[mickey]

Walt Disney World has overhauled the packages they will sell to the public for 2003. Long gone are the Deluxe Magic and Resort Magic packages, and in are the Dream Maker packages. Fortunately, they are basically the same packages, but with different names. Mousesavers.com reports:

For 2003 Disney has renamed and revamped the major packages it will offer. In addition, for the first time the actual cost of upgrading from one package level to another has been standardized and made public.

As in the past, it will be possible to get a Basic Plan package, which is essentially just a room reservation (no passes). However, the "base model" package that Disney will be promoting heavily is the Dream Maker package, which is somewhat similar to the 2002 Resort Magic package. It includes accommodations at a Walt Disney World resort hotel and Ultimate Park Hopper passes, plus a pin and lanyard (two per party/room) and a choice of ONE of the following features (must be the same for everyone in the party):

* One round of miniature golf per person
* One "Leave a Legacy" Tile with up to two images (One tile per room)
* One $25 gift certificate at Planet Hollywood (One per room)
* One Character Storytelling Experience (One per room)

You can upgrade to the Dream Maker "Silver" package for $67 per night per junior or adult and $54 per night per child. With the "Silver" package you get all the features of the Dream Maker package plus two Magical Wishes features per person per day, which can be redeemed for meals, recreation and more. This package is similar to the 2002 Discovery Magic package.

For $139 per night per junior or adult and $94 per night per child you can upgrade to the Dream Maker "Gold" package, which is similar to the 2002 Deluxe Magic package. The "Gold" package includes all the features of the Dream Maker package plus three meals a day, unlimited recreation, merchandise and more.

For $199 per night per junior or adult and $119 per child per night, you can upgrade to the ultimate all-inclusive vacation package: the Dream Maker "Platinum" package (similar to the 2002 Grand Plan). The "Platinum" package includes all the features of the Dream Maker package plus three meals per day, unlimited recreation, merchandise, entertainment, spa treatments, personalized attention and more.

No discounts have yet been announced for 2003 packages. Last year the Sunshine Getaway (January/early February) discounts became available in July and the Disney Club discounts (applicable to most dates throughout the year) became available in September.