Which package is the better deal?

[princessmomma]

Which package should I choose?

Both packages are two adults and two children (ages 2 and 4) and include: roundtrip air from Charlotte, 4 nights accomodation, 5 days worth of ultimate hopper passes and $100 worth of Disney dollars.

The easier on my pocket book route - All star Movies - $1850

The go all out package - Grand Floridian - $3050

 

[Wish Upon A Star]

Hmmmmmmmmm . . . .have you tried to book things seperate? Before you choose on those packages . . .see if you can get it cheaper by booking yourself . . .

For example . . .

Search the internet for your airfare . . .

Check Resort Rates through the Web or by calling CRO

Ticket Prices on Web

I've always found it easier and much cheaper to book things seperate by myself . . .after using a travel agent in 88 and 91, when we returned to WDW in 99 I realized I probably could of saved myself a whole lot of money by doing it all myself and staying away from package deals . . .IMHO

 

[DisneyKidds]

Probably niether. Not sure when you are going, but I'd look into pricing things seperately yourself. Packages usually don't end up being the best deal. However, they are easy.

As for the 2 packages, the GF is $1,200 more. If the only difference is the hotel, then it means you are paying $300 a night more for the hotel. That means you would probably be paying $400 plus a night for the GF - definitely rack rate. The All Stars is probably rack rate, too. Chances are you can do better.

Go to www.mousesavers.com and look at available discounts for WDW hotels. That site can also point you to reliable places to get discounted passes. Airfare you can check on the internet. Once you price everything out seperately it will be easy to which which, if either, of these plans is a good deal. Do the work and you may save some money. If you can't do it cheaper yourself, at least you'll know you got a good deal. Good luck.

 

[tar heel]

You definitely want to book these seperately. Your trip is short and your kids are little -- I don't believe you'll be hanging out at waterparks, Pleasure Island or Disney Quest --but you'll be paying for all three of those things if your get those UMPs. I personally would never do a package that included those tix and my kids are much older. (I should say I would never do it again -- I admit to having done it 10 years ago. We went to no water parks and did not do a park day our last day -- I now know we paid lots more than we needed to.)

I would go to mousesavers.com (One of them gives you All Starts for $54 a night, I think) and get whatever code is available for your dates and book hotel, then buy 4-day park hoppers (or 5 if you really are going to be able to do 5 park days, which I doubt). Don't forget there are lots of resorts in between All Stars and the Grand Floridian.

The only reason I can think of for going with such a package is if you can't find decent air rates. That's often the case from Charlotte, which is why we've driven to Disney four times in the past four years -- it takes a mere eight hours from Charlotte and we're able to take a cooler, snacks and breakfast for the room, etc.

 

[Janet2k]

Princess, please submit a rate request to the owner of this website, Dreams Unlimited Travel, and ask them to price both a room only and a package deal for you. Also, if you have an AP, DC membership, etc., let them know and they will see if they can get you any discounts. They are a great travel agency, in my humble opinion. I used them on my last vacation (for the very first time) and will definitely use them for my next one. Here is the link to their website: Dreams Unlimited Travel Website

 

[Humpbacks1962]

No package is a good deal.

Take time to price every component individually to learn why, for yourself.

Wanda

 

[princessmomma]

Oh you all are so right!

I priced everything separately and those package deals really are high. Thanks Tarheel and others for your comments. It is great to learn from all of you.

 

[Humpbacks1962]

Good for you!

Next step is to take advantage of everything that you qualify for. Look into savings from anything that you have: AAA membership, American Express, Disney Club, Entertainment book, mousesavers.com codes, etc. And maybe even depending on how long you'll stay, looking into an annual pass investment for both tickets and discounts.

Listen, there's nothing to fear about booking on your own. Besides, even for people who buy packages because they feel too insecure about booking on their own travel by themselves in the end. No agent comes along in place of the same directions and instructions that you'll come up with anyhow.. What I mean is, you'll end up doing it all exactly the same way, but saving a lot more money.

Have a healthy level of skepticism when you come across offers.. Any kind of deal! Take time to inquire further, carry your calculator, and challenge any quotes. It is the only way to be in charge of your wallet. Share what you put together with the board, for members to critique it. Many may add more suggestions to enhance your trip. If it is your first time, don't be afraid to ask for directions and/or instructions to get here or there, do this or that. You'll be just OK!


Wanda

 

[nicurnc]

I agree, book the whole thing on your own to save lots of money! Although, if you are planning a late summer early fall trip a previous post says you'll save with the FF package.

Also, if you can afford it, go for one of the resorts on the monorail with your little kids. You'll love the covenience of it to go to and from the MK.

Have fun planning!

Loretta

 

[zurgswife]

Booking yourself is always the cheaper way to go.....

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Well, between your two choices, I'd go with the Grand Floridian. I have never stayed at All-Star Movies, but have stayed at the All-Star Music. The Grand Floridian is my favorite (check out the GF FAQ at the top of the Resorts Board for resort info), and I really love that resort! The All-Star prices are great, and the resorts aren't bad, either. But, there is just something really special about the GF that makes it worth it (for my next trip to the GF, I could save $3000 by staying at the All-Stars, but I think the GF is worth the extra, especially since I have a discounted rate).

 

[chris1gill]

If you are only an 8 hour drive from Disney, I'd DEFINITELY drive... if you fly, you have to arrive 2 hours early, go on what, a 90 minute flight? Get your luggage (another half hour), get your rental car or shuttle (another 20 minutes) & then drive to Disney (30 minutes).... You're nearly up to 5 hours & you've spent a lot of money to just save 3 hours time.... I'd definitely drive!!! And, like everyone else is saying, see which discounts are out there & available for your trip & if you're not sure, contact Dreams Unlimited, they can help you out quite a bit....

 

[sudiequ]

I would never recommend a package after breaking down the costs myself!! The only one who benefits is disney because they keep you out of the 4 main parks, and take all your money! Other than the park passes, pretty much everything else (dinner shows, circ du solei (sp?), water parks, disneyquest, etc....) is AWAY from the parks. And....i don't want to be on that strict of a schedule, i want to see the majic in the little things, not worry about where we have to be in an hour. Regardless of what you decide, enjoy your stay!!

Sue
inkbounc:

 

[bjakmom]

Although I usually agree that packages cost more when you break it down, never say 'never'. Twice I have been able to get a package with a code that has given me the best deal. They come and go quickly and can be difficult for CMs to find, but if you see one posted call and compare. I've never booked a package with tons of flexes, or breakfasts (we don't make good enough use of either of these added costs), but the one flex each we definitely use anyway - so I wouldn't completely disregard a package (with a code) without checking it all out.