Whats a good website to find a vacation package to go to get a good price? I plan on standing like 5 nights, and want to bring the kids to all those theme parks. I found some for like 1600, but I don't know if its the best deal I can get or not. Any of you guys/girls went through the same situation? How much did you spend and what did you get in your package deal? Let me know, thanks!
Plan on taking a trip to FL to go to Disneyworld, Seaworld and Universal Studios.
- Thread starter KhoiFather
- Start date
DT4K
Diamond Member
- Jan 21, 2002
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For all disney related discount and money saving info:
www.mousesavers.com
For general info on anything you could possibly want to know about Disney (they also have forum areas for Universal and Sea World):
www.disboards.com
If you find what looks like a great deal that you can only get from one particular travel agency, it's probably NOT a great deal. Disney is very particular on what kind of discounts they allow and all of them will be available by booking directly through Disney. Mousesavers is the best source of all legitimate discounts that are available.
Disney sometimes offers discount codes that only apply to packages, but otherwise, booking a package will NOT be cheaper than booking your room and buying your tickets separately.
You will NEVER find a huge discount on Disney tickets. If you do, there's a 100% likelihood that it's a scam. But there are a couple of authorized resellers that always sell tickets for a slight discount (usually 5% or less off). You can check them out via Mousesavers.
As far as booking a room at a Disney resort, there are a couple of different discounts that are often available.
AAA - You can save 10-20% off the rack room rate if you are a AAA member. This discount is almost always available (Easter and Christmas may be exceptions). And you can book it directly through Disney by asking for the AAA rate. You will be asked for your AAA card when you check in.
FL Resident - If you are a Florida resident, there are sometimes discount codes available. These are usually available a few months in advance. Check Mousesavers.
Annual Passholder - Typically similar to the FL resident rates, but for Annual Passholders.
General Public - similar to above, but these discount codes, when available, can be used by anyone. Again, check Mousesavers for any current deals.
I'm less familiar with Universal and Sea World, but I can probably answer pretty much ANY question you have about Disney World.
www.mousesavers.com
For general info on anything you could possibly want to know about Disney (they also have forum areas for Universal and Sea World):
www.disboards.com
If you find what looks like a great deal that you can only get from one particular travel agency, it's probably NOT a great deal. Disney is very particular on what kind of discounts they allow and all of them will be available by booking directly through Disney. Mousesavers is the best source of all legitimate discounts that are available.
Disney sometimes offers discount codes that only apply to packages, but otherwise, booking a package will NOT be cheaper than booking your room and buying your tickets separately.
You will NEVER find a huge discount on Disney tickets. If you do, there's a 100% likelihood that it's a scam. But there are a couple of authorized resellers that always sell tickets for a slight discount (usually 5% or less off). You can check them out via Mousesavers.
As far as booking a room at a Disney resort, there are a couple of different discounts that are often available.
AAA - You can save 10-20% off the rack room rate if you are a AAA member. This discount is almost always available (Easter and Christmas may be exceptions). And you can book it directly through Disney by asking for the AAA rate. You will be asked for your AAA card when you check in.
FL Resident - If you are a Florida resident, there are sometimes discount codes available. These are usually available a few months in advance. Check Mousesavers.
Annual Passholder - Typically similar to the FL resident rates, but for Annual Passholders.
General Public - similar to above, but these discount codes, when available, can be used by anyone. Again, check Mousesavers for any current deals.
I'm less familiar with Universal and Sea World, but I can probably answer pretty much ANY question you have about Disney World.
DT4K
Diamond Member
- Jan 21, 2002
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Express pass is for Universal. It used to be free, but now they charge you. Price varies depending on season and crowds. In other words, the more you need it, the more it will cost. It can be up to $50 or $60 per day per person, I think.
It allows you to use the Express line once for each ride. This means a 5-10 minute wait, even if the regular line is 60 minutes or more. If you stay at one of Universal's on-site hotels, you can use the Express line all day as many times as you want. Their hotels are nice, but expensive. Like $230/night minimum.
Disney's FastPass system is similar, but free to all guests. It's not quite as flexible though because you can only get one FastPass at a time.
If you are only going to be there for 5 days, there is no way to do Sea World, Universal, and Disney. There is way too much to do. That is 7 big theme parks right there.
