Disney too Expensive!

[Explodo]

So we can't go to disney until 2010 due to waiting for our youngest to get a little bigger (He's 2, and we'd like him to be tall enough to get on rides over 44 inches, and we'd like for him to be potty trained)

So, I can't help myself, I go out once or twice a week and price out our 2010 trip based on current rates.

So, here's the trip.

Going in late September
7 days at the GF. Stay in the outer lodge(Sugar Loaf)
PArk Hoppers
Deluxe Dining
Flights
MAgic Express
2 Adults
2 Kids

Depending on when I price the trip, it runs between $4600 and $5600. We're savers, so we've got about 3/4's of the price saved right now. But here's my question....Why the fluctuation in price?

 

[Disneyfied4]

Disney can be as expensive or as reasonable as you want it to be. We just got back from a trip to Ohio. We went to Cedar Point for a day. Well, the admission tickets might be less but once in the park the prices were outrageous! It is $4.00 for a bottled water! You had to pay for any extra fun other than the big rides. And the big rides had total outside not air conditioned, non-themed waiting lines. Cedar Point doesn't have a parade or fireworks. So it's all relative how much Disney costs. If a Disney vacation is expensive, then save and be patient. This idea of others giving a "hand up" has got to go......our country was not founded on a "hand up". It was on hard work! Stop relying on the help of others and rely on yourself!

 

[bicker]

A related and interesting data-point was posted and discussed on another forum this morning: Evidently ADRs are still very competitive. This seems to me to be a signal that the economic down-turn is not adversely affecting Walt Disney World as much as some of the darkest curmudgeons are saying. Guests are clearly still visiting in large numbers, and not even resorting to saving money via switching substantially to counter service in large enough numbers, to leave full-service restaurants with open space.

 

[defendthehill]

Add me to the camp of thinking WDW is a good vacation option for the money. Here are my last two family vacations with two adults and three kids. I will try to be brief.

Spring Break 2009: Indian Rocks Beach Florida
Airfare: $1100
Condo: $1800 with all the taxes, cleaning fee etc.
Van Rental: $350
Food at Grocery: $300
Eating Out 2 times: $150
Misc. Entertainment (putt putt/ice cream etc.): $200
1 Souvenier per kid: 60
Total $3960

June 4-11 @ The Beach Club standard room view on the 4/3 deal. Including Airfare, 1TS 1CS and 1 snack, and 7 day Magic Your Way tickey (no park hopper or water parks) $4500

Groceries delieved by gardengrocer.com $80
Dinner OOP @ Beaches and Cream $70
Two souveniers per kid...we splurged....$150
Misc. tipping @ meals etc....$250
Total: $5050

Now both vacations were different. At the beach...we did just that. We stayed at the beach. Several days we never left the condo complex. We went to expereince the beach and we did just that. The vacation was fun but it was a regular experience for my kids to be in the condo watching a movie or cartoons. Don't take that as a criticism we wanted to relax we accompished that.

WDW was different. Although $1000 more expensive the entertainment value of that 1000 bucks was well worth it. We could have saved some money and stayed at a lesser resort but we wanted Storm Along Bay and we knew parks all day would be tough for our family. This was our first trip to Disney and would I do it again for $5000. You bet I would!

That 5 grand would be easier for me to let go of than 4 grand at the beach!

 

[Gabes_mommy]

I think if you strictly consider the "rack rates" Disney could be considered very expensive. However the recent offers and specials (Free Dining, 7 for 4) have made it much more reasonable.

 

[kydisneyfans]

I'm budgeting more for our 5 day trip to Chicago this weekend than our week long trip to Disney in October.

The only aspect of Disney I think is expensive is the single day tickets. The multi day ticket plans are much better and a no expiration option helps to extend the lives of those tickets.

The last visit to Cedar Point was in 1999 and we paid $140 for a run down HOJO. My last week at a condo outside of Disney was $166 for the week. We are staying onsite this time for the free dining option.

A Disney trip is what you make of it, I can do a family of 3 for less than a grand, or someone else can do a family of 3 for 5K. Disney is about the cheapest vacation we take.

 

[Tinkerbell3014]

Disney actually priced out cheaper for us than a beach vacation staying at a hotel similar to the mods. Well, that is if we wanted to go anywhere or see anything while we were at the beach. I would rather go to Disney for less money and more to do with the kids than try to keep them occupied for a week on the beach with no extras.

