Conference koolit::disney

    Rep to <<< Note 279.0 by AIAG::SURESH "Suresh" >>>

    Suresh,

    I never  did  a  Delta/WDW specific package, but did do a Delta Florida
    Fly/Drive on my Honeymoon, that included  over 80 participating Holiday
    Inn's and the use of a car,  and  as  far  as  problem with the package
    itself  there  were  none.    The  Flight,  Hotel    reservation,   Car
    Pickup/Dropoff that went smoothly.
        
    However  whenever  I  looked  into  packages like this  (Crimson/Garber
    etc.), the key  phrase was indeed 'From $289'.  The package usualy will
    increase in $'s based  on  increase  in night's, better lodging, passes
    and use of a car.    The base price listed usualy is the cheapest hotel
    on I-Drive in Orlando or RT192  in  Kissimee,  for  the least number of
    night  and  may or may not include  admission/car  (depending  on  tour
    company).  
    
    The good thing about the packages is the  airfair is usualy cheap since
    the tour co.  will gaurantee to the Airline  a  certain number of seats
    will be filled by the package.  Being  Delta  might  be it own tour co,
    this may not be an issue (see next paragraph).
    
    The drawback on using a package like these (Crimson etc.)  is  that you
    could have  that  particualr  departure date/package cancelled out from
    under you.  This happend to me when the wife  and I book a similar type
    of    package    to    Hawaii.    Two  week  prior  to  departure  (1st
    Anniversary/Second Hooneymoon)  our  trip  was  cancelled  by  the tour
    operator.  Fortunately for us,  there was enough people from Boston and
    Cincinatti (2 seperate departure cities, both packages  were cancelled)
    to fill the required number of seats for  a  plane leaving from Chicago
    (ended up costing us $20/per more). 
    
    The last time I talked to a travel agent about  these  package, she had
    warned me to pick one of the popular times to go, so as to not have the
    trip cancelled from under me.
    
    Claude

    Hi Suresh,
    
    	I just finished making our reservations (today as a matter of fact)
    for our trip to Disney in January 1992.  I checked out a lot of
    package deals, and found them to be a little high (but then, it depends
    on what you are looking for).  I ended up booking everything
    individually (air/hotel/car) and I made out better than any package
    deal.  My travel agent got us a charter flight from Logan to Orlando,
    (we ended up saving ~$150.00 per person on airfare alone - so we 
    upgraded the room at the Caribbean Beach to the super deluxe model 
    (and still had a little money left over!!).  I also picked up a
    Magic Kingdom club package from our Employee Services here and with one
    of the discount coupons in the package, we got a really good deal on
    a rental car from Hertz.  Before I booked this, I talked to a lot of
    travel agents and did a lot of checking on my own, to get the best 
    prices, and since I just booked, I have all this info handy - so if you
    are interested, send me some mail and I will be more than happy to 
    share the prices with you.  
    
    	Happy planning...
    
    	/L.M.

I too have always made out better booking my own "packages". I always seems to
save one or two hundred dollars. However, I have used the US Air packages
and they seem to be quite reasonable.

Doug

Realize this note may be late for the person looking for an answer in 
October but I have just received my tickets so thought I would respond
for anyone else that might be interested.  

Indeed the phrase "from" is always key.  Depends on what you want.  We
travel extensively - Have done the around-the-world trip, Europe, Egypt,
much of the Carribean (just returned from Grand Caymen) and Australia.
We usually do our own planning and seldom go on a tour.  Egypt was an
exception.

We just booked a "Delta Dream Vacation" from January 30 through February 6th.
We are going with another couple.  Our travel agent was looking for the least 
expense air fare and car rental for us.  We really didn't need a hotel as we 
have so many friends and relatives in Florida.  The least expensive (excluding
the Saturday to Saturday shuttle) was by booking a three day, inexpensive
hotel package and extending our return flight without hotel.  Our car is for
the complete time.  Since there are two couples and we each booked a four
day trip we have two certificates for three nights at the quality in and a
car rental voucher for 8 twenty-four hour periods (four days for us + four
days for our neighbors package.  The enitire cost was about $379 each.  

Our tickets and package have arrived.  Besides the expected 3 Nights at the
Quality Inn, International Drive, the 8 Days 4DR Skylark (Alamo Rental) and
the Travel Protection Plan it included the following coupons, in duplicate
(a set for each couple):

2 for 1 Admission to Church Street Station
2 for 1 Admission to Mardi Gras
2 for 1 Admission to Wet 'n Wild
2 for 1 Admission to Medieval Times/Life (Village, Show 4 Course Meal)
2 for 1 Admission to Fort Liberty Dinner Show (Four Course Banquest Unlimited
                                               Beer, Wine & soft Drinks)
2 for 1 Admission to Arabian Nights  (Including Prime Rib Feast)
2 for 1 Purchase at Fun 'n Wheels
2 for 1 Entree at Ming Court Restaurant (prior to 6:30 or after 9:30)
2 for 1 Admission to Watermania - Orlando
$4.50 off Admission to Sea World of Florida (Limit 6 guest per coupon)
$6.00 off Admission to Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay  (Limit 6 guest per coupon)
$5.00 off Admission to Cypress Gardens, Winter Haven (Limit 6 guest)
20% Discount to Orlando Trophy Bass Fishing

Looking through different brochures that we have we thought it might be 
less expensive to go to dinner say at Fort Liberty.  Cost for an individual
is about $30 - the four of us could go, including beer for $60 plus tax
& tips.  If we don't like the hotel we can leave.

