Disney is cheaper than going to the beach

[AJ1983]

Wow! That's more than we spent for 3 of us for 10 nights including food.

1 night each way on the road driving from NJ
8 nights in a 3-bedroom house in Windsor Palms
5-day hoppers
All meals, snacks and drinks

The airfare and the expensive hotel really shoot up the cost.

Yes, the airfare is the killer. And I live on an island in northern Canada, so to drive would require an extra week of travel time (minimum), and I really don't want to spend a week of my vacation driving, as I do enough of that for work.

That was another reason for staying onsite. Both DBF and I drive ALOT in our daily lives, so we opted to forgo the car in Florida. However, if we were going with another couple, or if we had kids, it would certainly be more feasible to go with a house offsite.

We are also doing a cruise, so if I wanted to go in May when it would be warmer at sea. If I went in January, the hotel would have been a little cheaper as would the airfare. I also would have stayed longer than 5 nights, so I would have bought more than 3 day park passes, which would not have added significantly to the cost.

In January, i could probably do airfare, 8 nights onsite, 2 days at US with shuttle, and 5 day park passes for about the same price as my 5 nights in May. Overall, including food, could probably do it for $3k total, with food. I would pay more for a week at the beach, because where I live, going to "the beach" involves an all inclusive resort in the Carribbean, which will generally run about $1500 pp, from here.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

-- Some beaches are expensive, while some are cheap. In my area, Myrtle Beach (also known as the Redneck Riviera) is super-cheap, whereas Hilton Head and Kiawah Islands are easily 3-4Xs more.

Hey, don't try to steal our derogatory thunder. The Redneck Riviera is the beautiful Emerald Coast of the Florida panhandle.

 

[missesdisney]

well, we COULD drive but time is money and dh can only be away from his patients for so long...and then there's the bail money i'd have to pay as a result of being locked up in a car with him for 2-3 days straight...

 

[MrsPete]

Wow! That's more than we spent for 3 of us for 10 nights including food.

1 night each way on the road driving from NJ
8 nights in a 3-bedroom house in Windsor Palms
5-day hoppers
All meals, snacks and drinks

The airfare and the expensive hotel really shoot up the cost.

Keep in mind that most Disney vacationers will take this trip once or twice in their lives. You know how to find the best deals because you've made the same trip so many times. You know which lodgings suit your family, which restaurants offer the best values, and you're not caught up in buying souvenirs as if you'll never visit again.

A typical Disney vacationer won't travel for your budget price. In contrast, people who go to the beach frequently know hidden gems and deals for those locations. It's not fair to compare the price for someone who's able to maximize savings with a person new to that area.

 

[MrsPete]

*
I have never been to Myrtle beach, but I never heard anyone call it "Redneck Riveria"? Can you give me more details on why you state this? I thought it was a golfing area, that have great beaches.

Despite their attempts to clean up their image, Myrtle Beach is a fairly rough place. The groups who frequent Myrtle include massive numbers of just-graduated seniors and bikers (and I don't mean doctors and lawyers who ride on the weekends).

People who will argue with this aren't making the distinction between Myrtle Beach and Myrtle North or Myrtle South. North and South are still budget-oriented, but they are more family oriented and have golf ( mini golf Capitol of the world), water parks and family restaurants. But people who aren't from this area don't get that the three areas are not alike. Myrtle itself is very small and very different from the two towns who share it's name.

 

[disneysteve]

Keep in mind that most Disney vacationers will take this trip once or twice in their lives..

That may be true but if it is, how often is that because of this exact point: they think it is much more expensive than it is. The family I refer to in my OP takes a similar beach vacation every year, most likely spending approximately the same amount every year. They could spend that very same amount - $3,500 - and get a very nice on-site Disney vacation without a bunch of special knowledge gained from multiple visits.

 

[THERESA522]

I completely understand what the OP is saying and have told many of my fellow Jerseyans the same thing. Without actually pricing a Disney vacation, they just assume it's too expensive.

If you're willing to travel when discounts are offered and willing to switch resorts if need be, my family can absolutely spend a lot less than $3,000 for a week in the World, including onsite, dining and tix.

 

[20yBWDW]

After reading this thread last night, I decided to price out a variety of options to see if I could do Disney World for less than the cost of our other vacation. No matter how I did it (off-site, discounted tickets through YES or on undercover tourist, off-peak season) I could not get it cheaper than a beach vacation. When I started pricing out vacations for a family of 4, though, it was possible to do Disney cheaper.

