Posts Tagged ‘Disney vacation packages’

Walt Disney World is encouraging long-range planning with the release of one of its most popular specials, the Free Disney Dining Plan, through September 29, 2011.

Also announced yesterday, two other ways to save for travel on selected dates from October 3, 2010 to February 16, 2011:  a Gift Card Offer and reduced room rates.

With so many options to consider, you may be as confused as Alice! So, how do you find the best value for your vacation?

First, make note of the blackout dates. There are a number of periods, particularly for the Free Dining Offer in 2011, that don’t qualify.  If you can be flexible about your travel dates, you may be able to take advantage of an offer.  Holidays and peak weekends are seldom included in these specials.

Review the requirements of each offer. If you’re only planning a short trip, the Free Gift Card package, for example, won’t be applicable as it includes a minimum stay of five nights.

Pay attention to your resort category. Each of these offers has a tiered structure with a more inclusive dining plan, a larger gift card, or deeper discount for the more expensive resorts.  Depending upon your package preferences, a higher resort category can sometimes cost the same or less than a lower category.

Consider your travel party. Typically, families with several children staying in a Value resort will obtain the highest savings from a Free dining offer.  Smaller groups, particularly those choosing a Deluxe resort, will generally get a better value with a package that includes a reduced room rate.

Book early. The number of rooms available as part of special pricing is always limited.  The earlier you make a reservation, the greater your selection of resorts, views, and room locations.  Remember that your deposit of $200.00 holds a package and is fully refundable if cancelled prior to 46 days before departure.

Contact the Concierges at Whimsical World Travel. They will review all the options and find the best values for your magical vacation!

Visit our Special Offers page to get the full details on all Disney Destination deals.

What was once simple is becoming increasingly complex with each passing year.  Not so long ago, Walt Disney World had four “seasons.”  Guests could travel during the Value, Regular, Peak, or Holiday season and their stay would be priced accordingly.  Better yet, with a little flexibility, a trip could be planned with an arrival date in a lower-priced season, and even if the season changed during that stay, the price for the entire trip still reflected the less-expensive rates.  This made it easy, not just to plan a vacation, but to compare various options.

In keeping with the policies of most of the hospitality industry, Disney began to tweak this arrangement by pricing on a day-by-date basis.  Rates changed to reflect the start of a new season in the middle of a vacation; weekends became more expensive than weekdays.  Instead of simply Christmas and New Year, a premium was assessed for a number of different holiday periods throughout the year.

2011 sees the addition of a secondary, more expensive, Value season and a brand new Fall season.  The primary Value season of the past has been reduced to a few weeks in January and February, interrupted by increases for holiday weekends and the Marathon period.  The months from September through December, which were previously a mix of Value, Regular, and Holiday Seasons, with lots of Value weeks, will now reflect some Holiday rates, as well as the pricier Fall and secondary Value prices.

Coupled with a number of new room categories, the jumble of rates presents a challenging terrain for those navigating the vacation-planning process.  Let one of the Concierges at Whimsical World Travel be your guide!

Reservations are now being taken for 2011 vacation packages at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.  This is good news for those who enjoy the anticipation of a Disney vacation.

Booking early allows guests to ensure their first choice of accommodations, and leaves plenty of time for planning and getting the jump of those all-important dining reservations.

A $200.00 deposit will hold your Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort vacation package reservation and you can sit back and relax.  The Concierges at Whimsical World Travel track all special offers and will have your reservation modified to reflect any savings from available, applicable specials.

There’s no risk to secure a reservation – deposits for packages without airfare are fully-refundable (except for the cost of optional travel insurance) up to a minimum of 46 days before your departure.  So:

“Rap on a table, it’s time to respond,
Send us a message from somewhere beyond.

Wizards and witches wherever you dwell,
Give us a hint by ringing a bell.”

#3  concept^tm Itinerary

Expect White Glove treatment as you experience the Walt Disney World Resort in a unique new way with a customized itinerary from Whimsical World Travel’s concept^tm program.

