Split stay on/off property questions

[runnermama78]

We are in the middle of planning a trip and have a few questions. We are going to try to stay on property with free dining, but if I’m not able to get as many days as I want, we’re going to stay off property for part of the time (because it’s cheaper for our family of 5). Ok, so....

1) If we stay off property first, can we use the park tickets that we bought as part of our on property/free dining package before the day we check into the on property hotel?

2) If so, when can you book fast passes for the days before on property check in?

3) Can you get a magical express reservation without flight information? If we stay off property first, can we then return our rental car and then take DME from the airport to our Disney hotel?

Thanks!

 

[dansdad]

We are in the middle of planning a trip and have a few questions. We are going to try to stay on property with free dining, but if I’m not able to get as many days as I want, we’re going to stay off property for part of the time (because it’s cheaper for our family of 5). Ok, so....

1) If we stay off property first, can we use the park tickets that we bought as part of our on property/free dining package before the day we check into the on property hotel?

2) If so, when can you book fast passes for the days before on property check in?

3) Can you get a magical express reservation without flight information? If we stay off property first, can we then return our rental car and then take DME from the airport to our Disney hotel?

Thanks!

1. Yes. You can activate your tickets up to 10 days before your package starts. This can be done at any Guest Services location. There's one outside each park plus one at Disney Springs .

2. No.

3. Yup.

 

[runnermama78]

2. No.

.

So, if we stay off property first, we can’t book fastpasses for the tickets we use on those days? Am I understanding what you’re saying?

 

[dansdad]

So, if we stay off property first, we can’t book fastpasses for the tickets we use on those days? Am I understanding what you’re saying?

Correct. You won't be able to make FP+ reservations prior to your trip for the offsite days. You will be able to make same day FP+ reservations for your off site days.

 

[dansdad]

So, if we stay off property first, we can’t book fastpasses for the tickets we use on those days? Am I understanding what you’re saying?

Now, all of what I said is accurate if you booked a package. Because you mentioned Free Dining I assumed you'd have a package. If you book a room only and tickets separately for your on site stay, you will be able to make FP+ reservations for you off site days 30 days before you arrive.

 

[runnermama78]

Now, all of what I said is accurate if you booked a package. Because you mentioned Free Dining I assumed you'd have a package. If you book a room only and tickets separately for your on site stay, you will be able to make FP+ reservations for you off site days 30 days before you arrive.

Ok, I thought that’s what you were saying. That’s a bummer, but thanks for the info!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Great info from @dansdad above on a tricky subject.

 

[runnermama78]

Oh, I thought of one more question! This is probably a silly question, but would we still be able to use the hopper portion of the tickets (bought as part of the package) during the off site days? I’m assuming yes, but want to make sure.

 

[dansdad]

Oh, I thought of one more question! This is probably a silly question, but would we still be able to use the hopper portion of the tickets (bought as part of the package) during the off site days? I’m assuming yes, but want to make sure.

Yes.

 

[runnermama78]

Thank you so much for your help!

 

[dansdad]

Thank you so much for your help!

 

[kaytieeldr]

3. You can, but also investigate renting from an on-site or nearby company and returning the car close by. If you do end up returning it to the airport, drop off your party and luggage at the resort first.

 

[runnermama78]

3. You can, but also investigate renting from an on-site or nearby company and returning the car close by. If you do end up returning it to the airport, drop off your party and luggage at the resort first.

That’s an idea too, depending on price.

Did you mention dropping off luggage and family because of convenience? I was thinking the kids may like to ride the Magical Express to start off our onsite stay. I’ll have to ask them...they may want to head to the park.

 

[kaytieeldr]

More based on time.

 

[Ninja Mom]

Great info from @dansdad above on a tricky subject.

Information from DansDad is like Money in the bank!

~NM