I would like some strategies/suggestions for purchasing open-ended prepaid park vacation packages (Air/Hotel/Tickets/and possibly meal plan) for a third party well still keeping the cost down.

The scenario is that I would like to buy a package to give to my brother and his family in July for a future trip, but don't want to pick specific dates for them, and don't really want to give them a personal coupon that says give me the date and I'll try to find a deal for you.

I assume if I go with the packages offered in say the travel section of the paper I will need to have dates, or if I don't it would cost a fortune. Off the top of my head I'd assume those types of open-ended packages would be sold by a more corporate rewards type company and I'm not read to pay those kinds of prices.

Posted By Iolaire McFadden on April 22, 2009, 9:14 AM

Looking to get disney tixs for seaworld oneday pass and universal studio one day pass?? Is it better to buy a deal that will allow my party in all the parks and just use it for two days or is it cheaper to buy indiviudally??

Posted By Ms. Jones on April 23, 2009, 2:56 PM

We are annual pass holders and FL residents w/ a 2yr old and 4yr old. We have stayed in two luxury resorts (Dolphin & Swan) and all the Value Resorts (PoP C, Sports, Movies & Music) several times. Heading back next week to a value resort and in July to the Contemporary Resort.

Can you suggest tips on dining with kids?
Are the meal plans are worth it?
Kid friendly restaurants on Premises (ie. DwnTwn Disney).
Tips on what seasons the Park hotels offer the best discounts?
Best off-ste hotels that cater to Families vising the Park?
Tips for booking hotels (thru Disney vs. discounters) ie. disneyvacationguide.com

Thanks.

Posted By Jason Whitman on April 23, 2009, 5:35 PM

We're headed there with 5 people-3 adults and 2 children. What's the best place to stay that won't cost us an arm or a leg--we'll need all our limbs to visit the parks!

Posted By Christie on April 23, 2009, 5:38 PM

As a native Floridian, I was at Disney World the day it opened and have been too many times to admit. Here are some tips for making the experience a great one:
If possible, do not go on holidays, it is a mad house full of screaming kids and long lines.
Go into the park around dinner time and stay until closing at night, when the families are having dinner or back in the hotel rooms exhausted. No lines, cooler weather, no sun burn, everything is lit up and it's really magical.
Always stay for the light/firework shows, they are worth the price of admission by themselves, but find a good spot near the water about 30 minutes beforehand.
Stay at the Disney Park Hotels, they are so much more convenient, clean and well run. You can pretty much stay out of your car for the entire stay. If you book through Disney, they will pick you up at the airport, too! And you can get rock bottom airfare in their packages.
Make dining reservations as far in advance as possible if you want to get into the nicer restaurants in the Kingdoms and Parks (some get booked up 6 months in advance).
We loved Boma African buffet at the Wild Animal Kingdom Lodge, which was a great treat to stay one night and wake up to see the wild animals outside our room. You can view the animals at night at their viewing area with night vision goggles provided!
We couldn't afford the Lodge straight through so we stayed several nights in a moderate hotel at Disney and they moved our luggage into our other room while we headed for the park.

Other favorite dining spots: Luigi's at the Magic Kingdom, Paul Bocuses French Cafe at Epcot, the Rainforest Cafe at the Wild Animal Park and the Brown Derby at MGM Studios.
A real treat is taking the tram from one Disney Hotel to another and touring their lovely lobbies and gift shops.

Posted By Elizabeth Alexander on April 23, 2009, 6:30 PM

My husband and I love Disney and have gone several times. I would like to know the best package deal available for just two of us staying at a medium-priced, but really nice, hotel. We would be interested in a package that would include meals as well as park tickets. We aren't interested in a value resort - want something nicer.

When can I get the best price on a medium price hotel?

Posted By Esther on April 23, 2009, 6:32 PM

Just an addendum to my previous post. If you stay at the Disney Hotels, they give you a pass to stay in the parks several hours after closing to the general public, which was a great perk for those who enjoy seeing the parks in the evening.

