For all those who book package deals....

[lisag1]

Hi all,

This is really a follow on from Simon's thread on the news that Disney are offering "free" child places.

Well I rang up Virgin and BA today and asked for a quote based on the following,

2 adults, 3 children aged 3, 4 & 6, flying from Gatwick, staying in Fort Wilderness Cabins, UMP's and a car. I was absolutely STAGGERED to get a price of £7209!!!!! Now this was supposedly with a free child place. I then went on Virgin's website and was quoted £7349 although I don't think they are showing the "free" child places.

We personally ALWAYS book DIY because of the savings and if you don't believe me here is a comparison. The only difference is in the UMP's as the only ticket I can get close enough is a 10 day world pass. But to be honest I can't see anyone doing Disney for 14 whole days anyway as you try to pack in Universal, Sea World etc. Anyway here are the figures

Flights 2 adults, 3 children 1/6/03 14 nights £1655
Fort Wilderness Cabin £2477 (Rack rates although there are savings to be made using Mousesaver codes)
2 adult, 3 children 10 day world passes £1042
Full size car with fully inc insurance £344.00

Grand Total = £5518.00 ! Difference of £1831!!!

Now if you use the Mousesaver codes and manage to get Fort Wilderness Cabins with the 40% discount ...

Grand Total = £4233 ! Difference of £3177!!!!

Just thought I'd give you a little food for thought.......

Lisa

 

[BevS97]

tell me about it lisa!

I think if you stay off-site, then some of the packages are reasonable, especially if you want to fly direct from a regional airport, but I've never seen an onsite package that I would even consider.

Bev

 

[WDWfan uk]

I hear you Lisa!

We don't consider packages because they don't give us the flexibility we need - we usually go for three weeks and include a stay with relatives - but as you say, the compulsory inclusion of UPHs for the on-site resorts is an unnecessary expense if you are not intending to do 'all Disney', and we get more insight into discounts etc from the DIS and other sites.

 

[Astrid]

In the main I have to agree with you and I'm always astonished that people go to the travel agent and book a bulk standard holiday from the brochure without looking at all the other scenarios that could save them money.

However, I booked my 'package' through the Virgin Travelstore for this March at ASMu and it was a brilliant price and actually worked out cheaper than my package the year before when I stayed off-site. So, it pays to shop around!

I'd thought of ringing Virgin re. the offer Simon mentioned too as I always tend to get stung being one adult plus two kids and generally have to pay for two adults. I'll report back what they say!

Astrid

Astrid x

 

[Olaf]

I've had to bite my tongue a few times at WDW, while talking to people who have paid for the all-enclusive (meals, etc) disney packages. Those things are such a ripoff. The sad thing about it is that most of the people who book that way don't have clue.

Oh well, you must admit, Disney has a way of separating you from your money.