Savings between a package and a room only

[CAL]

Since package information is not released yet for January what is the best way for me to get a price that might be closer to reality than adding up rack rate, tickets, dining etc. When buying a package, is there an approximate % of discount that is typical? I know promotions vary but figure someone on here has that figured out We are going to be 5 adults, and one 3 yr old. We are considering a villa at AK. Any suggestions? This will be my first trip with my one and only granddaughter! I am more than excited and want to start making plans! Thanks for any advice!

 

[tinka-belle]

The packages pretty much mirror the added values of the components, there is no discount just because it's a package. HOWEVER lots of promotions apply sometimes to room only, other times to packages (i.e. free dining, or free ticket upgrades) and some can only be booked as packages. Remember to add 12.5% room tax (13% at the All Stars) and 6.5% ticket tax, dining plans already have the meal tax figured in.

To figure just a rack rate package with seasonal price differences, try some dates that match the pricing season you will be travelling in for this year if you can. January is value season, so use Sept. value season dates. Remember that Friday and Sat. nights are often a few dollars more, so in your estimate try to include the same days of the week you will be traveling on. Add approx. 5% to the 2010 price. Prices often don't go up that much overall for room & tickets, but sometimes do. This should get you pretty close to what a non-discounted package will be. Since January is value season I'm sure there will be package promotions released later on too that will bring your actual rate lower!

 

[sndral]

1/3-2/11 2011 are value season. Other value seasons are 7/18-9/30 2010 and 11/28-12/16 2010. You can just hop on the WDW site and pretend you are going in one of the 2010 value season times and that'll give you an idea of the non discounted price.
If the same kinds of deals are offered in 2011 then,
For last Jan. the Jan. 4/3 deal was offered starting 9/28/09. If you plan on 7 days, just run the numbers for 4 days and that'll be your price w/ the 3 free days. The 4/3 for me would have been a little over 40% savings.
The Jan. room only discounts for the public were offered starting 11/30/09.
The rack rate for a 2 br AKV-kidani is 1325/night. Room only discounts/pins for villas ran 40-45% for 2010, 40% off 1325 is $530, so your price would be $795/night plus tax. Add in the cost of your park tickets and meal plan, if you want one, and that should give you a rough idea.
WDW may up their 2011 rates/ticket prices, of course.
BTW, excluded from Jan. value season are New Years, marathon weekend (1/7-9) and MLK weekend.