I received a PIN code email that gives me 40% off. The PIN code is "room only", which means I ultimately have to buy park tickets separately. I checked the Disney website, and for an 8 day base ticket they charge $28.88/person/day. Now, if I book a MYW package online and get 8 day base tickets as part of it, they charge $30.75/person/day. How is this possible? Shouldn't you get a discount if you book a package, instead of paying more? What's the advantage of booking a package? Seems crazy to me.
When you looked up the price of tickets in a list, that price is WITHOUT the 6.5% sales tax. But when you attempt to book a package, they include all applicable taxes. That's the price difference, down to the penny.
But to answer your other question, what's the advantage of booking a package. There are several differences between the 2 types of reservations. Some people, like me, don't think the differences matter for a hill or beans, but many other people think those same differences are huge.
When you book a package, the deposit (due no later than 7 days after you make the reservation) is $200. Your full balance is due no later than 45 days prior to your arrival.
When you book a room-only reservation, the deposit (due no later than 7 days after you make the reservation) is the equivalent of one night's room rate + tax. Your full balance is due no later than the time of check-in at the resort.
If you want to purchase the Disney Dining Plan, it is available ONLY as part of a package; it can't simply be added to a room-only reservation.
If you book a package and you need to cancel your trip, you must do so before 45 days prior to your trip or you will forfeit some or all of your deposit. If you book a room-only, you can cancel as close as 6 days prior to your trip without any penalty.
With a package you get small perks like souvenir luggage tags and vouchers for a few things like a free souvenir at Planet Hollywood, a round of mini-golf, a $25 Planet Hollywood food voucher, a discount off a watercraft rental, and so on. [I've booked 3 packages and never used any of those things except for the luggage tags.]
Well, that's about it. So as you can see, the differences boil down to different payment/cancellation terms, and a few trinkets like luggage tags and vouchers. And you can't book the DDP without a package.
Both types of reservations give you EVERY other perk of staying on-site: Disney's Magical Express (free airport transfers plus automatic baggage handling), package delivery from the parks, room charge privileges, and so on.
