Am I missing something -- is there any reason to get a package?

[tar heel]

DH, one of our sons and I will be on an international trip during Thanksgiving, so the other two sons are going to have a trip of their own: to Disney World! I've priced their trip both as a package and as resort and passes. It looks like we'll save about $40 by not doing the package. Do we lose anything they would care about? They're not going to eat at Planet Hollywood and I doubt they would do the mini golf. I do want Magical Express, but it looks like they'll have that either way.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I don't see any reason to have a package. The dining plan has gotten ridiculously priced. It is less to buy meals OOP. Check with Undercover Tourist for discounted tickets and you might save a bit more.

 

[Marionnette]

DH, one of our sons and I will be on an international trip during Thanksgiving, so the other two sons are going to have a trip of their own: to Disney World! I've priced their trip both as a package and as resort and passes. It looks like we'll save about $40 by not doing the package. Do we lose anything they would care about? They're not going to eat at Planet Hollywood and I doubt they would do the mini golf. I do want Magical Express, but it looks like they'll have that either way.

The only other perks that I remember coming with a package would be the luggage tags, which would not be worth $40 to me! And of course, if you want the dining plan, you have to have a package.

Every once in a while, a package deal will come out that is better than doing a room-only + tickets from Undercovertourist. That's why it's always a good idea to add the numbers up for both discounted packages and room-only reservations.

 

[danceintherain]

I've only gotten a package in order to add the dining plan. If all you need is tickets, then you don't gain anything by booking a package. You can get tickets through Undercover Tourist and the room-only cancellation rules are a lot more forgiving with payment due at check in, instead of 45 days in advance.

 

[seashoreCM]

A rough rule of thumb is that a package does not save money unless there is something significant in it that is free, like dining or park hopping.

Golf does not count; typically it's for one visit for one person only.

 

[taaren]

Keep in mind also, if they're planning on staying on-site that Room-only discounts have not come out yet that I know of (I'd been watching for late Nov Room-only discounts until I picked up an extra DVC night last week). If it follows the last few years' trends, there should be some public discounts offered in early October. So those room-only rates are going to get cheaper. Book separately.

 

[tar heel]

Keep in mind also, if they're planning on staying on-site that Room-only discounts have not come out yet that I know of (I'd been watching for late Nov Room-only discounts until I picked up an extra DVC night last week). If it follows the last few years' trends, there should be some public discounts offered in early October. So those room-only rates are going to get cheaper. Book separately.

Discounts for Thanksgiving? That would be fantastic if that happened.

 

[rcraw45425]

don't count on a discount a Thanksgiving. Count on massive crowds and holiday pricing on buffet meals! How old are your sons? There should be MVMCP, Osborne Lights and Christmas decorations to enjoy!

 

[stsomewhere]

The only reason I can think about getting dining plan is if your boys are not responsible with money. You can GTy that they would eat.

 

[tar heel]

The two going to Disney are 28 and 18. I don't see budgeting for food as a problem. The 28-year-old will be paying his own way -- he has a well-paying job and is very careful with money. The 18-year-old did a grad trip, so he's had to budget for himself at Disney before. The oldest is perfectly happy with counter service, so they will probably just do a couple sit-down meals. They've been (with family) during the holidays before and both are very familiar with Disney -- oldest did the College Program.

 

[stsomewhere]

With the package, each person gets a refillable drink mug for the resort

 

[markjc13]

The dining plan is expensive, but nice to not have to worry about having large amounts of cash all the time or having to reconcile it all later.

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

only real advantage to package is you can get the dining plan (either free or paid for). Obviously if you don't have a package you have to pay OOP for food but we've found that's a better deal for us (unless DP is free).

 

[nyrebecca]

I liked doing the room and tax package because it was 6 months free financing on my Disney visa and I could pay in advance. I admit I was nervous not paying for our room only til we got there.

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

We've gotten room only deals for our past three trips, and we always save money. You can find discounted places to buy your tickets and then search for room only deals as they come out (we just saved 30% at AKL).

We always book through our travel agent, and have had to pay that amount about 30 days before we arrive.