 

[Planogirl]

A related and interesting data-point was posted and discussed on another forum this morning: Evidently ADRs are still very competitive. This seems to me to be a signal that the economic down-turn is not adversely affecting Walt Disney World as much as some of the darkest curmudgeons are saying. Guests are clearly still visiting in large numbers, and not even resorting to saving money via switching substantially to counter service in large enough numbers, to leave full-service restaurants with open space.

"Free" dining?

There's no doubt that Disney is expensive. Now whether it is too expensive depends on you and your own economic situation or beliefs. Mine entails that we stay offsite and use counter service.

As for whether other destinations cost more, they can. They can also cost quite a bit less. I think that going to Washington DC is a great bargain for example.

 

[boakl]

We live within an easy day's drive to WDW, have three small kids, love WDW, and have family all over central Florida, so we are in the area often. We are on a very tight budget right now, but we have found ways to go to Disney and not go into debt.

1. We have started staying off site. It's much more comfortable for my family of five and there are great deals on condos that are ridiculously close to the parks. Since we already drive down, we don't have to deal with rental cars. We usually eat breakfast at the condo for about $3 each, go to a park at rope drop, hit big attractions, come back for a big lunch, swimming and naps, then back to the parks for dinner at a counter service place, window shopping, smaller attractions, parades and fireworks.

2. We buy 10 day no-expire PH, WP&M ticket each time one runs out. . This hedges against future price hikes. We can get 3-4 trips out of each one. My brother works for a company that is a major sponsor at Disney and he gets a 25% off Friends and Family discount on tickets, that is a huge $$ saver. Check around and see if anyone you know is eligible.

3. We really limit our kids' spending while there. They really don't need another Mickey figurine, T-shirt, toy, etc. If we have big trip coming up, I will look through the Disney store sales and buy them shirts for our trip and surprise them with them once we are there. The dollar store also has some Disney themed merchandise from time to time and I will buy and put that stuff away for trips as well. My kids do receive allowances and if they want to use their $$ for souvenirs they may, but they don't get money from me!

4. In a week's trip, we may only go to the parks 3-4 times (that's how we get 3-4 trips out of each 10 ticket!). We find that our kids can't do more than two days in a row of the parks, and once they get tired and stop having fun, the whining begins and the good times end. On our off days we find lots of free and inexpensive things to do: We ride the monorails, ride the resort launches, the boats between Epcot and the Studioes, go to the Boardwalk, explore resorts, swim, go to the Marketplace to window shop, people watch and play at the Lego store. Since we have the WP&M feature, we also go to the waterparks, play mini golf and can visit Disney Quest. There are so many things to do there and sometimes our off days are more fun than our park days!

My husband had a trade show over the weekend at an amazing off site resort. My boys and I tagged along. We didn't even step foot inside the parks and my kids still had an awesome time at Disney! Here is what we did:

Slept in
ate breakfast
went for a long swim in the pool
lunch/explored resort
rest
went over to WDW, rode the monorails (the resort and Epcot, and got a ride up front)
ate dinner at Gasparilla's at the GF. For a pizza, three kids meals, desserts and drinks we spent less than $40. We ate outside with a view of the castle and the monrails. We were able to watch the water show on the lagoon, and then watched "Wishes" from our seats. The music was piped in (could've been a little louder!)

I am not saying to skip the parks, but there are ways to enjoy Disney and all it has to offer without going into the parks each day. Disney can be a bargain if you put some thought into how to use your time and money

 

[Planogirl]

boakl, we often do much the same. We like to go to Downtown Disney or a resort, have a meal and just explore a little. And there's so much to do in central Florida! I've really gotten a kick out of non-Disney related attractions.

 

[drcandon]

I still think Disney is a more affordable alternative vacation...that is still fun..

Sure right now I can get a vacation package to an all inclusive in Cancun for about $400pp..but it is miserable hot and all you can safely do is lay around in the resort - yippee - some fun...

Living where I do - any vacation involves flying out...a winter vacation that is...and that means paying the outrageous CDN prices for flights...most Canadians that can do it drive to the US first then fly rather then fly out of Toronto..

And as far as the pp said about a cruise..DW and I like cruising as well, but that has become a "nickel and dime you to death" proposition as well. Many years ago the cruise lines stopped offering booze as part of the cuise package. But if you add on the numerous tips to everybody and their brother, the shore excursions, the "alternative" dining restaurants, the various pay extra services, etc etc..and you are stuck buying the cruise lines overpriced booze ( if you drink)...and of course if you are a gambler, the really really really cheapo payout casinos on board, it is really easy to drum up an after cruise bill or hundreds if not thousands of dollars...the way cruises get you is the initial advertisement ( loss leader??) ..it is only $400pp yea sure , for an inside cabin on the lowest deck..if you even want to see outside, let alone a balcony, well then open up the wallets..

