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Discounts on Walt Disney World Vacation PackagesLAST UPDATE: 1/3/10 - MOST RECENT ADDITIONS ARE IN REDDuring the off-season, Disney does sometimes discount its vacation packages. At other times, no vacation package discounts may be available. Any discounted Disney vacation packages listed below are subject to availability and rates are PER PERSON, per night, usually for adult double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Adult single occupancy (or one adult plus kids) usually carries a surcharge. Most rooms are set up for 4 people. A few rooms can accommodate 5, mainly at the Deluxe Disney resorts. There are a few rooms with trundle beds at Port Orleans Riverside that can handle 5, but one will have to be small enough to sleep on the trundle; none of the other Moderate Disney resorts can accommodate 5. Standard rooms at Disney's All Star resorts accommodate 4 people. Click here to learn more about the various resorts and room types.
Jump to: Is a Disney Vacation Package For You?A lot of people like Disney's vacation packages because they are convenient and worry-free. However, it is important to note that the standard full-price Disney vacation packages are designed for convenience rather than savings. In most cases you will NOT automatically get a discount by purchasing a package! It is frequently cheaper to book a "room only" reservation with the AAA discount or another discount and then buy the package components (tickets, meals, etc) separately. However, Disney sometimes offers special promotional package discounts, particularly in the off-season. You have to know the special discount codes, which I list here when available. Most Disney World packages must be purchased through Walt Disney Travel Company (WDTC). The WDTC rules about advance payment, cancellations and changes are usually much more restrictive than those associated with "room only" reservations, so be sure to inquire about the restrictions. It can be difficult to sort out what is best for your particular situation. That's why I think it's a good idea to have someone knowledgable on your side, making sure all the details are covered. My advice is this: if you want to book a Walt Disney World vacation package, I strongly recommend using a travel agent who specializes in Disney travel. It costs you nothing, and you can sit back, relax, and have all the vacation planning and hassle taken care of by someone else. 2010 Vacation PackagesThe major change for 2010 is that the regular Dining Plan is now priced seasonally. With the regular Dining Plan, kids ages 3-9 will now get an appetizer when eating table service lunch or dinner, but they still have to order off the kids’ menu when one is offered. All of the package plans have gone up in price, except the Deluxe Dining Plan, which is the same price as 2009. Disney has added a few additional discount vouchers (15% off spa treatment, 10% off fishing excursions and water sports) to all packages for 2010. For 2010, you can choose from the following Magic Your Way package options:
Thanks to Small World Vacations for info.
My Value RecommendationsThe first thing you need to bear in mind is that Disney REALLY wants you to stay for at least 6 nights/7 days. For that reason, the Magic Your Way tickets included in your package are heavily discounted on longer (5 to 7 day) stays. Remember that tickets are usually the biggest single expense in your package, and 7 day tickets cost only a little more than 4 day tickets. So live it up -- price out the longer vacation and you'll probably be surprised how little the extra cost will be. For most people, the plain Magic Your Way Package (no dining) or the Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining will be the best value. To add the Dining Plan to a basic package in 2010, the cost varies by season ($41.99 or $46.99 per night per adult, $11.99 or $12.99 per night per child, depending on the time of year). For that amount you'll get a full service meal, a counter service meal and a snack each day. That is a good value -- it is easy to get your money's worth, though the "high season" prices in 2010 might be a bit more marginal in terms of value. To read more about the pros and cons of the Dining Plan, click here to see my review. If your family isn't into table-service dining, there is the Magic Your Way Package Plus Quick Service Dining for $31.99 adult and $9.99 child. The Quick Service Dining Plan is not as good a value as the regular Dining Plan. You will probably just barely break even vs. just paying cash for your meals and snacks and the Quick Service Dining Plan is not particularly flexible. I don't really recommend it. The higher level packages (Deluxe Dining Plan, Premium Plan and Platinum Plan) are really luxurious, but for the average family they are also serious overkill. First of all, eating the included three full meals a day is just too much for most people. But if you're like me, you'll feel compelled to eat all those darn meals, because you're paying for them! The Premium and Platinum packages also include lots of unlimited extras like recreation (i.e. boating, fishing, parasailing) and behind-the-scenes tours, which sound great -- until you factor in the hot and humid Florida weather and the extensive walking, which slow most people's energy level to a crawl by the end of the day. The reality is, it's highly unlikely that you will take a tour in the morning, play tennis in the afternoon and attend a Cirque du Soleil show in the evening, on top of visiting the theme parks. But to get your money's worth out of the Premium and Platinum packages, you really need to be taking advantage of such "extras" every day. Grand Gatherings (Groups of 8 or More)With family and multiple-household travel increasing over the past few years, Walt Disney World has created a new program called Grand Gatherings, which is designed to provide special opportunities for groups traveling with 8 or more people ages 3 and up. (Babies under 3 can still come along, of course, but aren't counted toward the minimum number of people required to participate.) Grand Gatherings offers special benefits and one-of-a-kind experiences that may not be available to smaller groups attending Walt Disney World. As part of a Grand Gatherings group you will have the option of booking special events with your group. These include:
