If you don't mind my asking...

[DG-12]

Can someone please break down the cost of their trip (booking separately) with hotel, passes, food, etc... (ap discount?-which I don't have but may be willing to invest in if it really is worth it)because I can't seem to figure out what to do-Everyone says booking a package is not worth it but when I break down the costs separately it seems to break even... I should mention it's two adults who would like to stay at either the GF or AKL , although clearly nothing is set in stone. If you wouldn't mind I would appreciate it greatly...
Dana

 

[Eljay]

I would suggest checking mousesavers.com for the AP room rate codes. There you can see what a room costs when you use those codes & do the math. Right now, you can stay at the AKL for $109 (parking lot view) using an AP code. VERY cheap. Depending on how long you are staying, it might pay off for you to get the AP. Then next year, go to WDW again just before your pass expires.
I'm not sure what the AP costs right now, I have a FL Resident Pass. They might have that info on the main WDW site.
Good luck!

 

[Kallison]

Everyone's trip broken down would come out differently due to different resorts, travel plans, park passes, etc. Usually I figure that booking separately is approximately 20% cheaper. I've never seen a package deal that is less costly than booking separately for the needs of our family.

 

[goofy4tink]

I add up what the package costs. Then do it with everything separatly. I find that we don't do the parks on our first day, or the last day. THe one time I did a package (I didn't know any better. Hadn't found these wonderful boards!!), I did go to the parks on my first and last days. The first day I was in the park for about 2 hrs. and the last day for about 2 hrs. So, it wasn't really cost effective. WHen we go in Aug I plan on spending: room (at a mod) about $600-700(7 nights), airfare (for 3), $600, passes (2 4-day hoppers, 1 5 day hopper...we have 2 passes with 1 day left on each and 2 plus visits on each of 3 passes) and then about $800 for food, souvies, and $150 for transport to the resort/SeaWorld via town car service. If I did a package it would cost me about $400 more and I still wouldn't be using all the days I'm entitled to in the parks.
Use the AP for resort stays if there is a difference in what the resort would cost without it (keeping in mind there are some pretty good rates using codes) versus what it costs with the AP. But remember, you have to remember to add the extra cost of the AP to your pass budget instead of a hopper pass. If I use an AP to get a better rate I could save about $150, based on what I'm paying now. But, I'm hoping that a great code will be out and I won't have to buy the AP. Good luck with the planning.

 

[DG-12]

Maybe I should break the cost of my trip down so people could advise me on where the huge savings are... And let me just add- we have been to wdw twice now (in four years- we had several trips planned but as a military family- than and not now- duty kept calling- so here we are planning our trip- our last trip before children and the last trip for awhile because my husband's head will explode if I mention going to WDW again before at least another four years has passed...Which is why I would like to do a very special trip because I may not get there again for a long while-) so here is the breakdown of
(I was a DC member and used to get the discount but now that it is being discontinued...) Also, it's the not the money so much as I don't see where the huge difference between the package and booking it all separately is.
Package Cost: 5000.00-Grand Plan- GFLV Room 7 Nights (with no discount applied- but when I spoke to WDW the other day I can the dicsounted room and package when they announce the rates)
Now when I break it down separately here is what I get
If I had an AP:
AP: 371.00
UHP:335.00
GFLV:222 x 7 nights (but you see GP comes with concierge so if I figure concierge price...)
Food: 150 x 7 days (if we eat one sit down meal a day at a nice but not fabulous place)
If you add this up I am already at 3100...
That is not including:
Keys to Kingdom Tour: 150.00
Steam Train Tour: 60.00
Illuminations Cruise: 160.00 (I know I could share- last time that didn't end up working out-so I am hesitant...)
Victoria and Albert's- 200.00(included with grand plan- and I would like to eat there)
Cirque Tickets: 140.00
PI Pass: 30.00
I am already at 4000- You may look at my list and be like- don't do all those extras- but those all come standard in the GP- And we like those things- I haven't even figured in bost rental or parasailing yet-
Now if I figure in the cost of concierge room at GF my separately booked package looks something like this-at 284 (using the current code available at Mousesavers-) 1984 for the room-Adding another 500- to the package- which is now at 4500 (and I have to watch every penny to make sure I stay on budget)
You can see where I am going with this- I know some people take multiple trips per year or go once a year and so GP seems like an outrageous waste of money but for me I am having a hard time seeing where booking separately and booking a package would save me a huge amount of money. I am probably wrong but I figured if anyone would know it would be people on the Dis.
Thanks,
Dana

 

[Tiffany]

I am assuming you are looking to travel in 2003. Who quoted you $5,000 for a 7n/8d Grand Plan package? I just went to the Disney web site and did a quick quote for 7n/8d for two adults at the GFLV on the Dream Maker Platiunm package which is the 2003 equal of the Grand Plan and without airfare or ground transportation the quote was $6,707.90 and this is a value season quote.

 

[DG-12]

I got the quote through my travel agent, for 2003 travel value season
Dana

 

[Gillian]

From what I have read, you can make the Grand Plan work in your favor. Because it includes even the most expensive things, and there is no limit on them, it's not the same as one of the packages with the magical wishes.

For what it's worth, I don't think I'd do that kind of a package at the AKL, even though it would be less expensive. I'd want to be at a resort with easy access to water sports & the more expensive things that are included in the package. Just my opinion

For the package with platinum add on I am getting $6638 (with tax included) for 7 nights at the GF LV (not concierge) in september 2003 (value season). This is with the insurance removed.

 

[Gillian]

Then it sounds like a good deal

Full price, on the disney website, I can't get any room at AKL or GF to come up cheaper than $5500 (AKL standard view).

 

[Trekker]

It may just be that the package is best for you, I know it would not be for me because I do not care for all the extras you mentioned.

But in your case it may be the way to go....

 

[hulagirl]

Dana,
I think you need to tell us all who your travel agent is! If 5000.00 really is the bottom line then you are not paying more for getting the package than you would be adding it all up yourself. (with discounts!) It sounds like you have a very good travel agent on your side! I think if you really will be able to get all of those things in without feeling totally exhausted and needing a vacation from your vacation than you should relax and know that you aren't overpaying for what you want. And you will be at Grand Floridian concierge! How wonderful! I hope you have a really amazing time!

 

[dansyr]

We booked the dreammaker gold pkg for march of 2003. For 6 nights 7 days our pkg cost us a little less than $1500 per person staying at a value resort with our DC discount. Broken down it cost about $250 a night. The room itself ended up being $78 a night . A 6 night 7 day ultimate park hopper discounted would be 344.50...so about 57.50 a day. So, minus the room and parkhopper, we are actually paying about 114.50 a night. I think in a day between dinner shows, meals. recreation, tours I would spend well over the 114.50 in a day. For ex. we are going to see Cirque. The ticket would cost $76.32 and we are going to Wolfgang Puck's for dinner before that . Figuring my dinner would be at least $5o, the total for just that would be 126.32. With just that I'm already ahead. So I know alot of people say don't do the packages, but if your prefernces are to eat well and take advantage of alot of the entertainment I say it is a deal !!! P.S. We are going in peak season and saved just about $400 off our trip with Disney club. If you decide to renew...do it soon. I believe they are only taking renewals until Dec. 12th.
Good luck whatever you decide.