Is Costco Cheaper to Book Disney?

There is a common question about whether Disney vacations are cheaper at Costco than elsewhere. The answer is yes – Costco’s Disney vacation packages are often less expensive. However, Costco packages come with some strings attached. Also, you will not necessarily have the same magical experience at Costco as you would if you worked with a Disney travel agency.

The following blog post answers the question, “is Costco cheaper to book Disney?” and discusses the pros, cons, and alternatives.

Benefits of Booking Costco’s Disney Vacation Packages

There are many ways to book Disney vacations, including directly from Disney or through travel agents specializing in Disney vacations. Costco Travel, a subsidiary of Costco Wholesale, is another popular way to book Disney World and Disneyland vacation packages. With this service, Costco members can purchase Disney hotel and theme park tickets in a bundled package, making it more cost-effective than buying them separately through Disney.

Here are some of the benefits of booking a Costco Disney vacation package:

• Take advantage of exclusive vacation packages at Disney resorts and Good Neighbor hotels.
• Disney World packages from Costco may include perks like Kids Eat Free, Park Hopper tickets, resort credits, and waived resort fees.
• Costco Disney World packages include complimentary parking at all Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs.
• Costco Disney packages are tax-inclusive.
• Costco members who book a Disneyland vacation package receive a Disney gift card worth up to $245, while Good Neighbor hotel guests receive a $145 gift card based on the length of stay.
• Disneyland Costco packages include a voucher for Magical Extras Savings (for discounts at Downtown Disney stores and restaurants), a collectible Disney pin, and a lanyard.
• Costco Executive Members earn 2% rewards annually, and Citi Costco Anywhere Visa Card members earn 3% rewards on Costco Travel.

Drawbacks of Booking Disney Vacations at Costco Travel

With their attractive discounts, Costco Travel may seem like a no-brainer when it comes to Disney vacation packages. However, potential customers must be aware of the downsides as well as the advantages. This cautionary tale should serve as a reminder – read the fine print before booking those seemingly amazing deals to avoid being sucked into low prices. You don’t want to discover too late that the deal isn’t as good as it seems.

The following are some drawbacks to booking Disney through Costco:

A Costco Membership is Required

While booking Disney vacations with Costco travel may sound like a great way to go, it is important to note that these offers are only available to Costco members. To join Costco, you’ll need to pay $60 for a basic membership or $120 for an executive membership. The yearly fee may still be worth it for those who want to save hundreds on Disney vacation packages. Nevertheless, you should consider the cost of this membership since only Costco members can take advantage of these deals.

Image © Costco Wholesale Corporation

Length of Stay Restrictions on Costco Disney Vacation Packages

Disney Costco vacation packages have the potential to save you a few hundred dollars or more, but you must adhere to Costco’s restrictions.

When searching for hotels to stay at during your visit to Walt Disney World, you need to be aware that there is a minimum night stay requirement. When booked through Costco Travel, Disney World hotels are subject to a three-night minimum stay requirement. So if you plan a trip shorter than three days, you should book your reservation with a Disney travel agent or directly with Disney.

Costco’s Disney vacation packages change frequently and offer promotions for a set number of days. The majority of Costco Disney World stay-and-save packages include theme park tickets for five days. You should consider looking elsewhere if your plans exceed this predefined length (i.e. if your stay will be more or less than five days). Additionally, read all the details and fine print associated with the package before you commit, as there may be other stipulations that don’t meet your needs.

Costco’s Walt Disney World packages have inflexible restrictions, so if you’re not comfortable being constrained by guidelines, Costco Travel might not suit you. Contact a Disney travel agent instead if you want more flexibility in your vacation plans.

Disney Theme Park Tickets Aren’t Sold Separately at Costco

Costco does not sell Disney theme park tickets separately. Disney theme park tickets can only be purchased as part of Costco’s bundled vacation packages that include multiple-day resort stays. You must purchase tickets from Disney, a Disney travel agent, or a participating third-party seller if you wish to visit a theme park without staying at a hotel.

Using a MagicBand to enter a theme park | Image © Disney

Disney Travel Agents Outperform Costco

Booking with a Disney travel agent is the best way to ensure you have a magical Disney experience, and is especially important for those visiting Disney for the first time.

Besides being knowledgeable about booking Disney trips, they are also passionate fans — they frequently visit the parks and know all the tips and tricks to share with first-timers.

Disney travel agents can help you customize your vacation by suggesting where to eat, the best rides and attractions, adding extras like Lightning Lane, and more. It’s like having your own Disney personal assistant for a custom vacation.

Despite Costco’s tempting deals, nothing can compare with the personal service and reliability of a Disney travel agent. We recommend working with The Vacationeer if you need help booking a once-in-a-lifetime Disney experience. Their friendliness, Disney knowledge, and professionalism will make your trip hassle-free and memorable.