Disney rooms - on the other hand at least have a window you can see out of..sure you may be looking at the parking lot or the pool, but how much do you actually spend in the room? There are places to go and things to do, all inlcuded with the initial park hopper ticket...try that on a cruise...

And don't let anyone tell you that you don't spend much time in the room on a cruise, yes you do..sure there are things to do on a cruise (most of them cost extra).

As far as other vacations go..what if you don't like sleeping in a tent and getting bit by every creature on earth?

And this crud they are feeding you these days about a "homecation".. gimme a break...another way to get you to spend money on ridiculous outdoor furniture that in my neck of the woods you have to store somewhere in the winter..

If I have to I will take the 2 days on the road to drive to Disney in my cheapo 4 cyl car, stay in nice cheap motels, so I can at least have a decent vacation in Disney...that I can count on for consistency

 

[kshattuck]

I think Disney is pretty appropriately priced, comparatively speaking. We spent a week at the beach last September. Our vacation to Disney this year, during the same time period, is running about 25% more than what we paid for a beach house, plus meals and entertainment.

I love the beach, but I would say that there is well more than a 25% differential in entertainment options at WDW, easily making up the difference.

 

[Nancyg56]

"Free" dining?

There's no doubt that Disney is expensive. Now whether it is too expensive depends on you and your own economic situation or beliefs. Mine entails that we stay offsite and use counter service.

As for whether other destinations cost more, they can. They can also cost quite a bit less. I think that going to Washington DC is a great bargain for example.

Your finances should always play into whatever vacation you plan. When my children were young I could not afford to add airfare onto any vacation so we only went where I could drive. Most times it was day trips. I never felt that the places that I could not afford to go should lower prices, I adjusted my destinations.

I have not changed my mindset regarding vacation prices, I like the biggest bang for my buck so I travel off peak, I seldom stay in Deluxe resorts, although I love them and I use the dining package. For my family it is a great value. We generally manage to keep our expenses to about $100 a day PP, not including my DGD's expenses which we split, and this includes the majority of our food, our accommodations and park tickets. Anything else I spend is not a necessity, it is a want and I can chose to purchase or not.

I think that there is a belief that businesses should have options for all families. That is not the reality, just price a Six Flags vacation, add what you get for your money, and then mirror that with a Disney vacation. Different places and different experiences but Six Flags was way more money and there was almost nothing that was included with the admission price. And don't try to save by bringing a sandwich or snack into that park. For that savings we would have had to hike almost a mile to the parking lot.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

Mouseaholic!!! I'd love to hear any tips or advice for other destiniations. I've been looking into NYC, Hershey Park, and DC(all driveable distances for us) for 3 nights 4 days, and can't seem to get it cheaper than $1200. That's for hotel, tours/entertainment, and some meals. Any help would be appreciated!!

I just sent a pm

 

[cookesquad5]

I think Disney is very affordable for us!! We go for free dining and always keep our eyes open for good airfare. We live near the Jersey shore, and believe me we spend less to go to Disney than we would to go to the shore for the same amount of time!!!


mom-mom aunt suzy me hubby dd ds ds

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

I am going to agree with everyone here and say disney is not expensive for a vacation considering their packages include food, accommodations and entertainment. We are going for 9 nights and our staying at the AKL and WL in both places we have the best views and our package total is $2,700 I think is a great deal of course we will be spending extra money there but I think that is a great deal for a vacation for 2 for 9 nights. We have a lot of added things like MNSSHP and really good seats ay La Nouba, photopass, etc. But those are not necessary and if couldn't afford it I will be happy just being in Disney.

$300 p/night before you spend the extra $$$. WOW, that is an affordable holiday?

Only time we came close was 2 weeks in Alaska which included our wedding costs. We had upgraded rooms and a suite on the one-week cruise.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

A related and interesting data-point was posted and discussed on another forum this morning: Evidently ADRs are still very competitive. This seems to me to be a signal that the economic down-turn is not adversely affecting Walt Disney World as much as some of the darkest curmudgeons are saying. Guests are clearly still visiting in large numbers, and not even resorting to saving money via switching substantially to counter service in large enough numbers, to leave full-service restaurants with open space.

