How do you justify the finances taking a Disney World trip?

[Bete]

I'm leaning towards going and I will just wait for any deals that will hopefully come along and grab one. If there's no free dining then we will cut back on eating at the parks. I will look into renting points for DVC, too. With a kitchen we could save eating costs. I will say though I just don't like the idea of cooking on vacation, but it would be a compromise to make costs more manageable.

I appreciate everyone's outlook. I really like Disney World and I would love to give that experience to our great grandchildren. I will have to learn more about fastpass plus and magic bands, now. Yes, we are renting off site for a scooter.

Since we probably won't go back for another trip we would like to stay for a week. We could always go to SeaWorld or other parks, too.

 

[disneyjunkie]

Yes, we need to know number of people going and number of nights. Transportation cost is included in that price? And the cost of transportation. Those numbers do not add up for 6 people for a,week. Value hotel should be like $ 125 a night. So 250 x7 is $1800. 7 day tickets $2500. We are at $5300 with out food and eats

Those numbers do sound off.

7 of us( kids 8, 9, 16 and 4 adults) went last week during Easter. Airfare from NYC, two standard pool view rooms at POP (used a discount code),regular dining plan and 7 day hoppers from ticketsatwork didn't cost as much as the OP quoted.

I would not cut out the dining plan

If you will have a good time that is all the justification you need. Life is short. You've been 40 times, you know what works for you and your family. I'm w/ you on staying onsite and having the dining plan. Wouldn't go to WDW w/o either.

I passed on two "free"trips because the people who invited us wanted to stay off, eat off site and/or cook in the villa/house they rented. NO NO NO NO That is not how we do Disney. If we can't do disney the way we love to,then we don't go. Going without the dining plan just isn't an option for us.

 

[NinaBella]

Have you also considered a cruise? With the great-grandparents age, Disney crowds and heat does not sound very enjoyable. My dad lives near the smokies and that is a nice family vacation as well. According to my adult son's Pigeon Forge is more of a tourist trap than Orlando, so I am not sure I would recommend that area.

There are a lot of other places other than Disney where you will get more for your money.

What time of year were you looking at going? To me, time of year can make a huge difference in comfort level of elderly. I would suggest October as a good month to go.

 

[js]

I didnt read all the reaponses and mine wont be as detailed but to take the, for instance, $12,000 for a college fund for each grandchild, it's $6000 each. If this may be the last time you all vacation together, I would much rather spend the week wih my family then leave $6k each for college.

Im actually planning a trip right now for my close friends to take their two grandchildren and the grand childrens parents to Disney for a week (6 people total) I have them renting a two bedroom at Grand Floridian Villas for less than $6,000. Im thinking Ill have them spending about $10-$15,000 when all said and done including flight from EWR, tickets and character/regular meals. Im a Disney vet and never even considered them getting a meal plan especially staying DVC.

Im not working with a budget and above are my numbers so I am sure you can very much get your numbers down quite a bit.

Book the trip and enjoy!

 

[figment52]

.

I, as a grandchild, would MUCH more appreciate a family trip. Not even so much for the great grandkids but for the family as a whole. Memories are so very important to me including overly expensive Disney vacations.

Time together and memories of this vacation will mean more to the GGK 30 years from now than a contribution to the college fund. I wish I had any memories at all of my GGP. I barely have any memories of a couple of my GP. Just my 2 cents.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

A 2nd option that you may not have considered but have you looked into a Disney Cruise?
They're pricey, BUT depending on the season you can get a really good deal, and it would give your grand children a chance to visit other countries and see a different part of the world. Pass ports are not required (but recommended) if the cruise leaves and returns to the same port.
And for a family of 6 you could get two inside staterooms for roughly the same cost as a Disney hotel, park tickets and food. Plus disney cruises are SUPER relaxing and enjoyable and really stress free.
Food and entertainment is included in the price (except for tips) so you could have almost everything paid in advance. Plus that gift card trick works for the cruise line too.
Traveling in February and September would get you close to the lowest rates.

