Saving on meals with the Mouse

Eating at the Walt Disney World restaurants is part of what makes a trip to Orlando memorable. But for some families, a couple of meals a day in the Disney parks might become so expensive they feel they can't afford the experience.

For a limited time, however, United Vacations has an offer that throws in the basic Disney dining program — one table service meal, one counter service meal and one snack per person for each hotel night.

To see whether the deal saves money, we checked the United Vacations package against Walt Disney World's own package prices for the same four-night stay.

The travelers: two adults, one 8-year-old and one 12-year-old sharing the same room.

The trip: Four nights at Walt Disney World.

The route: Chicago-Orlando round-trip.

The dates: Aug 26-30.


THE UNITED VACATIONS DEAL

Quoted online at www.unitedvacations.com

$2,273 at Disney's BoardWalk Inn, an upscale, but not luxury, property.

Includes: four nights at selected hotel; round-trip flights from Chicago; round-trip transfers on Disney's Magical Express; four-day Magic Your Way park passes; basic dining plan of one table service meal, one counter service meal and one snack per person for each hotel night; trip cancellation insurance and all taxes.

Contacts: 888-328-6877; www.unitedvacations .com; or your local travel agent.


WALT DISNEY WORLD PACKAGE

Quoted by phone at 407-939-7675.

$3,433 at Disney's BoardWalk Inn .

Includes: four nights at selected hotel; round-trip flights from Chicago; round-trip transfers on Disney's Magical Express; four-day Magic Your Way park passes; basic dining plan of one table service meal, one counter service meal and one snack per person for each hotel night; trip cancellation insurance and all taxes.

Contact: 407-939-7675; disneyworld.disney.go .com


THE FINE PRINT

The United Vacation deal saves an impressive $1,160, but you have to jump through some hoops to get it. Among the stipulations? Book by May 11, travel between Aug. 26 and Sept 22, purchase the flight-plus-hotel Magic Your Way package, be sure you choose a hotel designated as "special," stay at least three nights and purchase your park admission tickets through United Vacations.
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tsalama@tribune.com



Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune


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