What is a Disney Vacation Package? A Complete Guide for First-Timers
Booking a trip to Disney is a dream for many, but the planning process can be overwhelming, especially for first-timers. Disney offers vacation packages that bundle several key elements of your trip, and they can make the planning process easier. But are they the best choice? Let’s break down what a Disney vacation package is, the pros and cons, whether or not you should use a travel agent, and if it’s better to piece together your vacation independently.
What is a Disney Vacation Package?
A Disney vacation package typically includes:
Hotel Accommodations: A stay at a Disney Resort hotel.
Theme Park Tickets: Tickets to one or more Disney parks, with options for Park Hopper or single-park entries.
Dining Plans (when available): Optional meal plans offering various dining choices throughout your stay.
Extras: Additional perks, such as Magical Extras Savings Card and select discounts on shopping and dining.
Essentially, booking a Disney vacation package means you’re securing your accommodation, tickets, and possibly dining, all in one reservation.
How to Book a Disney Vacation Package
You can book a Disney vacation package directly through the Walt Disney World or Disneyland website, the Disney Reservation Center, or through a Disney-approved travel agent. When comparing package options, you’ll find various resorts, ticket types, and extras that might suit your family’s preferences. Disney typically releases packages at full price, adding discounts or incentives later to fill resort capacity. A good travel agent will monitor these discounts and apply them to your booking, ensuring you get the best price available. Alternatively, you can contact Disney yourself to add any new discounts as they become available.
Booking early can still be beneficial, as packages only require a $200 deposit upfront, and you can make monthly payments until the balance is due 30 days before your trip. With this flexibility, you don’t have to wait for a discount to secure your reservation—Disney will allow retroactive application of discounts to existing packages. This way, you lock in your spot with the option to save if a better offer comes along!
Disney Resort Discounts
Disney offers discounts in various forms, often rewarding those who already use its products and services. However, they also provide options for the general public. Disney+ subscribers and Disney Visa cardholders, for example, enjoy exclusive discounts throughout the year. Disney+ subscribers can receive special room discounts at select Disney resorts—sometimes up to 25% off—giving fans an opportunity to stay near the parks for less. Meanwhile, Disney Visa cardholders often get access to exclusive perks, like discounted hotel rates, flexible payment options, and bonus perks such as complimentary character photo opportunities or early booking access for vacation packages. These Disney+ and Visa promotions, along with other seasonal and military discounts, offer multiple ways to save on a Disney vacation if you time your booking right.
Should You get One annual Pass?
Deciding if an Annual Pass is worth it often depends on how many days you plan to spend in the parks each year. Generally, if you’ll be at Disney for 10 days or more within a 12-month period, an Annual Pass starts to make financial sense, especially when factoring in its additional perks. For instance, Passholders receive 10-20% discounts on select dining and merchandise throughout Disney’s parks and resorts, which can lead to significant savings on meals, snacks, and souvenirs.
One of the biggest perks of an Annual Pass is the discounted room rates at Disney resorts. These can range from 10% to 35% off depending on the season and resort type, often making Disney’s on-property accommodations much more affordable. Plus, Annual Passholders don’t pay the daily parking fee at the theme parks, which can save another $25 or more per day. Together, these savings on accommodations, dining, merchandise, and parking add up quickly, making an Annual Pass a valuable choice if you’re planning multiple visits or a longer stay, and helping offset the initial cost for a Disney Vacation.
How to Cancel my Disney vacation package
Disney’s vacation package refund policy offers some flexibility but comes with important deadlines to keep in mind. For vacation packages booked directly through Disney, which typically include a Disney Resort hotel stay and park tickets, you can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 30 days before your check-in date. This includes any deposit you may have paid when booking.
If you cancel between 2 and 29 days before check-in, Disney will refund your payment minus a $200 cancellation fee, and any third-party add-ons (such as airline tickets) may be non-refundable, depending on the provider’s policy. However, if you cancel within 1 day of check-in or simply don’t show up, the entire package cost becomes non-refundable.
Additionally, if you need to make changes, Disney allows modifications to your vacation package (such as adjusting dates or adding guests) without fees if made 30 days or more before check-in. However, modifications made within 29 days of arrival may incur extra charges depending on availability and the nature of the change.
Pros and Cons of Booking a Disney Vacation Package
Pros
Convenience: Bundling everything simplifies the planning process, saving you time and effort. Instead of making separate reservations for your hotel, park tickets, and meals, everything is under one booking.
