"Packages" from WDW Travel

[SteveO]

Something I have never really given much thought to but perhaps should/will in the future:

I always book resort reservations online with WDW Travel. I also do park tickets at the same time so I'm not doing "room only". The packages always include things that I end up not using like a meal at Planet Hollywood or a discount on minature golf. Am I "paying" for these things? I guess I am not feeling like a very smart consumer; the last trip I booked I never figured out for myself what the tix and room would cost; I just looked at the total on the reservation and thought, well, that's what it's going to cost.

The reason I use WDW Travel is that if there is a mixup, I can always blame "The Company" and not the nice people at Magic Journeys. If that makes sense. Am I paying more than I should for stuff I don't use?

[BrerGnat]

You are probably not paying MORE, per se, but the reason WDW includes all that stuff is so they have a reason to call it a "package", thus holding you to the cancellation/final payment in full 45 ahead policy that they have for packages vs. room only reservations.

You typically pay more for packages through WDW only because you usually end up paying rack rate for the room.

It is USUALLY cheaper to price out things separately, using some sort of discount on the room (AAA, AP, general public discount codes, etc.) and then buying tickets separately as well.

The only time I book a package is when I want to use the Disney Dining Plan, in which case you HAVE to book a package.

In the past, though, I have always booked room only reservations and then bought my tickets separately, either at the Shades of Green (since we're eligible to do that), or I would recommend a discount ticket source such as the Official Ticket Center (one of the sponsors here).

In addition, I would HIGHLY recommend Magical Journeys. They do the bookings through Disney as well, so if there is a mixup (which I'm sure happens, but not often), you have an "ally" who will work FOR you to make it right, know what I mean? MJ is awesome, they don't charge for their services, and they will work very hard to make sure everything is perfect for your trip, and that you get the best possible price for your vacation. Give them a try next time! And, by the way, even when you book through MJ, if you get a "package", you will still get all those "extras" like the vouchers for PH and mini golf, boating, etc.

[gueli]

According to "the unoffical guide to WDW"- in ways you are paying for the "package".
They reccomend shopping around.
My DW booked on the phone through WDW- a short while later I checked w/ AAA travel. They saved us a mint.
Later I picked up the unoffical guide and they had lots of resource material (travel agencies,etc.) I am certain that MJ is very good(as I have seen plenty of posts that were very positive about them).
The free dining plan made it worthwhile to book the package.

[JaredsMom18]

I agree I only booked a package this time since we got the DDP. Otherwise I book individually room + tickets especially when they have discount codes you can save quite a bit. :o)