We plan on going to Epcot for one day, Disney World one day and Busch
Gardens (with a savings of $24) one day.  The rest of the time we will
probably visit friends.  Hubbie would like to go to Cape Canaveral so
we will probably take that in.

Have been to DisneyLand several times and been to Universal Studios in
both California and Florida.

Perhaps someone could tell us if we should utilize any of the other coupons
    included in our package?  
    
    

>2 for 1 Admission to Wet 'n Wild
>2 for 1 Admission to Watermania - Orlando
>
>2 for 1 Admission to Medieval Times/Life (Village, Show 4 Course Meal)
>2 for 1 Admission to Fort Liberty Dinner Show (Four Course Banquest Unlimited
>                                               Beer, Wine & soft Drinks)
>2 for 1 Admission to Arabian Nights  (Including Prime Rib Feast)
>
>$4.50 off Admission to Sea World of Florida (Limit 6 guest per coupon)
>
>$6.00 off Admission to Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay  (Limit 6 guest per coupon)
>
>$5.00 off Admission to Cypress Gardens, Winter Haven (Limit 6 guest)
>
>Perhaps someone could tell us if we should utilize any of the other coupons
>    included in our package?  
    
I've been to Wet 'n Wild, but I like Typhoon Lagoon better now that it's
open.  Basically only worthwhile if you LOVE water parks and it's warm
enough.  Watermania is a tiny place with limited appeal.    

I've been to Medieval Times, and Arabian Nights and Fort Liberty are
similar dinner-show attractions.  They are kind of hokey but somewhat
fun.  I would only go back with a good discount coupon; I don't feel
the rack rate is worth it.  The dinner was only OK, not anything special.
At Medieval Times, you have to eat everything with your hands.  Part of
the "charm."  My wife was not charmed.

I always enjoy Seaworld.  It's easily seen in a day.  I also like
Busch Gardens, but I know many people who don't.  I enjoy it for
the combination of animals and rides.  It has some really good roller
coasters.  I went to Cypress Gardens a LONG time ago.  It wasn't
very intereseting to me.  It had a lot of horticultural interest and
several shows, like waterskiing shows.

Bill

    Cypress Gardens can come across as a bit tame after Disney World, Busch
    Gardens and Sea World, etc, etc. It is, however, a very pretty place, 
    restful and unhurried, with lush garden pathways, a number of animal
    exhibits, an excellent water ski show, decent food, and a handful of
    other attractions that I can't recall at the moment. We went as part of
    our week-long Crimson Travel package five years ago.
    
    What I found charming about the place is the sense that it's not as
    contrived a commercial venture as so many of these other places which
    sprung up, seemingly from nowhere, to garner a few bucks in the wake of
    giant Disney World. At one time Cypress Gardens was THE major tourist
    attraction in Florida, back when Orlando was just a dot on the map of
    central Florida. I give them credit for not trying to compete head-on
    with the other excitement-and-novelty laden tourist magnets, and I hope
    they can continue on for many more years just as they are.
    
    Ed

    Re: .4
    
       I know your probably limited with your time but (2) days at
      WDW is like putting a gallon on milk into an 8oz cup. 
    
      Seeing as you've been to Disneyland I would suggest (1) day 
      in Epcot and the other at Disney/MGM Studio if 2 days is your
      max for WDW.
    
    Enjoy,
      George
     

      My wife and I recently booked a vacation for early March in WDW
    and our travel agent recommended one of the Thomas Cook tours that
    gave you a choice of hotels at the Lake Buena Vista complex. The
    price would vary of course if you chose the Hilton for example but
    Thomas Cook tours seemed to be the better bargain over some of the
    other tour companies. We did want to stay at Lake Buena Vista anyway
    since we had a vacation there about 13 years ago before Epcot Center
    was even built. Well, as the travel agent was in contact with the
    rep from TC tours she was told that they had a "Super Deal" being
    offered that was for a stay at Ho Jo's at LBV, rental car, 5 day
    "super" passprt, admission to Pleasure Island, River Country, 
    Discovery Island and a few other minor benefits. The price was
    $681 pp air fare included, US Air. We had just seen similar packages
    from Delta, and TNT that were at least $350 pp more than this one,
    so it looked like a pretty good deal. Our previous vacation to WDW
    we stayed at the Royal Plaza and thought it was very good, we hope
    Ho Jo's is at least comparable. Does anyone know if Ho Jo's has
    a jacuzzi? We are waiting for a brochure from them but if anyone has
    stayed there I'd like to know what you thought of the place.
    
      I tried to find information in other notes but there really was not
    much mentioned.
    
    Paul
    

    Paul,
    
    How many days?
    
    Mike

    Rep to <<< Note 279.8 by ELWOOD::BERNARD >>>

    Paul,
    
    According to my '92 AAA book, Ho-Jo has C/CATV, movies, 2 heated pools,
    wading pool and a whirlpool, exercise room, restaurant/lounge etc., and
    is rated 3 diamonds.    My secratary in an old group (no not you Kathy)
    used to stay at Ho-Jo  when  she  went  down and felt the inside was an
    average HO-JO's and the outside had  better  landscaping  than a normal
    Ho-Jo's, maybe that's were the 3 D's from AAA come from (I don't know),
    anyway she liked the Ho_Jo and would stay there again.
    
    Hope this helps.
    
    Claude

    re: Ho-Jo's
    
    We stayed at the Ho-Jo's back in '88 and I have to agree with Claude's
    comments.  It's a Ho-Jo's, all right.  It wasn't fancy or anything, but
    it was a good place to crash at the end of a long day and the coffee
    shop was an easy and convenient way to grab breakfast on the way to the
    parks.  And the pool was wet.
    
