Hey Howdy Hey Kaitlyn and welcome to planDisney!
I am so excited to hear from you and be a part of your initial planning for your vacation at the
Walt Disney World Resort. There is so much to do and experience in the parks and resorts which I feel planning for your vacation only adds to the excitement! Thank you for stopping by with your question about details when booking your vacation. Let's review a few things and set you up to book your trip!
The easiest way to book your vacation is with a vacation package that includes your
Disney Resort hotel and
theme park tickets, at minimum. The big catch with this one is it is an all-or-nothing when booking. If booking for 3, either all 3 purchase theme park tickets or no one. There are a few options and ways around this though, so sit tight and let's review.
You can book your vacation with your hotel and theme park tickets separately. This will allow you to make your hotel reservations for the Guests in your travel party without a commitment of theme park tickets. After you book your hotel, you will go to book your theme park tickets separately. This process will allow you the flexibility to have differing plans within your group for your vacation. While this process will give you flexibility, depending on the length of your stay and the number of days in the parks, you may see a slightly more expensive park ticket as vacation packages will offer discounts at 3 days and above for theme park visits. I've got one more idea that might be the best of both worlds.
Another option you have is to book the total number of Guests for your vacation package who will be staying in the room and going to the parks. This will allow you to have a vacation package with a theme park discount depending on the number of days. After your reservation is booked, you can call Disney and let them know you have another member of your party to add but would not need a theme park ticket. A Cast Member will be happy to help you through this process. Just know, Disney has a policy of only 2 adults in most rooms and if you are adding a third, this will come with an extra fee per night. The Cast Members can review this cost with you as you add them to your reservation. If you choose to work with a travel agent, they will also be able to help you through this process of booking.
While
dining plans are available for purchase, they are not required. You also do not need them for character meals either. You are more than welcome to make your reservation and pay with any acceptable payment method.
There you have it Kaitlyn, several options to consider and run the numbers to see which one best fits your travel plans. If you have any questions about this, please feel free to reach out to me directly and I can help in any way possible!
To Infinity and Beyond,
Nick