Are packages really cheaper?

Butters · #1 12-27-2011, 02:43 PM

So over Christmas we were at my wives family, and our Feb vacation was brought up. Our Nephew asked if he could go... at the time we laughed it off, but on our drive home we talked about it, and realized that it is something his family would not be able to provide for him, and since we had the free dining on our package we could probably bring him along for the price of a theme park ticket, and a flight.

Long story short I called Disney when we got home, and it cost $525 to add him to our package (he is 12). We are staying 7 nights, and an 8 day ticket with hopper is $330, and the website said it is $10/night to add an adult to the room. So all together it should only have raised the rate $400. When I asked the CM on the phone she said they could not break up the price since it was a package.

I know we are getting a good deal since we have the free DDP, but if it wasn't for that, I wonder if packages are cheaper?

Also, after all of this, when we called to check for airline tickets, we could not get him on 2 of our flights, and he would not want to fly alone, so we are still unable to take him.

NJGIRL · #2 12-27-2011, 03:32 PM

Anytime I am thinking about buying a package (even outside of Disney) I always break out how much it would cost for what I am getting in the package if I purchased everything separate. I also do that because alot of times things that are included in the package I don't want or need anyway. I don't need a coffee mug in my vacation package.

Every package is different, I have found sometimes they are a value, but sometimes they are not.

Strmchsr · #3 12-27-2011, 03:50 PM

It really depends on the discount you're getting. Sometimes the packages can be good if you're using everything that comes with it, but sometimes getting a room only discount and buying the tickets separately can be the better deal, especially if you do your dining without the DDP.

faline · #4 12-27-2011, 06:23 PM

For the most part, we've found better value in getting a good room discount and paying out of pocket for our tickets and dining but that's how it works out for our style of dining and for a trip that includes 2 adults and no children - the numbers may add up differently for the dining habits of other families and/or the total family make-up. I always suggest running the numbers to determine what might work better for you and your family.

coloradowendyl · #5 12-27-2011, 07:08 PM

Hummm, in reading your post, you said your nephew is 12. If that is the case, you should not be paying the extra adult charge. The extra adult charge is for those 18 and older. If you called Disney about a 3rd adult in the room, at a moderate it is $15 plus tax per night. If you have insurance on the package and you used the term "adult" even though he is 12, the castmember would have also quoted you the insurance price for him as well.

You may wish to call back and ask what the cost of adding a 12 yr old would be and see what the price is quoted.

Wendy

Butters · #6 12-27-2011, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coloradowendyl

Hummm, in reading your post, you said your nephew is 12. If that is the case, you should not be paying the extra adult charge. The extra adult charge is for those 18 and older. If you called Disney about a 3rd adult in the room, at a moderate it is $15 plus tax per night. If you have insurance on the package and you used the term "adult" even though he is 12, the castmember would have also quoted you the insurance price for him as well.

You may wish to call back and ask what the cost of adding a 12 yr old would be and see what the price is quoted.

Wendy

I did state that it was a 12 year old, and no insurance on the trip. This ended up more curiosity at this point, since we can not get him on our flights now anyways.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts!

Aurora · #7 12-28-2011, 09:50 AM

How nice of you to try to do this for your nephew. You are very generous.

Regarding the flights, I would try to call the airlines back and explain you have a family member to add to the trip who would not be able to fly alone. I don't work in the industry and someone else who does would have better information, but I believe airlines continue to overbook flights regularly. Maybe you could get someone on the phone with a little know-how.

Kenny1113 · #8 12-28-2011, 10:30 AM

I agree this is a very nice gesture for your nephew. I hope it will work out.
In regards to your question my SIL and I just had this conversation the other day about quotes given in packages. I always ask for the breakdown of everything to make sure I get the best possible deal. An agent (unfortunately not MJ, this was out of my control) quoted us without adding Florida resident discounts. I asked for a break down and realized i could do better on my own. It would have cost us significantly more.