The cruises offer everything from broadway styled shows, a movie theater, drawing classes and so many more things and you don't have any stress of trying to get around 4 theme parks with busses and monorails.
It's something good to consider especially if you think your family may not be able to go on one other wise, a once in a lifetime kind of vacation for you all to experience together.

Memories are priceless.

I love this idea. We find cruises are wonderful for multi-generational trips. One of our cruises we had 19 people ranging from 8 to 80. You can be as busy as you like or just veg and it would be super easy for you and your dh to go back to your room and rest some and catch up with the kids again later.
It's a MUCH higher level of service also and makes WDW feel like some crazy zoo.
For dinner you have the same servers all week. Our table is there empty and waiting for us, never holding a pager to wait for it to be ready. Our server holds out my chair and says, "Hi P_____, How was your day? What did you do today?"
They remember that dh and I like ice tea and our kids like chocolate milk or Sprite or whatever. When the food comes, they cut my kids' meat and crack their lobster. If I ever got up to try, I got a gentle tap on the shoulder and reminded that I'm on vacation and they do it.
The whole crew works incredibly hard to earn their tips. We have requested specific servers who were so genuine and wonderful to us that we know we want them again on another cruise. Dh has even stayed in touch with one on FB.

There are no discounts available (unless you rebook onboard at the future cruise desk) but many TAs offer an onboard credit as a thank you for booking. My TA gives $200 per stateroom for a 7 nt cruise and $100 for 3-5 nts. Also the price really varies with dates so search around. Generally the prices are lowest while kids are in school.
I would definitely recommend trip insurance since it has to be paid in full a couple months before sailing. As pp said, you don't need passports unless you're sailing from a foreign port. If you sail from a US port and return to the same, you can use official birth certificates for all and photo ID for adults.

Maybe do 1 day at MK just to experience some classics (PP, SW, CoP, etc.) with the kids then sail away and relax. mmmm..... sounds like heaven to me!

 

[Bete]

I think I can beat my numbers, too. This was a budget without any deals. I wanted to see worse scenario. I'll make sure we get a deal. Paying full price for a room and the dining plan can make the numbers soar.

I can see my great grandchildren easily spending $25/day each on souvenirs. To say no would put a damper on the trip. We would have some special experiences, too like the dessert party at MK. We will go to MVMCP. I know we will spend more than normal.

I started the post because I had mixed feelings about spending the money on a vacation. College fund aside, the extra money could go towards their first car someday and so forth. It's a debate between going for the moment or the long run.

The kid in me is winning so far.

 

[C-CMom]

We would have some special experiences, too like the dessert party at MK. I know we will spend more than normal.

Your money = your business, of course, but one could argue that being at WDW is a "special experience", especially if you are 4 years old. If the trip were "somewhat" less expensive by thoughtful trimming, the difference in dollars could go to those other funds that also seem important to you. "Somewhat" is subject to personal interpretation, but if your conscious is even a bit conflicted, maybe you can have a smaller cake for eating + a smaller cake for having later (ie, "have your cake and eat it, too").

 

[Gumbo4x4]

"I" could not justify that kind of expense. I'd be much happier saying offsite with some actual space than to be crammed into an overpriced Super 8 that just happens to have cute decorations. And 4-year-olds sitting still for 2-hour character meals? MAYBE one for the trip, but that would be it.

We're taking small children who've never before been to WDW. Do you really think they'll think it somehow "less" than that if you stay offsite & eat a few meals outside of the parks/resorts?

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

I think I can beat my numbers, too. This was a budget without any deals. I wanted to see worse scenario. I'll make sure we get a deal. Paying full price for a room and the dining plan can make the numbers soar.

I can see my great grandchildren easily spending $25/day each on souvenirs. To say no would put a damper on the trip. We would have some special experiences, too like the dessert party at MK. We will go to MVMCP. I know we will spend more than normal.