    At the time we were there, they were doing fairly extensive renovations
    to the lobby though I imagine they've finished by now... :-)
    
    - Skip

    re:-1
    
      Claude,
       Yes, it does help, thanks.  We don't require anything more than
    comfortable accommodations but one thing I do like is to jump in the
    jacuzzi after a day of walking. I expected any hotel in the LBV 
    complex to be adequate and if Ho Jo's is anywhere near the quality of
    the Royal Plaza, that will be fine.
    
      Our length of stay is for a 7 day trip for the noter who asked.
    I suppose we could have saved some money by staying further away from
    WDW but the price quoted seemed pretty reasonable compared to other
    packages. It will be convenient to have a car, but at LBV you can grab
    a shuttle bus to head to the attractions. 
    
      Years ago when Eastern had a display in Tomorrowland it was called
    "If You Had Wings" and I could have gone on it all day long. I heard
    that Delta now has taken over that attraction and redone it. Can anyone
    tell me how it compares to the old Easter Airlines attraction.
    
    
    Paul

    Paul,
    
    "If you had wings" has been replaced by "Dreamflight". It is a
    different type of attraction than "If...". I've only done this
    attraction twice so I'm a little fuzzy on the details.
    
    If you're like me you long for the old attractions like "If...", "The
    Mickey Mouse Revue", and the original Country Bear Jamboree ("There was
    bloooood on the sa-ad-dle".
    
    I hope I don't miss the ELP.
    
    Mike
    
    P.S. It was me who asked about the number of days. I think the package
         sounds like a good deal.

      I hope it is not too different, that feeling of getting pressed back 
    into your seat as the car starts up a slight incline and the scenery
    moving by you as you climb over the mountains was a real thrill, like
    sitting in the pilot's seat with a full view. My wife had to drag me
    off that ride, I guess I'm still a kid when it comes to things like
    that. There are several places you could go to see a movie that give
    you that "flying " feeling, the Air and Space Museum in Washington 
    and Boston Museum of Science come to mind. But, like many things
    nobody does it better than Disney.
    
    Paul
    

       Well, one aspect of going on a package deal tour that is proving to 
    be a hassle is the flight time. When we booked in early January our
    travel agent told us that there was no guarantee that we would be able
    to get an early morning flight. She said that we may have to settle for
    a late morning flight that would get us into Orlando at 1:00 or 2:00
    pm. I told her that my preference was for an early morning flight but
    if it was not possible, go ahead and put us down for the late morning 
    flight. Well, our tickets came in yesterday and the departure time is
    4:00 pm arriving in Orlando at 8:00. We will be lucky to get to the
    hotel by 9:00pm. In addition, the following week for the return trip,
    we are booked to leave a 8:30 pm and arrive in Boston at 12:30 am. We
    looked at her in astonishment. Our son is going on Spring break the 
    day after we get home and I was going to take him to the airport, now I
    will be lucky to get one hour of sleep between the time I get home and
    the time I have to get up to go back to Logan. If I had know that the
    tour package was going to be like this I would have said "No, thank
    you." The travel agent called Thomas Cook Tours to try to make a change
    but they said they are booked solid and can't accommodate us.
      If it happens that we have no choice, we will go and still enjoy 
    Disney World, but they got me for the last time at Thomas Cook. I can't
    believe they did not know back in January that the flights were booked
    and they could have told us that only a much later flight was
    available.
    
    Paul  (Wally World, in 8 days)

    Sometime this week I will be booking my reservations for WDW the week
    of Labor Day. it will be my first time going and I'm looking forward to
    it.  �m going through YOUNGS TRAVEL in the Aburn Mall. It may be TNT
    but for $400 dollars per person I get Airfare via TRUMP airline (is
    this a good airline?) 7 nights at the Quality INN Hotel on
    International drive about a 1 1/2 miles from Seaworld. Plus a renta car
    for the week. We will be purchasing the % day superpass through the
    Magic Kingdom club for around $150. is this a good trip and a good time
    to go, any advice?????
                                       Ite

    Ite,
    
    Just knowing what the airfare is these days pretty much says you're
    getting a decent deal.
    
    So you are getting air, hotel, and a rental car for $400?.
    
    Activities and attractions may not be at 100% after Labor day.
    
    Make sure you take note as to the address of the Quality Inn you'll be
    staying at. I believe there's more than one on Int'l Drive.
    
    If you plan on going to SW or US I suggest you try buying the tickets
    through your travel agent UNLESS you can get a discount purchasing them
    down there.
    
    We look forward to your trip report.
    
    Mike

    THANX FOR THE GOOD WORD I PUT THREE HUNDRED DOWN YESTERDAY AND I FEEL
    GOOD. CAN'T WAIT TO GO................
                                       ITE

    Okey...thankyou uncle sam for paying for my vaca... and here is the
    scoop..
    
    As part of the package that my PSA here in Tewksbury has DEC employees
    are members of the universal studios fan club...and therefore get a
    discount off of universal studios star vacation packages...
    
    SO I called with the intent of booking the smallest package and
    extending the return flight and staying th remaining days in Disney.
    
    here's the itinerary and associated costs...
    
    Aug 2nd leave at 11am arrive in florida at 2pm USAIR
    
    Stay 3nights at DAYS INN EAST just outside of Universal Studios
    
    Have a hertz rentacar for the full 10 days ( part of studios package.)
    with CARseat for toddler..
    