It seems to me that the most expensive piece of a beach vacation is the accommodations, which do not change much by one additional person, or really at all from 4 to 5, whereas with Disney, the most expensive pieces are the park tickets and airline tickets, which do change more per person. We are a family of 5. Our beach vacation is approximately 2k. Our Disney vacation, with free dining, value resort, and no car rental, is 3500. If we stayed off-site and needed a car rental, but no dining plan, we would still be paying about 3000 plus the cost of groceries and snacks in the park. If we drove instead of flew, we would get that to 2500 plus cost of groceries and snacks. The 1400 we saved in airfare and car rental would be partially offset by the cost of gas, food, and hotel rooms on the way. We would have to stop twice for overnight stays because I am not comfortable with my kids in car seats for 8-10 hours two days in a row.

 

[sbb2012]

I'm quite surprised at how many people- even people who are frugal in 'real life'- and are not huge Disney fans, think that on-property is a must.

Though I've also been quite surprised at how much easier it is to find cheap lodging in Orlando than in other destinations we've considered.

I have to say that I totally agree with you!! There are so many really nice, and totally affordable, off-site options that offer fridge and microwave or sometimes a whole kitchen. Staying in an off-site property like that is a big money saver.

In addition, when we go, we eat breakfast before we go--make simple stuff like bagels and cream cheese, fruit, and coffee. We pack all our snacks for the day and often will pack sandwiches for our lunch, too. That saves tremedously.

I don't think you have to stay on-site to get a great WDW experience! I think if you cut corners like I described, you can have an affordable Disney vacation.

 

[disneysteve]

I don't think you have to stay on-site to get a great WDW experience! I think if you cut corners like I described, you can have an affordable Disney vacation.

As per my sig, 22 of my 30 trips have been offsite so I totally agree that you need not be onsite to have a great time.

I'll take issue (a bit) with calling what you do cutting corners. We greatly prefer staying offsite, having tons of space, a kitchen, table and chairs to eat breakfast in peace, all the amenities of home and more. We like to get up, grab a quick breakfast and get out the door. We don't want to deal with food courts or restaurants first thing. Give me a cup of OJ and a bowl of Cheerios and I'm happy. The fact that breakfast costs about 50 cents is just a bonus.

 

[sbb2012]

As per my sig, 22 of my 30 trips have been offsite so I totally agree that you need not be onsite to have a great time.

I'll take issue (a bit) with calling what you do cutting corners. We greatly prefer staying offsite, having tons of space, a kitchen, table and chairs to eat breakfast in peace, all the amenities of home and more. We like to get up, grab a quick breakfast and get out the door. We don't want to deal with food courts or restaurants first thing. Give me a cup of OJ and a bowl of Cheerios and I'm happy. The fact that breakfast costs about 50 cents is just a bonus.

Well, I didn't mean it in any negative way. I simply meant there are ways to save money and still have a great time. We also prefer having more space, eating our own breakfast, and saving money. For us, that is not making any kind of sacrifice, just doing what we think is best and what we enjoy.

I guess I meant that so many say a Disney vacation off-site is no vacation at all...and I think that is crazy. I think it's better to spend less offsite and get more for your money.

 

[brunette8706]

Despite their attempts to clean up their image, Myrtle Beach is a fairly rough place. The groups who frequent Myrtle include massive numbers of just-graduated seniors and bikers (and I don't mean doctors and lawyers who ride on the weekends).

People who will argue with this aren't making the distinction between Myrtle Beach and Myrtle North or Myrtle South. North and South are still budget-oriented, but they are more family oriented and have golf ( mini golf Capitol of the world), water parks and family restaurants. But people who aren't from this area don't get that the three areas are not alike. Myrtle itself is very small and very different from the two towns who share it's name.

*
Hey there!

THANKS for the clarification! Never knew that! Take care! Brunette

 

[Girls1]

Each trip I seem to save more and more! We are staying on property for 17 nights in Oct/Nov (at AoA, CSR and POP) and so far we are only at about $2700 for 2 adults and 2 children (16 & 7). That includes flying from the Northeast, staying ON property and 8 day Park hopper/water park tickets. It's like $40 per person/per night!!!! Obviously food is quite costly...but because we got everything else so cheap we can maybe splurge a little on our meals...or if i want to be cheap, we can make them budget meals with lots of sharing! Disney CAN be done on a budget!!!!

