DC Celebration Package

[gigicnm]

Has anyone done the Celebration Package at DC? I was wondering about the dolphin bringing the buoy with the message on it. It seems like a cool thing, and we'll be there a few days before my son's 11th birthday. I thought it might be a fun surprise, but was wondering whether it was worth the money.

Also we were planning on buying one of the photo packages and the Celebration package comes with 25% off a photo package. Can anyone tell me the difference between the packages and the price of each? I'm trying to figure out whether it's worth it to upgrade to the Elite package and get the buoy, photos and cabana, or maybe I'm just going overboard and should stick with the buoy and photos.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

This recent TripAdvisor thread gives the current prices of the photo packages:

http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic...package_prices_Sept_2013-Orlando_Florida.html

If you are planning on getting the largest photo package (which includes the DVD) and the cabana, then the elite package at DC is the way to go as it turns out to be the best overall value. The only downfall is that you have to prepay the whole amount when you book the cabana.

Here's the numbers......

The Adventure package photo is $159. Less 25% = $119.25. Then add the Celebration package ($129) and the cabana ($100) and your total is $348.25.

The Elite package, which includes a few more inclusions beyond the Adventure package plus the same inclusions under the celebration package is $359. So for an extra $10.75, you get the photo album, the poster, the DVD, and 2 additional 6 x 8 prints.

Purchasing the ultimate photo package with the 25% discount would be $164.25 (normally $219). Then the celebration package ($129) and the cabana ($100) = $393.25. So you save $34.25 vs. purchasing the celebration package plus cabana now and the ultimate photo package at the park, even with the discount.

We are planning our third visit for August 2014, and we're planning on booking the elite package as well. We loved having a cabana on our August 2012 visit, and since we're all doing the dolphin swim again this trip, I know I will be buying a photo package. I'm not too worried about having the DVD, but the elite package works out to be the best value with photos + cabana so that's likely what we will do.

You will be able to choose whatever message you wish for your buoy...so you could definitely personalize it for your son's birthday.

When is your trip?

 

[gigicnm]

We're planning on going the last week in June. We've already bought airline tickets from 6/19-29, just trying to figure out what to do while we're down there. We're very experienced WDWers, but have never been to SW or DC. We figured we'll stay at a SW associated hotel for the first two nights and do SW and Aquatica. My kids have never been to a big water park, and we usually do Orlando off-season so swimming can be iffy. Then we'll switch to a WDW hotel for the rest of the trip. We'll probably do DC mid-week just to have a slower paced day mid-vacation.

Right now the big thing I'm hoping for is some kind of DC discount. Tickets are $319 each so anything would be great.

Thank you for your help.

 

[Ragnarok]

I've been to DC 3 times... the first time was normal admission... The second time I got the celebration package when my wife and I got engaged. Third time was our honeymoon (also got the celebration package). We're going back in January and we got the package again. Well worth every penny.

The cabana was amazing. We had one overlooking the dolphin coves. We had our own table, chairs, loungers, mini fridge fully stocked with bottled water, soda, tea, lemonade, and beer. Also had a basket full of all kinds of snacks. if you go in the winter months they even give you a gas heater. There is even a cabana boy that will tend to you. You also get a little backpack with either a photo frame or a shirt/plush toy.

As for the photo packages... they can be pricey.. I found these prices online and from what I remember they are accurate.

Ultimate Package $219

7- 6 x 8 prints (may be different or same images)

1- 4x6, 2 key rings, 2 wallets (all same image)

1 - All-image Digital Photo CD

1 - Interaction DVD**

1 - 16 x 24 poster

1 - Photo Album

Adventure Package $159

5-6x8 prints (may be different or same images)

1-4x6, 2 key rings, 2 wallets (all same image)

1 - All-image Digital Photo CD

Basic Package $89

4 - 6x8 prints

4x6 and 4 wallets (all same image)

Additional Items A la Carte / With Package

6 x 8 Print $25 /$10

4 x 6 Print 2 keyrings(all same image) $25/$10

16 x 24 Poster $35/$25

24 x 36 Poster $45/$35

Interaction DVD** $75/$50

Digital Photo CD $150/$75

The discount really helps. Photos are not just limited to the dolphin interactions. Photographers will take photos of you in the aviary and lazy river and it will all be coded to your ID card you get.

Hope this info helps

Has anyone done the Celebration Package at DC? I was wondering about the dolphin bringing the buoy with the message on it. It seems like a cool thing, and we'll be there a few days before my son's 11th birthday. I thought it might be a fun surprise, but was wondering whether it was worth the money.

Also we were planning on buying one of the photo packages and the Celebration package comes with 25% off a photo package. Can anyone tell me the difference between the packages and the price of each? I'm trying to figure out whether it's worth it to upgrade to the Elite package and get the buoy, photos and cabana, or maybe I'm just going overboard and should stick with the buoy and photos.

Thanks for your help.