Posted By Elizabeth Alexander on April 23, 2009, 6:32 PM

Three good websites to visit for tips, info, recommendations, etc. for all the Disney Parks (and cruise line) are: www.mouseplanet.com, www.mousesavers.com and www.allears.net. Mouseplanet has a discussion board as well as trip reports for both WDW & DLR. I would recommend anyone even thinking about planning a trip to any Disney Parks or a Disney Cruise to check these out.

Posted By Susan Bell on April 24, 2009, 1:23 AM

Is there a time of year when there are fewer kids in the parks? Which WDW hotel might have the fewest kids staying in there? (I am not a kid hater, I'm just looking for a quieter vacation at WDW.)

Posted By Mary on April 27, 2009, 7:10 PM

My brother and his fiance are to be married on June 27,2009. They will be traveling to Disney World directly after the wedding. How can I do something Disney related and surprise them while they're on their honeymoon?

Posted By Princesssha on April 27, 2009, 9:05 PM

Heading to Disney in Jan 2010 for the Goffy Challange. Will be at Pop Century January 5 - 11. Since we will be in the park for the races two days, do we need passes for those days also. And does someone who wants to view the Marathon at various points need a Park Hopper pass?

Posted By THINKtINK on April 30, 2009, 10:44 AM

We have plans to go to disney for 14 days this summer and again for 14 days in Sept 09. We will probably go in April 10. Would it be better to purchase annual pass rather than length of stay?

Posted By Charles Roberts on April 30, 2009, 11:33 AM

My family will be at Disney for a week in June to celebrate my two boys' birthdays. One birthday will actually be while we are there, but we are celebrating both. I was wondering if there is anything extra special we could do for their birthdays that we might not think of. Thanks

Posted By Rebecca Renard on April 30, 2009, 12:47 PM

Address the whole Disney Vacation Club concept. Are there any benefits to staying there? What about other timeshares?

Posted By Debra Teplitz on April 30, 2009, 1:29 PM

We did Disney World sans kids 2 years ago; had a great time. We loved the convenience of staying on site at the French Qtr. hotel rooms and spent some time just riding boats and monorails around to the various resorts to check them out. We got park hopper tickets which were valuable for flexibility but the dining plan didn't work for us as well. First of all we didn't really eat that many meals per day and preferred the restaurants to the food courts. We often ate a large late lunch and then had only a snack at night and a lighter breakfast in the morning. We loved Wolfgang Pucks in Downtown Disney and the China Restaurant in Epcot. We also loved the flower show. Disney is a great place for any age and as others have said the nighttime shows are really worth the effort to get there.

Posted By KS on April 30, 2009, 3:42 PM

To Thinktink:
The marathon route goes through all of the 4 parks, but there are viewing areas throughout the route. A good spot is in the MK parking lot and Epcot's parking lot.

Posted By Linda on April 30, 2009, 3:53 PM

princessha-
Re. honeymoon surprises, if they're staying onsite, contact the hotel directly to make special arrangements, or go to www.disneyflorist.com.

Posted By DisneyFanatic on April 30, 2009, 4:16 PM

For those celebrating birthdays while at WDW- inform the front desk of the Disney property you are staying at and they will give you a special button to wear announcing that it is the person's birthday. When making a restaurant reservation for the birthday, mention it and they will note it in your reservation file. At Disney restaurants with character meals, the characters will make an even more special effort with the birthday boy or girl. At Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary Resort, they provided a special birthday place mat signed by the characters to alert everyone to the big day and to serve as a lovely keepsake. Of course, admission to the parks is free on the actual birthday.

Posted By John Flood on April 30, 2009, 4:17 PM

Would love to go to Epcot again but my husband is in power wheelchair. Have found out the hard way that transportation after the airport can be impossible. New York and Boston. How could I get him around?