I started the post because I had mixed feelings about spending the money on a vacation. College fund aside, the extra money could go towards their first car someday and so forth. It's a debate between going for the moment or the long run.

The kid in me is winning so far.

If it really is more about feeling guilt over spending the money now rather than saving it for their future, then I would say go on your trip. If the money is there and there is no financial burden, then have fun!

DH and I got a substantial gift of money from my parents for our wedding. We have a good income and we don't have much debt (mortgage, car loan and DH's student loans mostly). We could have saved that money in the bank or used it towards the loans, but there wasn't a dire need for that. This was money that if we spent somewhere fun, it wouldn't be missed so much. So we decided to spend it on a DVC membership. We got enough points to enjoy a 1 week trip every 2 years. We just went for the first time as DVC members earlier this month and we had an amazing time. We are so happy that we spent the money this way and are looking forward to when we have kids and can take them to enjoy Disney as much as we have.

 

[starry_solo]

It's either 6 people or 8 people.

OP's post says "hubby and I, our great 2 grandchildren and their parents." It doesn't say that both grandchildren are from the same set of parents.

At any rate, if it was going to cost that much money, I would re-evaluate staying on Disney-owned property. I would look at renting at Wyndham Bonnet Creek (which is on property, but not owned by Disney) or at a home that's only a few minutes away.

Depending on the season that you intend to go to, you can potentially get a 2-bedroom at WBC for $500-ish per week. Check ebay for great deals (it's renting a timeshare).

 

[TwoMisfits]

If you do go, I would recommend getting a villa/condo (whether onsite or offsite) with a full kitchen and getting some groceries and having some amazing "entertainment", like cool water features, mini golf, playground, etc at the site...why?

If you are in your 80s and the GG kids are under 5...there will be a time during the vacation where someone will need a break. Maybe they just can't get out the door that morning b/c they overexerted themselves the day before, maybe they get sick, maybe they haven't slept all week, etc...but you may have to have a "day in" or even two for all or part of your party. And having the ability to feed that party in their room and yet also having the ability to feed and entertain other family members right there is priceless.

It's why I'd also recommend against the dining plan. Having traveled with an ill parent, I know how little that parent ate their last trip. Having traveled with little kids, I know how little that they will sometimes eat or that they'll fall asleep right before dinner, or be having a fit/unable to sit through dinner. The Dining Plan ropes you in when you likely will need a little flexibility.

Like many have said in different ways...don't be "Dumbo or die" this trip to fit in every last possible memory you want to have with them on the trip. Instead, pick 3-5 MUST do things and 3-5 nice to do but skippable things, and go from there. Your GGKs and GKs will appreciate the trip more if it's less "rushing between memory to memory" and more "enjoying each memory and savoring it." Like others mentioned, that may mean picking 1 or 2 favorite character meals and just doing those as TS meals. That may mean picking 1 evening pay event and enjoying it, etc. That may mean spending a little time looking through pictures on your camera at night in your room, stupid as that sounds, but little kids love to look at pictures and snuggling a little child later at night after enjoying a nice, fun relaxing day is better than rushing them til they break and plopping them in bed each night...

 

[TheDisneyDoll]

I love this idea. We find cruises are wonderful for multi-generational trips. One of our cruises we had 19 people ranging from 8 to 80. You can be as busy as you like or just veg and it would be super easy for you and your dh to go back to your room and rest some and catch up with the kids again later.
It's a MUCH higher level of service also and makes WDW feel like some crazy zoo.
For dinner you have the same servers all week. Our table is there empty and waiting for us, never holding a pager to wait for it to be ready. Our server holds out my chair and says, "Hi P_____, How was your day? What did you do today?"
They remember that dh and I like ice tea and our kids like chocolate milk or Sprite or whatever. When the food comes, they cut my kids' meat and crack their lobster. If I ever got up to try, I got a gentle tap on the shoulder and reminded that I'm on vacation and they do it.
The whole crew works incredibly hard to earn their tips. We have requested specific servers who were so genuine and wonderful to us that we know we want them again on another cruise. Dh has even stayed in touch with one on FB.