One dedicated agent at The Vacationeer will handle all your travel needs. They have first-hand experience with Disney vacations and can offer you invaluable advice. Best of all, their services are free! You will be taken care of at every step – from getting a free quote to planning and booking to staying in touch afterward! You can even contact them when you’re at the park!

By contrast, if you call Costco, you may wonder if the person on the other line has ever even been to Disney. You will also likely speak with different representatives each time you call. You may save some money, but if you need assistance beyond what a booking representative can provide, you’ll need someone like The Vacationeer.

Disney Vacations at Costco Require a Higher Deposit

A Disney vacation package at Costco can save you money in the long run, but it does require you to pay more upfront.

If you book Disney through Costco:

Your Disney theme park tickets must be paid in full when you book your package with Costco Travel. Additionally, you are required to pay a $100 deposit per person at the time of booking. Costco vacation packages must be paid in full 45 days before arrival at Disney.

If you book through Disney or a Disney travel agent:

In contrast, if you book through Disney or a Disney travel agent, the deposit is only $200 regardless of the number of people in your party, and you won’t be required to pay anything else until 30 days before your check-in date. Unlike Costco travel, you don’t have to pay for your theme park tickets in full when you book. You can also get a full refund before the 30-day deadline if you decide to cancel your trip.

Eight is Enough for Costco Vacation Packages

Costco Travel offers Disney World vacation packages for up to 8 guests. Additional guests above eight will require additional separate packages. Alternatively, Disney travel agents can assist groups larger than eight – including school groups and other groups – and book everyone together.

Costco Trips Require More Self-Management

Upon purchasing a vacation package through Costco Travel, you’ll be able to link your reservation to your My Disney Experience app account. You can then manage your Disney payments, dining reservations, add-ons, and more from the app.

Consider a full-service travel agent if you prefer to let someone else handle all these seemingly confusing aspects. The Vacationeer will take care of all your reservations from start to finish and provides suggestions whenever you need them. Yes, you will still be able to use My Disney Experience as you wish. Nevertheless, you don’t have to worry about Disney reservations and other details since your dedicated travel agent will handle them for you. The peace of mind that comes from knowing someone is always there to help you can be priceless.

Is Costco Worth It to Book Disney?

Costco frequently offers Disney trips at a lower price than Disney directly or through a Disney travel agency. However, there are significant downsides to booking with Costco.

The packages offered by Costco are less flexible than those provided by Disney or Disney travel agencies. In addition, you receive significantly less service than you would if you booked with a Disney travel agency such as The Vacationeer.

Paying slightly more for the trip you really want, at the terms you set – and having excellent customer service by your side throughout the process – is well worth any extra money spent. Unless you already know how Disney works and are comfortable with the terms of Costco packages, we don’t recommend Costco.

Costco Disney World Vacation Packages

Costco offers several vacation packages that match Disney seasonal deals, in addition to running their own special offers. We cannot provide you with a quote for individual Disney World Costco packages, but we can list their current deals. It is important that you read all the terms and conditions before booking your Costco Disney tickets and vacation packages because these deals are valid only for a limited time and are subject to certain restrictions.

Costco Travel Website | Image Elements © Costco Wholesale Corporation

Listed below are the 2023 Costco Disney World vacation packages and their benefits:

Walt Disney World Resort On-Site Collection

• Various Disney perks
• Popular Disney resorts to choose from

Orlando: Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas Package with Disney World Tickets

• Villas with one or two bedrooms
• Hotel self-parking is complimentary.

Orlando: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Package with Disney World Tickets

• Upgraded room, early entry to theme parks
• Daily rates include the resort fee
• Select dates offer free meals for kids

Orlando: JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa Package with Disney World Tickets

• Enjoy the rooftop terrace in a luxury setting
• Disney World shuttle provided by the hotel

Orlando: Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Package w/ Disney World Tickets

• Members receive special savings at Costco.
• Hotel self-parking is complimentary
• Complimentary transportation to theme parks

Orlando: Waldorf Astoria Orlando Package with Walt Disney World Tickets

• One of the best golf courses at Disney World
• Daily rates include the resort fee
• Complimentary transportation to theme parks

Orlando: Sheraton Vistana Villages Resort Villas Package with Walt Disney World Tickets

• Villas with one or two bedrooms
• Pay four / Stay five
• Hotel self-parking is complimentary

Costco offers additional discounts on Orlando packages, including:

• Orlando: Hyatt Place Orlando I-Drive/Convention Center Package with Disney World Tickets
• Orlando: Margaritaville Cottages Orlando Package with Disney World Tickets
• Orlando: Margaritaville Resort Orlando Package with Disney World Tickets
• Orlando: Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld with Disney World Tickets

Alternatives to Cheap Costco Disney Vacation Packages

Rather than trying to conform to Costco’s vacation package rules, travelers should look into alternative ways to save at Disney World.

