So Confused- Room only VS Basic package ?

[PuddlesMom]

Help! I have been going to WDW every year for 15 years. Only once did I book a package since they had free dining. I prefer to pay in full when we arrive and the risk to losing all your money if you cancel within 24 hours is too great ( unless trip insurance) anyhow - just booked December 2022. 4 cabins at Fort Wilderness. The CM highly suggests that with the new reservation system for the parks it’s important to add the tickets now?? They are not listed on reservation now but I can call and “borrow” them so I can make park reservations. She called this a basic package- thinking this was not a good idea ?? What do you think? Why would I want a package with the terrible cancellation policy?

 

[GBRforWDW]

Yeah, her reasoning of needing to get park pass reservations right now is laughable. Park should be 100% open by then, but you'll still need those reservations, just more likely at 1-2 months out, not 18.

There may be some better discounts when booking as a package, but doubt there's anything this far out.

 

[PuddlesMom]

Has anyone booked this type of reservation? Cannot see any benefits to this?

 

[sponica]

Has anyone booked this type of reservation? Cannot see any benefits to this?

I generally book packages, but I have tickets added into those.
I'm not sure why they'd be pushing "basic" packages....unless they get more commission for them?

 

[Gehrig1B]

I can't see any reason to do this. We always book room only... we have APs though, but even before we would book room only and buy discounted tickets from UCT and link them. I too don't see the need to make park reservations now for a visit over 17 months away.

 

[ColoradoMom12]

With the basic package, it’s possible to add a dining plan at a later date. The dining plans aren’t available now, but Disney has announced they will be returning at some point in the future. Possibly an advantage to booking the basic package for end of 2022 is that the dining plan might be back by then? I don’t know, I’m just trying to think of a reason why a basic package might be desirable right now.

 

[Marthasor]

Has anyone booked this type of reservation? Cannot see any benefits to this?

Typically, one would only book a basic package if they know they eventually want to add tickets and/or dining to the package at a later date or they only want to put $200 down as opposed to a one night's deposit (cheaper in many cases with the current cost of rooms). If you do not like the terms and conditions of a package reservation and have no desire to ever add tickets or dining to this reservation, I would call back and re-book as a room-only. Also note, up until the moment you check-in, you can always modify your reservation to a future date at virtually no penalty (technically there is a $50 change fee, but I've never been charged this fee when modifying). Still, not great with the total cost of 4 cabins on the line, but, modifying is always the better bet if you are within a cancellation penalty period.

 

[butterscotchcollins]

I always book package cuz then the deposit is only $200 instead of 1 night of the room which is always significantly more. Also I always need tickets - and it locks in your pricing in case cost goes up next year. But it’s really more convenience than anything I guess, it doesn’t save you any $.

 

[Happy2BMommy0812]

When we don’t have APs and don’t use our DVC points, we book a package for the reasons stated above - only $200 down and up until 45 days out, we can cancel completely, rather than buying park tickets separately 60-90 days out and being stuck with them if we end up not going.

Sure, you do have to pay in full and still risk not being able to go, but usually they are super accommodating and will let you reschedule.

When we have APs and don’t use DVC points, we book room only reservations. But you have to pay a full night upfront (which is always more than the $209 package) and you have to cancel that 5 days in advance to avoid penalties.

 

[wdhinn89]

If you book a room only, can you add park tickets later on? Sometimes I get my tickets from AAA, sometimes through Disney but I would like to keep the option open. I never do the dining plan.

 

[Happy2BMommy0812]

If you book a room only, can you add park tickets later on? Sometimes I get my tickets from AAA, sometimes through Disney but I would like to keep the option open. I never do the dining plan.

yes and no.
Yes, you could cancel your room only and rebook it as a package, but you might lose any discount you had previously locked in. You cannot just add tickets (or dining) to a room only reservations.

 

[Eastern]

I booked a basic package (no tickets) for the low deposit but I am sorry I did. You have to pay earlier penalties than room only if you cancel. Plus you can't just change over to room only if there are no room only rates left. Which is my current situation.

 

[CarolynFH]

If you book a room only, can you add park tickets later on? Sometimes I get my tickets from AAA, sometimes through Disney but I would like to keep the option open. I never do the dining plan.

You can buy tickets via MDE whether you have a room reservation or not. The price is the same.

 

[Shughart]

yes and no.
Yes, you could cancel your room only and rebook it as a package, but you might lose any discount you had previously locked in. You cannot just add tickets (or dining) to a room only reservations.

Can you clarify? Can you not add separately purchased tickets to a room only reservation? I booked a room only and have third party tickets for our dates ready to add to MDE...

 

[Happy2BMommy0812]

Can you clarify? Can you not add separately purchased tickets to a room only reservation? I booked a room only and have third party tickets for our dates ready to add to MDE...

You can’t add tickets to a room only reservation to turn it into a package. You can have a room reservation and then add 3rd party or Disney tickets to your account separately. You just can’t make it a “package.”

 

[Shughart]

You can’t add tickets to a room only reservation to turn it into a package. You can have a room reservation and then add 3rd party or Disney tickets to your account separately. You just can’t make it a “package.”

Oh gotcha, ok thank you!