With so many offers coming out for Canadians to visit the Walt Disney World resort, the question of which offer to take is a big one. So, which is best?
The truth is, it depends. There are several factors that you should take into consideration when choosing a Canadian resident offer.
1. WHEN ARE YOU GOING? WHEN ARE YOU BOOKING?
Depending on when you're planning to visit the Walt Disney World resort and when are you planning to book your vacation package? Dates matter and it is important to remember that you must book by the final date to book and during the valid to travel period in order to take advantage of the offer.
Remember that with many bookings, a small deposit is required with full payment due usually 30 days before the date of arrival. You should speak with a travel agent or Walt Disney Travel Company agent to understand when you must make your payment(s).
2. WHERE ARE YOU STAYING? WHAT TIER (VALUE, MODERATE, OR DELUXE)?
Not all offers are valid for all rooms. Making sure that you preferred room and resort are eligible for the offer is an important consideration. The better the room, the bigger the savings which may make it cheaper for you to book a room discount package instead of a free Disney Dining Plan offer.
3. HOW MUCH WILL YOU REALLY EAT? WHERE ARE YOU PLANNING TO EAT?
The Disney Dining Plan (DDP) is great (for some).
Understanding where you will be eating (and how many dining credits you'll need to each reservation), how often and what you'll be eating, will help you with some of the math you'll need to do to see if the free Disney Dining Plan offer is right for you.
Understanding where you will be eating (and how many dining credits you'll need to each reservation), how often and what you'll be eating, will help you with some of the math you'll need to do to see if the free Disney Dining Plan offer is right for you.
The cost of a quick service meal at most locations is between $10 to $15 per person, with a beverage cost on top of that. That said, many of those meals are very big and can be shared. For instance, there were many morning in September that my wife and I shared a breakfast sandwich at Landscape of Flavors for breakfast and we were full when we left for the parks. Similarly, many of the food from booths at all of the EPCOT festivals are a snack credit.
If you are not going to use all of the Disney Dining Plan credits (including an alcoholic beverage at meals), you may lose money on the DDP. Remember, you are paying full price for your room with the free Dining Plan offer and the financial loss is real (and magnified based on the lost room discount) if you aren't going to fully use the Disney Dining Plan.
4. ARE YOU AN ANNUAL PASSHOLDER (AP)? DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO BE AN AP?
There are several benefits of being an AP at Walt Disney World with the discounts that it offers and exclusive merchandise. For example, APs can receive a free PhotoPass service. Factoring in discounts and park tickets of adding a single AP to your vacation package, may impact your decision.
So there you have it. When planning your vacation package to Walt Disney World in Orlando, you'll need to do the math to see which one works best. If you're not willing to do the math, then you should consider using a travel agent that specializes in travel to Disney Parks and Resorts who will often do the math on your behalf.