Disney World Summer Offers - Really a Savings?
On the week of March 21 the Walt Disney World Resort released a wide array of summer offers promising a deep discounts. But will you actually save money? Disney released the following offers for summer 2015:
- Summer Offer: Save up to 30% on rooms, June 16 through August 27, 2015
- The Preschool Summer Package, June 16 through August 13, 2015
- Magic Together Package, June 16 through August 9, 2015
Where are the savings?
We're not convinced that the Summer Savings Package is a great bargain. As we discuss on our History of Walt Disney World Offers page, you can get one of these offers just about anytime of year. What really confuses us is the Preschool Offer and the Magic Together Offer. These are essentially the same as the Summer Offer but they have shorter travel windows. Also, there doesn't seem to be a difference in price between the three different offers.
For example, let's say a family of two adults, 1 child (age 4) wants to stay one night, arriving June 18, departing June 19, and with 2-day Base Tickets. Here's what it will cost:
Disney's All Star Music Resort (standard view)
Summer Offer Package: $731
Preschool Summer Package: $731
Magic Together Package: $731
Disney's Wilderness Lodge (woods view)
Summer Offer Package $882
Preschool Summer Package: $882
Magic Together Package: $882
We tested travel dates beyond Aug 13 for the Preschool offer and were still able to get the lower rates. The same is true for the Magic Together Offer. We believe all three offers are actually the same offer, all part of the Summer Offer with the actual travel window of June 16 through August 27.
Even though it appears to be confusing, it is possible to save money. Just don't get confused with the different travel windows, these offers are valid throughout most of the summer. Magical Vacations Travel has a few summer offers of their own with savings on rooms and tickets. In most cases, they work out better than the Summer Offer.
We always recommend working with a travel agent who specializes in Disney. Sure you can book by yourself but your agent, who works for you free of charge, will find the best possible price for you. It's what makes them so valuable. Plus you're supporting a small business and that's a good thing.
Orlando Rental Car Rates Soar Spring 2015
Orlando International Airport houses the largest rental car market in the world so prices are usually the best you'll find anywhere. However, we're noticing that prices have increased for March and April travel.
Alamo's website is featuring a Pay Now deal, but we don't recommend this. Find out why here.
Costco is offering some of the best rates and if you're not already a member, you might be able to pay the membership and still save money! Our benchmark for midsize and full size cars is $30 per day but rates are as much as twice that on some websites.
We recommend taking the time to shop around. In this volatile market, try different websites. For example, Travelocity is offering a full size car with Alamo for $70 per day. Costco has the same car for $38 per day and Alamo's own website, using the Insider discount is $68 per day.
On the Save at Walt Disney World website where we discuss money saving tips for Orlando rental cars, we explain why paying in advance to get a better rate is not recommended.
Money can be saved if you rent with a company off airport property but this is such an inconvenience we rarely consider this as an option.
Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party at Magic Kingdom
Beginning July 5, 2015, you can enjoy the newly enhanced Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. This event is held at the Tomorrowland Terrace - between Main Street USA and Tomorrowland.
The new menu includes chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, ice cream, season fruit and cheese, Beverages include hot chocolate, lemonade, and of course coffee and tea.
New at this venue, a sparkling cider toast as you celebrate during the fireworks.
The Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party is $49 for adults, $29 for children, tax included. Reservations can be made by calling your travel agent, or by calling 407-WDW-DINE or by visiting Disneyworld.com.
Also, we announced this week that you can book breakfast reservations at Be Our Guest Restaurant.
Darren Wittko is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and a Disney Destinations Specialist at Magical Vacations Travel. Voted "best of the best Disney travel agent" by readers of the 2015 Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.
Planet Hollywood Gets a Makeover
As part of the transformation from Downtown Disney to Disney Springs, we learned today that Planet Hollywood will get much needed makeover. When complete, guests can dine in a four-story stargazing observatory to match the design and aesthetic of Disney Springs. Inside, fans will still have an opportunity to view movie memorabilia as they celebrate a new generation of superstar entertainers.
Planet Hollywood gets a much needed makeover at the new Disney Springs
Plus, a new outdoor terrace and bar space, Stargazers, will feature live entertainment, while music in the main dining room will include a DJ. And, the menu will include popular favorites, new tastes, as well as a trendy beverage menu. The expansion will be complete in spring 2016.
Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas will double its seating capacity and will get a menu makeover. This transformation is expected to be completed summer 2015.
Darren Wittko is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and a Disney Destinations Specialist at Magical Vacations Travel. Voted "best of the best Disney travel agent" by readers of the 2015 Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.
Be Our Guest [For Breakfast] Restaurant
Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom will begin serving breakfast on March 20, 2015. Reservations can be made beginning on March 17.
The "fast-casual" menu will feature French fare, but oddly enough you won't find French toast. It's slightly more sophisticated than that! Each meal begins with a pastry basket for sharing. Your entrée options include assorted cured meat and cheese served with marmalade, fresh fruit and a toasted baguette. You can also enjoy eggs Florentine served in a puff pastry shell with country ham and roasted plum tomatoes. Even the open-face bacon-and-poached-egg sandwich has Brie.
The kids’ menu includes brioche French toast with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs with Applewood bacon and fresh fruit, fruit crepes with yogurt and fresh fruit with a berry foam, cereal and oatmeal.
Click here for more menu offerings at Be Our Guest Restaurant for breakfast. Reservations can be made at disneyworld.com/dine or contact your travel agent.
Darren Wittko is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and a Disney Destinations Specialist at Magical Vacations Travel. Voted "best of the best Disney travel agent" by readers of the 2015 Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.