Families have been returning to Michigan's Mackinac Island for generations, and it's easy to see why: No cars are allowed on the island, and the place seems to have been plucked from another era, with its ferry ride, horse-drawn carriages, old-fashioned ice cream parlors, fudge purveyors, and easy bike path that rings the island. 

Set on 18 acres along the southeastern shore of the island, Mission Point Resort features a heated outdoor pool, kids' club, tennis, golf, and even a museum with local historical exhibits.  The resort is offering a two-night Family Island Adventure package through October 24, with rates starting at $851 for a family of two adults and two kids under age 12. But is it really a good deal for families?  We took a close look at the numbers to find out.   A family booking this package in August would get:

• two-night stay in a garden double room (in August, $215/night x 2 = $430)
• two breakfast vouchers for adults; kids under 12 eat free (worth, let's say, $30)
• two dinner vouchers for adults; kids under 12 eat free (worth about $50)
• four tickets to Fort Mackinac (worth $10.50/adult x 2 + $6.50/kid x 2 = $34)
• four tickets to the Tower Museum (worth $5/adult x 2 + $2.50/kid x 2 = $15)
• four half-day bike rentals (for single-speed bikes, $18/person x 4 = $72)
  
• four tickets to the resort's putting course (worth $12/adult x 2 + $7.50/kid x 2 = $39)
• four tickets to the Butterfly House (worth $8.50/adult x 2 + $4/kid x 2 = $25)
• four round-trip ferry tickets ($21/adult x 2 + $11/kid x 2  = $64)

When we price-checked a stay for a family of four in August, the package rate was quoted as $851 for two nights in a garden double room. If booking the room only using the best available rate, the same room would cost $430 for two nights. Add in the prices of the package components, and your total spend would come to $769—so the package price is actually $82 more than what you'd pay if booking à la carte.  

That long list of package inclusions seems very impressive at first glance, but the package doesn't save you a dime. In fact, the price has been inflated to more than cover the cost of the individual components.

Deal or no deal?  No way, no how, no deal. You're much better off booking a room on its own and then cherry picking the activities your family would like. 

Note: If you book this package, full payment is due at the time of booking. There's a minimum 14-day advance cancellation policy.  There are also a few blackout dates.  You can book online or call 800/833-7711.