Each themed vacation includes a comprehensive package of arrangements, events, recreation, and entertainment designed to appeal to guests who are looking for an innovative and immersive experience.

Choose from some of our most popular offerings:

Boo to You! Halloween is a month-long celebration at Walt Disney World® and we’ve arranged a frightfully good time!

Over the River and Through the Woods Share the joys of the holiday season with family and friends at the beautiful Wilderness Lodge; dressed to impress in its Christmas finery.

Honeymoon Dreams Celebrate a marriage or vow renewal in unforgettable Disney style with romantic activities and memorable surprises.

Grand Indulgence Relaxing, rejuvenating, restorative – sybaritic spa treatments and sumptuous accommodations make this vacation special.

Other current themes include golf, birdwatching, theater, engineering, hot-air balloons, horses, architecture, history, animals, and transportation.  Or, let us craft a one-of-a-kind stay especially for you.  From autographs to zebras, we have creative ideas for your next significant splurge!

After a year of declining sales of travel to virtually all destinations around the world, and strong discount offers on Disney products, changes are expected for 2010.

Disney C.E.O. Bob Iger recently announced the company’s plans to “dial back” specials during the upcoming year.  As we mentioned in the post Family Values the company has viewed promotions not only as a means of keeping attendance high, but as a tool to attract a new demographic of people who might otherwise not have taken a Disney vacation.  As most visitors know, once bitten, there is generally no cure for the Disney bug!  Guests can expect not just the usual rate increases that each new year brings, but fewer deep discounts than they may have seen in the past.

Whether you’ve chosen concierge-level accommodations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, or are traveling on a budget for a stay at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, you want the best value for your vacation dollars.  Here are some recommendations to help minimize the impact of increasing prices:

Pay attention to the season. The price for the same room fluctuates hugely over the course of the calendar year.  Room rates are affected by weekend dates, holidays, special events, and the Disney “season.”  If your travel dates are flexible, your Concierge will inform you about the differences in pricing from one season to another.  Often, moving your plans forward or backward just one week can save many hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars.

Consider a Disney Dining Plan. There are three major costs associated with a Walt Disney World vacation:  accommodations, park tickets, and food.  While transportation costs will vary from guest to guest, these three will be major components of just about everyone’s trip.  Although most guests find food prices very much in line with their expectations, they still add up quickly. A Disney Dining Plan is a wonderful way to plan ahead for this expense and saves most visitors money.

Review the inclusions for each package. The most commonly requested Disney vacation package is the Magic Your Way package with the standard dining plan, park tickets with the Park Hopper option, and Disney’s Magical Express transportation.  Guests often forget that there are several different types of packages and the Magic Your Way package is almost infinitely customizable.  Try to avoid paying for the elements you don’t need and spend those funds on the things that are important to you.

First-time visitors or those with very young children may not need the Park Hopper option but might really appreciate the convenience of private car service with a stop at a grocery store.  A couple celebrating an anniversary may find the Deluxe Dining Plan suits their wishes for a relaxed and indulgent experience.  The park-commando group may not want to take the time for a table-service meal and choose the Quick Service Dining Plan.  Golfers often discover that the Premium Package offers them the best value.  Your vacation is unique and your travel arrangements should suit your own style.

Some careful planning will help you put that Disney vacation on the calendar for 2010!

Take advantage of Disney’s latest offer for vacation packages from November of this year through March 27 of 2010.  Purchase a regularly-priced Magic Your Way package and receive additional nights and park tickets free.

For stays in select Disney Value Resorts, guests who purchase a package that includes five nights and a five-day park ticket will get two additional nights and two extra days of park admission free of charge.

Those choosing a Disney Moderate, Deluxe, or Deluxe Villa Resort can book a four-f night stay, four-day ticket package and receive three more nights and tickets at no additional cost.