Manageable Payments: With a vacation package, you only need to make a deposit at the time of booking, typically $200, with the balance due 30 days before your trip. This option allows you to budget over time.
Early Theme Park Entry: Guests staying at a Disney Resort get early entry to the parks, giving you a head start on popular attractions.
MagicBand+ Options: Guests can pre-purchase MagicBand+ at a discounted rate, which can be used for entry into the parks, linking photos, and making charges to your room.
Easy Dining Reservations: Booking a vacation package makes it simpler to add a Disney Dining Plan (when available), letting you budget meals ahead of time.
Cons
Price: Disney vacation packages can be more expensive than piecing together your trip independently, especially during peak seasons.
Less Flexibility: With a package, it’s often harder to swap hotel nights or customize your ticket options once booked.
Cancellation Policies: If you need to cancel, packages may be less flexible, with cancellations having deadlines for a full refund.
Limited Discount Application: Disney releases discounts throughout the year, but there’s no guarantee a discount will apply to the dates you’ve chosen for your trip. While it’s possible that a promotion might coincide with your travel dates, it’s also common for discounts to cover specific seasons or times.
Should You Use a Travel Agent for Your Disney Vacation?
Using a travel agent who specializes in Disney can take a lot of stress out of planning. Disney-certified agents know the parks, can answer all your questions, and handle details like reservations and discounts.
Pros of Using a Disney Travel Agent
Expertise: Agents specializing in Disney have firsthand knowledge of park strategies, dining options, and resort differences.
Free Service: Most Disney-certified travel agents don’t charge extra fees for booking your trip; they earn a commission from Disney.
Discount Monitoring: A good agent will monitor for new Disney discounts and apply them to your reservation if possible, saving you money.
Help with Dining and Lightning Lane Reservations: While Disney-certified travel agents can assist with booking your accommodations, tickets, and even provide guidance on dining reservations and Lightning Lane tips, their official role is focused on making your booking process seamless, similar to how Disney’s own reservations center operates. Many agents do go above and beyond by offering extra services, like booking dining or advising on itinerary details, but this is often a courtesy rather than a requirement.
Planning a Disney vacation involves a lot of time and expertise, especially if you’re aiming for a well-coordinated trip. Some agents may offer these additional services for free, while others might charge for in-depth trip planning—understandably, as it can be a very involved process! It’s a good idea to expect to handle some planning on your own, even if you’re working with a travel agent. This way, you’ll have a clearer sense of what to expect and can make the most of your Disney experience.
Personally, if I were a travel agent, I’d likely charge for itinerary planning and assistance with booking extras—just to give you some context. Planning every detail takes a lot of time and expertise, and many agents go above and beyond, but it’s not part of the standard booking service.
Cons of Using a Disney Travel Agent
Limited Control: Some travelers prefer the hands-on approach and enjoy booking their own reservations. When using an agent, you may not have as much immediate access to make changes.
Availability of Discounts: Although agents monitor for discounts, they can’t guarantee one will become available. If you like total control over pricing, this might be a drawback.
Agent-Specific Policies: Be sure to clarify any cancellation or change policies with your agent, as they may have their own rules.
DIY: Booking Everything Yourself
You don’t have to book a Disney vacation package—you can piece together each part of your trip on your own. This means separately arranging your hotel, park tickets, dining reservations, and any extras. If you’re following the planning guide and that is why you are reading this blog, you’re probably a DIY planner, ready to handle each detail yourself. With this thorough guide, you’ll have all the steps you need. Just follow along, do the work, and by the end, you’ll feel like a Disney expert!
Pros of Booking Independently
Potential for Savings: You can often find discounts on hotels or tickets from third-party sellers, which aren’t available in Disney packages.
Flexibility: Booking yourself gives you complete control to make adjustments at any time.
Freedom to Choose: You’re not locked into staying on Disney property and can explore off-property hotels, which may fit your budget better.
Cons of Booking Independently
More Work: You’ll need to track and book everything individually, which can be time-consuming.
Separate Payment Policies: Every part of your trip will have its own payment terms, deposits, and cancellation policies.
No Bundled Perks: You won’t get the package perks like early entry unless you stay at a Disney Resort and book a room directly through Disney.
