It’s very important to know the know the difference between Disney’s Room Only and Package Reservations!
Flexibility is often very important to US Military Families and your selection affects your payment and cancellation schedules.
Updated: June 2023
What’s a Package?
A Disney package is normally when you combine another option with your Disney Resort Room Reservation.
The other option(s) could be:
- Theme Park Tickets
- The Walt Disney World Disney Dining Plan
- Or both of these
When you book a package with Disney you also receive a Magical Extras Card, that offers various discounts during your vacation dates.
Note, you may not be eligible for miles, points, cash back, or bonuses from your credit card if you purchase a package. For instance, my Delta Skymiles Card gives me 3x miles per dollar on hotel charges versus a single point per dollar for package purchases.
Back in 2021 Disney started offering “Basic Packages” with just the Magical Extras and without any of the other add ons and usually not mentioning to you that they were reserving a package for you instead of a room only.
The active military community often relies on the flexibility of room only reservations and packages are less flexible!
Room Only – The Most Familiar
Room Only Reservations are probably the most familiar type of Disney Resort Reservation for those in the Military Community.
This is because of the Disney Armed Forces Salute, which offers highly discounted Military Theme Park Tickets and Room Rates. Besides the Disney Armed Forces Salute there are a couple of other military discounted ticket options that are available.
Because of all of these ticket options, the military community should never add full price tickets to their Disney room reservation*.
Under the Disney Armed Forces Salute, military families buy their Salute Tickets on their own through the ticket discount offer, separate from their room reservation.
* There is one exception and that is if the occasional Free Dining offer is being utilized, which rarely makes sense for the military community.
Disney Vacation Packages
So it’s usually not tickets that causes military families to get a Disney Vacation Package, it’s the Disney Dining Plan.
The Disney Dining Plan is a pre-paid meal plan that Walt Disney Wold offers, which allows you to pay ahead for some meals during your vacation.
Many people feel that using the Disney Dining Plan makes their vacation easier or less stressful having most of your food expense already covered.
However, Military Disney Tips does not usually recommend the Disney Dining Plan.
Adding a Dining Plan or tickets to an existing Room Only Reservation turns it into a package with all the associated rules.
The Dining Plan can be added up to to 7 days prior to check in.
Package Magical Extras Benefits
When you book a package, Disney World also gives you what they call Magical Extras. This consists of luggage tags and a few discounts to use while on your vacation.
2023 Magical Extras
Discover all the Magical Extras that await you in 2023!
THINGS TO DO
Miniature Golf – Receive four (4) vouchers per package, each voucher valid for one (1) 18 hole round of miniature golf on one (1) day for one (1) Guest at either Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course or Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course. Voucher and Magical Extras Savings Card are required at time of redemption. Voucher is nontransferable and expires at midnight on the day of checkout. Lost or stolen vouchers will not be replaced. Not valid with any other offer, discount or promotions, and may not be redeemed for cash in whole or in part. Only one miniature golf course may be open from time to time and courses are subject to weather closures. Due to capacity limitations, it may not always be possible to accommodate Guests at the exact time they choose to visit. No photocopy or reproductions of voucher will be accepted. VOUCHER IS VOID IF SOLD.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – Receive four (4) vouchers per package, each voucher valid for one (1) general admission to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on one (1) day for ONE (1) Guest. Valid only on event days. Some events require an additional admission charge. There are no events on certain days. Days and hours of operation of concessions, venues and attractions varies. Visit espnwwos.com for more information. Voucher and Magical Extras Savings Card are required at time of redemption. Voucher is nontransferable and expires at midnight on the day of checkout. Lost or stolen vouchers will not be replaced. Not valid with any other offer, discount or promotions, and may not be redeemed for cash in whole or in part. No photocopy or reproductions of voucher will be accepted. VOUCHER IS VOID IF SOLD.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes – Receive 10% off the non-discounted price of bowling (walk-in bowling only), receive 10% on the purchase of food and non-alcoholic beverages (dine-in only), and receive 10% off the non-discounted price of merchandise at Splitsville Luxury Lanes™ located in Disney Springs® West Side.
PLACES TO EAT
City Works Eatery & Pour House – Receive 10% off food & non-alcoholic beverages at City Works Eatery & Pour House located at Disney Springs® West Side. Not valid with any other offer or discount.
