The Real Deal: Round-trip airfare on a Southwest Airlines carrier to Orlando, seven nights' accommodations at a Walt Disney World Resort including three free nights, a seven-day Magic Your Way ticket including three free days, Extra Magic Hours, round-trip airport-hotel transportation on Disney's Magical Express, no fuel surcharges, no luggage-check fees for up to two bags, a frequent-flier credit on Southwest Airlines and hotel taxes, from $476 per person — plus estimated airport taxes of $35.
When: April 20–May 14, 2009, for the starting rate; through Aug. 14 for the three free hotel nights/three free days on your Magic Your Way ticket special, but the cost may vary; through March 29 to receive a $200 Disney gift card; exact dates may vary depending on the resort.
Gateways: Fort Myers; add $21 for New Orleans; $42 for D.C.; $77 for Manchester, Providence; $119 for Chicago; $154 for Hartford; $168 for L.A., St. Louis; $182 for San Antonio; additional gateways are available.
The fine print: The starting rate reflects three free hotel nights and three free days on your Magic Your Way ticket. The cost is the same, $476, for five-night stays, which includes one free night and one free day on your Magic Your Way Tickets, or six-night stays, which includes two free nights/two free days on your Magic Your Way tickets. Based on quadruple occupancy for two adults and two children; add $91 per person for triple occupancy; add $161 per person for a double; add $434 for single occupancy. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: March 29, 2009.
Contact: Southwest Vacations, 800/243-8372, southwestvacations.com.
Why it's a deal: According to a recent search on Kayak, the lowest round-trip airfare between Fort Myers and Orlando starts at $286, including taxes, for travel in late April (multiple carriers). In comparison, the Southwest Vacations package covers airfare as well as seven nights' accommodations, a seven-night Magic Your Way pass, airport-hotel transfers and all taxes and fees for an additional $225. In terms of Magic Your Way tickets, if purchased directly from Walt Disney World's Web site, they cost about $75 per person for a one-day pass or $228 for a seven-day pass for adults and kids ages 10 and older; $63 for a one-day pass and $193 for a seven-day pass for kids ages 3 to 9.
Lodging: Seven nights in a standard room at Disney's 2,880-room Pop Century Resort. Hotel upgrades are available: Add $70 per person at the 1,921-room Southwest-themed Coronado Springs Resort, $238 per person at the 761-room Old Key West Resort, and $301 per person at the 371-room BoardWalk Inn. Other resorts are available; prices vary depending on your gateway.
More: You can add a Disney Dining Plan for $39 per person per day, which covers: one table-service meal including an entrée, dessert, and nonalcoholic beverage; one quick-service meal (entrée and nonalcoholic beverage) or full-combo meal (entrée, side dish, and nonalcoholic beverage); and one snack, such as snack-cart ice cream, popcorn or a nonalcoholic beverage.
Before you go: For additional information about the area, visit the official Web sites of the state of Florida and the Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau.