A booking conundrum

[JRocker]

So, I booked my next trip a month or so back, with the intention of the 5 of us and a daughter's boyfriend making the trip. In a few days i will have to pay for the trip since I got the package deal (rooms and tickets). I actually prefer doing it that way, because that is less I have to shell out DURING vacation.

Here's the problem. Daughter's boyfreind will only be able to come down with us for the first week. He'll ride with us, we arrive on a Monday, and then he'll fly back home on Saturday. (he has a band camp to conduct, hehe, conduct) He won't need the ten day hopper/water park admission tickets like the rest of us, so I don't want to pay for em. I'm figuring I could just get him a straight up 3 or 4 day pass (sans hopper/water).

Now, I am under the impression that if you do the package, then EVERYBODY has to be the same. (which I'm sorry, I think that's...)

So, as far as I see it, here are my options:
1. drop the package and pay for room and tickets seperate. The only reason I don't like this option, is because our last trip, we couldn't pay in advance (online) because we didn't use the package...
2. Drop the boyfriend from the rez, buy his ticket, then at check in say, oh yeah he decided to come anyway...
3. Pay for the package minus ticket cost, then a few days later, cancel the package. This way the room is paid already (which is the feature I want to keep).

I'm sure none of this made any sense, and I know I'm missing something. So if you can interpret my babbling and have another idea...

BTW. - I'm calling disney later today or tomorrow to see what my options are also, but from past experience, sometimes you guys know more than they do...

[Strmchsr]

Given the complexity of your situation I would suggest getting in touch with Magical Journeys. They are much more personal and able to help guide you through these confusing situations than whatever random CM you happen to get in touch with through Disney travel. Even though you've already booked through WDW MJ can usually transfer your reservation and help you out.

[ibrowse17]

I agree, check with MJ. While you would have to transfer over to them, it would be well worth it. They will find your answer, and handle all of the work.

MJ Rocks

[AuntDJ]

I agree contact MJ..They are WONDERFUL!!

But here is another option for you to ponder:

You can book two reservations: One full package for all 5+boyfriend; then you will have to "re-check in" with the package for just the 5 of you...

Of course, MJ will know the best!!!

good luck!
DJ

[Belster]

Contact MJ they are great!!!!!

[CleveRocks]

There's a very very simple solution.

It is true that everyone on the same package must book the same tickets. HOWEVER, once you have checked-in at the resort and everyone has their tickets, each ticket is then INSTANTLY independent of all the others ... you can upgrade or add to any ticket as you see fit, and it'll cost EXACTLY the same to do it them that it would be if you did it before your trip.

Book the package with a 4-day base ticket for everyone (but are you SURE he won't need to hop during those days? You'll all be together ... are the rest of you not going to hop until later in the vacation after he leaves??).

Then, after check-in, upgrade the other tickets. Upgrading from a 4-day ticket to a 10-day ticket will cost only $18 + tax per person. Adding hopping will add $50 + tax per person, and also $50 + tax for the Water Park Fun & More option.

Ask yourself if you're really sure that your daughter won't "hop" with him during his 3 or 4 days at the parks ... I'm going to guess you'll want him to have the hopper. In that case, order the 4-day hopper for everyone, and when you get there, upgrade each other ticket for $68 ($50 for WPF&M, $18 to go from 4 day to 10 day) + tax each.

[JRocker]

Thanks for the responses so far.

Setting up two rezzies and doing the re-checkin won't work so well with me and my luck. Our luck is when we did the re-checkin they would move us. No big deal at a hotel, but we will be in a camper.

Our first week in Orlando is spent doing things outside of the world. For example, our first day is at Sea World. We always finish up SW before five, so we'll head over to EPCOT afterwards and take advantage of EMH. That's pretty much how our first week goes, so we don't use park hopper that first week.

I do like the idea of upgrading the tickets after we arrive though.

[sainter]

Do what CleveRocks says...
much simpler and you can all get whatever you need without messing up the package.

[Nini5055]

I agree with CleveRocks...that is the most simplistic way to handle it.