Tickets off-site Vs onsite

[tinkerbell1991]

Hi All,
I've been reading and keeping up to date with most threads on here relating to COVID19, The parks reopening, discounts on hotel stays etc but just want your opinion on something.
I'm due to get married at WDW on the 5th Oct and part of the agreement to book a wedding was a minimum of 2 nights at a Disney hotel.
I thought heck, why not go all out and booked Animal Kingdom Lodge for 14 nights that included the free dining plan for UK guests.
Now nothing has come about for UK guests (yet) about possible discounts but even if we got a 35% discount with US, it will still be about £2,500 for basically now just a hotel reservation. Tickets were booked alongside the package but there's an additional cost alongside the above.
I've seen numerous villas for more than half the above price so it felt like a no brainer to cancel my stay (only paid £100 deposit for far) and rebook elsewhere but this will mean I lose my park tickets.
Obviously no-one knows if or when Disney will start selling tickets again if at all for the rest of 2020 so what would you do? Stick with the hotel/ticket package for a hefty amount of money or risk it and cancel, book your stay off-site then pray you can buy tickets further down the line?
The other thing is again, no-one knows the definite answer so I'm happy with opinions but what so you think* the chance of getting a park reservation is right now if staying off-site so you do not possibly get priority booking?

 

[GirlDreamer]

As they've stopped selling tickets anywhere at the moment to give priority for park reservations for guests who already holds a ticket, loosing your current tickets and buying new ones once they start selling them again will mean you'll be at the bottom of the priority list when they open park reservations.

 

[tinkerbell1991]

As they've stopped selling tickets anywhere at the moment to give priority for park reservations for guests who already holds a ticket, loosing your current tickets and buying new ones once they start selling them again will mean you'll be at the bottom of the priority list when they open park reservations.

I know, that's my only concern but then I'm unsure (as everyone is) whether it'll be absolutely hell to get a booking or whether it'll be absolute bliss so was just curious to what people thought. Appreciate your response as obviously we want to go to the parks but for the sake of potentially saving £1,500 if we move off-site as opposed to staying just for priority of reservations even though no park access is guaranteed is the huge concern for me

 

[GirlDreamer]

I know, that's my only concern but then I'm unsure (as everyone is) whether it'll be absolutely hell to get a booking or whether it'll be absolute bliss so was just curious to what people thought. Appreciate your response as obviously we want to go to the parks but for the sake of potentially saving £1,500 if we move off-site as opposed to staying just for priority of reservations even though no park access is guaranteed is the huge concern for me

Have you seen what the crowds have been like in Universal? I don't know if that could be an indicator for how busy Disney is going to be. I kind of get the impression that a lot of people errs on the side of caution and cancels or reschedules their trips, but then again, the people talking about it here is only a small group of visitors.

 

[tinkerbell1991]

Have you seen what the crowds have been like in Universal? I don't know if that could be an indicator for how busy Disney is going to be. I kind of get the impression that a lot of people errs on the side of caution and cancels or reschedules their trips, but then again, the people talking about it here is only a small group of visitors.

I have and that's what's tempting me even more to stay off-site due to how manageable and quiet Universal looks.
Very true - aaah I don't know what to do - this is torture.
I'll stress about all this then when the time comes, won't be able to fly anyway because of the barriers not being lifted on international travellers

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Obviously no-one knows if or when Disney will start selling tickets again if at all for the rest of 2020 so what would you do? Stick with the hotel/ticket package for a hefty amount of money or risk it and cancel, book your stay off-site then pray you can buy tickets further down the line?
The other thing is again, no-one knows the definite answer so I'm happy with opinions but what so you think* the chance of getting a park reservation is right now if staying off-site so you do not possibly get priority booking

Not going to lie, the thought of even trying to formulate what-if opinions and possibilities on all of your questions is giving me anxiety. Just so many unknowns from so many angles. I know you know that and are just looking for thoughts, but for me, I don’t even know where to begin given what little we know today (which is effectively nothing).

Separately, I hope your October wedding and trip to WDW end up working out for you, in whatever form that may be. I can’t imagine the mixed emotions one must have when COVID and travel/park restrictions are possibly impacting such a well-planned and important life event like that. Early congratulations to you and best of luck.

 

[tinkerbell1991]

Not going to lie, the thought of even trying to formulate what-if opinions and possibilities on all of your questions is giving me anxiety. Just so many unknowns from so many angles. I know you know that and are just looking for thoughts, but for me, I don’t even know where to begin given what little we know today (which is effectively nothing).

Separately, I hope your October wedding and trip to WDW end up working out for you, in whatever form that may be. I can’t imagine the mixed emotions one must have when COVID and travel/park restrictions are possibly impacting such a well-planned and important life event like that. Congratulations to you.

