Hiya, Debbie.
Debbie, I have booked both Walt Disney World Resort hotel room-only stays, as well as actual vacation packages, depending on my situation, so I am happy to help you figure out the pros and cons of each.
Primarily the decision to purchase a
vacation package or a room-only reservation revolves around payments. If you purchase a vacation package, you can do so with as little as $200 down! Then you can pay the remainder of your package, including theme park tickets and memory maker, as you go, with the balance due 30 days before your arrival.
If you choose to purchase your Walt Disney World Resort
room separately, your deposit will be equal to one night's stay with the balance due on check-in. You would also have to pay for your theme park tickets in full.
Please note that payment terms and conditions are subject to change.
Additionally, when you purchase a vacation package you do receive some
Magical Extras in the form of a card that can be used for a complimentary round of miniature golf as well as for some food and activity discounts. Both vacation packages and room-only reservations have access to the special discounted MagicBands.
I hope that this helped, Debbie. Please come back here to planDisney if we can help you plan your magical vacation.
See you real soon!
Sarah B.