May 23, 2003 -- This never happens. Who would have thought that mighty Mouse, Disney, would be offering deals? Quite simply, times are financially perilous, and even the folks in Orlando realize they need bargains to attract people in a jittery nation preoccupied with war, terrorism, SARS and threats of airline bankruptcies.
These are previously unheard of offers from Disney World:
If you book by June 29, 2003, you can sign up for a Disney Fairytale Vacation Package that is good for travel between July 4 and November 20, 2003. The deal provides three free nights after you pay for four. Also included are theme park tickets and a framed print and pin. The price is from $499 per adult (a savings, they say, of at least $275 per adult); $266 per junior (ages 10 through 17), a savings of $98; and $212 per child (ages 3 to 9), a savings of $80.
The rates are based on adult double occupancy at a Disney Value Resort and are available most nights from July 4 through August 23, 2003, and again from October 2 through November 20, 2003. Lower rates may be available most nights from August 24 to October 1, 2003. Savings are based on non-discounted seven-night package rate for the same package after June 29, 2003.
You can book on the Mouse's website, www.disneyworld.com, or by phoning your travel agent or 407/939-7619. Mention code ZRFS.
In addition to the seven-night deal (for the price of four nights), there are other versions of the Fairytale programs, such as the one offered by Southwest Airlines Vacations. Package prices for a five-night plan include roundtrip air (in this case via Southwest Airlines) into Orlando, lodgings at a selected Disney World Resort Hotel, a Disney Ultimate Park Hopper Ticket (providing admission to all Disney World Theme Parks, Water Parks and more) throughout the stay, and a souvenir piece of "art." You can add optional features such as a rental car if you wish.
Here are some per person prices, based on double occupancy: Out of Baltimore, from $589, out of Houston from $619; out of Providence RI from $624; and out of Chicago from $624. These prices are for Wednesday and Thursday departures between August 24 and October 1, 2003, when booked by May 29, 2003. Other conditions may apply.
For these Southwest vacations, contact the company at www.swavacations.com or phone 800/423-5683, in Spanish at 888/423-5683.
For Floridians Only
Florida residents get great special deals from Disney World, which can be booked through a travel agent or by phoning 407/W-DISNEY. There are some room-only deals applicable for the period between July 4 and August 23, 2003, if you book by July 3, 2003. You can get a room for $69 per night at a Value resort (a $30 savings), $84 at a Moderate resort, and $114 at a Deluxe resort, representing savings of $60 and $85 per night, they say.
From now through July 3, 2003, Floridians can get a room as low as $59 per night. And check out the four- and five-day Park Hopper tickets, which range from $199 to $259 for adults (aged ten and over!) and from $159 to $208 for children (aged 3 to 9).
Universally Yours
Not willing to sit idly by while business is being sucked away, Universal Studios Orlando has jumped in with discounts as well offering four-night hotel/park pass combos from $450 per person starting June 30. Go to www.universalorlando.com for details or call 800/407-4275.
Need airfare with that? Then you can rely on USAirways vacation arm to throw in just that, along with a three-night's hotel and park passes plus a few little extras for a stunningly cheap starter price of $399 out of New York. Departures can be had wherever USAir flies at additional cost (but really not much more). You can get more info and book online at www.usairwaysvacations.com or by calling 800/352-8747. You must make reservations by June 20.
A Reminder of Military Free Days
Members of the military can get one free 5-day "Armed Forces Salute" ticket, valid for admission into the four Disney World theme parks, two Disney water parks, Pleasure Island and more, through December 19, 2003. Active military personnel may make a one-time purchase of this same ticket for $99 (plus tax), for up to five family members (including spouse) or friends.
Certain Disney World Resort hotels offer room rates for active military personnel at a 40% savings per night, based on the non-discounted price of the same room. Also available most nights through December 19, 2003, though the number of rooms is limited. For more information or to make reservations, military personnel may phone 407/939-7424. Information is also available at www.disneyworld.com/military. There are a few restrictions, including the need for proper ID. Similar offers are available at Disneyland in California and on the Disney Cruise Lines.
Click here to read our recent column on other special discounts for active military personnel.