Can someone tell me about Disney vacations?

Question

I want to know if staying on grounds ina premium hotel and the food package is worth it- I have looked into the premium and platinum packages - but wonder if for 2 adults 5 days is a little over 4,000.00 worth it?

Also this would be during December 2007!

I would like more info about food and special events at Christmas time if possible- Booking this far in advance what are my advantages? Is it too cold to go swimming that time of year?

Answer 1

Oh, go with the Platinum Plan if you can afford it! That's so awesome that you're looking into it. A lot of people don't bother because it's quite expensive, but it's SO worth it. I've also booked the Premium Plan, and that was nice, too.

Two summers ago we stayed at Disney's Polynesian Resort and were on the Premium Plan. We stayed for nine days and it was almost $8,000.00 for the two of us (my boyfriend and I). It was great! It was our first time at Walt Disney World together (I'd been once long before) and we really had the best time. It was so great because just about everything is included in the plan. We were only 18 at the time and it was our first vacation without adults or parents, so it was so wonderful not having to worry about how much money we had. Basically, the only thing we needed money for was souvenirs.

Last summer we decided to upgrade to the Platinum Plan (they hadn't had it the year before) and I had the time of my life! Both of us did. I can't imagine going to Walt Disney World and not booking the Platinum Plan or at least Premium Plan. It makes everything so much easier and that much more magical. Seriously, though, the entire staff of Cast Members at the Walt Disney World Resort will treat you like royalty if you're on the Platinum Plan. As soon as we checked into Disney's Polynesian Resort the woman at the front desk went and got the manager. He came out and announced that we were V.I.P. at the Resort for the duration of our stay, and since we were Platinum Plan Guests we'd been upgraded to the Hawaii Concierge Longhouse. We were given the most amazing room with the best view on property, literally. And, I know, people say it doesn't matter if you stay at a nicer hotel or get a room with a nicer view because you'll be at the parks the entire time anyway. That's definitely not true. The BEST parts of our days at Walt Disney World was when we'd come home (back to our room) from a long day at the theme parks, go out on our little patio and enjoy the spectacular view of the Magic Kingdom and Cinderella Castle across the Seven Seas Lagoon. So, anyway, the Platinum Plan is really wonderful. You get passes to the preferred viewing areas of all the shows, you get tickets to Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba (DO NOT miss it!), you get unlimited use of recreation and tours (try taking the Dolphins in Depth Tour or the Seas Aqua Tour at EPCOT - incredible!), you get to go on a fireworks cruise (we did the EPCOT fireworks cruise and we're doing it again this summer), and you have the Dining Plan. But the Dining Plan for the Platinum Plan is a lot better than the Dining Plans for any of the other plans. Each person gets one breakfast, one lunch, one dinner, and one snack per day at just about any restaurant on property. The only restaurants that aren't included (out of over 100) are the Bistro de Paris at EPCOT, Bongos Cuban Cafe at Downtown Disney, and any of the restaurants at the Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan Resorts.

If you can afford to book either the Premium or Platinum Plan, go for it. Both are great, but the Platinum Plan is obviously the best. You won't regret spending the money, and you'll have the time of your life! We've already booked our next vacation for July and, of course, we're booking the Platinum Plan and staying at Disney's Polynesian Resort again. I can't wait!

Hope I could help!

Feel free to email me if you have any questions or need assistance with anything in the process of planning your vacation. I'd love to help!

Answer 2

December has its good and bad points. December is a great time to visit because the crowds are very low, early in the month. They pick back up again around the 18th for the holidays. There are also wonderful holiday events going on! You can visit the Magic Kingdom for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party one night, spend 8 hours in the park, and only pay $36.00 for an adult ticket. Its the only way to visit the Magic Kingdom!

However, it is chilly in December. My husband and I visited this last December during the first week of the month and we were really cold. The ocean was freezing, so we didn't go swimming there. The Disney pools are always kept at a balmy 82 degrees, but its getting out of the water that is the hard part.

The premium hotel and food package can actually save you a lot of money. Typically, the Disney Dining Plan comes out to about $50 per person, per day. That covers 2 large meals and 1 snack. A buffet-style meal could cost one adult $35 or more, so the dining plan really does save you money. I typically don't recommend it for folks staying less than 4 days, but it sounds like you guys will be there long enough to take advantage of the deal and its discount.

If you would like help planning for your next trip or if you would just like to read up on some fun tips and ideas that are updated monthly, visit my Disney Vacation Services Website, at:

http://im-all-ears-disney-vacation-services.blogspot.com/

Have a great time!

Answer 3

Staying on the grounds is a must, especially at Christmas. If you are a resort guest, you get a few extra perks that people staying off the property do not get. One is access to the parks, no matter what. This happened the last time I visited Disney. They actually closed the Magic Kingdom down to guests due to the large crowd, but resort guests were able to go in anyway. The people in line to get their tickets were pretty mad.
When you buy passess, make sure to get the park hopper option, so you are not locked in to one park. If one is crowded you can always shift gears and go to another one.
My parents just got back from Disney at the beginning of this month. They were there for Christmas with my brother and his family. They told me that it was NUTS in terms of crowds, so be aware of that.
From what I understand, the meal package is worth it. I am taking my family in April and did not get the food package, but am thinking that may have been a good idea.
As for the premium(deluxe) hotel, it is up to you. If it is just two adults going, then I would say the Deluxe hotel is a good idea. If you are traveling with any kids, try the Caribbean beach resort. It is geared towards the adults a little more, is pretty quiet, and has most of the amenities that the deluxe ones have.

Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Answer 4

Very much worth it!!!!! If you stay at a premium hotel its like no other experience you've ever had. It's luxury Disney style! Even if you dont choose a premium, go for a moderate. The experience will be great as well.

As for the food plan, I have used it but plan on doing it on my next Disney trip. Disney offers some really good resturants and with the dining plan you can try them out when normally you probably wouldn't..because of money. If you get a chance do a character breakfast. I love the one at the Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom. It's a beautiful setting and it buffet style so everyone will find something good to eat.

Going to Walt Disney World is one of the best experiences I've had...I've been 10 times. And I plan on taking my son when he gets a little older so he can have those memories too.

Answer 5

I go down to WDW every other year (sometimes every year) and YES the food package is worth it!!!!!!!

Also, staying on the grounds is the only way to go. I stay in a Disney hotel, which allows me to use the Disney Magical Express bus service from the airport (no car rental! They pick you up, take you to the hotel and then take you back to the airport at the end of your vacation).

I paid about what you did this past summer for 2 people and we stayed in a great resort, had EXCELLENT food, and wonderful service. We were there 4 days.

Then again, I always book my lunch and dinner reservations about 6 months in advance.....so I can eat only at the good places (no burgers and fries!). We used our food vouchers on GREAT food.....steaks and all.

Have fun! I'll be there in December also. :)

DEFINITELY get tickets for the "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party" it's really fun.....smaller crowds, extra characters, hot chocolate, etc. I absolutely LOVE the Christmas season in the park. Every day is Christmas and there are special shows and parades. Try to book reservations for lunch or dinner in the castle (for Cinderella's Royal Table). They cook a mean prime rib. :)

and the last few times I've been down there for Christmas, it has been way too cold to swim! We wore winter coats 3 years ago!

Answer 6

No its not worth it in my opinion. Its just Disney Land. You can pay 4000 for a vacation package and go on a nice luxury vacation to Hawaii or somewhere tropical. Disney World is just not worth all of that.