Packages vs Al a Carte

[ontario2orlando]

Being new and doing my best to catch pace and learn everything I can about WDW there are some things I just don't know. Take for example, the difference between buying a package and not. Is it less costly to just book your room, buy groceries, and buy admission? I don't understand because when I did the math it was a better deal to do the package.Therefore, I am assuming those who are AP holders wouldn't need a package only resort and dining. I want to make sure I fully understand. Thanks

 

[seashoreCM]

As a general rule, a-la-carte is just as inexpensive as a package (sometimes even less) unless the package has something really special such as free dining. If your combination of things you want to do (including on-site meals and no rental car) is cheaper via a package, by all means book the package.

Where the package offers choices (formerly known as wishes with a lowercase w, or flexes which is short for flexible features) for example horseback riding, you have to make choices close to the most expensive ones offered to equal the cost of an a-la-carte vacation with the same material.

Do be aware that the deadline for making changes or cancellations comes sooner for a package compared with a room-only reservation.

Annual Pass holders and some others may find that it it inconvenient to make use of the required tickets (minimum of one day) that come with a package so their math tends to work out better via a-la-carte. Also some discounts including those available to AP holders are applicable to room-only reservations only.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[MariaEllerºoº]

It use to be that paying for everything separately was the cheapest way to go. Disney has been offering better packages in the last few years that makes it better to purchase a package. Sit down, price out everything separately and compare it to the package price to see what's better for you and your family.

 

[grumpytx]

My advice pick up a copy of Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2007, some scratch paper, calculator and run the numbers. Remember this is a vacation so don't let it get you stressed, it should be fun. My family has never done the dining plan because it was never offered as a perc when we were there plus it didn't seem that lucrative as an add on to me.