Cost of Disney Family Vacation

[saskdw]

I see alot of you quoting 6 night stays, which is keeping the cost down. For us with $2k for airfare its not worth it to come for that short of time, it has to be 10-14 nights. On top of that 6 nights isn't even close to enough time at DW to do everything we want to do and do it at a somewhat leisurely pace.

 

[shalom]

I got the idea for this thread earlier today when a handful of people expressed disbelief that someone spent $10k on a Disney vacation. I was shocked that people were shocked...lol

I was surprised at first as well, but then I figured it was people who don't stay as long, or who stay value or off site and don't splurge on vacation. We don't splurge either, but I've priced out splurging, and doing that I can get to $10k in no time at all! But what I like to splurge on requires going and doing; in reality I hate eating out all the time and all the other stuff I cram into my dream vacations, so our real vacations are much closer to hubby's preferred budget than my fantasy ones.

Then again, now I sit down and crunch the numbers, our first Orlando vacation was well under $3000, while our second was approaching $4000 -- at this rate, we'll be doing $10k vacations ourselves in six years or so.

 

[damien]

Upcoming Summer 2012 trip:

6 nights at Royal Pacific Universal - $1,600
5 Universal AP's - $1,500
5 Sea World/Busch Garden Tickets - $500
Disney Passes - $1,800
10 nights at Polynesian - $4,500
Airfare for 5 - $1,500
Transfer to and from Universal - $300

We're looking at $12K, and I figure, about another $5,000 for food and souveniers. Is $17K crazy for vacation? Yup. But we do it because we love it.

Everybody is different. Everybody's situation is different. We happen to be in a good spot where we don't have much debt and make decent money. You only live once. Might as well enjoy it.

 

[AJA]

One of the main reasons Disney is affordable for us is we live close enough to drive. For our family of three it costs a little less than 4K for a 10 night trip.

 

[padawans]

I am not shocked at all. We always go for 2 weeks in May. Universal and disney. We stay deluxe with a 40% discount. We get the Dxdp. We fly for free, and we still easily spend 10,000 or more.

Hrh club level 5 nights 1500 plus tickets, 600 and lets say 700 for food.

Poly 10 nights 3200 and thats just a garden view room.

Throw in tickets and deluxe dining thats another 3,800 plus another 1000 for tips, taxis, drinks etc.

I'm already at 10,000, and I don't have to buy plane tickets.

Of course I could go a lot cheaper, but this is how we like to vacation, and we really enjoy eating at the signature restaurants every night. If they get rid of the 40% room discounts. I'm going to vacation elsewhere. We currently have ap's so this May our trip will be cheaper, but I am considering renewing them so maybe it will cost more.

 

[notaclue]

We've taken the whole family (kids and grandkids) twice and spent between $10,000 and $12,000 every time. First time we stayed at CBR, last year at the Poly. Then we bought DVC. We could have payed for one of our DVC contracts with just those 2 trips. Wish we'd found out sooner. For us it's a magical vacation we can share with our family but we still make a trip every year just DH and I.

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

I always tell people that a Disney trip can be as inexpensive or expensive as you want it to be, meaning that there are a lot of ways to work around expenses (value season, value resorts, offsite, free dining, no dining plan, no park hoppers, shorter stay, etc.) We have friends and family members that think we are rolling in $$ because we were able to take a week long trip to WDW and these same individuals won't even consider a WDW vacation because they think it is totally out of reach financially and too overwhelming to plan even though we've tried to convince them otherwise. I can certainly see spending $10K on a WDW trip if your trip is two weeks long or if you are staying at the deluxe level with park hoppers, etc. We are not in the position or the point in our lives to spend anywhere near $10K on a vacation. Even though our family went to WDW during value season, stayed at a value resort, and was able to take advantage of the kids stay/play free promo, we felt that our trip was still on the pricey side for our family primarily because of the expense of airline tickets.

 

[DisneyLoverUSA]

We just got back, a family of 5, for a 10 day Disney/Universal trip and ours cost around $7k and that is WITH FREE DINING. Had we had to pay for food you could easily add $1200 to that total.

10 Day Family SUite with MYW water park & more 5 day tickets, package total $4k

Airfare for 4 of the 5 (one drove) $1k

Tickets to Universal/Ioa for 2 days $630

Tickets to Cirque Du Soliel La Nouba for 5 $500

OOP table service meals $300

Souvenirs for the kids $150

Gas money for my husband driving from Louisiana to Florida and back $400

That is roughly 7 thousand dollars. We also spent $150 at Walmart on our first day there for breakfast items and drinks for the room.

And that was staying at a VALUE RESORT All Star Music Family Suite. (The room was $230 a night plus tax)

Had we not gotten our half price airline tickets like we did you could easily add at least $600 more to that total.

I can see very easily how a trip could cost $10k

If we had upgraded our dining from free QSDP to regular DDP it would have been $400 more then add in all the tips we would have had to pay on those meals ... another $400 to that

There is over $8k almost 9k right there.

I don't see how ppl actually get by going on less than 5k unless you only have 1 kid and just stay a few days.

