I draw inspiration for these posts from questions that I get asked. And when I get asked them a lot, I know it’s because you’re possibly not finding the information out there that you need.

That’s not to say that the information is not out there. I’m positive that it is. But, I love helping you out by saying, “Hey, I have the information you were asking about and here is where you can find it.”

So, if you are in the beginning stages of planning and don’t know where to start, this is for you…

Magic Your Way Package

This is the most common Package at Walt Disney World. And that’s because YOU get to choose what you do and don’t want to include in your Package.

What must be included in the Magic Your Way Package:

• Hotel/Resort
• Park Tickets

You can also choose to add these additional items:

• Dining Plan
• Memory Maker/Photo Pass
• Disney’s Magical Express (Free ride from Orlando International Airport to your Resort)

Why get a Package?

Packaging everything together makes planning a lot easier. When you purchase a package, all of your information is linked and can easily be added to My Disney Experience and your Magic Band, which is FREE for purchasing a package. Plus, when you can see it all together, you can see exactly how much you’re paying and if you’re missing something.

But, a big reason Guests choose to buy a Package is the Dining Plan. While this is optional, this is only an option if you purchase a Package.

This means that if you want to stay somewhere other than a Disney Resort, or you want to try to save a few dollars by purchasing your Theme Park Tickets through an online retailer, you are not eligible to purchase the Dining Plan.

Some Guests (like myself) really love the Dining Plan, while others really hate it. So, weigh the good from the bad before deciding if it is right for your family.

Deciding what to add to your Package

Choosing your Resort

Deciding on what Resort you want to stay at largely depends on what your budget is.

Value Resorts are great because they are the most affordable of all the Resorts to choose from. They’re also very family-friendly and appear very “Disney-like”. Kids love these Resorts for their fun atmosphere and large Disney Characters scattered around the Resorts.

However, if you have a little bit of a larger budget, Moderate and Deluxe may be a better option. They tend to be less whimsical than the Value Resorts, but the peaceful settings, luxurious decor, and opportunities to relax more than make up for it.

And since you’re staying at a Disney Resort, you receive Perks like Extra Magic Hours and Early Access to FastPass+ (30 days earlier than non-Resort guests!)

Types of Theme Park Tickets

• Base Tickets – Access to one Park per day
  • Perfect for first timers and those who like to conquer one Park at a time
  • Most budget-friendly option
• Park Hopper – Access to all four Parks in one day
  • Perfect for those who have mastered Disney Transportation or want to experience going to more than one park per day
  • More expensive than Base Tickets
• Park Hopper Plus – Access to all four Parks, two Water Parks, and limited number of visits to two mini-golf locations, ESPN Wide World of Sports, and Disney’s Oak Trail Gold Course
  • Perfect for those who like more options or are more relaxed in their plans
  • The most expensive option

Disney has recently changed their Tickets to a date-based System. If you have looked at ticket prices in the past, these prices and methods no longer apply. Refer to the Related Post to see what changes have been made.

Related Posts: Changes To Walt Disney World Park Tickets – Will It Change Your Travel Plans or Save You Money?

NEW MONEY-SAVING TICKET OPTIONS COMING IN 2019!

Dining Plans

Dining Plans are all pre-paid. To redeem your Meal Credits, just scan your Magic Band at the register (for Quick Service) or at your table (for Table Service Restaurants). 

**Prices are based on 2019 Packages. This is the cost per night.  

• Quick Service (Per Person)
  • Two Quick Service Meals
  • Two Snacks
  • 1 Rapid Fill Resort Refillable Mug
  • $52.50 – Ages 10+
  • $23.78 – Ages 3-9
• Table Service (Per Person)
  • One Table Service Meal
  • One Quick Service Meal
  • Two Snacks
  • 1 Rapid Fill Resort Refillable Mug
  • $75.49 Ages 10+
  • $27.98 Ages 3-9
• Deluxe Dining (Per Person)
  • Three Meals (any combination)
  • Two Snacks
  • 1 Rapid Refill Resort Refillable Mug
  • $116.25 Ages 10+
  • $43.49 Ages 3-9

Magical Extras

As an additional perk for booking through the Walt Disney Travel Company, you’ll get some extra savings as a thank-you for booking a Package.

• MagicBand – As I stated earlier, each guest on the Reservation receives one free MagicBand, with the color of his/her choosing. You can claim your Free MagicBands and select your color on My Disney Experience. They will be sent to your house (usually about 3 weeks prior to leaving). Savings – $14.99 per person
• Luggage Tag – Each person in your Reservation is sent an adorable luggage tag, usually adorned with a member of the Fab 5. Savings – depends on what you normally spend on luggage tags
• Magical Extras Card – This is also tucked away in your MagicBand Box. It can easily be missed if you don’t look in every corner. This card is good for savings at various locations – Savings – Varies
  • Miniature Golf – before 4PM – at Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland – Savings – $12 – $14 per person
  • General Admission vouchers for ESPN Wide World of Sports – Valid only on event days – Some days require an additional admission charge
  • Splitsville Luxury Lanes – 10% off bowling and food
  • Food Options in Disney Springs –
  • Earl of Sandwich – 10%
  • Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop – 10% discount or $1 off any Specialty Sundae
  • House of Blues – 20% dine-in only
  • Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company – 20% (includes all locations on Walt Disney World Property)
  • Planet Hollywood – 10% off dine-in only, no discount on merchandise
  • Wolfgang Puck Express – 10% off dine-in only, no discount on merchandise
  • Retail Locations in Disney Springs –
  • Basin – 10% off (includes Grand Floridian Location)
  • Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers – 10% (includes Magic Kingdom and EPCOT locations)
  • Curl by Sammy Duvas – 10%
  • Edward Beiner Purveyor of Fine Eyewear – 15%
  • Filthy Rich – 10%
  • Live Trends – 10%
  • Pop Gallery – 10%
  • Something Silver – 10%
  • Sublime Gifts and Finds – 10%
  • Sugarboo & Co – 10%
  • UGG – Receive customization up to $35 with any merchandise
  • Volcom – 15%

If you have a non-Park day, which is recommended to avoid burnout, this is a great way to save money on some fun non-park activities and souvenirs.

As you can see, the benefits and savings can really add up!

What do you like about the “Magic You Way” Packages?

Related Post: Disney Doesn’t HAVE to be Expensive – Learn the Tricks to Getting the Cost Down

What A Disney Travel Agent Doesn’t Tell You – But Probably Should