I would either choose:
Just Disney World
OR
Universal and Sea World
moshquerade
No Lifer
- Nov 1, 2001
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exactly what i was going to ask. it sounds like a *very* ambitious itinerary for the time allotted.
DT4K
Diamond Member
- Jan 21, 2002
- 6,944
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Well, technically, you could do it with park hoppers and just hitting the highlights of each park. But I think it would make for a miserable trip.
On our first trip to FL, we did the 4 Disney theme parks, 1 Disney water park, Sea World, and one of the Universal parks. We were there for 10 nights and we were exhausted and felt like we definitely tried to do too much in too short a period of time.
On another trip, we spent 6 nights, did just the Disney parks, and still felt like we didn't have enough time.
My kids are 1 and 6. Hmmm, maybe we'll just stay at Disneyworld for like 4 days to try to get as much as I can and go to Seaworld for a day. Does that sound alright?
moshquerade
No Lifer
- Nov 1, 2001
- 61,504
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SeaWorld is awesome for a day trip. There are 'lots of shows you can sit down at and relax.
DisneyWorld is going to be stressful for a 1 and a 6 year old no matter how good natured they are. I've seen may adults even lose it over the long lines, the heat, and the crowds.
I wouldn't want to take kids that young to DisneyWorld.
I agree, skip Universal Studios for now if you are set on DisneyWorld and SeaWorld.
Universal is much better for adults. Most of the waiting lines have A/C and there rides/attractions are much better. But with 1 and 6 year old, I would focus on Disney as its much more kid oriented.
DT4K
Diamond Member
- Jan 21, 2002
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Universal is a blast and has some of the best rides in Orlando(Spiderman, Dueling Dragons, Mummy), but with kids those ages, I would skip it. While Universal isn't "all thrill rides" like some people say, they definitely don't have as much to offer as Disney for younger kids. If they had to choose, my 10 and 12 year olds might pick Universal, but my 3 and 7 yr olds would spend at least half the day being bored there.
We've taken our kids to Disney as young as 6 months and we all had a great time. No, they won't remember it at that age, but they were great and loved seeing all the characters and the lights and everything. IMO, the key to keeping everyone happy and sane is to really relax and not try to do too much. It's a good idea to make a plan for each day, but you also need to be flexible. If the kids are getting tired, go back to your hotel and rest. Or go for a swim in the pool. Don't try to "do it all" because you will not be able to and if you stress about it, everyone will be miserable.
IMO, I'd plan to spend some time in each of the 4 disney parks and leave Sea World as optional. Sea World is a great park and is a bit less tiring than the Disney parks because there are more sit-down shows. But I wouldn't want to spend 4 or 5 consecutive days in theme parks. It really is more tiring than people realize.
If you can do 5 days, my ideal plan would be to spend 2 days in the parks, then have a rest day, where you can sleep in, lounge around the pool, give your feet a break, whatever, then spend 2 more days in the parks. Having an R&R day after every couple of park days is a lifesaver.
Hey don't forget that all three of those theme parks are completely unrelated, so you aren't going to be able to go to the Disney website and get a ticket package to all of those. You're best bet is talking to a travel agency that might have a package deal for what you're looking at.
Also, are you set on Universal Studios? If you have only 1 day to spend at Universal, I'd suggest going to their newer sister park, Islands of Adventure. There is a huge Dr. Seuss land and some other newer and neater attractiions like Jurassic Park... unless your kids are really into ET and Jaws, which might be past their time.
Also, are you set on Universal Studios? If you have only 1 day to spend at Universal, I'd suggest going to their newer sister park, Islands of Adventure. There is a huge Dr. Seuss land and some other newer and neater attractiions like Jurassic Park... unless your kids are really into ET and Jaws, which might be past their time.
DT4K
Diamond Member
- Jan 21, 2002
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Universal has some great rides, but they have some crappy ones as well. Back to the Future, Jaws, Earthquake, Twister, Dr. Doom to name a few. I enjoy both of these competing corporate money making machines, but overall, I think the rides at Disney are just as good, even for adults.
