Is going to WDW for one day a budget buster for a family of 4?

[karenos]

Here's the deal: we will be vacationing at the beach on Anna Maria Island about 2+ hours away at the end of April for one week. We would love to go to DHS for just the day. Would you do this ? Or would you just wait until you could stay longer as one day tickets for a family of 4 is pretty expensive.

I just booked airfare and our lodging is taken care of (staying w/my parents) at the beach.


Just curious as to your thoughts on this...
TIA
Karen

 

[mrsklamc]

Is there any chance it's in your budget to buy a longer, non expiring ticket? or are your parents florida residents?

 

[karenos]

Parents are renting house for a month (not FL residents). We probably won't go but it is tough not to go for a day b/c we are so close!

Should also mention we were just there in June. I think I just answered my own question....

 

[JoyG]

We did this a few years ago. We had done WDW the year before and the next summer was a Seaworld/Universal vacation. I just couldn't be that close to Disney and not go in, so we did one day at the Magic Kingdom. At that time, it cost us about $300 for the day (including the character breakfast).

 

[DebMcDonald]

12 years ago we did MK for the day with our DD, who was 3 at the time, it was wonderful and in my mind was worth the expense. We took advantage of the entire day, were there at opening and were there until closing. My in-laws live in Florida.

 

[Bibbidi]

Your situation sounds similar to ours. We will be in Indian Rocks Beach for a week in June--about 2 hours away from the world. I was thinking of doing AK for one day since we missed it last trip. Honestly, any park is going to run about $200/day for 1 day admission so I'd rather spend it at Disney than Busch Gardens (which would be closer to our beach house). I like the suggestion about buying a longer non-expiring ticket, but I'm not sure if that would be too much to budget for right now. I always think a day at Disney is worth it Go for it. I think we will.

 

[englishteacha]

See my signature! In 2007 we planned on just doing Universal, SeaWorld, and Busch Gardens. We did all those parks and awoke on our final full day wondering what to do. DH really wanted to go to Epcot, but at $71 a ticket, we couldn't justify the expense of one day. So after a long talk, we bought 10 day non expiring tickets. It ended up at $20 a day of fun (we splurged on the water park option). However, it was a huge upfront cost.

 

[1PrincessMomma1]

We just did that. We spent 1 day at Epcot(well 4 hours really) and we felt while it wasn't really "worth" it we had a great time and don't regret it at all. We had to kill time waiting for a late flight.

 

[fac]

If I can buy a longer non-expiring ticket, I may go, but will definitely not spending $200 in a park for one day.

 

[Pembo]

First, enjoy AMI. It is my FAVORITE place to be! (check out my sig pic) Second, we've done just one day after a trip to St Augustine. I would recommend driving over to Orlando the night before and staying in a cheap hotel. That way you can be at the park before opening to maximize your ticket dollars. If you stay open to close and enjoy every ounce of the magic, it will be worth the $$. That said, once I get to the beach, I never want to leave........I can't miss even one sunset...

 

[karenos]

Thanks to all who answered!! I am still unsure what to do... we love the beach on Anna Maria, but we have also been bitten by the mouse... hehe

Thanks again!

Karen

 

[roadtripper]

Compare it to one day of skiing for a family of four--especially if you have to rent the gear. In that scenario, Disney is an absolute bargain--and MUCH warmer .

 

[MinnieForMe]

Hi:
If you can afford it, I would go. Actually, we are doing the exact same thing. We used the last of our 10 day passes last year and now that our youngest turned 3, we just can't spend the money this year on 5 more 10 day passes.

Yes, it will cost us more to go into the Magic Kingdom for one day but I have the rewards on my Disney Visa so it will still not cost us anything. I'm hoping by skipping the other parks my kids will be more excited to go next year!

 

[Glenn]

The other question to ask yourself is when were you at WDW last & when will you go next? If your not going to be there for several yrs I would say go. The non expiring ticket might be a good idea but lots of cash up front. Too bad someone isnt celebrating their birthday during your trip to save 1 ticket.

 

[bumbershoot]

Parents are renting house for a month (not FL residents). We probably won't go but it is tough not to go for a day b/c we are so close!

Should also mention we were just there in June. I think I just answered my own question....

Oh, too bad you didn't buy an AP in June! Drat.

But it's good to think about for the future, if your parents do this yearly and your'e invited...think about the AP to cover two visits or the nonexpiring ticket.