For example, you can save hundreds of dollars a night by staying at one of the affordable Disney Value Resorts. While Value Resorts don’t offer the upgraded amenities of Disney Moderate Resorts and Disney Deluxe Resorts, you still get decent accommodations, easy access to the theme parks, and the magic of staying at a Disney property.

If you want to save even more, avoid school vacations and holiday weeks when crowds are high. September is typically one of the best times to go to Disney World due to fewer crowds and mild weather, although hurricanes may be an issue at this time of year. Furthermore, midweek stays tend to be lower in price than weekend stays.

To cut back on meal expenses while on vacation, limit your table service restaurants and consider bringing food into the theme parks. Don’t go overboard with Disney World souvenir spending either. With these tips in mind, travelers can save on Disney without sacrificing their fun.

Before you book with Costco, it makes sense to contact The Vacationeer. They can help you find the best Disney vacation package at the lowest rate that fits your schedule. They can also help you find an effective strategy to cut costs beyond those we mentioned above. Also, see our Disney World Cost Calculator to find out how much you can expect to pay.

Is Costco Cheaper to Book Disney Cruise Line Vacations?

When booking Disney Cruise Line vacations, Costco members receive a Costco Shop Card. The exact value of the card varies based on the type and duration of vacation booked. It should arrive two to four weeks after returning from your trip and can be used to purchase merchandise or gas at any participating Costco store in North America.

If you book a Disney cruise through Costco Travel, be aware that they are not a full-service travel agency. Although Costco representatives are friendly, they may be unable to answer detailed questions about your trip and may lack the necessary first-hand experience of cruising with Disney themselves. Therefore, read over all the details of your Disney Cruise Line vacation package before booking through Costco Travel and prepare to do some research on your own since your representative is unlikely to give you insider advice.

The Disney Wonder underway at sunset | Image © Disney

Booking a Disney cruise can be overwhelming, but working with a travel agency like The Vacationeer can make it easy. Not only are their services completely free, but you get personal service from friendly and knowledgeable agents who have direct experience with Disney cruises. They can also provide expert advice on the best staterooms, price quotes for different travel days, dining assistance, Castaway Cay tips, and explain the policy for tipping on Disney cruises.

As a booking bonus, The Vacationeer gives you the best onboard credit, so you get up to $1,000 cash back to use while onboard your cruise! Book your next Disney cruise with The Vacationeer. Their services are free, so there’s no risk!

What is the most affordable time to go to Disney?

When searching for the cheapest time to go to Disney World, you can find more affordable times during certain seasons. Early January through Presidents’ Day weekend is often the cheapest time to book a trip, while late August through early September – and non-holiday weekdays during October, November, and December – usually come in at a close second. Bundled Disney vacation packages may also offer significant discounts on hotels and tickets. Regardless of the season, The Vacationeer can help you plan a Disney World vacation at the best price.

Is it cheaper to book a Disney vacation through AAA?

It may be worthwhile to investigate AAA discounts when looking for the best price on a Disney vacation. There are currently no discounted promotions available to AAA members on the Walt Disney World Special Offers page. However, discounts from this website are constantly changing, so you might find one in the future. We recommend reaching out to AAA directly for more information about potential offers.

Alternatively, The Vacationeer, a Diamond-Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner travel agency, offers free quotes and travel planning services. So if cheaper Disney trips are what you’re after, comparing prices through The Vacationeer is a logical first step. Their services are free, so you don’t have anything to lose by contacting them.

Is it better to go through a travel agent for Disney World?

Costco Travel may offer discounted vacation packages for Disney World; however, the length of stay and other terms are usually non-negotiable. With an experienced Diamond Level Disney travel agency, like The Vacationeer, expert advice comes free of charge. Your dedicated travel specialist can customize a Disney vacation package to fit your family’s needs and add all the magical touches. Experienced Disney agents can also recommend the best Disney cruises, Disneyland hotels, the best Adventures by Disney itineraries, and many other Disney vacation options.

Costco vs. Disney Travel Agency: Discover the Difference

Although Costco may offer slightly lower prices on Disney vacation packages, a professional travel agent can provide a more comprehensive Disney experience.

A Disney expert can help you plan a perfect vacation – from choosing theme park tickets and hotel rooms to finding the best Magic Kingdom rides or Animal Kingdom restaurants. Furthermore, they can provide personalized service, such as teaching you how to use Lightning Lanes or making special arrangements to ensure your Disney trip is just right. All this, and they provide you with the best deals on Disney vacations.

If you’re looking for a stress-free and unforgettable Disney vacation, partnering with an experienced travel agency specializing in Disney trips could be the winning ticket.

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