Today's tip is another of the "do the math" variety: always check that your "discount" is actually saving you money. For example, many people assume that if they buy their tickets and hotel stay in a package from Disney, they will save money. While this may sometimes be the case, it isn't necessarily. One way to check is by plugging each element into Disney's website to see the individual prices. Unless there is an advertised discount, it's usually pretty much the same to purchase tickets and a resort stay separately. (This same principle is at work in the fast food industry--you can often get the burger, fries, and drink for the same price when you order them separately. The "combo" makes it easier to order, but doesn't always save you any cash.)
Another example of this can be found in today's Eversave deal, a five-night stay for a family of four at the Country Inn and Suites Kissimmee--a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel ($695 value) for just $295. That averages out to about $59/night. Not bad...not bad at all. However, this is for a standard room in an off-site hotel. Compare that with our nightly rate of $55 at the All-Star Sports Resort (on-site) in September. Granted, we have a PIN code, but they are actually running a room-only discount for the time that we're there which makes the same room about $69/night. OK, it's $10 more per night. But let's not forget that it costs $14/day to park at Walt Disney World, which now brings your savings to $4/night to stay right there in the middle of the magic! If I had simply taken for granted that the Eversave deal was a great one, I would actually be losing money to stay in a less-desirable location. (BTW, I never once considered buying the Eversave deal--I'll choose to stay on Disney property every time!--but it did catch my eye because of the location.)
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