This exceptional offer must be booked by December 20, 2009 and is applicable for most nights from November 1 to 24, 2009, December 8 to 24, 2009, and January 3 to March 27, 2010.  Special pricing includes a base ticket and accommodations.  Ticket options and dining plans can be added to these discounted packages at regular prices.  Only a limited number of rooms are available; contact Whimsical World Travel to start planning your magical vacation soon!

It’s the crème de la crème of Walt Disney World vacation packages, the indulgent Platinum Plan; a treasure box filled with all the jewels from around the Walt Disney World Resort.  You’ll feel truly pampered by the array of services and experiences that are part of this comprehensive offering. Complimenting the many features of Disney’s Premium Plan, the Platinum Plan offers an enhanced line-up of benefits.

Take a voyage across the Seven Seas Lagoon or Crescent Lake to view Wishes at the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT’s Illuminations: Reflections of Earth on a special fireworks cruise.

During your stay, enjoy reserved seating for a showing of Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

In addition to the numerous recreational opportunities detailed in the Premium Plan, racing thrills await at the Walt Disney Speedway where you can jump in a stock car with a professional driver for the Richard Petty Ride Along Experience.

Dining options are expanded to include the outstanding Five-Diamond restaurant, Victoria & Albert’s, and you may reserve in-room childcare as well as visits to the Children’s Activity Centers.

Additions the to Premium Plan’s roster of behind-the-scenes tours include the more “immersive” Dolphins In Depth Tour, EPCOT DiveQuest Tour, EPCOT Seas Aqua Tour, and the spectacular seven-hour Backstage Magic Tour.

Your complimentary spa treatment will leave you relaxed, refreshed, and ready to explore the many possibilities of Disney’s Platinum Plan.

Preserve those vacation memories with both the professional portrait sitting and print package and a separate PhotoPass PhotoCD for all those photos taken by the PhotoPass photographers located throughout the parks and resorts.

It’s a vacation fit for royalty and certain to bring out the Prince or Princess in everyone!

Step up to Disney’s Premium Plan for a much more inclusive alternative to the standard Magic Your Way package.  It consists of all the components of the Magic Your Way with Deluxe Dining package, plus a number of additional features.  It’s a great choice for travelers who plan to take advantage of the many recreational activities around Walt Disney World and like the ease of prepayment and knowing the full cost of their vacation up front.

Unlike the Deluxe Dining which assesses two dining credits for certain types of meals, on the Platinum Plan, Signature restaurants, character meals, even the dinner shows and in-room dining are included in the cost and represent only one meal. There are also many recreational opportunities: water sports and boating, horseback, pony, and carriage rides, miniature golf, fishing excursions and cane-pole fishing, parasailing, and biking.  As a Premium Plan guest, you enjoy unlimited golf with green fees, golf carts, rental clubs and shoes, even private golf lessons.   You can experience many of the behind-the-scenes tours and take advantage of a professional portrait session with print package.

If your party consists of eight or more, you can participate in the Grand Gathering experiences as part of your package. Tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba and unlimited use of the Children’s Activity Centers are also included.  Disney’s Premium Plan is a spectacular way to sample some of the many activities and unique experiences that Walt Disney World has to offer.

One of the dividends of choosing the Magic Your Way package is the ability to add dining.  Food can represent one of the major expenses of a vacation at Walt Disney World, and there is a dining plan option to suit almost every visitor.

• The familiar standard Disney Dining Plan includes one Table Service meal, one Quick Service meal, and one snack per person, per night of stay.

• The Quick Service Dining Plan includes two Quick Service meals, two snacks, and a resort refillable mug per person, per night of stay.

• The Deluxe Dining Plan includes three meals, 2 snacks, and a resort refillable mug, per person, per night of stay.

• The Disney Wine and Dine package can be added to any of the Magic Your Way packages that include Table Service dining.

For the first time in 2010, there will be a seasonal price change for the standard plan with an additional charge assessed for peak season.