Posted By Patricia Swift on April 30, 2009, 4:23 PM

I understand that there is a boat that can be rented for an evenings dinner cruise leaving from the Grand Floridian and then you are able to enjoy the fireworks display at the Magic Kingdom. Could you please tell me the number of persons allowed on board, the method to reserve the boat, and the approximate cost for a Florida resident?

Posted By Jack Skoviak on April 30, 2009, 5:18 PM

Can you provide any ideas for romantic getaways (or an anniversary) at Disney, without the kids?

Posted By CVF on April 30, 2009, 5:24 PM

Is it possible to do Disney adult-style and avoid the herds?

Posted By Mindy on April 30, 2009, 6:17 PM

I would like to take my husband to Epcot. He has had a stroke, walks short distances with a cane, and would need a wheelchair to get around. Can one be rented there and which hotels would make it easiest to get to various areas?

Posted By Fran on April 30, 2009, 7:46 PM

To Fran:

I also can only walk short distances. You can rent a power or push wheelchair in all of the parks, and the resorts usually have a few push wheelchairs available also. If you're staying a long time, you may get a better deal renting from a local company (Disney has a list) and they will deliver and pick up from your hotel - all of Disney property is accessible, but you may have to wait longer for accessible transport between parks/resorts sometimes. The cast will bend over backwards to not only make everything as easy as possible, but to make sure that your husband feels every bit as included! I have "marched" and danced in the Christmas parade at Disneyland, and had Stitch do a chair dance with me at one of the small concerts! Have a great trip!

Posted By Mama Sarge on May 1, 2009, 5:37 AM

What do you suggest for lodging,dining and nightlife for a couple of 50 something friends who are leaving all the young ones at home this time? We have both done the childs-eye experience in the past with our kids and are wanting a different kind of experience this time. We would like to stay on property and plan to visit at least 3 parks while we are there. Everything I have read is geared to families with children or romantic couples.

Posted By Cathy on May 1, 2009, 8:25 AM

I would like to know more about Disney's RV park, which is located inside the Park. What is available? Is there a shuttle service between the RV park and Disney World? What are the rates? Is there a limit to how long a person can stay there?

Thank you for the information.

Rodgers

Posted By Rodgers Madison on May 1, 2009, 9:58 AM

What recommendations do you have for a large group of Girl Scouts (25 people) traveling to Walt Disney World in June 2010? Is there a hostel or similar accommodations nearby?

Posted By Janis on May 1, 2009, 12:15 PM

What is the best way to book a Disney cruise? Is it cheaper to book early, or later? Also, now that Disney is downsizing its staff, what changes have happened, and will happen?

Posted By Emmy on May 1, 2009, 2:13 PM

My husband and I are planning a visit to Florida in September and we'd like to visit Epcot for 1 or 2 days on our return from the Sanibel/Naples area. We enjoy world travel and international foods. Could you map out a plan and suggest accommodation in the moderate price range? We don't like really large hotels. Mahalo from Hawaii!

Posted By Suzanne on May 1, 2009, 9:13 PM

Disney's best kept "secret": Disney Vacation Club DVC.

The real secret is that one may rent rooms from DVC members. You get to stay on property in deluxe resorts for a fraction of the price. Yet you get all the benefits including use of the free Disney transportation service.

Full disclosure: I am a DVC member and do offer rooms for rent.

Posted By Pierre Bernard on May 2, 2009, 5:05 AM

I would like to take my children and grandchildren to Disney World in 2010. There will be about 15 {8 adults, 1 teen and 6 children} of us all together. Can you tell me the most affordable place for accomidations {condo, house, hotel, etc.} and the best way to purchase tickets:joining AAA, buying them at some other web site, or buying them through Disney web site? Any other suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated!

Posted By Sharon Fultz on May 2, 2009, 7:30 PM

It seems that the last few years (in spite of the economy) Disney has increased ticket prices every August. Any idea if they intend to increase ticket prices again this year? Thanks!

