Disney vacation package tips

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.

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.

2007 Disney Vacation Packages

The big change from 2006 is that you can now book a vacation package for up to 14 nights (for 2006 it was maximum 10 nights). However, you still can't buy a ticket longer than 10 days.

All packages now include a $15 gift certificate for Planet Hollywood. Magic Your Way and Magic Your Way Plus Dining packages now include a round of mini-golf and a bonus certificate that gives you 90 minutes on a Sea Raycer for the price of 60 minutes.

Also, the Premium and Platinum plans now come with Base Tickets (upgrades to Park Hopper and Water Parks Fun & More options can be purchased). You are no longer required to purchase "length of stay" tickets with the Premium and Platinum plans. As of 2007, you can purchase as little as a 1-Day Base Ticket with ANY package.

For 2007, you can choose from the following Magic Your Way package options:

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Disney’s Magic Your Way Package – The base package helps you experience the magic of a Walt Disney World vacation at an affordable rate. The package includes accommodations at a Disney-owned-and-operated resort hotel, and Magic Your Way base tickets for everyone in the group.

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Disney’s Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining – This package includes everything from the Disney’s Magic Your Way Package, and adds a dining plan that includes two meals and a snack per person, per package night at more than 100 restaurants across the Walt Disney World Resort.

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Disney’s Magic Your Way Premium Package – This deluxe package includes everything from Disney’s Magic Your Way Package as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner per person, per package night, along with other exciting options like recreation, theme park tours, admission to the Cirque du Soleil show La Nouba and more.

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Disney’s Magic Your Way Platinum Package - In addition to your hotel room and tickets, this "ultimate luxury" plan includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and room service, unlimited recreation (bicycle and boat rentals), unlimited select tours, reserved seating for Fantasmic!, private golf lessons, one selected spa treatment, tickets for Cirque du Soleil La Nouba, unlimited child care in the resort Child Activity Centers, in-room child care, Fireworks Cruise, itinerary planning, Platinum Plan keepsake and turndown service.