Disney Package versus a la carte

[swordsman_24]

Long time reader first time starting a thread.

My wife and I are planning to hit Disney for our 5 year anniversary in October of 2003. Trying to do some planning and budgeting and looking for the best deal. I have reviewed the Disney site for the rates and package prices and looking for some opinions. We would be doing a 7 night stay at Wilderness Lodge and the Resort Magic Package would cost about $500 more than if I just bought the lodging and tickets separately. Outside of the "flex features" (one per adult per stay) what else would justify the additional expense? Is the difference that I have limited visits to the non-park attractions with the 7 day pass versus the Resort Magic Package? Just looking for some input. I am already a member of Disney Club, so I know I should save some money there, but just trying to compare apples to apples at this point.

 

[SJTSmith]

I would not buy a package. If you buy everything separately you can save money. Since you are planning so far out you have time to book your reservation and then look for deal. I have been planing trips to Disney for years now and I have always found that it is easier to just get every thing separately. The savings are well worth the trouble.

 

[The Mom]

I think you have to decide if you're REALLY going to use the flex features. I may have the only family in the world that HATES character meals! That would be a wasted feature! If you LOVE water parks, that feature would be important. I'd ask yourself if you would plan these things on your own, or would you just go because they're "included?" I can't remember all of the features; since I only go for short visits, I spend all of my time in the parks, so always bought lodging & tickets separately.

 

[Sansaarai]

Look at it this way. My friend bought a package for his honeymoon. I totaled the cost if he would have booked and planned himself. If he would have booked it himself, he would have saved over $1000.

THats a big chunk of change.

 

[2much2do]

Forget the package. I have been to Disney so many times, and always booked it all myself, both using a package and buying the components seperately, and in all honesty, the only thing good about a package is that it is less work for you in the planning stages, because it's all right in the package. Every time we have booked a la carte, we have saved money. And, it doesn't even matter if you will use the flex feature. Here is an example:

You said that the package would be $500 more. Well, the flex feature only allows you to choose ONE thing. So, let's say you wanted to use your flex feature to attend a character breakfast. They typically cost $16 per person. So, you would be paying $500 for a $32 meal!!!! Check out the a la carte prices for some of the other options under the flex feature and you'll see they are all like this. Mini golf for instance, is only $10 per person!!! Pics with Mickey are about $20 sitting fee, plus pics, and the flex feature only waives the sitting fee!!

As for the passes that are included in the package, the only difference to you would be the park hopping feature. With the resort passes, you could go to Disney Quest, the water parks and the theme parks all in one day if you wanted. The regular hopper passes would only allow you a certain specific number of days at the water parks (a five day pass has two water park days, for instance). But, while this may require a bit more planning on your part both before your trip, and while you are there, in terms of where you want to go each day, it certainly doesn't seem worth the extra cost to me.

 

[Frank4669]

If you're going for seven days I would check into the annual pass. I think you are in the black at around nine days, but after your trip you'll have an entire year of unlimited use. Your Disney Club membership will give you a discount on the annual pass. Once you get it you can receive significant discounts at the resorts (30-40%) and be eligable for specials. Your savings will far outway any advantages to getting a seven day hopper pass or a package.

Have Fun,
Frank

 

[wannabeBelle]

I agree with everyone's assesment. I definitely dont go for the package anymore. It almost never is worth it. Unlimited entry to everything is included on the pass but depending on how long you are there, you may not get to use it to it's best advantage. This year I finally broke down and bought a yearly pass!! Definitely worth it at 354.04 with the Disney Cub discount and you do get a MAJOR discount on the resorts. by comparison a 5 day hopper is $219 and change!!! So I am now planning my second trip for this year and I am planning on going at least once more!!! Have a great time!!!

 

[cymbaldiva]

IMHO - ditch the package deal - you can save $$ putting things together yourself

 

[DisneyWorldGuru]

I have compared the costs of the Discovery Magic Package and booking all things seprate, it is cheaper and easier to book it all yourself. Also, the flex features are only about a $50 value max. The flex I took on my one trip was a tour which was valued at $49. Hope this helps make up your mind.