Am I missing something when comparing costs?

[Luv2Go]

Trying to compare the costs of a two week vacation to Southern CA is not as easy as I would like. When comparing the costs from one of the Disney travel planners vs me looking up all the individual costs - the indiv hotels and tickets I priced came up several hundred dollars less. Am I missing something or is there more to some of the "free" add ons that they give away in their packages (like preferred seating for parades, etc.,.) Any advice would be appreciated! First trip to Disneyland and so very overwhelmed!

 

[Albort]

there is a few advantages in booking with Disney directly. For one you can get ToonTown maddness. I think thats about it.

i think the best TA would be costco. check them out.

 

[HydroGuy]

I am always told that booking a Disney package is cheaper, but when I price the pieces separately they are always cheaper. So I do not think you are missing anything. I think Disney gives you "free" things as part of the package, then raises the price.

 

[spazzyjazzy]

try getawaytoday.com also

 

[ACDSNY]

Over the years I found most of the time priced individually is cheaper. At times though the packages can be cheaper so I alway price it both ways. It all depends on if you will use the additional items in the package.

 

[honeymom]

I think it depends when you go and what the extra goodies that they throw in are. Also, which hotels - I think for good neighbors you can almost do better individually. Onsite - you sometimes do better on a package. The best thing to do is to price both ways and see what comes up cheaper.

 

[PrincessAbby'sMom]

I am in the same boat, do I book Disney, Costco, Alaskan Air, Southern California City pass & book hotels on my own....... and the list goes on. I think from my research - the Southern California City Pass & booking hotel & air on my own (waiting for sales/deals too) seems to be the way to go. A pain, but the cheapest.
If you find out any different - let me know!
We are coming from Illinois, flying into San Diego (zoo, SeaWorld & Lego Land) then heading up to Anaheim (DL), and Universal somewhere in there! So I have alot of planning to do.....AAAAHHHHH!

 

[hlbtimes2]

There are always little things to factor in. For example for our trip in April it was better for me to book a package, as then I could get the kids fly free special. Even though we had to buy the more expensive adult fares, it still saved us money. For my MIL it was cheaper to book seperate because she didnt need the kids rates. Last year if you booked a package you got kids park tickets free, that was also a better way to go. When I went in May with friends we booked every thing seperate because they could get military rate park tickets and I had an a/p.

One thing I like about booking with Disney travel is that I can make payments on it. That way I can book when airfare rates are down, and make payments up until 30 days before we leave.

 

[AJA55]

Have to agree with Linda/hlbtimes2. You just have to check everywhere/everything. For our trip we did a package through Disney because we’re going prime time, July 4th. The closet I could get was $100.00 more than we’re paying. Generally speaking, I find it’s rare that you can get a better deal through a package.

Think of it as a treasure hunt…. for the best deal that fits what you want!

PrincessAbby’sMom, we’re heading your way (Illinois) in fall for a vacation!

 

[dizzyami]

I am in the same boat, do I book Disney, Costco, Alaskan Air, Southern California City pass & book hotels on my own....... and the list goes on. I think from my research - the Southern California City Pass & booking hotel & air on my own (waiting for sales/deals too) seems to be the way to go. A pain, but the cheapest.
If you find out any different - let me know!
We are coming from Illinois, flying into San Diego (zoo, SeaWorld & Lego Land) then heading up to Anaheim (DL), and Universal somewhere in there! So I have alot of planning to do.....AAAAHHHHH!

Definitely choose Costco over Disney - they are exactly the same, but Costco throws in a free character breakfast for every member in the party, and a $25 gift card.

 

[PeterPansPixie]

Definitely choose Costco over Disney - they are exactly the same, but Costco throws in a free character breakfast for every member in the party, and a $25 gift card.

Can you make payments booking through Costco?

 

[dizzyami]

Can you make payments booking through Costco?

There is a $200 down payment, and then the balance is due about a month before your travel dates, and I am pretty sure you can make payments in-between.

 

[hlbtimes2]

Definitely choose Costco over Disney - they are exactly the same, but Costco throws in a free character breakfast for every member in the party, and a $25 gift card.

It is a good deal, but their hotel choices are a bit limited. For example, no Candy Cane inn.