[mickey]

Walt Disney World has released rates and dates for 2008 Magic Your Way packages this morning. There are two major changes from 2007 packages:

1. Seasons/Dates: Starting in 2008, each night will have it's own nightly rate, so the loophole of the past where everything is based on the night you check in will now be gone. Weekends and holidays appear to be a bit more expensive than weekdays as well, so the price of your trip could vary greatly from one week to the next.

2. Disney Dining Plan. The good news is the current dining plan was reduced in cost about $1 per person per night of your stay, the bad news is that Disney eliminated the appetizer and gratuities from the Table Service meal, essentially increasing the cost about 20%. While the benefits have been reduced, for many people, the dining plan will still be a great value.

Disney has also introduced two new dining plans for 2008:

Deluxe Dining Plan: Guests will receive three meals and two snacks per night of their stay. Guests will be able to choose either Table or Counter service meals for each meal, and all meals will include gratuities, while lunch and dinner will include appetizers. Each guest will also receive a refillable mug to use at their resort during their stay. The price will be $69.99/adult and $19.99/child per night of your stay.

Disney Wine and Dine package: Guests can add the Wine and Dine package to any Magic Your Way package that includes a dining plan already. Guests will receive a bottle of wine at each dinner seating from a select list.

While I like some of the changes, and I understand why Disney is doing many of these, I really wish they would have reduced the cost of the Disney Dining plan a bit more to compensate for the items removed.