Drekce
Golden Member
- Sep 29, 2000
- 1,398
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- 76
I wouldn't buy a package if you want to hit all of those parks, since they are all unrelated. With kids that age I would stick with Disney, if you only have five days. There is more than enough to do in that amount of time without having to drive down I-4 to Universal or Sea World.
We definitely have our mind set on going March 17 to the 21st. Plan on driving down there from Philadelphia area Saturday morning hoping to get there by Sunday night. Go to Disney World on Monday and Tuesday, Seaworld on Wednesday, have a relaxing day on Thursday then drive home Friday in the afternoon.
How do you guys think I should be spending to do that? I want to be around like 12-1300 if possible.
Just a little tip, disneyworld will pretty much take up your whole vacation. Especially if you have kids.
DT4K
Diamond Member
- Jan 21, 2002
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Well, the heat shouldn't be a problem. Temperatures in Florida in March are just about perfect. Not too hot and not too cold.
However, I CANNOT recommend you take this trip the week before Easter. The week before and the week after Easter will be absolutely wall to wall packed with people. Aside from the week between Christmas and New Year's, it's the most crowded time of the entire year. It can be done, if you know all the tips and tricks, arrive at the parks each day at least 30 minutes before opening, run to the big rides first thing in the morning, then get the heck out of the parks by noon. But I honestly think that anyone who goes to Disney for the first time during those two weeks will be miserable. By noon, you can expect 2 hour lines at most of the big rides.
Also, that time of year will be the most expensive time to go.
However, I CANNOT recommend you take this trip the week before Easter. The week before and the week after Easter will be absolutely wall to wall packed with people. Aside from the week between Christmas and New Year's, it's the most crowded time of the entire year. It can be done, if you know all the tips and tricks, arrive at the parks each day at least 30 minutes before opening, run to the big rides first thing in the morning, then get the heck out of the parks by noon. But I honestly think that anyone who goes to Disney for the first time during those two weeks will be miserable. By noon, you can expect 2 hour lines at most of the big rides.
Also, that time of year will be the most expensive time to go.
DT4K
Diamond Member
- Jan 21, 2002
- 6,944
- 3
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Whenever you go, you'll get the best bang for the buck, the more days you spend at Disney. So if you're on a budget, it would be a lot cheaper to spend 4 days at Disney than to spend 3 days at Disney and 1 day at Universal or Sea World.
A basic 3 day Disney ticket will cost about $215 for an adult. A 4, 5, or 6 day ticket is only like $220-$225.
A basic 3 day Disney ticket will cost about $215 for an adult. A 4, 5, or 6 day ticket is only like $220-$225.
Modelworks
Lifer
- Feb 22, 2007
- 16,240
- 7
- 76
I haven't been to seaworld since I was 10.
I went with my grandmother.
It was when they were really hyping Shamu and the tunnel that you could walk through with the sharks swimming around had just been built.
It was actually more fun to me than disneyworld was at the time.
I was just reading that seaworld calls all its orcas shamu.
Never knew that.
Hope you and your family have fun !
I went with my grandmother.
It was when they were really hyping Shamu and the tunnel that you could walk through with the sharks swimming around had just been built.
It was actually more fun to me than disneyworld was at the time.
I was just reading that seaworld calls all its orcas shamu.
Never knew that.
Hope you and your family have fun !
alkemyst
No Lifer
- Feb 13, 2001
- 83,769
- 19
- 81
5 nights assuming 4 days in the parks will be pushing it for just Disney even though the crowds are extremely low in Feb.
You could do Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and MGM pretty easily though with a day in each (animal kingdom should take less than a day which can be used to catch more of epcot or MK).
I personally like Sea World a lot, even with passes to disney we get additional passes to seaworld.
Universal / Islands of Adventure are good for pretty much thrill rides.
I think you'd be better served narrowing your range down a bit as kids under 12 tend to get pooped out on only a partial day.
You could do Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and MGM pretty easily though with a day in each (animal kingdom should take less than a day which can be used to catch more of epcot or MK).
I personally like Sea World a lot, even with passes to disney we get additional passes to seaworld.
Universal / Islands of Adventure are good for pretty much thrill rides.
I think you'd be better served narrowing your range down a bit as kids under 12 tend to get pooped out on only a partial day.
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