Really?! How much are your flight tickets? The four of us usually pay between $1000-1300 in airfare alone.
Last year, our trip cost about 3k not including food. We are 2 adults, dd13 and dd7. We paid $1083 for airline tickets (NYC to Mco with stops), about $1250 for 7 day park hoppers and around $800 for 7 nights at Pop.
This year was a bit more expensive but still manageable. We paid $1296 for non-stop flights, $1000 for 7 day base tickets ( thank you UT) and $1200 altogether for 9 nights at Doubletree and CBR.
We ate all our breakfasts in our room and some dinners. Had three TS meals and brought lots of snacks to the parks as well as drinks. We ended up spending about $500 on food and ice cream. and $200 on souvenirs.

 

[punkin]

That may be true but if it is, how often is that because of this exact point: they think it is much more expensive than it is. The family I refer to in my OP takes a similar beach vacation every year, most likely spending approximately the same amount every year. They could spend that very same amount - $3,500 - and get a very nice on-site Disney vacation without a bunch of special knowledge gained from multiple visits.

I'm going to suggest something sacrilegious here. Maybe they want to go to the beach and prefer that to a Disney vacation, no matter how much money they might save (I also suspect that if their beach vacation ran that much, they would probably spend more on Disney than you do, as well).

 

[disneysteve]

I'm going to suggest something sacrilegious here. Maybe they want to go to the beach and prefer that to a Disney vacation, no matter how much money they might save (I also suspect that if their beach vacation ran that much, they would probably spend more on Disney than you do, as well).

Certainly there are people who aren't interested in going to Disney. Those aren't the people I'm talking about in this thread. I'm talking about the ones who say, "We'd love to go to Disney but we can't afford it. So we go to Wildwood instead because that only costs us $3,500 for the week."

They are of the belief that a Disney trip would cost them more than that. They simply don't know that a week in Disney could easily be done for the same amount and, in fact, could be done for $1,000 less than that.

 

[missesdisney]

Certainly there are people who aren't interested in going to Disney. Those aren't the people I'm talking about in this thread. I'm talking about the ones who say, "We'd love to go to Disney but we can't afford it. So we go to Wildwood instead because that only costs us $3,500 for the week."

They are of the belief that a Disney trip would cost them more than that. They simply don't know that a week in Disney could easily be done for the same amount and, in fact, could be done for $1,000 less than that.

As a fellow South Jerseyite if that is a word.....I will back Steve up here that I have heard that sentence said 100 ways. So many people act as if they can't afford Disney so they are 'just going to the shore' then spend more

Also to those trying to compare pricing...depending on location driving may not be a real option - I'd say a day's drive is reasonable and not vacation killing but more would be for me. We make it in 15 hours flat with Nascar style pit stops (restroom - gas up - grab a coffee - GO GO GO).

And thanks to those who point out offsite is not settling or cutting corners - there are great reasons to stay off site - value for your money is one of them - more for the same or less. Like I've posted earlier we almost always do both in one stay as we have DVC but at this point if I were paying cash...it would be the big 2BR Marriott Vac Club condo with the washer/dryer and kitchen and multiple tvs we don't have to fight over (not to mention the rockin huge shower and/or jacuzzi tub in the master bedroom) to ANY cash Disney room. But that's why there are so many options.

 

[beansmom]

Really?! How much are your flight tickets? The four of us usually pay between $1000-1300 in airfare alone.
Last year, our trip cost about 3k not including food. We are 2 adults, dd13 and dd7. We paid $1083 for airline tickets (NYC to Mco with stops), about $1250 for 7 day park hoppers and around $800 for 7 nights at Pop.
This year was a bit more expensive but still manageable. We paid $1296 for non-stop flights, $1000 for 7 day base tickets ( thank you UT) and $1200 altogether for 9 nights at Doubletree and CBR.
We ate all our breakfasts in our room and some dinners. Had three TS meals and brought lots of snacks to the parks as well as drinks. We ended up spending about $500 on food and ice cream. and $200 on souvenirs.

she said:

Roundtrip airfare from T.F. Green for 4 people: $89 (signed up for Southwest CC for 50,000 points. $69 for CC fee and $20 for airfare fees)

AoA-LM(3 nights), CSR(10 nights on points $5pp) and POP(4 nights with current discount) total of 17 nights: $1800

4 Y.E.S. 8 day hopper with waterparks tix: $880

I applaud the savings but i'm not going to open another credit card just to get cheap airfare one time--especially on Suckwest. The resort savings is pretty good but anyone could pay the same at a Value and get free dining or get a 20%ish discount with a room only.

YES tickets are limited--it's a great deal but not everyone qualifies for the program and the spaces fill up quickly.

