Need help with split stay

[4disneynuts]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if I could get some help with a split stay. I am looking at booking 3 nights at CBR and then 2 nights at the Contemporary. Would you all recommend doing a package with a 5 day park hopper ticket for CBR and then just a room only ressie for the Contemporary. Im trying to do this the cheapest way. We are planning to go the end of February and am not sure about any type of room discounts yet.

What do you all recommend?

Thanks!

[VWL Mom]

That's exactly how I would go about it, package at CBR with 5 day hopper and then room only at CR. If you happen to do DDP at CBR keep in mind those credits would be good until 1159P the day you check out of CBR.

You might also want to try our sponsor Magical Journeys (https://magicaljourneystravel.com). They would keep on top of the whole thing an let you know when specials arise.

[Fangorn]

Personally, I'd just buy my 5 day tickets and book 2 room-only reservations. But then I guess I've never understood the reason for doing "packages" - particularly in this case. Nothing wrong with them, but I can't figure out why? There is no cost savings for doing a package instead of room only plus tickets. But a package requires a larger deposit (well, not always, that can vary depending on the accommodations), full payment 45 days prior to check in, and much more restrictive cancellation policies. Why would I do that?

Of course, if you want the DDP (another why? for me, but I understand that some people like it and feel they get value from it) you are forced to get a package - meaning Disney has the use of all your vacation money a full 6 weeks before you arrive - with no benefit to you, whatsoever.

Getting down off my soapbox now... :blush:

Steve

[Goofy4TheWorld]

Personally, I'd just buy my 5 day tickets and book 2 room-only reservations. But then I guess I've never understood the reason for doing "packages" - particularly in this case. Nothing wrong with them, but I can't figure out why? There is no cost savings for doing a package instead of room only plus tickets. But a package requires a larger deposit (well, not always, that can vary depending on the accommodations), full payment 45 days prior to check in, and much more restrictive cancellation policies. Why would I do that?

Of course, if you want the DDP (another why? for me, but I understand that some people like it and feel they get value from it) you are forced to get a package - meaning Disney has the use of all your vacation money a full 6 weeks before you arrive - with no benefit to you, whatsoever.

Getting down off my soapbox now... :blush:

Steve

I mostly agree with everything said above, but there is one scenario where a package does makes sense.

If you book a package and later have to cancel, you are not "stuck" with the tickets. Nowadays with FP+ you essentially MUST have tickets in hand by T-minus 60 days, and if something happens and you have to cancel at day 46 you can get ALL of your money back on a package reservation, but with a room-only you are stuck with those tickets. Even if you cancel 8 days out you get all but $200 back (I think).

Further, while I have never been in a position to ask, I strongly suspect that if instead of cancelling you just move your travel dates up that Disney would not charge you the $200 fee (but that is just speculation on my part).

[Fangorn]

I mostly agree with everything said above, but there is one scenario where a package does makes sense.


Hmmmm. Interesting scenario. Not sure I completely agree with the being "stuck" with tickets part - granted you wouldn't get your money refunded, but the tickets are still valid (so not "stuck" to my mind since I'd use them at another time) - but I see where that could be a consideration for someone.

And you're correct about rescheduling versus canceling- they won't charge you anything if you reschedule your trip even the day before.

Thanks for the insight.

Steve