Linking Everything in Disney’s Reservation System
Whether you book a package or piece together your trip, you’ll need to link your plans in Disney’s system to make the most of your vacation.
How to Link Reservations
Disney’s My Disney Experience (Walt Disney World) or Disneyland App (Disneyland) is where you’ll manage all your trip details. Here’s what you can link:
Hotel Reservations: Link your hotel reservation to see your stay details, early entry options, and room requests.
Park Tickets: Park tickets are essential to reserve park days. Make sure you link them as soon as you buy them.
Dining Reservations: Booking your dining 60 days in advance is recommended for popular restaurants, and you’ll want these linked to manage them easily.
Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane: You’ll also manage Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane selections here.
Once everything is linked, Disney’s apps and website will display a full itinerary with reservation reminders, park hours, and showtimes. If something changes, updating it in the app will ensure you don’t miss a beat.
Price Breakdowns for Disney Vacation Packages
Here's a breakdown of estimated costs for a Disney World vacation in 2024 for a family of four, considering various resort levels, ticket types, and adding the Disney Dining Plan.
1. Value Resort + Standard Tickets
A 5-night stay at a value resort (e.g., Pop Century or All-Star Resorts) generally costs around $1,300 to $2,000, depending on the season. Adding 4-day standard tickets averages $1,156 for adults and $1,020 for children (ages 3-9), totaling about $4,500 to $5,000 for the whole family.
Dining Plan: Adding the Quick-Service Dining Plan for two adults and two children would add approximately $1,100, bringing the estimated total to $5,600 to $6,100.
2. Moderate Resort + Park Hopper Tickets
Moderate resorts, like Caribbean Beach or Port Orleans, usually cost between $2,300 and $3,000 for a 5-night stay. With 4-day Park Hopper tickets ($1,336 for adults, $1,180 for children), the estimated total for accommodations and tickets comes to about $6,200 to $6,700.
Dining Plan: The Standard Dining Plan, which includes one table-service meal, would add around $1,700. The total vacation cost would then be approximately $7,900 to $8,400.
3. Deluxe Resort + Park Hopper Tickets
Deluxe resorts like the Contemporary or Animal Kingdom Lodge typically run between $4,000 and $6,000 for 5 nights. Including 4-day Park Hopper tickets, the overall cost would be approximately $8,500 to $9,500.
Dining Plan: Adding the Standard Dining Plan would bring the vacation cost to an estimated $10,200 to $11,200.
These estimates help outline potential costs based on lodging, ticket choices, and dining. Disney’s pricing varies seasonally, and prices are subject to change, so booking early or working with a Disney travel planner can sometimes help secure the best rates.
The estimated prices for a Disney vacation package we’ve outlined are based on average rates without any discounts or seasonal promotions applied. Essentially, these represent the highest price you might pay for that type of trip. Disney often releases discounts, offers, or package adjustments throughout the year, which can significantly reduce the cost of a trip. By staying informed about upcoming deals or working with a knowledgeable travel agent who monitors discounts, you could potentially secure a lower rate than the initial estimate.
Your Turn to Make the Choice
For first-timers, booking a Disney vacation package is often the simplest choice, providing convenience and essential perks in one bundle. Using a Disney travel agent can ease the planning process even further, particularly if you’re new to the Disney experience.
However, if you’re a budget-conscious traveler who doesn’t mind putting in extra effort, booking independently could save you money and give you more flexibility. Just remember, linking everything in the Disney app is key to keeping your trip running smoothly.
So, take some time to assess your preferences, budget, and needs. With the right approach, your Disney vacation will be magical and tailored just the way you want it. Happy planning!
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? You're in the right place! At Well Hello Magic, we have tons of helpful resources to make your Disney vacation as magical and stress-free as possible. Whether you're looking for advice on the best time to visit Disney, tips on finding the perfect character meal, or learning how to skip the lines with Lightning Lane, we've got you covered.
As a therapist by trade and a mom of four, I use my expertise in understanding personalities to help you discover your "Disney Enneagram"—a fun way to tailor your Disney vacation planning to suit your family's needs or large group dynamics, ensuring everyone enjoys the magic in their own unique way. With my firsthand experience navigating Disney with babies and toddlers, I'll share all my best tips to make your trip smooth and fun for everyone. Plus, check out some of our family’s favorite rides at Magic Kingdom—there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Make sure to explore our blog for even more Disney planning guides and insider tips!
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