly what you're dealing with. Suppose the package price you're quoted is $3000. Simply subtract $1595 from $3000 -- or $1405, and this tells you exactly how much you're paying for the room. Assuming the package included tax, you now divide $1405 by 1.115 -- which gives you $1260. Now divide by 7 to get the per night cost: $180.

Now all you have to do is have found, before you called, the rack rate (no tax) for that room for the season you're going. If the rack rate is $200, you know instantly that it's no big deal and a room only code or even AAA would be better. If the rack rate is $305, you know you should hop on this right away.

 

[HLAuburn]

If I pay you like $20, will you do this for me?
Seriously though, thank you so much for your responses. That really helps a lot. I was a little concerned about trying to figure it all out when I call when the specials are released, but I really like your idea of having it all laid out so I can compare "apples to apples".

And at this point, I'm kinda leaning against the dining part, so that should make it a little easier, too. For the packages, they don't discount the dining part, do they? I thought I read that only the tix and roo m was discounted.

Thanks again

 

[lark]

If I pay you like $20, will you do this for me?
Seriously though, thank you so much for your responses. That really helps a lot. I was a little concerned about trying to figure it all out when I call when the specials are released, but I really like your idea of having it all laid out so I can compare "apples to apples".

And at this point, I'm kinda leaning against the dining part, so that should make it a little easier, too. For the packages, they don't discount the dining part, do they? I thought I read that only the tix and roo m was discounted.

Thanks again

It's so funny -- I can spend hours worrying about this and figuring out the best way to save that last $11, only to spend two hours on a long distance phone call that I have to pay the same $11 on.

Overall, my basic strategy is to lock in a AAA room only rate as soon as I know my dates, and then if a deal comes out to try to get it later, but if I can't just be content with the AAA price and understand that it is likely what I will pay.