Package deal or book things seperatly?

[HOJO_OJ]

Hi All. I am planning a trip in October (2 adults and 2 kids that are 5 and 7). Is it best to book through Disney the full package meaning airfare, disney resort, park tickets. Or is it better to buy each one individually to save some cash? Are the savings going to be that much?? I appreciate any help/advise on this one!!

 

[brendrek]

It's usually cheaper to book things separately, but you have to know what you are doing. Last year I did the package deal on the Disney website which included airfare, park tickets, and hotel at full rack rate. This year I took advantage of a Southwest fare special, booked room only with an AAA discount and I'm getting my park tickets from Undercover Tourist. When I added up my costs for this trip I'm saving around $320 from last year's package, but the real kicker is I'm staying a day longer this time.

 

[JohnnyB2]

I normally book everything separate,knowing dates for high to low season and in my case the school vacations.Also it seems you should always check on the airfares(if needed)as todays prices are climbing rapidly.

 

[TaraPA]

I've never seen a Disney package through Disney come up cheaper than doing it all separately. However, like the OP stated, you have to be confindent in knowing what you're doing regarding airfare, hotel, theme park tickets, DDP, etc. If that overwhelms you, or you don't have the time or energey to do the research, then a Disney package might be worth it to you because it's less stress.

There was a thread about this before that stated that Disney puts the packages together for convenience, not for savings. Once you break out the cost of their packages you are almost always paying rack rate. Don't know if that's true or not, but like I said, I've booked everything separately myself in the past, or used a good TA who applied codes & discounts, and the cost was always hundreds less than the Disney packages.

 

[darlak]

Sometimes depending on the time of year and current codes available, you can do almost as well booking your room and tickets as a package through Disney. I never book my airline tickets through Disney though. I can always find airfare at least a few hundred dollars better than the quote I get from Disney.

 

[HOJO_OJ]

thanks for all of the helpful hints and ideas. I let Disney book everything the last time which was 3 years ago. I wanted to try it on my own but wanted a little insight first! Thanks everyone.

One more thing.....
Yes or no to teh disney bus from the airport? We just missed that last time.

 

[Mousema]

Yes, on the Disney bus from the airport (Magical Express). ME is the way to go. It gets you to your resort in about an hour and your luggage magically appears in your room and the price is right - nothing!

 

[Epcot82Guy]

I agree. ME is a great way UNLESS you want a vehicle. But, if you plan to use WDW transportation on property and stay on property, it is absolutely worth the costs saved.

 

[LISAMWDW]

We always do our own air as most time we use miles. However, with all the Disney perks, especially Magical Express and the Dining Plan, we book the rest as a package with Disney. Check out www.mousesavers.com for discount codes.