8 nights MYW package with DP or 1 hotel night only + 7 nights MYW with DP ?

[SpykeYs]

Hi Guys!

I'm so excited as I have just booked my plane tickets yesterday. I was planning to do Friday to Friday (7 nights) but due to lower fares I decided to do Thursday to Friday (8 nights). However, I will arrive at MCO around 7:00 PM.

Should I book a room only for the Thursday and then a package for the next 7 nights ? I feel like I would be wasting DP credits by booking 8 nights.

What are your thoughts ? What is the best strategy ?

Discounts are not out yet. I am not even sure I will take the DP this time. I always take it but I wonder if you really save... I always end up with having to spend the last snacks credits on things I do not need.

 

[Tuvalu]

I am not even sure I will take the DP this time. I always take it but I wonder if you really save... I always end up with having to spend the last snacks credits on things I do not need.

Most guests who purchase the DDP end up in a similar situation....the DDP is a win for Disney, as income is received whether the guest uses all credits or not. If you do a thread search on the value of the DDP (there are many!) most come to the conclusion that any “savings” is minimal at best. Most proponents of the DDP mention the convenience factor of meals being pre-paid ~ however, you can get that same benefit by purchasing Disney Gift Cards over time before you travel. And you get to control how much you spend on food (perhaps you’re not very hungry and want to share a meal or don’t feel like ordering the most expensive entree just because you’re on the DDP.) Disney profits from unused (or underused) credits.

If you decide not to get the DDP, you can book a room only reservation and save money on tickets by using a discount ticket seller like Undercover Tourist.

If you plan to stay at a value resort it makes sense to book all 8 nights at the same resort. However if you are staying at a moderate or deluxe resort you can save money by booking the first night at a value and changing resorts the next day.

 

[SpykeYs]

I think you got me sold on not taking the DDP.

Now, if I do not take the DDP is there still an advantage in taking a MYW package or I should go with the room only reservation + tickets via a discounter seller such as Undercover ?

Thanks!

 

[Tuvalu]

The only advantage that I know of to a MYW package is free luggage tags, but I haven’t done a MYW package lately.

An advantage to room only reservation is you only pay the first night’s deposit and the balance is not due until check in ~ unlike a package reservation which must be paid in full 30 days in advance.

 

[SpykeYs]

My ADR can be made starting Sep 1st.

If I do not book any package or room only, I will only be able to do ADR for 1 day on Sept 1st right ? I need a reservation to be able to do Sept1st+10 days ?

I'm not sure yet if I should take a room only or package. I assume I should book a room only package for now if this is the case.

Also, if I book a room only reservation, can I change anything in my package without penalties such as reduce the dates, change resorts, etc ?

Thanks

 

[bigorangeandy]

We have always gone room only, and purchased tickets separate. When booking room only, cancellation policy is 5 days in advance, vs longer for the package.
Every time I check to see if the cost of the dining plan would be a savings for us, it doesn't work for our way of dining.

 

[SpykeYs]

Thanks,

Stay, Play and Dine package will be released soon for my dates. The only reason I would switch to a package is if this is worth it.

I'll book room only for now and change it to a package if need be.