Should I book package now or wait and book direct with hotel

[Porsche4]

My title says it all really. Planning on a November 2024, 7 night stay (coming from Australia). I can go on now and book a package deal through a recommended website which I have never done before. I always do my own bookings and directly with the hotel as I think you get a bit better service and your requests are usually catered for but I am worried that if I wait, the hotel I want may be booked out given it is a popular time of year. I won't be able to book directly with the hotel for a couple more months yet as bookings haven't opened up online. I'm worried if I book a package deal I won't have the same flexibility I have of perhaps having to change my dates and or plans as I would have if I did my own booking through the hotel. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Oh there isn't really any price difference between the two options by the way. Thanks

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

I prefer not to be locked into packages unless there is enough financial benefit to make the lesser flexibility worth it, and it sounds like that would not be the case here. If the hotel isn't even open for regular bookings yet, I don't see how it's going to sell out before you can book. All of the inventory isn't going to be allocated to packages. Personally I would keep waiting and jump on the hotel-only reservation as soon as bookings open.

 

[DizMe]

I prefer not to be locked into packages unless there is enough financial benefit to make the lesser flexibility worth it, and it sounds like that would not be the case here. If the hotel isn't even open for regular bookings yet, I don't see how it's going to sell out before you can book. All of the inventory isn't going to be allocated to packages. Personally I would keep waiting and jump on the hotel-only reservation as soon as bookings open.

I agree. Sometimes it's nice, but it tends to lock you in more than when you make your own reservations. I haven't found that it saved me money very often but it is convenient and kind of fun to get the goodies.

I do like the Costco packages if I'm going that route--it's done through the WDTC but you get a sizeable Disney gift card. Going directly through Disney won't get you that perk, so it's all the benefits of the Disney company with a bonus.

Downsides are having to have it paid off by a certain date (a month before?) and more restrictive cancellation rules, but you can get around the cancellation forfeit. They'll also let you book a package without park tickets if you have passes or something. But I believe they only include DLR hotels, not off site, though I'm not sure.

I also agree that you have plenty of time. Which hotel are you hoping to book?

 

[Porsche4]

I agree. Sometimes it's nice, but it tends to lock you in more than when you make your own reservations. I haven't found that it saved me money very often but it is convenient and kind of fun to get the goodies.

I do like the Costco packages if I'm going that route--it's done through the WDTC but you get a sizeable Disney gift card. Going directly through Disney won't get you that perk, so it's all the benefits of the Disney company with a bonus.

Downsides are having to have it paid off by a certain date (a month before?) and more restrictive cancellation rules, but you can get around the cancellation forfeit. They'll also let you book a package without park tickets if you have passes or something. But I believe they only include DLR hotels, not off site, though I'm not sure.

I also agree that you have plenty of time. Which hotel are you hoping to book?

Thanks for your thoughts. I am looking at Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn. I know everyone recommends Best Western Park Place Inn but I just don't like the colour scheme or decor of the rooms. As we will be there for 7 nights I feel we need to enjoy our surroundings particularly as we like to go back to our room for an afternoon rest each day before hitting the parks again at night.

 

[DizMe]

Thanks for your thoughts. I am looking at Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn. I know everyone recommends Best Western Park Place Inn but I just don't like the colour scheme or decor of the rooms. As we will be there for 7 nights I feel we need to enjoy our surroundings particularly as we like to go back to our room for an afternoon rest each day before hitting the parks again at night.

It's a good choice! I've only stayed at BWPPI because we used to go as a family of 5, and having the mini suite was nice. But maybe the BWAI has suites also? Anyway, I think it's great to be so close to the crosswalk!

(Not Disney related, but just wanted to say that my daughter is doing a semester abroad in Australia and is having a wonderful time!)

 

[Cal-Pie]

Unless you are trying to book a suite at BWAI, you will have no problem with availability. I can’t remember the exact lead time for bookings with Best Western, but I know it’s at least 11 months out, so you will be able to reserve in December. Suites usually book up soon after they are released, regular rooms don’t fill nearly that fast.