 

[drp4video]

We usually spend about $1200 to $2000 for 6 or 7 nights. Sometimes we stay at POFQ sometimes POP. Just stayed at POFQ in September. There are two of us, me and DD, age 24. I used Disney Visa points to pay for the hotel, did not get the dining plan as we split meals a lot, got 4 day hoppers, went to Universal for Harry Potter one day, and I always rent a car. We have a dog to board now (recent addition).

IN the past when we had AP's we actually spent nothing on a trip except for food and a car. I used frequent flyer miles to fly to Orlando, used Disney Visa points for the hotel, and already had the AP's. That trip would cost about $600. (if I didn't rent a car, it would have been about $400). I usually don't count food cost in my vacation as we have to eat no matter where we are. As we split a lot of meals, it doesn't end up costing that much for food.

 

[Momloveshockey]

Just over $6000 for us (family of three> DS is 6). We are staying a week (NYE included) at deluxe hotel w/ dining...flights are to/from Portland Maine. Now that doesn't include driving to Portland from Moncton NB, staying in a hotel two nights in Portland, etc... But whatever...while not the trip of a lifetime (I am sure we will go back)...this is a huge trip that we won't repeat for a long time. We could have done it for less...but I really wanted to spend time at MK, not waiting for a bus! We will be at CR, so we can walk if we want. It's all about priorities.

 

[HeatherLassell]

Part of the problem coming as far as we do is the airfare. You would be looking at $4000 for the 6 of you to fly from here. We are fortunate to be able to take one of these trips every year or two, but we worked hard to put ourselves in that position. It's definate advantage for those who live close enough to drive or catch the $199 flight specials.

Yup that's my family. No direct flights from WInnipeg. The flights for me and my 3 kids are sitting around $3000. We are staying at POR in the new Royal Guest Room. That's costing just over $4000. So then add in food, snacks and souvineers. We're around $8000. But it's the first vacation we've EVER taken as a family so we're going all out. It's also the reason that our trip isn't for 324 days! I need to make monthly payments!

 

[aml3679]

I am not shocked! Originally, we were booked at the YC for 10 nights with DDP and it was $7800 for ten nights without airfare, taxes, alcohol, tips, shopping or spending money. We changed to POFQ for ten nights with regular dining and park hopper tickets and it is $4300. By the time we add airfare, etc it will be around $6,000. Hoping for a discount or free dining but it will be worth whatever it comes out to. The is our first on site stay.

 

[AliciaG]

Upcoming Summer 2012 trip:

6 nights at Royal Pacific Universal - $1,600
5 Universal AP's - $1,500
5 Sea World/Busch Garden Tickets - $500
Disney Passes - $1,800
10 nights at Polynesian - $4,500
Airfare for 5 - $1,500
Transfer to and from Universal - $300

We're looking at $12K, and I figure, about another $5,000 for food and souveniers. Is $17K crazy for vacation? Yup. But we do it because we love it.

Everybody is different. Everybody's situation is different. We happen to be in a good spot where we don't have much debt and make decent money. You only live once. Might as well enjoy it.

I totally agree with this! You only live once. While our vaca isn't costing this much, it is probably going to be about $9-10k once all is said and done. This is airfare for four from WA state, 11 nights at CSR, free dining, 4 tickets to IOA Universal, and souvenirs/photo pass/tips. We've never been to DW, and took the kids last year to Disneyland. They are 12 and 10 and this will be a trip of a lifetime, which we've saved up for and we are using straight cash, no credit cards. It hasn't been super easy, but we do it by planning and we're okay with the amount because we are paying for memories, and to us, that is priceless.

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

We just got back, a family of 5, for a 10 day Disney/Universal trip and ours cost around $7k and that is WITH FREE DINING. Had we had to pay for food you could easily add $1200 to that total.

10 Day Family SUite with MYW water park & more 5 day tickets, package total $4k

Airfare for 4 of the 5 (one drove) $1k

Tickets to Universal/Ioa for 2 days $630

Tickets to Cirque Du Soliel La Nouba for 5 $500

OOP table service meals $300

Souvenirs for the kids $150

Gas money for my husband driving from Louisiana to Florida and back $400

That is roughly 7 thousand dollars. We also spent $150 at Walmart on our first day there for breakfast items and drinks for the room.

And that was staying at a VALUE RESORT All Star Music Family Suite. (The room was $230 a night plus tax)

Had we not gotten our half price airline tickets like we did you could easily add at least $600 more to that total.

I can see very easily how a trip could cost $10k

If we had upgraded our dining from free QSDP to regular DDP it would have been $400 more then add in all the tips we would have had to pay on those meals ... another $400 to that

There is over $8k almost 9k right there.

I don't see how ppl actually get by going on less than 5k unless you only have 1 kid and just stay a few days.

We did and we have four kids, flew to Orlando from Pennsylvania, and we stayed seven nights in a family suite But we didn't go to any other theme parks like Universal nor did we do any extra like water parks or Cirque. We did pay OOP for our character meals since we had the QSDP and we also ordered extra food through Garden Grocer for breakfast foods, water, coffee, milk, etc. We would love to be able to go to Sea World and Universal and combine those parks with a Disney trip and stay longer, but that would be way too pricey for us.

