Package Deals

Package tours are simply a way to buy the airfare, accommodations, and other elements of your trip (such as car rentals, airport transfers, and sometimes even activities) at the same time and often at discounted prices.

Before you invest in a package deal:

• Always ask about the cancellation policy. Can you get your money back? Is there a deposit required?
• Ask about the accommodations choices and prices for each. Then look up the hotels' reviews in a Frommer's guide and check their rates online for your specific dates of travel. Also find out what types of rooms are offered.
• Finally, look for hidden expenses. Ask whether airport departure fees and taxes, for example, are included in the total cost -- they rarely are.

The number and diversity of package tours to Orlando is staggering. But you can save money if you're willing to do the research. Start by looking in the travel section of your local Sunday newspaper and checking the ads in the back of travel magazines such as Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel Magazine, Travel + Leisure, and Condé Nast Traveler. Also, stop at a sizable travel agency and pick up brochures from several companies. Go over them at home and compare the offerings to find the optimum package for your trip.

You should also obtain the Walt Disney World Vacations brochure, which lists WDW packages, or head to www.disneyworld.com (where you'll find loads of information and can book a package as well). Disney's array of choices can include airfare, accommodations on or off Disney property, theme-park passes, a rental car, meals, a Disney cruise, and/or a stay at Disney's beach resorts in Vero Beach or Hilton Head, South Carolina. Some packages are tied to a season, while others are for special-interest vacationers, including golfers, honeymooners, or spa aficionados. For more information, or to book a Disney vacation package, call tel. 407/939-6244.

One good source of package deals is the airlines themselves. Most major airlines offer air/land packages to Orlando, including American Airlines Vacations (tel. 800/321-2121; www.aavacations.com), Delta Vacations (tel. 800/654-6559; www.deltavacations.com), Continental Airlines Vacations (tel. 800/301-3800; www.covacations.com), and United Vacations (tel. 888/854-3899; www.unitedvacations.com). Several big online travel agencies -- Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Site59, and Lastminute.com -- also do a brisk business in Orlando packages. Packages can include round-trip airfare, accommodations, rental car or round-trip airport transfers, unlimited admission to Disney (or other) parks, and other special features. In packages utilizing WDW and Universal Studios resorts, you will receive all of the advantages given to guests of these properties. Prices vary widely depending on the resort you choose, your departure point, and the time of year.

Touraine Travel (tel. 800/967-5583; www.tourainetravel.com) is a source of packages to Disney, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld.

For more information on package tours and for tips on booking your trip, see www.frommers.com/planning.

Package Deals

Just about everybody seems to be in the business of package deals these days. While Disney itself offers a handful of package options, the discounts aren't usually that considerable. However, do ask reservations clerks what the latest and greatest promotion is, or what may be running at the time you intend to visit. Promotions tend to run for a limited time so be sure to get all the details -- when it runs, what it includes, what it doesn't, and so on. You should also search the Disney website (www.disneyworld.com) for special deals and promotions.

For up-to-date coverage of promotional offerings and discount codes good at Disney World, check out www.mousesavers.com. The site also offers its own slate of Disney specials.