Ghirardelli® Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop – Receive a Complimentary Ghirardelli® Chocolate Bar with purchase of any Specialty Sundae at Ghirardelli® Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop located in the Disney Springs® Marketplace. Limit one per person, cannot be combined with any other offers.
Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company – Receive 20% off entire purchase, excluding alcohol at Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company® at the following locations at Walt Disney World® Resort: Magic Kingdom® Park, EPCOT®, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Disney Skyliner and Disney Springs® The Landing including Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company® store, or purchase online at JOFFERYS.com using coupon code: travel23.
Paddlefish – Receive 20% off Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages at Paddlefish located at Disney Springs® The Landing. Not valid with any other offer, or discount.
Rainforest Cafe – Receive 10% off adult entrees at Rainforest Cafe® located in the Disney Springs® Marketplace and outside the entrance of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Not valid with any other offer, or promotions.
T-REX – Receive 10% off adult entrees at T-REX® located in the Disney Springs®Marketplace. Not valid with any other offer, or promotions.
The Spice & Tea Exchange – Buy 5 items and get the 6th free! Offer only available at The Spice & Tea Exchange® located in the Disney Springs® Marketplace. One per Guest. Cannot be combined with any other offer, or discount.
Wetzel’s Pretzels – Buy two pretzels and get one free! Offer only available at Wetzel’s Pretzels located at Disney Springs® West Side and Marketplace. Cannot be combined with any other offer, or discount.
PLACES TO SHOP
Balocoloc Venetian Masks – Receive 10% off your entire purchase. This offer is only available at the Italy World Showcase Pavilion location in EPCOT®. Cannot be combined with any other offer, or discount.
Basin – Receive 10% off entire purchase, excluding sale items, at Basin located at Disney Springs® Marketplace or Basin White located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
Chapel Hats – Receive 15% off entire purchase at Chapel Hats located at Disney Springs® the Landings.
Coca-Cola Store – Receive 15% off purchases of $30 or more at the Coca-Cola Store located at Disney Springs® Town Center. Not applicable for rooftop beverage bar purchases or professional photography services. Discount may not be combined with any other offer.
Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers – Receive 10% off purchases at the Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers stores at Disney Springs® Marketplace, Magic Kingdom® park and EPCOT®. Exclusions apply. Not applicable for shipping charges. Some other restrictions apply. Discount may not be combined with any other offer.
Just Fun Socks – Receive 15% off entire purchase at Just Fun Socks located at Disney Springs® the Landings.
Kendra Scott – Visit Kendra Scott located at Disney Springs® Town Center and receive 15% off your entire purchase! Offer valid in Disney Springs® Town Center location only. Cannot be combined with other offers or be applied to previous purchases, markdown items, giveback items, warehouse items, gift card purchases, gift sets, sales tax, or shipping charges.
Sugarboo & Co. – Receive 10% off non-discounted merchandise at Sugarboo & Co. located at Disney Springs® Town Center. Cannot be combined with any other offers.
Volcom– Receive 15% off the non-discounted price of merchandise at Volcom® located at Disney Springs® Town Center.
2024 Magical Extras
Discover all the Magical Extras that await you in 2024!
EXPERIENCES
Miniature Golf – Receive four (4) vouchers per package, each voucher valid for one (1) 18 hole round of miniature golf on one (1) day for one (1) Guest at either Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course or Disney’s Fantasia GardensMiniature Golf Course. Voucher and Magical Extras Savings Card are required at time of redemption. Voucher is nontransferable and expires at midnight on the day of checkout. Lost or stolen vouchers will not be replaced. Not valid with any other offer, discount or promotions, and may not be redeemed for cash in whole or in part. Only one miniature golf course may be open from time to time and courses are subject to weather closures. Due to capacity limitations, it may not always be possible to accommodate Guests at the exact time they choose to visit. No photocopy or reproductions of voucher will be accepted. VOUCHER IS VOID IF SOLD.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – Receive four (4) vouchers per package, each voucher valid for one (1) general admission to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on one (1) day for ONE (1) Guest. Valid only on event days. Some events require an additional admission charge. There are no events on certain days. Days and hours of operation of concessions, venues and attractions varies. Visit espnwwos.com for more information. Voucher and Magical Extras Savings Card are required at time of redemption. Voucher is nontransferable and expires at midnight on the day of checkout. Lost or stolen vouchers will not be replaced. Not valid with any other offer, discount or promotions, and may not be redeemed for cash in whole or in part. No photocopy or reproductions of voucher will be accepted. VOUCHER IS VOID IF SOLD.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes™ – Receive 10% off the non-discounted price of bowling (walk-in bowling only), receive 10% off the purchase of food and non-alcoholic beverages (dine-in only) and receive 10% off the non-discounted price of merchandise at Splitsville Luxury Lanes™ located in Disney Springs® West Side.