 

[Porsche4]

Unless you are trying to book a suite at BWAI, you will have no problem with availability. I can’t remember the exact lead time for bookings with Best Western, but I know it’s at least 11 months out, so you will be able to reserve in December. Suites usually book up soon after they are released, regular rooms don’t fill nearly that fast.

Oh thanks for that, we only need a double room for myself and my adult daughter to share so it sounds like we should be fine.

 

[Porsche4]

It's a good choice! I've only stayed at BWPPI because we used to go as a family of 5, and having the mini suite was nice. But maybe the BWAI has suites also? Anyway, I think it's great to be so close to the crosswalk!

(Not Disney related, but just wanted to say that my daughter is doing a semester abroad in Australia and is having a wonderful time!)

How wonderful, what city is she based in or is she touring around?

 

[DizMe]

How wonderful, what city is she based in or is she touring around?

She's based in Sydney, but so far has visited multiple areas which include several beaches (she surfs), but sadly I don't remember most of the names as I'm not familiar with them. She and some of her "pod" members from school rent a van for longer excursions. They recently flew to New Zealand and visited glow-worm caves. I assume there may be some college work in there somewhere but she has made wonderful connections and loves it. She'll be returning to her home school (Cal Poly SLO) in the spring.

Edited to add: she has a massive crush on Robert Irwin and is dying to visit the Australia Zoo but it's a bit off the beaten path. She's hoping he'll realize she's The One and ditch his girlfriend once he sees her

 

[Porsche4]

She's based in Sydney, but so far has visited multiple areas which include several beaches (she surfs), but sadly I don't remember most of the names as I'm not familiar with them. She and some of her "pod" members from school rent a van for longer excursions. They recently flew to New Zealand and visited glow-worm caves. I assume there may be some college work in there somewhere but she has made wonderful connections and loves it. She'll be returning to her home school (Cal Poly SLO) in the spring.

Edited to add: she has a massive crush on Robert Irwin and is dying to visit the Australia Zoo but it's a bit off the beaten path. She's hoping he'll realize she's The One and ditch his girlfriend once he sees her

That is so funny, he is a cutie so I can definitely see the appeal. Sounds like she is having a great time. Its funny because we only look a small country on a map but we are sparsely populated which means you have to travel looong distances to get between places. People who visit us from the UK are amazed the distance we travel by car for weekend getaways or longer holidays. I have to travel 50km just to get to a decent supermarket as I live in country Victoria but in more remote regions of Australia you can travel more than a hundred kilometres between pitstops. Hope she continues to have safe and happy travels.

 

[lalasmama]

Just for the FYI, these boards are sponsored by a travel agency

That being said, I generally find better prices booking directly with the desired hotel, and it's easier to get any potential discounts when booking directly. And you may be able to find cheaper park tickets as well.

I haven't booked through WDT since our one and only trip to WDW because i was booking a WDW on-site hotel. I liked the option for payments, but hated the pressure to buy tickets to make a package. We're a retired military family, so our tickets are heavily discounted if we buy from our local military base. I feel like I heard Australians have done sort of discount if you buy through a specific place in Australia, but I can't remember for vsure since I live in the USA.

Have a great trip!

 

[Porsche4]

Just for the FYI, these boards are sponsored by a travel agency

That being said, I generally find better prices booking directly with the desired hotel, and it's easier to get any potential discounts when booking directly. And you may be able to find cheaper park tickets as well.

I haven't booked through WDT since our one and only trip to WDW because i was booking a WDW on-site hotel. I liked the option for payments, but hated the pressure to buy tickets to make a package. We're a retired military family, so our tickets are heavily discounted if we buy from our local military base. I feel like I heard Australians have done sort of discount if you buy through a specific place in Australia, but I can't remember for vsure since I live in the USA.

Have a great trip!

Thanks for your input. Re tickets in Australia, we can buy them through our Auto Club which redirects you to Klook and yes they are a bit cheaper through that site than they are through similar discount American sites. From all the helpful posts I have received I feel more comfortable now just waiting for a month or so and booking direct with the hotel and then buying my tickets separately which I am going to do this weekend to beat any proposed price increases. Hopefully this will save me a bit of money. Thanks for your help.