Travel package or room only?

[Luv2Roam]

Survey Says! I have been playing Family Feud lately on my ‘puter.

Posting for a friend of a friend who with their family of four is driving to WDW from the Midwest. They plan to stay less than a week at a WDW resort. She wants to weigh various factors of buying a MYW package over room and tickets separate, and would like to hear various reasons before making her decision.

I offered to post to find out why some book a room only over a MYW package, and visa versa.
And those of you who book a room only, what would make you want to book a package?
If you select “Depends”, just wondering what you look for when booking either way.

So, you MYW package buyers – why do you buy a package?
And those who don’t, why not?

Opinions (and I know you have them ) are always welcome!
TIA y'awl.

 

[goofy4tink]

I have bought packages several times now...the very first time I went to WDW. Then one time I got a fantastic rate (FairyTale package, buy 4 get 3 days free). But, for the most part, I book everything piece by piece. I have an AP, so don't need the passes. I can get some great rates using my AP discount.
If someone isn't familier with what Disney has to offer, then I say book a package. It really simplifies things for those who just don't want to research and spend a ton of time waiting to see if discounts come along.

 

[barbeml]

The only time a package was a better deal for us was the Fairy Tale Package mentioned above.

Otherwise, we have always found it significantly cheaper to purchase travel components separately.

 

[raven69david]

I've NEVER purchased a package because i can find tickets cheaper locally. I NEVER do dining plan as it doesn't work for us, therefore it's been ROOM-ONLY for us ever since we started visiting WDW in the 90's. Plus it's nicer, for those who prefer this option, to PIF once you arrive. You can't do that with a package as it must be PIF 45 days out, i believe.

We make ressies 9 to 12 months in advance and make payments every month so that it's PIF 3 or 4 months prior to our trip.

 

[heartbeeps]

I voted for the pkg because I just purchased 6 rooms for 3 nights with MYW + dining plan for all... mainly because it's a gift and thought it was easier for the recipients to know that their ticket, ground transportation in Orlando, and meals are covered as well as their lodging. Plus it's more convenient.

Yes, I could've given them greenbacks with the RO deal but I was concerned the cash would be spent before the trip date arrived! (If it were just the two of us, I would have opted just for the room only.)

 

[rt2dz]

It totally depends on what is out there. I always run the numbers of both and go the cheaper route--so far that means room only, but I have had a package discount code that made it very close this last time. I almost went with package since the $$ was under $30 difference, but I like the flexibility in changing if necessary that comes with room only. And $30 is $30.

 

[kroche22]

When you say package do you mean room and tickets or do you mean room/tic/airfare. I can see if air is included the price would be inflated. Is there that much of a difference when you book room only and buy tickets separate? What if a code does come out for a package and you already bought your tickets and booked your room? The room you could change but if you bought tickets already arent you stuck with them?
FYI, I have air already booked and still need to book room and get tickets and was going to do the room and ticket package. But if I can save money....

 

[Taja]

Airfare always is booked separately--Southwest provides best service to our area and MCO. Rental car also is booked separately, because I can control the cost better. Rates frequently drop shortly before a trip, so I book a new reservation and cancel the old one.

But combining WDW components into a package depends on the value. FTP was a great value, free dining was a good value (although I doubt I'll ever visit WDW at that time of year again!). There has to be significant value added in the package to select it over room only/DIY.

The other reason I like to book room-only is it's easier to cancel if something happens at the last minute. Since my first night usually is in a value or moderate resort, I'll only lose the deposit, even with a last minute cancellation. Life tends to be unpredictable--at least mine does!

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I book room only when we are only going for a short trip, but book a package when we are going for a week or more, because we like the dining plan then. On our short trips, we just grab a bite and go, but enjoy many sit down meals on those long trips. The DDP is too expensive for short trips.

We bought AP's this time because we will be making several trips in one year and it turned out to be cheaper, but will still book a package for the DDP and only buy a 1 day ticket for December 2008.

Suzanne

 

[Frankiesmom]

We also book packages. I like being able to add dining plan;and then if I can find a code to apply so much the better! I guess I just really like having everything paid for before we arrive and then I just have to plan for spending money. Even when we book CL we take a package;we like to have a sit down meal everyday and for us we always save $ with the dining plan.

 

[lilyv]

Room only with AAA discount. I much prefer the flexibility of putting together my own package that fits our individual needs.

 

[nurse.darcy]

Well, I will be booking room only because I know I can get a AAA discount on the room and I can usually find the tickets cheaper. We don't do the dining plan because it is only my son and I and we usually share meals as I eat very little since I had weight loss surgery. But, if I was going with a larger group, I might do the package thing. . .

 

[SplashMtnCrew]

We only do "room only" if we have any unused tickets. It appears that your friends don't have any tickets, in which case I would go with a package.....add extra days w/no exp and have tickets for next time

 

[stitchlover]

bleep-bleep...we are Disney Sheep. We always book package. Room, DDP and Park tickets directly through Disney. Just have never wanted to take the time to purchase it all separate.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

I voted for "depends". For our October trip we did book a pkg as I wanted to try the DDP. Next time I don't want the DDP and we really don't use the extras that come w/a pkg - raycers, storytime, PH coupon, etc. Now if the extras change and are something we'd use I might change back but right now we just don't use them.

 

[biggroofy]

I always prefer Travel package, especially MYW + Dining - everything is included.

However, on our upcoming trip I am going to do a Split Stay - first half is on package (MYW + DD) and 2nd half is Room Only. A question, can someone please confirm this: Regardless Package or Room-Only, as long as your are WDW Resort guests, you are entitled to FREE PARKING in WDW theme parks, resorts etc?

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I always prefer Travel package, especially MYW + Dining - everything is included.

However, on our upcoming trip I am going to do a Split Stay - first half is on package (MYW + DD) and 2nd half is Room Only. A question, can someone please confirm this: Regardless Package or Room-Only, as long as your are WDW Resort guests, you are entitled to FREE PARKING in WDW theme parks, resorts etc?

Yes, that is true. You get that printout sometimes at the guardshack and sometimes at the check-in desk. Just make sure it is visible in the front window. You will get one from each resort and they have the check-in and check-out dates, so make sure to change them when you get the new one.

Suzanne

 

[iloveeeyore]

...But then I like spending time and looking for discounts. You could call it a hobby.

Usually room-only works out cheaper, but I don't mind waiting to see what comes out. We've done FTP and Free Dining, those saved us tons of $$$.

If I just wanted to get it done, and didn't mind spending a little more than necessary, I'd book a package. Definitely the easier option.

 

[Buzz2001]

Room only for me

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

We book packages since we visit for Christmas and usually for over a week. We're big on doing a lot of TS meals (usually 2x day) and I like having the hotel and room paid for before we go. I got free dining this past summer and it was a really great deal and I liked the convenience. If it's a short trip then I do room-only.

I have an AP but I'm not renewing it this year when it comes due in April because we won't be back to WDW until December and I'd rather put that money towards the deluxe dining plan.