Surrey Bikes Rentals – Receive 10% off Surrey Bikes located at the following locations Disney’s BoardWalk, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground & Resort, Disney’s Old Key West, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.
DINING
City Works Eatery & Pour House – Receive 10% off food & non-alcoholic beverages at City Works Eatery & Pour House located at Disney Springs® West Side. Not valid with any other offer or discount.
House of Blues® Restaurant & Bar – Receive 10% off on the purchase of food at House of Blues® Restaurant and Bar located in Disney Springs® West Side. Excludes alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity. Not valid with any other offer.
Receive 10% off your purchase at House of Blues® Gear Shop located in Disney Springs® West Side. Excludes Art, Books, Jewelry, and Sale items.
Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company® – Receive 20% off entire purchase, excluding alcohol at Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company® at the following locations at Walt Disney World® Resort: Magic Kingdom® Park, EPCOT®, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Disney Skyliner and Disney Springs® The Landing including Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company® store, or purchase online at JOFFERYS.com using coupon code: travel24. Restrictions apply. Not combinable with any other offers, promotional sales or coupons. Expires December 31, 2024.
Local Green Orlando – Receive 20% off entire purchase located at Disney Springs® West Side.
Paradiso 37 – Receive 10% off Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages at Paradiso 37 located at Disney Springs® The Landing. Not valid with any other offer or discount.
Rainforest Cafe – Receive 10% off adult entrees at Rainforest Cafe® located in the Disney Springs® Marketplace and outside the entrance of Disney’s Animal Kingdom®Theme Park. Offer valid for up to four (4) guests. Not valid with any other offer or promotions.
The BOATHOUSE® Orlando –
Visit us at Disney Springs® Town Center: Great Food, Waterfront Dining, Dream Boats™ and receive 10% off on food!
The Spice & Tea Exchange – Receive $1 off any 16oz Iced or Hot Tea To Go. Offer only available at The Spice & Tea Exchange® located in the Disney Springs® Marketplace. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount.
T-REX – Receive 10% off adult entrees at T-REX® located in the Disney Springs®Marketplace. Offer valid for up to four (4) guests. Not valid with any other offer, or promotions.
Wetzel’s Pretzels – Buy two pretzels and get one free! Offer only available at Wetzel’s Pretzels located at Disney Springs® West Side and Marketplace. Cannot be combined with any other offer, or discount.
SHOPPING
Balocoloc Venetian Masks – Receive 10% off your entire purchase. This offer is only available at the Italy World Showcase Pavilion location in EPCOT® and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount.
Basin – Receive 10% off entire purchase, excluding sale items, at Basin located at Disney Springs® Marketplace or Basin White located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Chapel Hats – Receive 15% off entire purchase at Chapel Hats located at Disney Springs®the Landings.
Coca-Cola Store – Receive 15% off purchases of $30 or more at the Coca-Cola Store located at Disney Springs® Town Center. Not applicable for rooftop beverage bar purchases or professional photography services. Discount may not be combined with any other offer.
Crown & Crest – Receive 10% off entire purchase, excluding sale items, at Crown & Crest in World Showcase – EPCOT®
Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers – Receive 10% off purchases at the Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers stores at Disney Springs® Marketplace, Magic Kingdom® park and EPCOT®. Exclusions apply. Not applicable for shipping charges. Some other restrictions apply. Discount may not be combined with any other offer.
Edward Beiner – Receive 20% off your purchase (exclusions may apply) at Edward Beiner Purveyor of Fine Eyewear located in the Disney Springs® Town Center.
Just Fun Socks – Receive 15% off entire purchase at Just Fun Socks located at Disney Springs® the Landings.
Kendra Scott –  Receive 15% off your entire purchase! Offer valid in Disney Springs® Town Center location only. Cannot be combined with other offers or be applied to previous purchases, markdown items, giveback items, warehouse items, gift card purchases, gift sets, sales tax, or shipping charges.
Ricoh Business Centers – Receive 10% off your outbound Shipping services, and shipping boxes.
Sugarboo & Co. – Receive 10% off total purchase at Sugarboo & Co. located at Disney Springs® Town Center (exclusions apply).