I guess this note and Bob Iger's statement about the downturn because of the economy in the second quarter 2009 earnings statement is a a economic success story? (this is section of the earnings statement)

Parks and Resorts

Parks and Resorts revenues for the quarter decreased 12% to $2.4 billion and segment operating income decreased 50% to $171 million. Lower operating income was due to decreases at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Vacation Club, Disneyland Resort and Disneyland Resort Paris. Operating income comparisons were unfavorably impacted by the shift of the Easter holiday from the second quarter in fiscal 2008 to the third quarter in fiscal 2009.

Domestic Operations

Lower operating income at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort was primarily due to decreased guest spending, partially offset by lower costs. Decreased guest spending at the Walt Disney World Resort was due to lower average daily hotel room rates, lower average ticket prices and decreased merchandise spending. At Disneyland Resort, decreased guest spending was primarily due to lower average ticket prices and decreased merchandise spending. Lower costs reflected savings from cost mitigation activities and lower cost of merchandise, food and beverages sold, partially offset by labor and other cost inflation. Lower operating income at Disney Vacation Club reflected unfavorable impacts associated with securitized ownership interests, higher per unit cost of sales, decreased sales of term extensions on certain existing properties and lower rentals of vacation club units.

 

[OrangeCat04]

I know how hard it can be when you want to take a vacation, but its just not in the budget. But i think if you try to cut costs as much as possible, Disney can be totally affordable for you! They offer great deals a few times a year. Free Dining is a big draw for lots of people, and they just had a buy 4 nights get 3 free deal. If you travel during the value seasons, hotels are not any more expensive than other vacation destinations, in fact i find that i somehow always end up paying less when i go to Disney than other places!

Another good thing to do is sign up on their website for Emails, they will occasionally send you pin codes. I have gotten pin codes for Free Dining and 40% off hotel stays in the past.

I hope you are able to get a Disney vacation that fits your family! and if not i hope wherever else you go you have a great time!

 

[landshark]

I always expect Disney to be expensive. To me, you're paying for the many conveniences they offer as well as exceptional service absolutely everywhere around the property that you'll likely not find anywhere else.

I wasn't planning on WDW again this year until I saw a commercial for the free dining period. It falls perfectly for my boyfriend's birthday (he's the real Disney fanatic) and, if you figure it's something like $50+/- in free food everyday per adult (we're doing 9 days this time), I think that's a pretty awesome deal. I remember being kinda sad last year that, because we paid OOP for all food, I was limited to cheaper items that were OK, but weren't truly what I always wanted. We also only got to go to 2 TS restaurants (we missed our reservation for Le Cellier) so I'm really looking forward to being able to try them this year.

We stay at POP to keep the price down, but we do also like it so it's not a big deal. I figure we're going to be at the parks all day and all that room for is to sleep in--we don't need the fancier resorts. Compared to some other vacation ideas I had like Hawaii or a Disney cruise, this trip is still cheaper and less of a hassle/things to worry about.

 

[Condorman]

I'm sure somebody has already pointed this out, but I didn't read every post so I'll talk about something that clearly isn't obvious to many people:

WDW employs nearly 60,000 CMs. On an average vacation, you will never see more than a few thousand. There are CMs who perform maintenance on every form of transportation; groundskeepers making the place beautiful in the middle of the night; management keeping the place from falling apart -- and you never see any of them. My point is they are all necessary to a destination most of us enjoy (or why else would you be posting on this site?). When you consider the average cost for a family on a WDW vacation, neither you nor the other millions of families are spending nearly enough to pay 60,000 salaries and keep WDW in business. You heard me right. Disney should be charging more; more for tickets (considering the total number of rides, attractions, shows and parks); more for food (considering they don't just sell hot dogs and hamburgers, and they very well could); more for their lodging (considering the transportation that links all the resorts and the perks you get for staying at one of their resorts); etc. etc.

I know this way of thinking will incense most of you, and yes the "value" of Disney's hotels and restaurants isn't quite up to par when compared to the outside world, but look at what you get and how much it costs you. A 10-day MYW PH with Water Parks is $33.70 a day. Are you kidding me? $33.70 a day? What's the price of taking your family out to a movie? Do the math on that and tell me what you get for it, and it will never compare to spending a day at WDW. Disney should be charging $50 a day, and soon enough they will. But when people ask Disney to cut them some slack because of the economy, those people will forever see life's glass as half-empty. WDW is an exceptional value. They offer something for every level of every lifestyle, and those offerings have come with some extraordinary discounts over the past few years.

A vacation is a luxury, not a necessity, and WDW is a destination, not an obligation.