Thank you so much. If I have a day without a little cry then it's a good day as I've never felt stress like it.
We deliberately booked a wedding with Disney as it all got dealt with and we didn't want the stress but life throws you a curve ball and so we ended up where we are now haha.
I've managed to find a UK site since posting this that are selling Disney tickets for this year so will hopefully make a decision is the next couple of weeks whether we take that chance or not.
I hope everything works out for you too x

 

[Darcy03231]

Honestly, I'd stick with what you have. This is your wedding - a once in a lifetime trip. For me it wouldn't be worth the stress of maybe having tickets with the off-site stay and not being able to get into the parks.

 

[sponica]

I would keep the reservation you have, I know stateside the cancellation policies are very generous, not sure what those policies are on a UK booking though.

You can always book something refundable offsite as a back-up.

 

[tinkerbell1991]

Honestly, I'd stick with what you have. This is your wedding - a once in a lifetime trip. For me it wouldn't be worth the stress of maybe having tickets with the off-site stay and not being able to get into the parks.

Thank you

I would keep the reservation you have, I know stateside the cancellation policies are very generous, not sure what those policies are on a UK booking though.

You can always book something refundable offsite as a back-up.

Thank you. We've managed to find a few villas where you can get a full refund 14 days before your travel days so definitely an option

 

[lanejudy]

What is the cancellation policy on your current reservation? I know WDW extended cancellation to 7 days prior up to early Oct. for US reservations, not sure if that goes for a UK package as well. I would hold onto your current reservation as long as you can. Even if you find a UK site selling tickets, WDW has said only tickets bought before June 6th get priority for the park reservation system. Now hopefully that won't be necessary for October trips, but it's too early to tell right now.

If you move offsite, won't that impact your wedding plans? Maybe I misunderstood, but I thought you said there was a minimum onsite stay required.

Best wishes on your new life together!

 

[tinkerbell1991]

What is the cancellation policy on your current reservation? I know WDW extended cancellation to 7 days prior up to early Oct. for US reservations, not sure if that goes for a UK package as well. I would hold onto your current reservation as long as you can. Even if you find a UK site selling tickets, WDW has said only tickets bought before June 6th get priority for the park reservation system. Now hopefully that won't be necessary for October trips, but it's too early to tell right now.

If you move offsite, won't that impact your wedding plans? Maybe I misunderstood, but I thought you said there was a minimum onsite stay required.

Best wishes on your new life together!

Omg I totally missed out the part where the 2 night stay isn't now required, that's why we're thinking of going off-site

I'm not too sure what the cancellation policy is but the moment we have to potentially pay on the 6th August will either be that we'll just stick with Disney or go somewhere else.

I'm worried myself about going with third party tickets now in case they don't "honour" them and can see they were purchased after 6th June.

Urgh, I really hope the UK gets some sort of discount on the free dining we had like some US guests.

Thanks so much for your advice x

 

[Gypsybear]

Ok, so here's my two cents for what they're worth....

I am staying off-site (we have a timeshare there)....and bought our tickets for April of this year. Obviously, that didn't happen. At the end of April, I called and moved our tickets to October for Halloween. No problem there.

Then they announced the Reservation system. I panicked because I didn't know what that meant for OFF SITE people. So, I called. After a discussion with the rep, I was told that as far as they were concerned, I have tickets just like everyone else (On Property or not). That means that I'll have access to the Reservation system. She did NOT have any clue as to when that would be. I'm assuming at this point, that we'll learn more tomorrow (the 30 day point for opening).

Until then, there's not much we can do. We can stress, but it won't change anything. We can wait until tomorrow (maybe Friday)...and see what happens when the dust settles.

Based on your situation, I would personally hold onto my tickets for now. I do like the idea of a back up plan for resort, but keep the tickets.

Bear in mind that the above situation of mine is subject to change, as it is for everyone. One day a rep will tell you one thing, and another rep a different thing. I think we're all in the same boat. We want to plan and have peace of mind. I think that's coming, one way or the other in the next few days (or so I hope). Until then, put a back up plan in place, and see where Disney is taking us on this wild ride.

Just think about the memories you'll be making, being with your loved one.

Best of luck to you and everyone else holding out for good news. May you all find your inner happy.

 

[tinkerbell1991]

Ok, so here's my two cents for what they're worth....

I am staying off-site (we have a timeshare there)....and bought our tickets for April of this year. Obviously, that didn't happen. At the end of April, I called and moved our tickets to October for Halloween. No problem there.