Superdry – Receive 15% off a purchase of regular priced items!
Volcom® – Receive 15% off the non-discounted price of merchandise at Volcom® located at Disney Springs® Town Center.
These minor benefits Disney says, is why they often automatically book the military for packages…
The Differences between Room Only and Packages
Room Only Reservations offer much better terms for cancellation and payment dates than the vacation packages do!
Packages are much more strict.
With a Package you are committing to a payment schedule and much earlier cancellation dates. These can be very important things to a military family who’s schedule can be unpredictable!
Payments
Packages: When making a Disney World Vacation Package:
- You must pay a $200 deposit within 3Â days of reserving your package (due immediately if making online)
- Final payment of the entire remaining balance (room, meal plan, tickets, etc) is due 30 days prior to your check-in
- You have to pay in full if you are booking within 30Â days or less prior to check-in
Occasionally Disney’s phone agents may offer you a Basic Package when you want to book a room only reservation. A Basic Package is just the Room Only Reservation plus the Magical Extras and a luggage tag per person. This Basic Package is subject to the more strict vacation package rules.
The big give away that they have booked you for a package vs a room only is the $200 deposit vs 1 nights deposit!
Room Only:
- You must pay a one night’s room rate as a deposit within 3Â days of reserving your room (due immediately if making online)
- Final payment of the entire remaining balance is due at check-in
- You have to pay in full if you are booking within 30Â days or less prior to check in
Cancellations
Packages: Here are the much more strict cancellation Rules for Packages
- You can change or cancel your reservation without penalty up until 30 days in advance
- Cancellations made 29 days to 2 days prior to arrival have a cancellation fee of $200 per package
- Reservations cancelled 1 day prior to arrival or later forfeit the full package price which is then is non-refundable
- Disney usually adds travel insurance to your package by default. You don’t have to add it! The insurance fee is non-refundable 14 days after purchase
- If you happen to add airfare to your package it is totally non-refundable!
Room Only: Much more reasonable rules for Room Only
- You can change or cancel your reservation without penalty up until 5 days prior to check-in. (6 days for online bookings.)
- Reservations cancelled less than 5 days prior to check-in will forfeit the first night’s room rate
Room Only is a Better Choice
The MDT family always* books Room Only! By doing so, we keep our options open and aren’t tied into pre-payment. Plus we don’t think the Disney Dining Plan is a good deal and it requires much more forethought and daily dining reservations.
* Note: Twice on MDT research trips Steve has used the DDP to gain experience and solidify his opinion.
Over To You
Did you find this post helpful? Have any questions or opinions they you’d like to share? Do so in the comments section below!
This MDT Post By: Steve Bell Steve is the the Military Disney Tips Founder. He a retired U.S. Military Member who's been touring the Disney Parks since 1971! Steve's mission is to help military families with their Disney vacations in every way. Check out Steve's Bio. Subscribe to Steve's email newsletter to get website updates and news by clicking this link. |
Planning a Disney Trip? Want to get the best military discounts that are available? Feeling a little confused? See Our Great Disney Discount and Planning Info:
- Disney Veteran & Military Discount Eligibility Guide
- The Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation GuideÂ
- Military Disney Tips Disney Packing ChecklistÂ
- Disney Military Tickets – Your Start to Finish Guide
- Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
- Dining Overview Page
- Transportation Overview Page
- Technology Overview Page
- Shades of Green, WDW’s Military Only Resort
Military Disney Tips' Recommended Disney Travel Agent Ears of Experience Disney Only Travel Agency. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts! |
Strongly agree. We did DDP one time. Getting the reservations we wanted was difficult, although we did get to try some of the restaurants we’d wanted to go to, and didn’t have to worry while there about the prices (since it was all magical while on the package!). As you note, we prefer Room Only option, although we’ve occasionally done Magical Extras, but that’s often been when we couldn’t book online successfully and had to actually call for help; it got slipped in. Personally, I still prefer the environment at Shades of Green but getting out to some of the hallmark resorts is also fun.
Our big gripe remains park reservations and limitations. We really like staying at one of the sites near EPCOT, grabbing breakfast in there, then going on to our preferred daytime park; no longer an option, AND, we can’t even pass through EPCOT to get to the Monorail.
Thanks Gerry,
My frustration with park reservations continue…
We will have to see how the “park reservations may be required for non-dated tickets” goes in 2024.