    1 day addmission into U.Studios.
    
    after first leg of vacation head on over to WDW carribean Beach
    Resort.. for the fun festival package... which includes
    five days unlimited us of WDW. character breakfast, guide book, 20th
    anniversary gift. Also I extended that package two more night for just
    the room at 99/night...
    
    return home on Aug 11th at 2pm arrive in boston at 5pm...
    
    
    cost of trip... the STAR package which include all non disney related
    stuff is 363.60 per adult child under 2 is free.
    
    the disney portion of the trip is 960.00... total vacation cost is
    roughly 1750.00 give or take.  I'd like to know whether this is a good
    deal for a 10 day vacation 7 of which are onsight... I have 3 days to 
    send in the deposit or it auto cancels... Rz

    The trip sounds fine. I did a "line item" run through of everything and
    I had a "low-end" and a "high-end" on each expense and it looks like
    you are getting a decent deal.
    
    Packages can be misleading if multiple people are involved and you end
    up spending more because the other members of your party are also
    charged for the room.
    
    Sounds good.
    
    Mike

    RE:19
     I to was ready to book one of the "Packages" for the Carribean 
     Beach Resort, until I talked to a Travel agent friend of mine. As 
     she pointed out, The cost of the package was very close to the actual
     costs purchased seperatley but she said she felt that if you didn't
     take advantage of *everthing* offered in the package you were losing
     money.
    
     I also planned on taking the 5 day package and extending it 2 days 
     on my own. The problem with this is the 5 day pass included in the
     package was given to you on arrival and was good for the next 5
     consecutive days. Which meant the first day of my pass was my first
     day checking into the park (which won't be untill 3p.m.) 
    
     By booking the room myself for 7 days, and buying my own 5 day super-
     pass, I have the choice of which days I go into the parks and which
     days to relax or whatever. And I don't waste a full day of the pass
     on my first day in. 
    
     It just seems to me it will be alot more relaxing not having to
     work off a schedule someone else has made up. For the same price.
    
     46 days to go
     -dave-
     days 

    I just got my May copy of Disney Channel Magazine and there is another
    ad this year for a "Walt Disney World's Thank You Week Package".  We
    took advantage of this package last year (it was a little different)
    and got three (yes, 3!) 6-day Superpasses for NOTHING!... it's a little
    more strict this time, but if you're planning a trip it's worth looking
    into and calculating the cost savings.
    
    Here's the text of the ad:
    
    		WALT DISNEY WORLD'S "THANK YOU WEEK" PACKAGE
    			SAVINGS OF UP TO $300
    
    	"Stay at a select Walt Disney World Resort for five ngiths or more
    and each adult, when accompanied by a child* (ages 3-17) receives a
    FREE 6-DAY UNLIMITED MAGIC PASS!  The Magic Pass allows unlimited
    admission and enjoyment to all seven Disney Theme Parks and attractions.
    
    *Maximum of two adult 6-day tickets per room based on two children
    accompanying two adults.  Reservations must be booked in advance,
    limited numer of accomodations available and all reservations are
    subject to availability.  Offer does not apply to vacation plans, group
    rates or any other special promotion.  Offer is available July 1 -
    December 19, 1992 to Disney Channel Supscribers.  Participating resots
    include:  Comptemporary, Polynesian, Disney Inn, Yacht & Beach Club,
    Disney's Village Resort, Fort Wilderness Homes, Disney Vacation Club
    Resort. "
    For details call (407) 827-7200 or your local travel agent.
    
    Good Luck!
    
    Jeanne (who's kitty is named Figaro and my new workstation is Node
    GEPETO!)
    

    I just returned from WDW. I originally paid for the Festival of Fun
    package but decided against it once I checked in. The package included
    5 nights, the special breakfast, 20th anniversary surprise (free
    portrait), 2 luggage tags. I was going to be on the package for 5 days
    and stay an extra two. The problem is with the package you do not get
    the usual stamped tickets you get a pass that can be used only until
    the package is over. So that meant I would have to do all the WDW
    activities consecutively. In our eight days we hoped to spend 6 days in
    the parks, one day at either Typoon Lagoon or River Coutry and 1 at
    Universal. The package gave me the 6 days but I had to used them in
    order. If I kept with the pass I would have lost a water day since it
    had to be on used while the pass was valid. I ended up switching to
    paying for 7 nights at Dixie Landings and getting a 6 day pass that
    allows it to be stamped. On the 6 day pass both Typoon Lagoon and River
    Country are free from 7 days of the first day the ticket it stamped.
    I end getting a credit and used that credit toward a character
    breakfast of my choice. This turned out to be the best move since we
    decided to spend two days one each at River Country and Typoon Lagoon
    and no we have one day not used on our ticket for future use on the
    next trip. In addition the package came with Birmbaum book which they
    said to just keep. 
    
    In Summary, check the type of tickets you get with the packages if you
    intend to go to water parks or Discovery Island.
    

    Rep to <<< Note 279.23 by HOCUS::VONROSENDAHL >>>

>    So that meant I would have to do all the WDW activities consecutively. 
    
    From page 19 of the '92 MKC guide, 3rd bullet for Festival Fun vacation
    plan.
    
    'Unlimited Magic  Pass  includes  five  consecutive days' admission and
    enjoyment...'
    
    So it was spelled out  and shouldn't of been a surprised.  BTW this was
    discussed in another note.
    
    Your right though you  should check out the plans to decide wether it's
    for you or not.
    
