A Disney vacation package can include a variety of components to create a magical and hassle-free trip for families or groups. The exact inclusions depend on the type of package purchased, but most provide a bundle of useful features at an affordable price.
Accommodations
One of the main benefits of a Disney package is that it bundles hotel accommodations with theme park tickets and other features. Disney owns and operates over 20 resort hotels ranging from value hotels to luxurious deluxe resorts. Packages include a stay at one of these Disney-approved properties near the theme parks.
Popular Disney-owned resorts include:
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Guests can choose from standard hotel rooms, suites with extra space, rooms with bunk beds for kids, rooms with kitchenettes, and more. Disney resort perks include free transportation like the monorail or buses, fun theming, character meals, and extras like nightly turndown service.
Theme Park Tickets
The cornerstone of any Disney World vacation package is tickets or an annual pass to the 4 theme parks:
- Magic Kingdom
- Epcot
- Hollywood Studios
- Animal Kingdom
Packages include a set number of days for park visits. Guests can choose anything from a short 2-day ticket up to a 10-day ticket for an extensive vacation. Some packages even bundle an annual pass, which provides 365 days of theme park access.
Park hopper options are available for an extra fee, allowing guests to visit multiple parks per day. Certain packages also include extra perks like the Water Park and Sports option for visiting Disney’s two water parks.
Dining Plans
Many Disney packages allow guests to add on a Disney Dining Plan for extra convenience during mealtimes. There are a few dining plan tiers:
- Quick-Service Dining Plan – Provides two quick-service meals and two snacks per night stayed
- Regular Dining Plan – Includes one quick-service meal, one table-service meal, and two snacks per night
- Deluxe Dining Plan – Offers three meals (quick or table service), plus two snacks per night
Table-service meals can be used for over 100 restaurants at Walt Disney World for a sit-down meal. Character dining and dinner shows are also included. Quick-service can be used at fast food joints and cafes for convenience. Having dining pre-paid removes the hassle of budgeting for food each day.
Dining Plan Credits
Each dining plan includes credits that can be redeemed for food at restaurants around Disney World. Here is the breakdown of credits included:
Dining Plan | Quick-Service Credits Per Night | Table-Service Credits Per Night | Snack Credits Per Night |
---|---|---|---|
Quick-Service Dining Plan | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Regular Dining Plan | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Deluxe Dining Plan | 3 | 3 | 2 |
Credits are per guest, per night of the package. For example, a family of 4 on a 4-night package with the Regular Dining Plan would have 16 quick service credits, 16 table service credits, and 32 snack credits total. Credits can be pooled together for large meals if needed.
Magical Extras
In addition to the major components above, Disney packages often include a few extra magical touches for free or as additions:
- Airport transportation – Roundtrip shuttle buses to/from Orlando airport
- Memory Maker – Digital photos taken by Disney photographers linked to your account
- Mini golf – Access to Fantasia Gardens miniature golf courses
- Water parks – Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water park tickets
- Parking – Valet or self-parking at the resort and theme parks
Other potential add-ons include extras like pet care at Best Friends Pet Hotel, spa packages at Senses spa, cabanas at the waterparks, fireworks cruises, and more. The options are endless for customizing a Disney trip.
Costs & Budgeting
Disney packages vary widely in price depending on hotel choice, length of stay, number of park days, dining plan inclusion, and extra add-ons. Costs typically range from around $1,500 for a family of 4 for a basic package up to $8,000+ for a deluxe vacation with all the bells and whistles.
Factors Affecting Cost
When budgeting for a Disney package, here are some of the factors that influence total trip costs:
- Number of nights stayed at resort
- Category of hotel chosen (value, moderate, deluxe)
- Standard room vs suite
- Number of guests in room
- Number of days of park tickets included
- Addition of park hopper option
- Inclusion of a Disney Dining Plan
- Time of year traveled (peak vs low season)
- Additional services like Memory Maker, waterparks, etc.
Packages can be priced online to compare options. Travel agents can also provide quotes and help find package discounts. Memberships and groups like Disney Vacation Club, Disney credit cards, military, AAA, and more may have access to special rates.
Saving on Costs
There are a few ways to save on Disney package costs for budget-conscious travelers:
- Visit during off-peak seasons like January-February or August-September.
- Stay at a value resort vs deluxe.
- Choose fewer park days and take a break day.
- Skip add-ons like dining plans and Memory Maker.
- Bring your own snacks and food to reduce purchases.
- Use discounted gift cards to prepay for food.
- Use Uber/Lyft instead of Disney transportation.
- Take advantage of free activities like resort pools.
With smart planning, even travelers on a budget can experience the magic of Disney!
Booking Packages
There are a few options for booking an official Disney World vacation package. Packages can be booked online, over the phone, or through a travel agent.
Online Booking
Disney provides an online booking engine on their website for vacation packages. Travelers can browse resort and ticket options and bundle a full package. Pricing is clearly listed for each component. Packages can be customized and pre-paid entirely online.
Phone Booking
Calling Disney’s vacation planning services allows guests to speak with a Cast Member who can provide advice and walk through package options. This may be useful for travelers who want a personalized recommendation or have detailed questions answered. Phone agents can check availability, make reservations, and take payments.
Travel Agent Booking
Booking through an authorized Disney travel agent provides guidance from an experienced vacation planning professional. They have insider knowledge on packages, pricing deals, and add-ons that may not be publicly advertised. Using an agent typically comes at no extra cost to the traveler.
Reservation & Payment
Disney requires a deposit to book and reserve a vacation package. The deposit amount varies, but is typically between $200-500. The remaining balance is then due 30 days prior to arrival. Disney also allows travelers to pay in full upfront at the time of booking if preferred.
Payment methods include all major credit cards, debit cards, Disney gift cards, and Disney Vacation Account funds. Travelers should ensure they have adequate funds and account access to cover the final payment a month before traveling.
Modification & Cancellation Policies
Disney allows vacation packages to be modified or canceled if needed, but penalties may apply:
- Modifications: Changes can be made up to 30 days before arrival. This includes changing resort hotel, room type, package dates, theme park tickets, or add-ons. Change fees start at $50 per package.
- Cancellations: Canceling at least 30 days out forfeits deposit amounts. Inside 30 days, the full package cost is forfeited. Exceptions are made for COVID-19 diagnoses.
- No-Shows: Skipping the trip without cancellation incurs full charges for the entire package, including unused nights and theme park days.
To request modifications or cancellations, guests should call Disney’s vacation planning department. For COVID-19 related cancellations, calling is required to provide verification documentation.
Conclusion
Disney vacation packages conveniently bundle all the essentials like accommodations, park tickets, and dining into a single upfront purchase. Different package tiers fit various budgets and travel styles. Packages can be booked online, by phone, or with a travel agent’s assistance. Understanding the inclusions, costs, and policies allows travelers to have the magical, stress-free Disney trip of their dreams within their budget.