Then they announced the Reservation system. I panicked because I didn't know what that meant for OFF SITE people. So, I called. After a discussion with the rep, I was told that as far as they were concerned, I have tickets just like everyone else (On Property or not). That means that I'll have access to the Reservation system. She did NOT have any clue as to when that would be. I'm assuming at this point, that we'll learn more tomorrow (the 30 day point for opening).

Until then, there's not much we can do. We can stress, but it won't change anything. We can wait until tomorrow (maybe Friday)...and see what happens when the dust settles.

Based on your situation, I would personally hold onto my tickets for now. I do like the idea of a back up plan for resort, but keep the tickets.

Bear in mind that the above situation of mine is subject to change, as it is for everyone. One day a rep will tell you one thing, and another rep a different thing. I think we're all in the same boat. We want to plan and have peace of mind. I think that's coming, one way or the other in the next few days (or so I hope). Until then, put a back up plan in place, and see where Disney is taking us on this wild ride.

Just think about the memories you'll be making, being with your loved one.

Best of luck to you and everyone else holding out for good news. May you all find your inner happy.

Thank you so much for your kind words and advice. I didn't realise it was 30 days tomorrow so I'll keep an eye out if anyone posts anything.
I'm definitely swaying towards just staying onsite knowing I already have my tickets and just count my losses on an expensive hotel but make the absolute most of an amazing situation. I'm just hoping more information gets posted soon as it's not fair knowing they're opening next month but the reservation system isn't even live yet especially for the ones on-site who can technically book 60 days out x

 

[Amanda999]

Maybe it will make you feel a bit better to know that we USA folks all had our free dining canceled (I had a free dining bounceback booked last August, for this August. Now I just have 35% off Pop room rate.)

 

[SamFaniam]

Hi All,
I've been reading and keeping up to date with most threads on here relating to COVID19, The parks reopening, discounts on hotel stays etc but just want your opinion on something.
I'm due to get married at WDW on the 5th Oct and part of the agreement to book a wedding was a minimum of 2 nights at a Disney hotel.
I thought heck, why not go all out and booked Animal Kingdom Lodge for 14 nights that included the free dining plan for UK guests.
Now nothing has come about for UK guests (yet) about possible discounts but even if we got a 35% discount with US, it will still be about £2,500 for basically now just a hotel reservation. Tickets were booked alongside the package but there's an additional cost alongside the above.
I've seen numerous villas for more than half the above price so it felt like a no brainer to cancel my stay (only paid £100 deposit for far) and rebook elsewhere but this will mean I lose my park tickets.
Obviously no-one knows if or when Disney will start selling tickets again if at all for the rest of 2020 so what would you do? Stick with the hotel/ticket package for a hefty amount of money or risk it and cancel, book your stay off-site then pray you can buy tickets further down the line?
The other thing is again, no-one knows the definite answer so I'm happy with opinions but what so you think* the chance of getting a park reservation is right now if staying off-site so you do not possibly get priority booking?

First, Congratulations!

Secondly, Have you asked your wedding planner at Disney for any assistance with this. Since packages for weddings often include things like photography within the parks, they may have some knowledge about what park admissions will be like.

 

[tinkerbell1991]

First, Congratulations!

Secondly, Have you asked your wedding planner at Disney for any assistance with this. Since packages for weddings often include things like photography within the parks, they may have some knowledge about what park admissions will be like.

Thank you. I've not specifically asked about the park admissions as we don't need one due to the photoshoots being at 6am before they open to the public but I've had to ask things I never thought I would such as can my mother in law who isn't staying onsite come in the morning to help me in my dress due to the strict hotel rules they've now implemented. I was told there is absolutely a chance she could be denied entry but I could ask - okaaaay that's not great for me. So I'm literally torn what to do as this isn't the stress free wedding or trip I imagined. Then again, it isn't for anyone who's going.
We obviously still want to go but I just feel like it's one curve ball after the next

 

[GirlDreamer]

Maybe it will make you feel a bit better to know that we USA folks all had our free dining canceled (I had a free dining bounceback booked last August, for this August. Now I just have 35% off Pop room rate.)

They're cancelling all dining plans, no matter what country you've booked from. The only difference for us UK folks is that they haven't announced anything for us, so we don't know if we get a discount for the loss of it or how much it would even be.

 

[FinallyFL]

Since you no longer have the dining plan, you can add your mother in law to your room so she is gauranteed entrance into the resort to assist you on your wedding day. Assuming that she won't actually attempt to access your room

 

[tinkerbell1991]

Since you no longer have the dining plan, you can add your mother in law to your room so she is gauranteed entrance into the resort to assist you on your wedding day. Assuming that she won't actually attempt to access your room

But won't she need tickets adding to the "package"? Also, I assume this would be classed as modifying which they're not allowing eight now