    Claude

    
    I am going to WDW in May for a 7 -day stay at probably the DL resort.
    	Is it worth my while to get the TMK card to make my reservations 
    (is there that much of a discount??). I have looked at several travel
    agencies and my lowest quote is $794.00 for a seven day stay,
    three adults/room, including airfare,admission to all,hotel,hotel tax
    and a Disney Charactor breakfast, and also transfers.
    
    	Also, how does Dixie Landings compare to Port Orleans. There will
    be a two yr. old on the trip also.
    
    	Any advice on the price I have , or ways to get there even cheaper
    please let me know !! 
                           thanks in advance
    						Eric
    

    Eric,
    
    How many people are we talking? Is it $794 for each person? Any idea as
    to what hotel you'd be staying at?
    
    On the surface it sounds like a decent package.
    
    If you can be more specific we can help you. Right now it sounds pretty
    good.
    
    Mike

    Thanks for answering Mike !!
    
    	There are 3 adults staying in a gardenview rm. (2 dbl bds.), and 
    a 2 yr. old. The price is 794 / person. The child only has to pay for
    air which is offered at $198.00. These prices are for Dixie, CBR,
    and Port Orleans. The only one with some selection is Dixie. By the way
    what have you heard about Dixie ??
    
    	regards,
    		Eric
    

    Dixie Landings, Port Orleans, and the Caribbean Beach Resort do not
    offer any discounts with the MKC card or during the off season. The
    prices are considered low enough that they are well occupied without
    discounting the price.
    
    In my opinion, a two-year-old might like Port Orleans better. Things
    are closer together so there is not as much walking involved to get
    places. Buildings 2, 3, 4, or 5 are the most central locations. 
    
    For what is included, the price isn't bad. You could save a few dollars
    here and there but not that much. Is the flight on a regularly
    scheduled airline? If so, just under half of the total right now would 
    be the plane fare. 
    
    Linda
    

    Hi Linda,
    
    	The airline is US Air and the package allowance for air is $240.00
    based on midweek arrangements per/adult.
    
    	How do the themes differ between the Port and the Dixie, and what
    else would it offer a 2 yr. old ??
    
    	thanks.
    

Eric,

A nice comparison of the CBR, Port Orleans, and Dixie Landings can be found 
in note 13.311.

� �ori �

    Eric,
    
    Sounds good. $794 per person (plus the $194) means it's costing you
    guys around $2600 for air, hotel, admission, and a CBF (Character
    Breakfast) for 7 days. Of course meals are not included. Does
    theadmission cover the length of your stay?
    
    I would estimate that doing this a la carte would amount to:
    
                     Air   =>  $1000
                     Hotel =>  $ 700 (6 nights?)
                     Admis =>  $ 600
                     CBF   =>  $  75 (w/tip)
                               -----
                     total     $2375
    
    So I think your getting a good deal. 
    
    As far as where among the econo-3 hotels (CBR/PO/DL) to stay well it's
    a matter of choice. If you want plenty of color, water, and a great
    food court you could pick the CBR. PO is pretty popular and of course
    if you're into orchestral plumbing then go for DL.
    
    By the way where are you getting this deal?
    
    Mike
    

    re: .141
    
    Mike
    	The price does include admission to all for the number of nights
    staying + 1, so that would be 8 days of admission. Do to the short
    notice, I only have a choice between Port and Dixie. And even Port has
    its limit of choice at this time.
    
    	The travel agency that I am booking this through is Liberty Travel
    in De. I just wanted to make sure that I was getting a good deal. It
    seems that the difference in this package and doing it ala-cart would
    not really be worth the effort. Do you agree ??
    
    
    	thanks again to all! 
       I'll let you know how it turned out !
    
    	Eric
    
    
    
    

    Remember, everyone's definition of a "theme park" is different. Make
    sure you understand your package before signing up. 
    
    One of the dangers of getting packages is not knowing EXACTLY what you
    are getting.
    
    Mike

    re: .33
    
    Sounds like you got a 4-day Super Pass, which doesn't include PI, TL,
    DI, or RC.
    
    If the package includes a 5-day Super Duper Pass, or a Be Our Guest
    pass, then the additional parks are included for seven days after the
    first use.
    
    --Jay
    

    
    Hi to all,
    
    	Here is what the package includes as stated on the travel agents
    forms
    
    -	round trip mid-week airfare from your home city to Orlando
    -   accomadations for numbers of nights chosen at PO,CBR or DL
    -   round trip tranfers to hotel and back
    -   complimentary use of WD transportation system
    -   unlimited admission to TMK,Epcot,Dis/MGM,Pleasure Is., Typhoon
    Lag.,Disc. Is., and River Country
    -   One magic morning breakfast feature with the Disney charactors
    -   Entry into a selected theme park 1 hr. before the park opens to the
    general public on selected days
    -   Hotel taxes
    
    	By the way I just got off of the phone with the agent, and I was
    able to secure a 7-day stay at Port Orleans instead of Dixie Landings.
    Thanks for the advice !!
    
    	Eric
    

    Sounds good Eric.
    
    These vacation packages usually show a long list of line items to
    get people excited. It should be pointed out to first-timers planning a
    WDW trip that you don't necessarily have to purchase a special package
    to get the same stuff.
    
    For instance:
    
       - Complimentary use of the WDW transportation system.
    
         Everybody gets use of the WDW transportation system with the
         exception of busses from certain point to point routes. If you
         are staying on the property your resort ID gives you access to
         all WDW transportation.
    
       - Unlimited admission to TMK, Epcot, Dis/MGM, Pleasure Is., Typhoon
         Lag., Disc. Is., and River Country.
    
