Welcome to planDisney, Matthew! You've asked a really great question today, and I'm happy to let you know exactly how this process works, because this is actually the exact way I like to manage my own Disney vacations, too.
Booking your
Disney Resorts Collection Hotel and tickets as a vacation package ahead of time locks in your preferred resort, room type, and travel dates. This gives you peace of mind that you've got the magical trip you want, especially if you're eyeing a popular resort or room category that tends to fill up quickly. Then, as special offers or discounts are announced, you can go back in and modify your existing reservation to take advantage of the deal.
You can make this change right through your
My Disney Experience account. Just click the "Change Reservation" button next to your resort booking and follow the steps to adjust your package. If the discount is available for your resort and room type, you can apply it right there. If you run into any trouble or just prefer the help of a friendly Cast Member, you can also
call the Disney Resort Hotel Reservations and Tickets line, and they'll be happy to assist you in applying the offer.
The only potential downside is that sometimes discounts can be limited. Sometimes they apply to select room types or resorts, and availability can go quickly. So, in some cases, if you want to apply a discount, you might need to be flexible about switching your room category, or even your resort, to make it work. But personally, I love knowing I have my plans set, and then I just keep an eye on the
Disney Parks Blog and the
Special Offers page to see if any deals pop up that I can apply later. I always book at a resort that has a price I'm comfortable paying without a discount, and then I can potentially save money down the line, or take advantage of an offer that puts a different resort into my budget!
So yes, book early, modify later! It's a great way to keep your options open while giving yourself something magical to look forward to.
Have a magical day, Matthew!
Jessica