Same here. We have NEVER booked a package. When you figure the room discounts that are available (AAA, AP, etc) and then buy tickets from some of the reputable companies out there, we've always come out several hundred dollars better by NOT booking packages. We never do the dining plan either - we just don't eat enough big meals to justify the cost.
I'm a little confused all of a sudden Can I still order tix from UT? I really plan on geting the DP. How's the best way to book our trip? Tix, room and dining plan.
I saved in 2007. I went August 2007. The first week of value season. My family of 3 (dd7 then) along with two girlfriends and their daughters (both had one daughter both 10). They didn't want to deal with buying tickets, they wanted a package, so I booked for them and they gave me monies to pay on their package. For my family I originally booked AAA room only reservations and purchased my tickets online. My room with AAA discount was like $64 a night and the 7 day 2 adults 1 child Disney hopper tickets were like $750 or so. We stayed a total of 6 nights in Pop. That was somewhere around $1134 for me. Then one day in May I was bored at work, logged on to disboards and someone mentioned the 40% off code. I PMed them and they gave it to me. I immediately called and changed my friends package (they were sharing a package). It dropped their package from $1600 to $1400. I decided to create a package for my family of three and it was only $998. Under $1,000. I was very pleased. I sold my tickets on ebay and vowed to NEVER buy tickets separately again. If I learned nothing I learned that Disney (during value season) almost always has some kind of deal (code). You just have to keep searching. This year during the same time frame Disney has a deal, not as good as the 40% off, but its more than AAA and enough people are still getting that 40% code to know its possible.
I booked a package in 2005 and saved money, only because of the dining plan, I should also mention I got a AAA discount on the package from AAA. I tour in summer so I think that has something to do with it, no really good codes in summer. So I think for many folks that tour in summertime that don't have AAA, it may be the same price to go with a package. The difference is not huge for us, but there is a difference even if it is only $100 or so, luggage tags are not worth that much. (They are really cool though)
I always price out the vacation separately then get a quote for a package with AAA. With the 2005 exception, room only has ALWAYS been less, including this year's trip.
As noted, package bookings are usually available for the coming year by mid August of the current year.
This thread (and any thread) about booking and so forth is best located on the Resorts & Booking Board here on the DIS. As such, I'll be moving this one there.
I'm a little confused all of a sudden Can I still order tix from UT? I really plan on geting the DP. How's the best way to book our trip? Tix, room and dining plan.
Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!
Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE