Hey ~ as far as the packages go, We book a package for convenience and a package allows us to get the
DDP. ( You MUST book a package with at least one day tickets in order to get the dining plan.) The last 3 or 4 years though, we did get our tickets upgraded to park hoppers, waterparks and more, also a slight room rate reduction - so yes, it saved a little $. However, we had already planned on the hoppers.
It also depends on how you like to dine - we enjoy going to character meals and sit down meals - what my DH did to determine if a package/dining plan would save us is to basically go over our ADR's- we decide where we want to eat, go over the menu and pick what we "might" eat, then add up the cost - then add up the cost of the dining plan. This past Jan. for example we "saved" over $400. Clearly, if you do not want to eat a sit down meal everyday - or do a lot of the character dining, then you can reduce what you'd spend. I would suggest just pricing out the trip both ways.
So, basically - sometimes if you book everything seperate, and your dining habits don't "work" with the plan, and especially if you get a discount code - then that would probably be cheaper, but for us we prefer to do a package, it does save us money.
Also, your TA is right - the 2008 package rates have not been released yet - that is what a lot of us are waiting for!!! AND the much anticipated and hoped for discount code!!!! She is probably also right about the rooms being "on hold".
We are hoping the package rates are released in aug. there was a rumor about late july - but, I doubt it! I just hope it's SOON!!!!
Also, typically the discount codes for jan. - feb. come out after Christmas - sometimes VERY close to Jan. - but, what I do - and a lot of others do, is when the package rates come out, we go ahead and book - then IF/when a discount is released we just have it applied to our existing reservation -- it's VERY easy!!!
Also - on the first page of this thread ( I think it's the first page) Lori has put the dates for making your ADR's. Keep this date handy so you can call on that day!!!
Wendypooh -
This will be our 21st trip, but first time to try to book a package. Does the package actually save money?
I am getting a little nervous about this Mardi Gras trip. Our
travel agent said that currently there are no standard view rooms available at WL (she thinks Disney has not released the rooms because of not having 2008 rates) so we have not been able to book the package yet.