Looking for the best deal (who isn't?)

[Disnee4Me]

Okay with a retired DH and two DSs in college, I need to figure out the best deal possible for our trip to WDW for Christmastime ’14. I am thinking of cashing in my Euros from last year’s trip to Italy (it was our 25th anniversary and I HAD to do something special) and buying my tickets now. Then probably in January-February booking our resort, using some of my 2200 Disney dollars for the deposit, and then continue building up more $$$ until we leave. I’m trying to have a totally free (or close to it Disney vacation).
My questions are (1) In the long run, is it cheaper to gets the tix now (5 day park hoppers) before any further price increases? (2) Or is getting a package all at once a better deal??? (3) Would they upon arrival, take my tickets, tie it into my resort and give us those Magic bands???
I am actually hoping to leave on 18th of December from Connecticut, arrive on the 19th and spend two nights (19th and 20th – my birthday) at a deluxe resort, and then transfer over to a moderate (assuming that the rate on the 19th and 20th are not peak season).
Any experts out there can tell me which is the best way to go???

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

Congrats on your upcoming trip!! In answer to your question, after 25 or so trips to Disney, and trying to find the best deal, my last few trips, I booked thru @Kingdom Konsultant and it was a breeze! I always get the best deals through their travel agents. There is no fee for their services and they make sure you get the best deal Disney offers. I HIGHLY recommend them!! Best of luck in your planning

 

[dreamfinder]

My questions are (1) In the long run, is it cheaper to gets the tix now (5 day park hoppers) before any further price increases?

Ticket prices are almost guaranteed to go up. So buying them now does protect against price increases.

(2) Or is getting a package all at once a better deal???

Package deal only works out better if they have a specific package promotion. IE Free dining. Otherwise the cost for individual package elements are the same in/out of a package.

(3) Would they upon arrival, take my tickets, tie it into my resort and give us those Magic bands???

Yes and no. You could add the tickets to your MBs yourself through the MyDisneyExperience account. Or they an do it for you when you get there. Adding them in advance would be required for FP+.

I am actually hoping to leave on 18th of December from Connecticut, arrive on the 19th and spend two nights (19th and 20th – my birthday) at a deluxe resort, and then transfer over to a moderate (assuming that the rate on the 19th and 20th are not peak season).
Any experts out there can tell me which is the best way to go???

If these are your plans, the 2014 rack rates are already posted. So you can tell now what the cost would be. If you are going to be serious about switching rooms, packages wouldn't work in your favor as a package needs to have a ticket booked with it. Sounds to me that with your split stay plans, room and ticket separate are the way to go. As @DisneyDebNJ indicated, worked with a Disney specialist like KingdomKonsultants might be your best bet to get this all straight in your head.