Is it cheaper...

[momof2minnies]

to book the land portion of the land/sea cruise yourself, separate from the cruise? Yes, I would still want to stay in WDW.
Thanks, Linda

 

[SchultzFamily]

Everything I've read here says it is cheaper to book it yourself. But if you're looking for convenience book it as a package. We booked it as a package because we've never been there before and did not have any idea what we wanted and where to stay. No I didn't find these boards until after everything was booked! Just do your homework!
Vickie

 

[Sarangel]

Not only is it generally cheaper to book it yourself, you get to customize where you go & stay. The packages will all put you in a hotel that 'matches' your cruising category. If you want to stay cheaper (like All Stars) or more expensive (Grand Floridian) they cannot accomodate you. Nor can they change the number of days of the land portion (if you want 5 days instead of 4).

That being said, our first trip to WDW was a 4day Land/3day Sea package, because we had *no* idea what we were getting into, and I have no regrets. Anyway, check out the boards & I'm sure you'll have more than enough info to figure it out.

Sarangel

 

[rcdisneyfam]

We booked land and sea twice now separately. AAA did the booking for us at the CBR hotel and the cruise separately. As said above, we were able to do 5 day hopper at the parks and 3 days or 4 days on the ship. It was less expensive. We also booked Air on our own and Tiffany Town Car Service on our own and it all works out to be less. Purchased 5 day hoppers at the AAA window on our own. You will find it much less doing things separately.

 

[CruisingCA2005]

We did the land/sea vacation once. I would probably book things separately if we were planning another WDW/DCL vacation for several reasons. 1) After doing the 4 day cruise, we've decided to take 7 day cruises from now on. 2) I won't have to switch hotel rooms if I stay longer than 3-4 days at WDW on the land/sea package. 3) It IS cheaper to book things separately.

 

[CheapMom]

I booked the 2 portions separatley and saved a lot. It is not hard to do. Good luck with your choice and happy planning.

 

[mmouse37]

For WDW hotel reservations just call 407-W-DISNEY (WDW central reservations number). They will give you the per night rate with availability for when you want to go and you can book room only or can add park tickets as well.

MJ

 

[PoohJen]

if you haven't been before, I highly recommend buying a copy of Birnbaum's guide to WDW. It lays all the parks, hotels, etc. right out for you. I buy it almost every year, whether I'm planning a trip or not!!! Helps you to make sure you don't miss something that you'd later regret missing!

 

[kcashner]

It depends on the season, the hotel you choose, and what type of park passes you will use.

The land/sea includes the ultimate park hopper passes. That's great IF you will use them, but will you go to a park the day you arrive? How about the day you leave for the cruise? Will you use the water parks and Pleasure Island? If the answers to any of those are "NO," then it will be cheaper to buy Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus passes. The other advantage to Park Hoppers is that they never expire...so if you decide to do a "no park" day, you have a pass that can be used on a future trip.

On the land/sea, your resort is tied to your cabin category on the ship. You might choose a nicer or more basic resort than normal for your category, in which case you can save major $$$. WDW frequently runs resort specials....again making it cheaper to do it on your own.

If there are more than 3 of you, a private limo is cheaper than DCL transfers....
Basic point is that there are many steps in the process where you can save money.