 

[shalom]

I don't see how ppl actually get by going on less than 5k unless you only have 1 kid and just stay a few days.

I've got five kids and we could do our next trip (10-12 days) for around 5k if we had to, although we'll probably spend more because it's our last big blow out (we figure it'll be our last trip with the two eldest). But we're not likely to spend more than 7k anyhow, because we have a much more laid back vacation style than you do. We'll be in Orlando for eleven or twelve days but will likely be in the parks for only six or seven, for starts. We don't do waterparks in Orlando (we go to Wisconsin Dells for those -- besides which, we like lazy rivers the best and Bonnet Creek has two ). We'll stay in an offsite 2 BR condo for less than $100/night and eat at least breakfast and dinner there. Etc.

Some people's Disney family vacation may last a week but only involve a day or two at the parks. Some people's Disney family vacation, they're at a Disney resort but never hit the parks. Some people do all the special tours and others are just there for the rides. "Disney family vacation" covers a lot.

 

[katieam1]

I am not shocked at the price. One of the reasons we bought into DVC although that too comes with costs and the factor I always want to add more points but I could see us heading that way as our family grows. Right now we are a family of 4 but we would like to add a new member or two in the future and as things get more and more expensive I could see how we could have ended up paying that or more for our trips. If we did not buy into DVC I do not see at those prices how we could keep up our twice a year schedule we have been on for the last few years. That would be just way too much.

We also drive to Florida so add a flight and it is amazing how much the vacation goes up.

 

[debrapagliasotti]

First let me say that this trip is our once in a lifetime Christmas trip. We havent had a family vacation in several years and this is our "big one".

2 adults, 11 yr old, 10 yr old, 4 yr old, 3 yr old Dec 2012 - 7nts during Christmas week @ BW Deluxe CL. DxDP. 6 day tickets (non hopper). Trip insurance through WDW. No discounts.

Grand total SO FAR (we havent purchased airfare yet) $11,385.30.

**********************
Our other trip for next year is for Oct during Fall break. Kids will be 10, 9, 3 & 2. Regular dining plan. CR - TPV for 3nts. 2 day tickets (non hopper). No trip insurance. No discounts.

Grand total SO FAR (no airfare purchased yet, also planning on 2 MNSSHP days) $3299.77.

 

[crazydiamond]

Dec 18 - 6 days, 5 nights at moderate resort, 2 adults, 2 children, park hoppers, dining plan( wish I could have free dining!), airfare from Milwaukee. About $4100 for everything

Did not include MVMCP costs ($$$)

We actually started with a Disney Cruise - but that was ending up near 6 grand.

 

[Aliceacc]

Our current reservation for next August:

7 nights at Beach Club during Value Season
DDP
8 day parkhopper tickets

Total: $6475.13

Now add in airfare from NY. As of today it's $230 per person round trip from JFK. So that's another $1150. And that's flying on Wednesdays-- as I understand it, Wednesday is traditionally the cheapest day to travel.

So we're up to $7625.13, and we haven't bought so much as a bottle of water.

Of course, I'm not planning to spend all that.
I'm praying for a PIN or a Disney Visa discount or something.
And I'm watching airfare like a hawk, waiting for it to drop to $200 pp.

And if it doesn't come along, plan B is the room I booked last night at the Dolphin: $268.88 per night for a Deluxe Annex using the teacher's discount. (That's with taxes and fees. So it comes out to be cheaper than staying at the family suites) And I'll get YES tickets instead of regular park tickets. Between those two moves, I'll save about $1200. (Yes, even counting the fact that we won't be elligible for DME. We can get a van from Tiffany Towncar for $125 round trip. ) We may lose a little of those savings by giving up the DDP, but we'll still come out way ahead. ( If we do go this route, I may drop us down to 5 ADRs instead of 7)

Every birthday and holiday for the past 6 months has included a Disney Gift Card. We're probably up to about $500-$600 by now, with Christmas, my husband's birthday, all the kids' birthdays and both Mother's Day and Father's Day still to come. So spending money should be covered.

I'm really hoping for the PIN-- I would LOVE to stay at the Beach Club. But in this economy I just do not want to spend that kind of money on a vacation.

Keep in mind though: once you have a family of more than 4, the price of a Disney vacation (or most other vacations) increases tremendously!!! And that once your 3rd child is too big for a trundle, POR is no longer an option. (My only son is 2 inches taller, and about 30 pounds heavier, than I am. So it's the family suites, Dolphin, or a Deluxe. )

Free dining doesn't work for us. It's normally offered at the very end of August, and we both have to be back in school before Labor Day. I wish it would work-- that would be a HUGE savings!!

 

[Laketravis]

Last year, for us:

Airfare for 3 from/to Austin
7 nights Contemporary
8 day non-hopper park passes
Regular dining
$4600​

This year:

Airfare for 3 from/to Austin
8 nights CSR
9 day Park Hoppers
Deluxe Dining
$4600​