For vacationers, a trip to Disney World is always enticing, but now more than ever, people are clamoring for Disney’s vacation packages. Compared to past rates, which were criticized for actually being higher than the cost of buying components of a package individually, today’s vacation deals are not only convenient – but economical too.

There are several different vacation packages to choose from for 2006. The 2006 Magic Your Way Vacation Package is the most affordable and it includes accommodations at the Disney Resort, the Magic Your Way Base Ticket (which grants entrance to one theme park per day and can be upgradeable to a “park hopper ticket as well), and a Magic Plus option or with an extra cost, a No Expiration option.

Likewise, if you (or your travel agent) books a package online, a Disney Photopass will accompany it, and is essentially a voucher for a 5 x 7 photo of you and your fellow vacationers, snapped by a professional photographer. Other goodies that you can qualify for online include a meal voucher for Planet Hollywood Dining and Merchandize. The voucher can be exchanged for an entrée and non-alcoholic beverage from a select menu.

Another vacation deal is the 2006 Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining and it includes accommodations to Disney owned and operated hotels and the opportunity to experience several unique dining locations across the Walt Disney World Resort. Every day, at participating Walt Disney World restaurants, you can receive one table service meal with an appetizer, entrée, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage, one counter service meal with entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage, and one snack (ice cream, popcorn, medium soft drinks, etc).

Disney’s Magic Your Way Premium Package is a fancier, deluxe package and includes just about everything: hotel accommodations, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and unlimited access to golf, miniature golf, water sports and other recreations. Also, purchasers of this package are admitted to Cirque du Soleil’s exciting La Nouba, and various park tours and the like. As well, children from four to twelve years old can participate in selected resorts at the Disney Children Activity Center.

The grandest package of all is Disney’s Magic Your Way Platinum Package. In addition to the benefits of the premium package (like hotel stay, breakfast, lunch, dinner, recreation, and a ticket to Cirque du Soleil), you will also receive a spa treatment, extra recreational opportunities – including private golf lessons, a reserved seat to the exciting fireworks show Fantasmic!, unlimited childcare in the Child Activity Centers, a ride on the Fireworks Cruise, itinerary planning services, in-room child care, the Platinum Plan keepsake, and turndown service.

For groups of eight or more, there is a special package called Grand Gatherings. There are extraordinary benefits offered here that small groups simply can’t take part in – special events can be booked, like the International Dinner and Illuminations Desert Reception, Safari Celebration Dinner, Good Morning Gathering, and Magical Fireworks Voyage.

Nevertheless, an important thing to know is that standard full-price Disney vacation packages presented by tour operators are convenient, but there are no “bargain prices. More often, Disney World packages are to be purchased through Walt Disney Travel Company or the WDTC.