 

[eliza61]

I have to say that I totally agree with you!! There are so many really nice, and totally affordable, off-site options that offer fridge and microwave or sometimes a whole kitchen. Staying in an off-site property like that is a big money saver.

In addition, when we go, we eat breakfast before we go--make simple stuff like bagels and cream cheese, fruit, and coffee. We pack all our snacks for the day and often will pack sandwiches for our lunch, too. That saves tremedously.

I don't think you have to stay on-site to get a great WDW experience! I think if you cut corners like I described, you can have an affordable Disney vacation.

But think about why that is. when you go on this site what is the "mantra" you hear day in a day out.

1) you have to stay onsite if you want to be "immersed" in magic
2) you have to stay onsite if you want it to be "magical"
3) by the time you add on the cost of parking and a car rental its cheaper to stay in a value anyway.
4) don't even get me started about how I cringe every time I hear "if you don't do rope drop, you won't get any thing" done.

Disney has spread the koolaide and for 99% of the disser here if you don't follow that path, you are doomed to have a horrible vacation.

So if you are a person that has never been, and you read post after post saying you must stay onsite. What do you think they will think? and the first time I did disney I went to a AAA authorized disney TA and girlfriend did not even mention offsite. Now this was before the internet so information was mainly from TA's

i'm just saying that for a newbie, trying to get that "magical" vacation, they are definitely being sold "on site"

Dont even get me started if they get the planning dvd.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2978342&highlight=on+site

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2636846&highlight=on+site+versus+off+site

 

[ScottOKW2K]

About three years ago there was a thread in either this forum or TPA&S (I forget which) from a family of four living in New York City. They complained that through their TA a week-long Disney vacation was going to cost about $16,000 and asked for help for a lower cost. I think that it was Platinum Plan as well as first class air fare.

I remember some details about that thread. I think they started out pricing things using the Disney website, and one of the selections she entered that kicked the price up significantly was their family size - 6 , if I remember correctly. IF you show a family that size and request one room (like they did) it will select a 2 bedroom suite for you. This will raise the price considerably ! As a matter of fact I just did that on the Disney site - family of 6, dining plan, tickets, did not select multi-room booking and the grand total is --- just over $16K . You could actually book a 2 bedroom Villa for $6k less (that was one of the alternate selections).

 

[KC78]

ah...i see...i wouldn't fly southwest on a bet...

so, in all actuality, you are paying $2680 for hotel and park tickets...IF you had to pay for airfare ( and kudos on not paying this time even if it is southwest), that would have added another $1k right? plus food...

we are 4 for a total of $4k -ish for a week isn't bad...besides there is no way we could be away from work for 18 days...

she said:

I applaud the savings but i'm not going to open another credit card just to get cheap airfare one time--especially on Suckwest. The resort savings is pretty good but anyone could pay the same at a Value and get free dining or get a 20%ish discount with a room only.

YES tickets are limited--it's a great deal but not everyone qualifies for the program and the spaces fill up quickly.

I am sorry you hate southwest so much but I happen to like them and have never had an issue. I only have one other major credit card so it is not like I go around opening cards just for some little perk. It didn't just give me "cheap" airfare...it gave me virtually free roundtrip airfare for 4 people! That is a huge deal! As far as the hotel discount, I have to say you are off the mark on that one. I saved nearly 50% off rack rates for my CSR ressie for 10 nights. Even with the room only discount going on right now it still would have cost over $500 more. Free dining???? It's not really free! You are paying rack rates for rooms plus you have to buy a 2 day ticket for each person!!!! 4-2 day base tickets ($737) cost almost as much as my 8 day hoppers with warterparks ($880)!!! I priced out a portion of my trip and what I paid vs. What you are suggesting can be done for virtually the same cost:

What I paid:
CSR 10 days with 4-8 day hoppers with waterparks= $1910

Disney "room only" Discount:
CSR 10 days $1533 plus $1587 for tickets=$3120
POP 10 days $949 plus $1587 for tickets=$2536

"Free" Dining for same time frame:
POP 10 days with Quick service dining (we would never want to eat CS everyday for 10 days) costs $2755 almost $850 more than what I am paying...for lesser accommodations and food we wouldn't enjoy.

CSR's "free" dining deal would cost $3583!!!! Almost $1700 more for only 10 days!

I can guarantee we will be spending a lot less that $1700 on food!

I always put a lot of work into making our budget Disney vacations NOT FEEL like it was done on a budget! We have never stayed at values in the past because I have always been able to get a deal renting DVC points for less than or equal to the cost of values.
Anyway...I'm very proud of and quite content with our amazing deals for this upcoming trip!!!