         Super passes do this for you. You don't need a package for this.
    
       - One magic morning breakfast feature with the Disney characters.
    
         The jury is still out on this one. I'd rather pick the character
         breakfast I want rather than have them select one for me.
    
       - Entry into a selected theme park 1 hr. before the park opens to
         the general public on selected days.
    
         This is for all resort guests and I believe it's for Thursdays and
         Sundays only....it's not a special package benefit. I also think
         this is only for TMK.
    
    Again, this is an informative note to those considering packages. Price
    out everything and then decide.
    
    Mike
    

    Latest from AAA:
    
    4 days/3 nights from $369
    
    Includes:
    
       o Round-trip air from Boston
       o Hotel for 3 nights (not on Disney property)
       o Choice of rental or transfers
    
    5 days/4 nights from $739
    
       Call 1-800-222-7448 for details.
    
    I believe all reservations must be made before April 15 for travel
    anytime from April 15 through December 15. Special discounts for
    Massachusetts and New Hampshire AAA members.
    
    If you plan to drive to Orlando this year you should look into a
    special package program being offerred by AAA. I have no idea what the
    prices are right now. The packages include hotel and admission for the
    duration of your stay.
    
    Call the number listed above and ask for information on the "Magic 
    Moments" program. This program offers discounts of up to $200 at DVC, PR, 
    Y&BC, CR, FE, DI, and Village Resort.
    
    You get $200 off packages from 25-Aug to 20-Dec
    
    You get $100 off packages from 19-Apr to 24-Aug
    
    You get $50-100 off packages from 14-Feb to 18-Apr
    
    Mike

    	I think you can get an even better deal at the Filene's Vacation
    Outlet right now for a Delta Dream Vacation.  I think the ones staying
    on property start at between $500 and $600 for 4 nights right now.
    
    Tom

    What are the best deals/packages for admission into the three parks
    (WDW,MGM,EPCOT)?  We have 5 children, 4 over 13 years of age.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Mike

    This year the Jolly Holly Resort Package extends from November 28
    through December 18.
    
    This package features:
    
       - Two, three, and four-night stays at selected Disney resorts
    
       - Admission to the enchanted Jolly Holidays dinner-show spectacular
    
       - Nightly holiday receptions
    
       - Resort entertainment and special activities at the Disney Village 
         Marketplace.
    
       - Four-night packages also include unlimited admission to the three 
         major theme parks and Pleasure Island.
    
       - The dinner show spectacular is staged at the Contemporary Resort
         Convention Center with over 100 performers. It includes an
         all-you-can-eat holiday feast-complete with turkey and all the
         trimmimgs.
    
    Packages range from $139 to $395. Call (407) 827-7200 for more
    information.

    
    
    
I am going to WDW on September 29th.  I am bringing my 7 1/2 year old 
grandson.  I had done a comparison with the normal packages, Cook,
Delta Dream etc.  I decided that individual reservations was cost effective.
A little more work than taking a package but certainly worth the small 
effort.

A friend and her daughter are coming with us so one room was fine. We had 
booked Dixie Landings, Hoop-dee-doo Review and a character breakfast at 
A La Empress Riverboat.

I have a Disney credit card and recieve a flyer monthly.  Last month they 
advertised a package which included hotel, 5 day super pass, four 
breakfasts, four dinners, copy of Birmbaums, and $100 Disney dollars.
The price was  $531 per adult and $198 per child under 10.  It was also based 
on a minimum of two adults and included all taxes & tips.
.
I called for further details and found that the breakfast coupons could be 
used for the Character breakfast and a credit of $30 for each adult $10 for
each child could be applied towards the hoop-dee-doo review.  

Sooooo - I did one more cost comparison.   I have attached the comparison
for your information.

As you can see the difference was $362.90.  I decided to go with the package.
Since the individual pricing did not include the four dinners & breakfasts 
for four (a total of 32 meals) I felt I was better off with the package.  
I did not know how to price meals for comparison purposes but I did divide 
the 362.90 by 32 and arrived at a $11.34 per person per meal price.  I 
thought that was an extremely reasonable price.  I did receive a list of 
restaurant's covered and it is 4 pages long.  I was not familiar enough 
with WDW to know what, if anything, was excluded. 

Also I did not know the price of Birmbaum's guide so I could not use that 
in the price comparison.  It also includes a year's subscription to one of 
the disney magazines.  I did not factor that into the comparison.





                                Indvidual             Package


Hotel                              413.60

Package - Adult                                        1,062.00
Package Child                                            396.00

Transfer to hotel                   80.00                 80.00

With M K Card:
Super Pass - 2 Adult               323.00
Super Pass - 2 Child               258.50

Disney $                                              (  100.00)*
                                -----------           -----------

                     TOTAL       1,075.10              1,438.00
                                                      (1,075.10)
                                                      -----------
                                                         362.90



*Package gives $100 Disney Dollars - I get $50 and my friend get $50.  
This will satisfy the littles ones "can I buy this?" requests.

    I just noticed this AAA Vacation package last night. I think it sounds
    worth investigating for anyone thinking about going this Fall. I'm
    doing this from memory.
    
    5 Days/4 nights starting at $649/person (based on double occupancy)
    
      The price includes:
    
                        o Roundtrip air from Boston to Orlando
                        o Hotel Accomodations (CBR the cheapest)
                        o Car Rental
                        o Admissions to all parks for length of stay
    
    This amounts to about $1300 for 2 people.
    
