In the introduction to this series of articles on the Disney Resort packages, we learned about the great 'ticket temptation' called the Unlimited Magic Pass or 'UMP.' It is valid from the moment you check in until the moment you check out, and can go EVERYwhere!

Please review that article, as you will not understand why someone might not want this special ticket designed exclusively for guests of the resort. Please go to:

Disney Resort Packages Exposed:
Are You Sure You Want the Unlimited Magic Pass?

Is it Better to Have or Have Not?

In my introduction, you met the Smith family from Dallas, Texas. They are coming to Walt Disney World from December 5 - 10, 2000, and will be guests of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. They wisely chose to reserve their rooms only, and have put off their decision on a package. After getting quotes for the four packages offered to them, as well as a price on their Unlimited Magic Passes (UMPs), they came to us for advice. They were warned, however, that Disney does not honor verbal quotes, so we will have to keep that in mind. Let's begin.

We should first review their basic reservation charges for the hotel and UMPs:

Because we will be comparing the 'true costs' of the various package options, we need a basic figure to compare them to. We won't know the true costs of the additional package amenities without it.

That figure should be determined by the cost of the Unlimited Magic Pass, right? You can't have a package without them, and you need something to visit the parks with. Everything else is considered icing on the cake. When we are finished with our study, we will know just how much that 'icing' really is.

Magic Kingdom's castle - photo by Karl Buiter

The packages we will examine next are going to offer more than just park admission, so expect to see those figures climb. That's not a bad thing. We expect to pay more for a package that allows us to do more don't we?

What should be important to us, however, is how much we are actually paying for the additional amenities ...

There is one more thing you must understand and remember: All of the amenities that come with Disney packages are allocated by the number of nights required for the hotel reservation. (Although the UMPs are configured and charged by the number of days . Hmmm ... you might want to think about the fairness of that.) You realize, of course, there are always more days than nights when staying at a hotel, right? Our Smith family of four is staying for 6 days and 5 nights.

Our Mrs. Smith was very interested in the Resort Magic package. The CRO agent that helped them told her it was an excellent value that gave them something called 'flex options' in addition to their Unlimited Magic Passes. Each member of their party will be able to choose from a list of 'gifts,' and they are not required to select the same one. In other words, each family member can choose what they like. Sounds nice, doesn't it? 

Let's take a look at their available 'gifts' or flex options, as well as the cost of the package:

The Resort Magic package includes:

• Unlimited Magic Passes
• Commemorative Millennium Pin (one per person)
• Disney Flex Feature : One of Disneyâs Flex Feature options to choose from (per person), such as:
    
  • Disney Character breakfast
  • Mickey În You photo session
  • Special millennium merchandise
  • One round of miniature golf plus a souvenir gift
  • 30 minute Water Mouse boat rental
  • Choice of one T-shirt from selected Downtown Disney area locations
  • Lunch or Dinner plus a souvenir gift at the Official All Star CafŽ¨ 
  • Choice of selected Disney Discovery Tours and more to choose from!
      
    • Inside Animation at the Disney-MGM Studios (16 and older)
    • Gardens of the World at Epcot (16 and older)
    • The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains at the Magic Kingdom (ages 10 and up)
    • Camp Disney Youth Discovery Programs (7-15 years of age)
    • Disney's Family Magic at the Magic Kingdom (all ages)

Resort Magic package price: $2778
Resort Magic package minus the costs of the room and UMPs: $49.38
Resort Magic package price per guest: $12.34

Wow! That's great isn't it? The cost difference per family member of the Smith family is only an additional $12.34! There is nothing on the above list that is that inexpensive, so they are actually coming out ahead. Plus, they each get a really cool Commemorative Millennium pin. If they don't have time for any of the activities, they can at least get a T-shirt or character breakfast.

When you look at the value, it doesn't make sense to only go with the Unlimited Magic Pass and hotel reservations. In fact, because this is such a great deal, from now on let's compare the more expensive packages to it. If they do choose a package, this one seems great.

'Hold on,' you say. "I thought you were going to expose the Disney packages!"

I'm not finished yet ... ;>)

You will have to keep reading. We haven't even decided if the Unlimited Magic Pass is the best ticket for their plans yet, remember? I ask for your patience. These guests have not been here for several years, and they have asked us to help them with all of the options. It's only fair to explore each of the packages first. Besides, their friends and family have told them 'it's the only way to go!'

David and Kelly are very excited about the Resort Magic package, but wonder if they shouldn't go with a more expensive upgrade. They remember the next level up was the Discovery Magic package, and it comes with two flex options per night per guest! If the Resort Magic was such a great value, then this one probably offers even more savings, right? 

"After all, I hear that the food is very expensive in the parks," Kelly interjects, "and you can use your flex options for meals in the restaurants. And she also remembers there was a more comprehensive list of activities to choose from.

Kelly is gently pushing for the Discovery Magic package, so we shall have to examine it for them.

Next : Disney's Discovery Magic Package:
How Much Do Those Flex Options Really Cost?
or
"Ever Heard of the 'Bait and Switch' Technique?"

I knew I wanted to develop my own business some day, so in college I majored in Economics and Finance Management and hoped it would prove useful. It has. It forces one to look at everything from a 'total realized cost' angle. What is the real cost per 'widget' per day? Our enjoyment of 'widgets' is illustrated with a bell curve, etc. I could continue, but you don't want me to. Trust me.

I hope this introduction to a series of articles that delve into the world of Disney Resort Packages makes a positive difference with your vacation planning. The information you will learn here can free up money for other things, instead of on tickets and packages that you do not need. It's true in life ... 'Waste not, want not.'

Please visit the Michael's VIPS site to find out more about the quality services Michael Hewell offers.

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