To celebrate the arrival later this month of The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios, the Sheraton Universal in Universal City, California, is offering a "Springfield Goes Hollywood" deal for $419 a night. Is this a good value for families? Let's do the math. The special offer includes:

• One night in a newly-renovated room (worth $188)
• 2 VIP front-of-line passes (worth $200)
• Homer Simpson doll (guestimate of $15)
• Donut turndown (let's say $3)
• Shuttle to Universal Studios (always free)
• Upgrade to poolside suite ($22 more than regular room)

If purchased separately, the elements of this promotion would add up to about $428, by our calculations. So technically you could save $9 if you went with the "Springfield Goes Hollywood" special offer. But since the promo only includes two passes, you'd still have to buy park tickets for the rest of your family. And it's highly questionable whether you would opt to buy the VIP passes at $100 a pop in the first place. Or the doll, for that matter. Or—sorry, Homer—the donuts. Lisa Simpson (always a clever girl) would point out that you could save a bundle if you simply booked a room at the Sheraton Universal and bought regular park tickets for your whole family on your own.

Deal or no deal? D'oh! No deal.