Good Packages from the UK?

[newdisneyfan]

Hi, I've just returned from our second trip to Disneyland Paris, and am looking into the cost for a holiday in Orlando. Can any friendly Dis-ers recommend where to start to look?

We'd like to stay on site with shuttle buses as we're not planning on driving. Are there buses to other theme parks? Also, do the packages generally include hopper tickets to the Disney parks?

Looking forward to hearing your suggestions. Thanks!

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Personally I would price up a Virgin package as a starting point for a price - it will not include any WDW tickets - these are all extras.

I would then price up a flight (consider indirect for cheaper?) and look at booking accomodation separately (say get a quote direct from WDW or from Dreams).

This will give you a comparison on savings - then there are many other options such as a charter package deal with first choice etc. But it's a start!

From WDW hotels I think you can book a mears coach to go elsewhere or get on a bus from the Transport Interchange - but we've always had a car so can't really help much there.

That will keep you busy for a while!

 

[Goofyish]

There are some good package deals to be found with the main travel companies, but quite often you can get a better deal by booking everything yourself.

As Mrs Doubtfire says, start with Virgin Holidays and the other main players (Thomsons, First Choice etc.). Then look at the cost of flights (and fly-drives, even though you don't plan on driving - you don't have to pick the car up), hotels (direct with Disney or through an agent like Dreams Unlimited).

Note that most charter flights fly into Sanford, while Virgin and BA fly to the main Orlando airport (MCO) - this will have an effect on your transfer costs etc. Indirect flights are usually cheaper, but add a little time to your flights and mean you have to transfer at another airport in the US.
This does have an advantage because you pass through immigration controls at the first airport, so when you arrive in Orlando you just sail through.

If flying into MCO then you can use the Disney Magic Express transfers or book your own Towncar transfer (you could have a limo to make it extra special ).

Also, depending on the time of year you plan on going you may be able to take advantage of the Disney Free Dining Plan

 

[traceycooper]

Hi We dont drive when visiting WDW
we do split stays - VH will mix & match just about any holiday
we usually do a couple of weeks in WDW - value resorts are cheapest all stars & pop Then at least at a week on i-drive in a hotel that has transfers to the universal parks (much closer to get to uni from i-drive than wdw)
i'm not a great fan of i-drive but its conveniant, but we are staying in a universal hotel this year which costs more but your room card gives front of line access to all rides & hotels are classed as deluxe & look lovely (will let you know )
we usually do 3 or 4 weeks as its the flights that cost!
accomodation is pretty good price

 

[Tinks1984]

As you don't wish to drive, staying on Disney property will be best for you. When pricing up, you'll notice that there's the Value's, Moderate's and Deluxe resorts. ALL of the resorts offer transport in and around the Disney resort area. Depending on where you stay, you'll be closer to one area (ie, the Magic Kingdom area, Epcot area etc). Don't forget also, by staying on Disney property, you'll get allowance for Extra Magic Hours!

It is also possible that from the T&TC you can get a shuttle to I-Drive, which then gives access to other parks and attractions. Disney do not offer transport to other parks such as Universal or SeaWorld, so you'll need to find alternative transport if you wish to visit these. I've found the best way is to either pre-book with Mears Transport or grab a taxi.

When you price up, you'll notice most times that Disney tickets do not come included with the price of the main booking. They'll need to be booked separately. There are different ticket packages on offer, so you'll need to work out which is best for your party. I've gone for the Disney Ultimate Ticket, which gives us unlimited access to ALL the Disney parks for the 2 weeks we're there.

Hope that helps and sorry if I've repeated anything from anyone else. Any more questions we'll be happy to help

Oh and I forgot...try Travel City Direct on-line, they're the best I've seen for Disney!

 

[rso101]

Walt Disney Travel Company has just started selliing inclusive packages from the UK, with room, tickets and even flights. The prices look much cheaper than anywhere else. You also get special extras for booking direct through Disney. Go to the Disney website in the uk and it tells you all the prices. You can order a brochure and a planning dvd.
Remember that the new Disney magic your way tickets have loads of different options, so think carefully about which extras you need eg park hopping, no expiration, water park entry, so that you don't pay extra for something you need.