IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Wizarding World, air/7 nights, from $798

Spend a week exploring the brand-new theme park and enjoy special perks and tickets through this package.
/ Source: ARTHUR FROMMER'S BUDGET TRAVEL

The Real Deal: Round-trip airfare on Southwest Airlines to Orlando; seven nights at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort; a four-day Park-to-Park Access Ticket (a value of $145); Universal Express ride access, which allows you to skip the lines at participating rides and attractions throughout Universal Orlando theme parks (a value of $70 daily); early admission of up to one hour prior to park opening; resort-wide transportation; hotel taxes; and fuel surcharges; from $798 per person—plus estimated airport taxes and fees of $36.

When: Aug. 23–Sept. 30, 2010.

Gateways: New Orleans; add $56 for Houston; $84 for Denver; $91 for Chicago; $112 for Seattle; $126 for L.A., New York City; additional gateways available.

The fine print: Based on Saturday and Monday–Thursday departures. Breakfast is not included. Airport taxes and fees are about $36 extra per person. Based on double occupancy; single supplement is $504. Up to four kids under 17 stay free. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.

Book by: Aug. 26, 2010.

Contact: Southwest Vacations, 800/243-8372, southwestvacations.com.

Why it's a deal: Considering all the extras, this package amounts to a savings of up to 40 percent. Here's a quick breakdown of the cost and value: According to a recent search on Kayak, the lowest fare from New Orleans to Orlando is about $246, with taxes, for travel in late August (Delta).

Add to that $808 per person for seven nights at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, including taxes, plus $145 per person for a four-day theme park ticket with park-to-park access and $280 per person to skip the lines at the rides with an Unlimited Express Pass for four days, and you'd be paying a total of $1,479 if you booked the components of this package independently.

For $645 less, this Southwest Vacations' package includes all those elements and saves you the time it would take to book everything individually.

More: Upgrade to Universal's Hard Rock Hotel for an additional $10 per person per night or to Loews Portofino Bay Hotel for an additional $28 per person per night. It's possible to extend your stay in Orlando; rates depend on the travel period.