A Grand Gatherings group can book one of these special events, or all of them. Experiences will be shared by multiple Grand Gathering parties. Valid theme park admission is required for all Grand Gathering experiences except the Magical Fireworks Voyage. The same experience must be purchased by at least 8 guests (based on ages 3 and up) in the party. Experiences and dates are subject to change and weather conditions. Availability is limited. Reservations can be made from 90 to 6 days in advance (beginning 1/1/06, you can reserve 190 to 3 days in advance), and full payment for each experience is required 45 days prior to arrival. May be cancelled up to 6 days prior to first Grand Gathering Experience without penalty. Pricing includes gratuities/service charge(s). You can use dining plan credits from the Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining for the three Grand Gatherings experiences that include a meal (International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Party, Safari Celebration Dinner and Good Morning Gathering): each experience requires 2 table service options per person. If you are on the Magic Your Way Premium or Magic Your Way Platinum package, the Grand Gatherings experiences will "cost" only one table service option per person. There are also custom events that can be arranged for your group's special needs, including dinner parties, behind-the-scenes tours, group photographs, spa experiences and golf. Interested in organizing a Grand Gathering? Here are four steps to follow when planning your group:
Trip InsuranceIt is especially important to buy trip insurance for a vacation package, because you have to pay the entire cost in advance and you won't get a refund if you have to cancel right before your scheduled departure. With hundreds or even thousands of dollars at stake, it's worth it to protect the investment. It's super-important to buy insurance if you will be visiting Walt Disney World on a package vacation during peak hurricane season (roughly the months of August and September). Don't underestimate the potential of hurricanes to create major problems even in an inland location like Orlando. Walt Disney World was directly affected by two hurricanes in 2004 (Frances and Jeanne) and one in 2005 (Wilma). Two hotels located on Disney property (but not operated by Disney) were virtually destroyed by the 2004 storms, to the extent that one of them has still not reopened as of 2009. While Disney's own resorts weathered the hurricanes very well, guests were stuck in their rooms for up to 36 hours and many had major travel problems because airports were closed. Disney did waive "no-show" fees for a few dates, but those whose trips began before the specified dates (but whose travel plans overlapped with the hurricane) or just afterward were out of luck. Many people had similar problems with their airfares. The airlines allowed highly restrictive changes for certain dates without extra fees, but many of those who had to reschedule could not work within the airlines' narrow rules and just had to suck up the extra cost. Perhaps the most important coverage included in a trip insurance policy is trip cancellation and interruption insurance, which can protect your investment if you have to cancel your vacation at the last minute (or come home early) due to illness or injury. Depending on the policy, you may be covered if you cancel for other reasons, such as jury duty, terrorism at your destination, or even unemployment. Emergency medical coverage and medical evacuation insurance are very important if you become ill or injured during the trip. Otherwise you're on your own as far as booking very expensive last-minute airfare to get home. And if you're too ill to travel by commercial jet, you may have to pay for treatment in Florida (which your personal insurance may or may not cover) or for evacuation on a medically-equipped jet, which is incredibly expensive. Delayed baggage insurance will help you pay for replacement clothing if the airline sends your suitcase to Timbuktu and you need something to wear in the meantime. Supplemental baggage insurance will pay a predetermined amount if an airline loses your luggage completely. (Some higher-end credit cards provide extra baggage insurance, so check with your card issuer before paying extra for this coverage.) Disney sells trip insurance, but it's expensive and it has major exclusions. For instance, Disney's insurance won't cover lost vacation days caused by most airline delays. There are many policies available from other companies that will cover these things. You can almost always get better insurance than Disney provides, and at better rates, by buying it elsewhere. Be aware that in most cases, trip insurance will provide slightly less coverage (usually by adding exclusions on pre-existing conditions) unless you buy it within about 14 days of paying your DEPOSIT on the vacation package. So be sure to purchase it right away, once you've committed to the trip.
FREE Gift Card with Jan-June 2010 PackagesWith this special offer, get a FREE Disney Gift Card when you book a full-price Walt Disney World vacation package (including accommodations and tickets) for a minimum of 5 nights/5 days between 1/3/10-6/3/10 (some dates are not available, and rooms are limited and subject to availability).