    Let's break it down => Airfare $300 x 2         =  $600
                           Hotel   $ 97 X 4         =  $388
                           Car     $100             =  $100
                           Tix     $170 X 2         =  $340
                                                       ----
                           Totals                     $1428
    
    I'm not sure about the price of the car rental. Looks pretty good.
    
    Mike

    
    
    
    Have a special anniversary or other occasion coming up? Have a Disney-holic
    on your holiday gift list? Don't know what to give? The latest edition of 
    The Disney Catalog has the answer. 
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 
    
                   The Ultimate Six Day Fantasy Vacation
    
    The most exclusive, complete Walt Disney World vacation package ever is 
    being offered right here. It happens Sunday, April 24 through Friday, 
    April 29, 1994. A five night stay in the Grand Floridian, unlimited use
    of all the parks and all the recreation, special shows with the
    characters, and dining in over 80 Disney restaurants, that's only
    some of what it includes. Only 100 of these one-time-only vacation 
    packages are available.
    
                             $2685 per adult
                             $1169 per junior (10-17)
                             $ 889 per child (3-9)
    
    To order from Walt Disney World call today 1-800-435-6767.
    Must be booked no later than December 31, 1993, subject to
    availability. Restrictions apply. 
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Wonder if I could convince my husband to go for something like this for 
    our 25th anniversary in two years?
    
    Linda 
    

    I couldn't believe the price of that package. For that money I hope
    that:
    
    1. Mickey accompanies you during your stay.
    
    2. No waiting; you are whisked to the front of all lines.
    
    3. You have front row seats at all shows (HDD, Luau, etc.).
    
    4. Everyday you receive a free character breakfast...
    
                                                         ...in bed.
    
    5. You are given the power to eject any South American tourist group
       that happens to rub you the wrong way.
    
    6. At any time during your stay you can snap your fingers and have a 
       dole whip ready for your consumption.
    
    7. Your own personal videographer follows you everywhere, eliminating
       need of bringing your videocamera and getting a cramp in your right
       shoulder.
    
    8. You have Tony's all to yourself.
    
    9. Typhoon Lagoon is closed and only you and all the models vying for
       the cover of the Sports Illustrated Annual Swimsuit Issue are allowed
       to frolic inside the park.
    
    10. You're Michael Eisner for the day and you call Dick Nunis and say,
        "Dick I want that Mickey Mouse Revue back in FantasyLand within a
         year or your history.

    Saw a similar package being touted in the latest American Express
    mileage program mailing. For the sum of 250,000 miles, you get a 4-day
    stay at the Grand Floridian, with many of the perks listed in .44, plus
    you and your family would be appointed Grand Marshals for the daytime
    parade in MK ("Surprise Celebration"?)
    
    I'll pass, thanks...

    Not sure if this belongs here but "LIVE with Regis & Kathie Lee" will
    originate from WDW from Sept. 28 - Oct. 2.
    
    Actually, there's a special package for those who want to partake.
    
    Here it is:
    
    The Regis & Kathie Lee FAN FAIR '94 vacation package includes:
    
     - Five days/four nights accommodations at a Walt Disney World resort
       hotel.
    
     - A four-day theme park ticket, with unlimited admission, to the Magic
       Kingdom, Epcot '94, the Disney-MGM Studios, Pleasure Island and Typhoon
       Lagoon.
    
     - Free admission to:
             A "LIVE with Regis & Kathie Lee" show taping
             A special performance of Regis & Kathie Lee in concert
             A Q&A and exercise walk with Regis
             A Q&A and fashion show with Kathie Lee
    
      - And lots of free gifts, including an autographed copy of their new
        cookbook, "Entertaining with Regis & Kathie Lee," and a copy of Regis'
        fitness video.
    
     The FAN FAIR '94 vacation package costs between $469 and $650 per
     person, depending on the resort hotel selected.  (Price based on adult 
     double occupancy; meals and transportation not included.)
     Space is limited.  Call 800-4WDW-LIVE to book a package, or contact a
     travel agent.
    
    Mike

    Well I finally made my airline reservations and now it is *real*.  I
    just wanted to post something on my cost findings.
    
    
    The last two times we went as a family I used FF miles and the airfare
    was free.  This time, although I have the milage...the flights just
    weren't available [or good flights...] anyways save the miles.
    
    So I decided to look at packages. Out of 3...Thomas Cook, Delta Dream
    and some other (TNT?) the best price for the time period ended up being
    Delta for me.
    
    What I found interesting is the following, this will end up saving me
    around $1300.00 on this vacation...
    
    - This time we want to go 2 days at Universal, 5 days at Disney.
    - From past experience add another day for water parks, bad weather,
    whatever.
    
    We end up with an 8 night/9 day vaction. Ok I have to pay for airfare,
    really want a 'suite' type of accomodation for our kids to go to bed
    early and possibly a quick breakfast in their PJs in the morning and/or
    snack a night...and a few meals during the stay.  
    
    OK this is how the packages priced out [believe it or not]...they were.
    
    The first approach was to take advantage of every discount possible in
    the Disney area, stay in the park for the time we were going to
    Disney...stay at less expensive accomodations for the Universal 
    Studios part.  If we ran into a *real good* deal stay at Disney the
    whole time [example would be an AP special].
    
