Opinions

To Package or not to Package:
By Margaret Lewis - October 08, 2001

Whether a person does a package or not depends on a some basic factors. How much time do you have to analyze your vacation needs and wants; are you willing to expand your knowledge base if past experience is lacking; and how valuable is your time and money resources? I've done packages twice and my own deals twice.

Now, I will be honest, packages are unbelievably easy on the brainpan. Decide on your budget, pick a plan, and you'll get a selection of things you can do at a particular price point. You'll get little extras like pins, souvenirs, flex features, etc., depending on the type of package plan you choose. Now, this is nice if you have a last minute opportunity, money to burn, or just don't want to fuss with organizing every facet of a vacation.

In my experience, I've wasted about 38% of the money spent by doing this. Why? Because there were many features on the plan I did not use and probably would not use even if I had the time, I paid full price for accommodations and passes. What I gained was prearranged air flights, ground transportation, accommodations, length of stay passes to everything everywhere all the time. I was very impressed with the service I received through American Express when I did one of their package deals. I didn't stay on property, but everything was covered and like when I went through Disney for a package plan the service was exemplary. All I had to do was show up and in those two instances, that is all I wanted to do.

Now, after obtaining Disney experience, I find a big value point is the sheer planning of the trip. I enjoy seeking out the best deals, finding bargain air flights, increasing my knowledge base and discovering new friends who share my "disneymania" as we exchange ideas and information. It tickles me pink to know my airline tickets cost $184 RT, my resort rate was $49/night, and I get a discount on my passes because I discovered my company offers a chapter rate on the Disney Club. As you can see, planning becomes a game and an end unto itself. A game from which I derive a great deal of pleasure.

It is not necessarily a cost verses benefit test in my case, but if the truth be know - I'm a bargain hunter and a bit of tightwad. I do not like wasting money on features I won't use, and my creature comforts requirements aren't a status symbol. I enjoy doing things for myself and as a friend of mine says...I don't need someone holding my hands through the process...Now, I think that is a bit harsh and overbearing statement of the facts, however, in my case it is true. But, it is not true of everyone, nor should it be.

Each of the Disney Plans has advantages and exciting features. The reality is: what an individual chooses should reflect the needs, resources, and personal taste of that individual. What is right for a research hound with tightwad tendencies who enjoys a rather spartan lifestyle is totally different someone else. So, do it your way, and enjoy the doing of it. Remember, it is vacation. The planning, whether extensive or not, should not be a burden, but rather a precursor to the future enjoyment of the vacation itself.