PACKAGE vs. HOTEL ONLY

[smcordova]

I am going to Disneyland and I have a few questions.
1) Is it worth getting the package deal vs. hotel only and tickets?
2) Preferred viewing- is it really preferred or are there still long waits?
3) Disney hotel vs. Good Neighbor - Is it worth the extra money for Disney Hotels(traveling with a 5 yr and 2 yr)?

 

[denyd]

I am going to Disneyland and I have a few questions.
1) Is it worth getting the package deal vs. hotel only and tickets?
I would add up the additional goodies that you will use that are available in the package and compare costs. Sometimes they include rounds of golf or trips to Tijuana, that you'll never use. The price doesn't go down if you opt out of some of the benefits.

2) Preferred viewing- is it really preferred or are there still long waits?
I'm not sure what you mean by preferred seating, unless you're talking about Fantasmic. If it's Fantasmic, you might want to reconsider, as my 3yo DS was terrified by the show.

3) Disney hotel vs. Good Neighbor - Is it worth the extra money for Disney Hotels(traveling with a 5 yr and 2 yr)?
In DLR (unlike WDW) being on property usually is a lot more money than the benefits. However if you envision a midday trip to the room for a nap or a swim, then the on property option is great.

 

[ter-moo]

I have never yet found a package that was a better deal than buying everything separately! We get our tickets at a discounted price through my husband's work. You can also find discounted tickets at:
www.arestravel.com

We've stayed at both the DL Hotel and the GC Hotel on splurge trips. Even then, it was cheaper to call Disney travel and be persistent about hotel deals. Keep asking if there's a better deal, a lower price, a different promotion. They won't offer it unless you ask.

Unless you're at the GC, on-site isn't closer than offsite. The on-site hotels are nice, and the theming is fun, but the off-site hotels often offer free transportation, or are a quick walk away, and many have free breakfasts, fridges and microwaves. Some of our off-site faves are Candy Cane Inn, Howard Johnson's and Carousel Inn and Suites. Park Place Inn and Anaheim Desert Inn and Suites are also good deals--the rooms are nothing fancy, but they're large and they're clean. All of those are an easy walk away.