Room only vs. package deals?

[hunnypotmama]

Every time we have a trip coming up, I price the trip with room only and also as a package. I'm surprised every time that the package is more $$. Is there some benefit to a package that I'm not seeing? I know you usually get 'goodies' with a package like a pin and a lanyard, but those aren't worth a couple hundred bucks.

Our next trip I have reserved Coronado Springs (yay!). We've never stayed there and are really looking forward to it. Are the package prices inflated just because of the convenience factor? I am leaning towards keeping my 'room only' reservation and starting work on park tickets. Thanks!

 

[honeymom]

Its that unlimited access to the parks. While it works for some people, it is probably uneconomical for most since it covers the cost of a full day on both your arrival and departure days. So unless, you are coming early enough on arrival day and staying late enough on departure day to make use of the unlimited access features on those days, you will do better booking without a package.

Yes, it probably is a convenience plus an ignorance issue. Think of all the people who go to Disney, who don't research the costs as carefully as we on the boards do.

Time once was where packages were designed to save people money. I don't know if that is still the case elsewhere, but it certainly is not at WDW.

 

[SYDNCLAIRESMOM]

Im with you guys--I alway preferred the room only to the packages but this time the "kids stay and play free" package came out a little cheaper (even compaired to room only w/code+2 plain 5dayPHs instead of the UPHs) and I also get all those little freebies for my DD. Its the Disney Dollars at check in that made it cheaper. (lunch money!) And with the package I was able to add on the Prince/Princess package that almost pays for itself as well.
People shouldnt always write off those packages. Its worth doing the math!

 

[cujochurch]

I am with you. I always book room only and save lots of money. But this time I used the Visa Kids Play Free also and it has come out a little cheaper then booking everything seperate. We are still looking for a code. I have priced all the pieces of the package and the room rate comes out to $175. So if we get anything cheaper we will switch.

 

[SYDNCLAIRESMOM]

Actually, I should say, I did both. I booked a room only ressie for the first night w/a code (not planning on any parks so dont need the UPH) then the next 5 nights I booked the KS&PF package. Came out only a smidge cheaper than "ala carte" but we still get those freebies that I plan on telling my DD are birthday presents from Mickey.

 

[famfab5]

Hi,

The Kids Stay Free with Visa really worked for our family. We saved quite a bit because we have two children who now will have free UPH. We were lucky this package was perfect for us because our children are at the right age. We are arriving late morning on a Monday so we are staying the first night as room only and switching to a package the next day. Our travel agent said that they do it all the time so it will be a very easy transition. I also like having the room key and ticket on one card.

Still...if codes come out for May then it may be cheaper to go that route...

E.

 

[Tiggerlover91]

I found out the hard way that packages weren't the best way to go. I've learned my lesson now and being a FL resident, I can get some EXCELLENT deals on tickets and rooms! Yes it was nice having meals "paid for", but if I had done my research more, I would have cancelled the package and just done everything a la carte.
I know better now and will be saving LOTS of money on our next trip.