Posted By Keeum on May 3, 2009, 8:47 PM

We have free air vouchers to use (from a voluntary bump on a trip earlier this year) & my husband is retired military, so he'll qualify for the special free Disney World pass. We're thinking of going to Disney World between Thanksgiving & Christmas, since we've heard that isn't a crowded time. We'd like to stay in one of the on-site Disney hotels. Do you think there will be any good deals available during that time? If so, when would they appear and how would we find out about them?
Thanks!

Posted By Pat on May 4, 2009, 2:20 PM

A great idea if your going to do Orlando, is figuring out a bubget. honestly it will take 2 weeks to see all of Disney, Universal Studios, Sea Worl and Busch Gardens. On a buget, i suggest visiting Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Great for teens and adults and a ticket will cost about $120 tax included, for 1 week per adult, whereas Seeing all of Disney will cost over $325 for 1 week per adult. If you plan to visit Universal , stay on I-Drive and look for Shuttle service and a Ponderosa.

Posted By Karythia on May 4, 2009, 8:20 PM

Pat- We are retired military also. You are also eligible for the 40% discount they are offering on rooms. We are paying just over $100 a night at a moderate hotel. If you stay at the Coronado, it has just been remodeled with Queen beds. The other moderates all have Full. Anyway, that discount is probably the best you are going to find. I have looked.

Posted By Jennifer on May 5, 2009, 12:32 AM

Suzanne-
The Food and wine Festival starts the end of Sept.
It is amazing last for 6 wks. Ticketed events
go on sale usually middle of July-last year early
Aug. I have been the last 12 yrs. I would never
miss this event at Epcot

Posted By lisa on May 5, 2009, 2:34 AM

Book by June 21 and send them for free dining

Posted By Lisa on May 5, 2009, 2:36 AM

Christie- Have stayed many yrs @ Cypress Point
Grand Villas approx. 2 miles from park. Paid
anywhere between 86.00-104.00 a night. 2 bedrms
2 br, kitchen, 2 tv , several pools. Pull out
sofa. The place is really nice and we are picky.
We ahve booked them thru Hotel Kingdom and Hotel.com.

Posted By Lisa on May 5, 2009, 2:43 AM

Charles Robert- Buy the annual pass as this
will also intitle u 2 other discounts. It
is the only way to get the dining discount
60.00 more but 20% off almost everything and
alcohol. U also get 75.00 dollars off the renew
the next time u need an annual pass

Posted By lisa on May 5, 2009, 2:46 AM

Fran-make sure u get a red pass for ur husband
at the town hall in Mgic Kingdom

Posted By Lisa on May 5, 2009, 2:49 AM

Cathy- Take the underground tunnel tour in the
Magic Kingdom. Have done it three times and love
it. No kids under 16 allowed. Another wonderful
thing to do is take a taxi over to the Hyatt
Grand Cypress for there amazing Sunday Brunch-
not offered during summer. Worth the 50pp-believe
me. Also Texas de Brazail down by the old Beltz
Mall wonderful Friday lunch buffet-go online and join there club ( took Dad very picky eater-now
his favorite restaurant when we go to Orlando)

Posted By lisa on May 5, 2009, 2:54 AM

I have a family of 5. 2 adults 3 kids ages 11 and 7. would like to go to disney world, and or sea world or take the cruise. Have no idea how to do this for the least amount of money. Are there any deals for a family of five? What parks would be the best for there ages? All of this confuses me! We dont have a large budget but i would love to take my kids there. Can anyone help me?

Posted By Stephanie Snyder on May 5, 2009, 1:48 PM

I am going to Disneyworld around the first week of Sept. I would also like to go to Epcot Center. Would it be best to do a day at each place? Or would it better to have a 3 day pass? I see the price difference is a bit between 2 and 3 days. Where's a good place to buy tickets? I've seen some discounter places online and didn't know if that's reliable or not.
Thanks...

Posted By Sue on May 8, 2009, 1:02 PM

I' m waiting news from my little girl Emily coming from BELGIUM TODAY

Posted By preumont thierry on May 9, 2009, 7:44 PM