Consider your itinerary and your group’s preferences when choosing a dining plan.  If you will be enjoying character meals with the kids, the standard Dining Plan, which offers a Table Service meal each day, can quickly pay for itself.  Those who prefer to grab and go rather than taking the time for a sit-down meal may find the Quick Service Plan best suits their needs.  Returning adults contemplating a more leisurely approach with a focus on fine dining will appreciate the Deluxe Plan and the Wine and Dine package.  Remember that multiple table-service meals can consume a significant part of each day.  If you hope to maximize your park and recreation time, the standard Dining Plan or Quick Service Dining Plan may be the best choice.

There are so many wonderful restaurants and snack venues throughout the parks and resorts of Walt Disney World, and Disney dining plans are a cost-effective way to try something new or revisit old favorites.

By far the most popular option for a Walt Disney World vacation is the basic Magic Your Way Package.  This always includes at least one night’s stay in a Walt Disney World Resort, and a minimum one-day base park admission ticket.  Some specially-priced offers may require a longer minimum stay or certain types of ticket options to qualify, or might only be available at specific resorts.

For 2010, the basic Magic Your Way Package also includes the following:

• A $15 Certificate valid for food and non-alcoholic beverages and a souvenir merchandise keepsake at Planet Hollywood.  VIP Preferred Seating is available from 11am through 6pm.  Not valid with any other offers or discounts. (One certificate per room; one keepsake per room; one voucher required for keepsake).

• One certificate per room for a round of miniature golf at either Disney’s Winter Summerland or Fantasia mini-golf courses.

• Arcade Card valid for 100 game play points in arcades located in the Walt Disney resorts (One card per room).

• One Marina Discount certificate per room entitling the guest to 30 free minutes of watercraft rental (Sea Raycers by Sea Ray, Boston Whaler 170 Montauk and Pontoon boat rentals) when purchasing 60 minutes. This offer is valid for up to 5 guests at the participating resort marinas.

• One Walt Disney Travel Company luggage tag per person.

• 15% off the regular price of select spa treatments at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Age restrictions apply.

• 10% off the regular price of Guided Bass Fishing Excursions and Bass Nitro Fishing Excursions at select Walt Disney World marinas. Excursions include fishing equipment, rod, reel, shiners, artificial bait, non-alcoholic beverages and a 1-year membership to B.A.S.S. (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society).

• 10% off the regular price of all activities including parasailing, water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing trips at Sammy Duvall’s Water Sports Center located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. (Subject to availability; restrictions apply.)

The Magic Your Way base ticket, available from one to ten days, is valid for admission to one park per day.  You may choose to come and go from the same park as many times as you wish during the day, but cannot use the ticket to visit more than one park on the same day.  Tickets are valid for visits to all the parks, and can be used for any combination of park visits during the stay, but only one each day.

The Park Hopper option allows you to move from park to park throughout you stay, visiting as many parks as you wish on a single day.  So, you may choose to go to one park for breakfast, travel to another for an afternoon parade, and catch the evening fireworks at a third.  This is a great convenience for returning guests, but not always necessary for first-time visitors, or those with young children.

The Water Park Fun & More option adds access to Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Wide World of Sports, DisneyQuest, and Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course.  For each day of your ticket, in addition to regular park admission, you receive a “Plus” option for admission to one of these water park or “fun” venues, or a round of golf at the nine-hole Oak Trail walking course.  You may or may not choose to use a plus option on the same day you use one of your park admission days.

Keep in mind, that the Plus options do NOT allow you to come and go from the different venues as the Park Hopper admission ticket does for the major parks.  For each Plus venue you visit, you will have to use another of your Plus options.

The standard Magic Your Way ticket expires 14 days after first use.  The No Expiration option can be added prior to the end of the 14-day window to prevent the loss of any unused days.  This can be an expensive option since a flat fee is added based upon the length of the original ticket, not the remaining unused days.  Since additional days after the first four cost only a few dollars, this is generally not cost-effective unless you are planning to return for a couple of days only and don’t wish to book a package for the stay.

For some more tips on tickets, visit our fav5 tix tips!

If you wish to add dining, Disney offers several different options for that, as well.  Tomorrow, we’ll review the various types of dining plans available with the Magic Your Way Package.