    Ok priced out seperately:  Air, car for the 9 days, hotel at Days
    Suites [Buena Vista] for 3 nights, least expensive disney
    accomodations for 5 nights, 5 day hopper passes for all, 2 day Univ
    Studios for all...almost $3500.00
    
    Now lets' do this with a Delta Dream vacation [the other packages added
    between 100 - 300 dollars for our crew]...but only for the minimum 3
    night stay, have them change the return flight to something 9 days
    later and extend the car rental for the entire time. The Delta dream
    part came out to $1749.00 for the 3 nights...This included air, car
    (for the 9 days), 2 days at universal, 1 day Wet and Wild, Dinner at
    one of those dinner shows [the non-diney ones], and probably some
    insignificant thing that I fogot.  Anyways adding in the disney hotel
    for the remaining nights and admission to the parks...about $3300.00. 
    significant enough savings...plus the dinner show and the wet-and-wild
    admission, and the insignificant stuff that I can't remember.
    
    OK stop being a picky person...just let the travel agent ask Delta
    dream to get you the least expensive accomodations to sleep 5 at WDW
    and a 5 day hopper pass [included in the > 5 night packages].  I almost
    fell off my chair when they came back with a price for $4609.00!!!!
    This is for 5 people staying in one Dixie Landings room vs. two rooms
    at one of the Allstar resorts or the Disney Village suite!
    
    Made my decision easy...Basically what I found out is that it seems
    they discount the airfare, throw in some admission and slowly get back
    the money on each night stayed.  What was the most economical way to go
    it to get the 3 night package and take advantage of the airfare
    discount included in there along with the 'packaged admission' to Univ
    Studios.  The other discount avenues available are much better [at
    least this time around].
    
    -jay
    
    
    
    3 night package [with add ons]:
    
    In 

    Proof that packages are convenient...
    
    .............but not economical.
    
    Mike

    I am thinking of taking the family to Disney World in April and am
    looking for some good packages.  I would want a 5 day pass, 7 night hotel
    (off site), rental car and round trip flight from Syracuse, NY (2
    Adults and one child (10yrs old)).  Any sugestions as to who where to
    go?
    
    Thanks
    Rick
        

    Yep. This notefile and do it yourself. Since you are planning to 
    stay off site, get the Kissimmee book (forgot the 800 number but it's
    in the file) book a hotel at 50% off, a rental car at discount and
    flights are competitive to Orlando.  If cost is an issue, travel
    mid-week to mid-week and arrive late, depart early for cheapest fares.
    Get you passes at AAA or a Disney Store - there are no deals with
    Disney (save a couple $$$ though). I've done it the last four years
    and no package can beat what I pay. Inside Disney is another matter.

    
    The Kissimmee-St Cloud info number is 1-800-327-9159
    
    you can request their infomation package.  It will come with a whole
    bunch of discount coupons.
    
    for a car, get every discount coupon you can find, line them up
    [don't for get DEC discount] and call each rental company.
    prices range all over the place.  My best deal was with Hertz using
    my Universal studios discount card.
    
    Don't lock yourself into flying.  We're taking the train.
    
    And, I don't know why you talked yourself into a Florida vaction
    vs a Disney vacation by staying off property, but if it's cost, you
    may want to rethink how you got to your decision.
    Since we will be in Florida for three weeks, we included a Disney
    vacation in the Florida vacation by staying on site for 8 of the 
    days.
    If you do stay off site, remember these places can be 'pushed' for a
    better deal.  For instance, Royal gave me their final price, then
    updated the nights when I turned it down.  Rally depends on the time
    of year.  They need to fill rooms during the slack periods.
    
    ed
    

    Ther reason I am considering off-site is, I believe the hotels would be
    cheaper and most them offer free meals to children.
    
    Rick
    

    I have stayed at Homewood Suites the last two times down and we really
    like it there. The Kisssimmee book has a great dicount coupon and they
    serve continental breakfast and evening social.  Paid $70/night for a 
    1 bedroom in Oct.  It is VERY close to Disney and easy on-off I4 to
    all attractions. Use the coupon books in the room and elsewhere for
    free meals, 2for1's, discounts and special gifts.  Don't get that
    inside.  But, if I were to go during the summer months, I would want to
    be in the park. I prefer the fall though so I stay outside.  My best
    car deal was with Alamo using my hotel discount card.

    
    if you belong to AAA, talk to them.  they were wonderful in getting my
    recent trip.  if you don't belong, consider paying the yearly fee...i
    am sure you'll save more than whatever it is (i forget the amount)
    going thru them.  
    
    -raquel
    

    Long weekend packages to disney?
    Does anyone know who has the best packages for 3/4 day trips to disney
    air, hotel, car, etc or where to call?
    I am having AAA send some information but does anyone have any info?
    Thank you,
    Amy

             
================================================================================
Note 514.0      Looking for cost comaprisons of vacation packages        1 reply
UHUH::PATIL                                          14 lines  23-AUG-1996 10:44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We are thinking of a trip to WDW in November (thanksgiving time).
After reading a lot of the notes in this conference, we have sort
of decided to go with a WDW resort vacation package. We looked
at the prices for moderate resorts from AAA and from the Magic 
Kingdom Club info I got from EAC. The packages are very similar, 
MKC price seems better.

Does anyone have suggestions about other packages/travel agents/
deals/pointers to other info....?

Thanks!

-Pradnya-

    If you are in the Boston area, try Filene's Basement travel office.


    For ~$2800.00, I got roundtrip airfare for 4 adults, 4 children, 7 nights
    stay at the Holiday Inn Maingate East, 2 rental cars, 16 passes to Universal
    Studios and 8 passes to Wet and Wild.


    The Disney park tickets are not included, but kids eat free at this Holiday
    Inn.

    Since the airline is Delta, I believe that this is a "Delta Dream vacation."


    I believe that the price was good because of the time period - we are going
    in November...


    Bob