The Disney Gift Card can be used for almost anything at Walt Disney World, including souvenirs, tours, spa treatments, watercraft rental, gratuities, alcoholic beverages or meals. You can add the Quick Service Dining Plan, the regular Dining Plan or the Deluxe Dining Plan to this package. The package includes standard Magic Your Way Base Tickets. You can pay extra to upgrade them with the Park Hopper, Water Parks & More and/or No Expiration option(s) if you choose. This offer cannot be applied to the Premium or Platinum packages or to "split stays" (for example, 2 nights at one hotel, 3 nights at another). Note that if you need only a 4-day ticket and you have an undiscounted package, it may be worthwhile to switch to this package (which requires a minimum of a 5-day ticket) because the cost of that extra day on your ticket is low compared with the value of the gift card. Also note that if you've already booked the "7 Nights for the Price of 4" or "7 Nights for the Price of 5" package (now discontinued) and are staying at least 7 nights, it is a better deal than this new offer. If you have one of those packages with only a 6-night stay in a Value resort, the new package may be a better deal. You must book this special package by 3/27/10. Thanks to Small World Vacations for info.
Winter Annual Passholder Packages with Dining PlanDiscounted Annual Passholder Packages with Dining are now being offered for stays 1/1/10-2/11/10. There is a room discount, but the Dining Plans are priced at the regular rate. These bookings are subject to regular Walt Disney Travel Company package rules. Thanks to Small World Vacations for info!
Military Package with DiningSpecial deal for eligible members of the US Military*: a discounted Military Package with Dining is available for stays most nights through 9/30/10. The Military Package with Dining does not include tickets because there is a special ticket offer for military. The package includes a room discount of 40% off, but the Dining Plans are priced at the regular rate. The Military Package with Dining is subject to regular Walt Disney Travel Company package rules. *Offer available to active duty military, activated reservists and retired military. Proof of Military eligibility is required. Thanks to Small World Vacations for info!
2010 Bounceback Package OfferThis offer is available ONLY to guests who are currently staying at one of the official Walt Disney World resorts, and could end at any time. Using a special phone number provided on a flyer provided in some resort rooms, you can book a vacation package (accommodations plus at least a 1-day Base Ticket) for stays on selected 2010 dates at a Walt Disney World resort and get a discount of 35%-45%. Not all dates are offered, and not all resorts and room types will be available. Reservation for your next vacation must be made before you check out (and on or before 10/24/09) to qualify, and there are no exceptions made. You must make a $200 deposit when booking.If you don't get the offer on a flyer in your room, the resort TV channel may be showing this offer. You can also try asking the front desk and/or Housekeeping for a flyer. Package Promotions with Small World VacationsSmall World Vacations frequently offers nice Disney World vacation package promotions exclusively for MouseSavers Newsletter readers. Be sure to sign up for the FREE monthly e-mail newsletter so you'll hear about the latest offers! UK PackagesThe Disney specialist travel agency I recommend, Small World Vacations, gladly works with clients around the globe. They have many clients from the UK and Ireland. Unfortunately they cannot book UK-specific offers, but sometimes the American offers are a better deal. The best and easiest way to book any Walt Disney World holiday offers that are specific to UK visitors is to go online to the UK Walt Disney Travel Company web site. Typically there are some very tempting holiday offers available. You will also receive the following "Magical Extras" with your online booking:
For more information on UK package offers for Walt Disney World, click here. Canadian PackagesThe Disney specialist travel agency I recommend, Small World Vacations, gladly works with clients around the globe. They have many clients from Canada and can book any of the US offers above for you. No current Canada-specific offers. Discounted Airline PackagesWhen Disney offers discounted packages, certain airlines' associated tour operators, such as United Vacations or Southwest Vacations, may offer those packages. (Note that most or all of these tour companies are not actually operated by the airline itself, but rather by a third party licensed by the airline.)The airline-affiliated tour operators may offer extras, such as gift cards or dollars-off discounts, and sometimes the deals are quite good. However, airline tour operator packages always include airfare, and often the airfare offered with their packages is inflated. If you do your homework, you may find it's cheaper to book discounted airfare directly with the airline and get your vacation package (room and tickets) elsewhere, such as through a Disney Specialist travel agent. Discounted Packages Through ExpediaWhen discounted packages are offered by Disney, the same vacation package
discounts that are offered through other travel agencies (and
directly by Disney) are usually also available online through
Expedia Membership DiscountsIf you belong to AAA, Costco or Sams Club, it may be worthwhile to check their prices on vacation packages. However, don't expect much service, and be aware that you may not get the best price in the long run.In my experience, the big membership organizations employ "generalist" travel agents who often know little or nothing about Disney vacations and are frequently clueless about promotional packages and discount codes. You will usually have to do your own monitoring to make sure any better package offers that come out are applied to your booking. They almost never do this for you, unlike a Disney specialist agency. Be aware that AAA offers a room discount that applies ONLY to full price packages. If a better promotional package comes out (and it frequently will), you can switch to the new promotion, but you lose the AAA discount. You can only pick one or the other. Back to top MouseSavers.com® is not an official site of The Walt Disney Company or of Universal Studios. Content of MouseSavers.com is © MouseSavers, Inc. 2001-2010. Website content may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written permission of MouseSavers, Inc. Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions of Use - Marketing Disclosure |
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