Which Orlando vacation package is better?

Hi. My parents and I (i'm 22 by the way but still a kid at heart) are planning to going to Orlando in March 2012. I can't really decide whether to get a package or get it separately because of advantages and disadvantages of the two. Basically, I can't decide on whether to book a vacation package from travel sites like Expedia or Travelocity knowing that Southwest Airlines aren't affiliated with them and so that's my problem (not really haha).



See, if we book a package at a travel site, we'd have to book flights with airlines like US Airways, Delta or AA which all charge check baggage fees (of at least $25/bag) BUT if we book at Southwest, we get to bring two bags free of charge each. I am sure you know why--hehe, we are sure we'll be buying a lot of stuff from the outlet malls there hehee. So booking with Southwest is an upside because it's accepts free bags; however, if I book a package and board in a non-Southwest plane, for some reason with a hotel for 7 nights, the charge would fall into about $1150 to $1200 max only (based on prices now...I 'booked' a hypothetical trip in that I set in sept/oct and the prices were about that much). Compared to booking at Southwest, 3 round trip tickets from SFO to MCO would total to $1100 at least AND if we book at a hotel that is in the 2 to 3 star price, the 7-night hotel stay would cost about $300 so that is $1400 right there compared to $1200 from booking a travel.



(Another fee we need to pay is the theme park tickets but those can be bought directly from Universal Studios website so the price is fixed at $420 for three 3-day base tickets--there's really no difference if we buy them from travel sites or U.S. site.)



The reason why I mentioned all this is that I am not sure if booking a package is really THAT worth it since non-SW airlines charge $25/bag/person. Let's say we don't bring any bag from departure [only the carry on and personal item] but bring 3 filled duffel bags (1 per each of us) in the return flight, would the $75 fee be okay considering, we saved some money in the rest anyway?





PS: Ooo, another plus from booking a non-SW flight is the mini entertainment system! hahaha.



PS#2: As for transportation, rental car is not necessary because we can just take the bus from the airport, take complimentary hotel shuttles to the U.S. theme park and i-Ride trolley to restaurants, attractions and shops in the International Drive.



PS#3: Yes, I'll make sure our hotel is in or near the I-Drive so destinations are only a trolley ride away heheheh...



PS#4: Why do I know transportation isn't a problem? Because I recently went to Orlando this March but we only stayed for 3 nights so we didn't get to go around much in the area. I'm hoping to go back next Spring break as that's when I'll be pretty much done with college and staying there for at least 7 nights would finally make me relax. I could care less about the amount of stars that a hotel has just as long as it's clean, offers free shuttle to parks and free of bedbugs HAHA!



What do you think?Which Orlando vacation package is better?
If you prefer to fly Southwest then book it separately...the cost should be similar. I have booked a universal package through a travel agent and it was discounted but I had to add my universal tickets on to the package - not a big deal. Once you have all your comparisons you may want to contact a good travel agent and tell them what you need - they should be able to match what you want on the airline you prefer. I love my Travel agent if you need a referral. Have a great trip!
If you are only taking baggage home due to purchases, why not ship the purchases home with USPS or UPS? That way you can remove airline luggage charges from your complex calculations.Which Orlando vacation package is better?
First of all, there are outlet malls all over the place. Tanger has built one about every 50 miles it seems. So, flying to Florida with plans to HAHA shop HAHA at the HAHA outlet mall seems kind of silly to me. But, to each his own...



I have honestly never seen a travel package for travel within the US that I thought was really a bargain. The discounts end up being pretty meager.