There are no discounts available (unless you rebook onboard at the future cruise desk) but many TAs offer an onboard credit as a thank you for booking. My TA gives $200 per stateroom for a 7 nt cruise and $100 for 3-5 nts. Also the price really varies with dates so search around. Generally the prices are lowest while kids are in school.
I would definitely recommend trip insurance since it has to be paid in full a couple months before sailing. As pp said, you don't need passports unless you're sailing from a foreign port. If you sail from a US port and return to the same, you can use official birth certificates for all and photo ID for adults.

Maybe do 1 day at MK just to experience some classics (PP, SW, CoP, etc.) with the kids then sail away and relax. mmmm..... sounds like heaven to me!

I missing the boats right right now.
My parents were able to snag the alaskan cruise a few years ago and they offered kids sail free and for 2 kids that was $800+ off the cost of the trip. They don't do those promotions as frequently anymore, but you can still find them occasionally.
Right now they have 50% off on deposits.

Disney Cruises are great because there is pretty much no risk, if something comes up and a month or so before you can't make it you can reschedule the trip.

 

[js]

If money is a concern, DCL really wont be an option but anoter cruiseline may be better cost wise.

We never know what the future holds. If my dh/I were 80 and I could go to Disney with my family or take a few thousand and put towards a car for my now 8 year old grandchild for the future I would most certainly go on a trip but thats just me and how our family operates.

 

[disneyjunkie]

I think I can beat my numbers, too. This was a budget without any deals. I wanted to see worse scenario. I'll make sure we get a deal. Paying full price for a room and the dining plan can make the numbers soar.

I can see my great grandchildren easily spending $25/day each on souvenirs. To say no would put a damper on the trip. We would have some special experiences, too like the dessert party at MK. We will go to MVMCP. I know we will spend more than normal.

I started the post because I had mixed feelings about spending the money on a vacation. College fund aside, the extra money could go towards their first car someday and so forth. It's a debate between going for the moment or the long run.

The kid in me is winning so far.

I'm cheering for the kid in you!!!

 

[Hikergirl]

We are saving for retirement, we have a nice cushion in our bank account and we have enough disposable income to be able to take vacations every year. I do like to have a budget, although its lower than we can actually afford to spend, if I can't make Disney work within that budget we just don't go there. That is really true for all vacations but there will be exceptions from time to time.

By the time I'm 80 my budget will most likely go up and I'll splurge on things I held back from doing in the past.

 

[scrhsa]

As my Dad used to say "You can justify anything!!" So, if you want the vacation, take the vacation Cut spending where you can and scrimp to save what you can. My husband has a hard time with me spending the amount I do when I go. I think it is worth it, he doesn't. I tell him that I save...and save hard....to have enough. We don't make a lot but I sacrifice lots of stuff through out the year so I can go. As long as the cost doesn't keep food off your table or clothes off you back spend it on the vacation that YOU want.

 

[sk!mom]

Having just finished paying for our daughter's college education, I can tell you that the amount that you are spending is but a drop in the giant bucket of money needed for college. More important for all parties involved is that irreplaceable time that you will spend together and the memories that all will forever hold dear.

Agree! We are in our second year of paying for college for DD19 and have already spent $30,000. OP, The amount you are talking about will be a mere drop in the college bucket years from now when your great grands are in college.

We're considering cancelling this summer's trip to help with the cost of my son's upcoming first year of college.

But he's my son, not my grandson. And my kids have been to WDW several times.

This sounds like a "once and only" trip. And some incredibly precious time for them to spend with their grandparents.

Next year you can put money into a college fund. This year, I say you give them those memories they'll carry forever.

We took a large group graduation trip to WDW in 2014 when DD and her 3 cousins all graduated high school. DH and I then declared a freeze on vacations so that we can put our annual travel budget toward college expenses. Our next vacation will be a 2017 group trip to Vegas to celebrate those same 4 "kids" turning 21. So for 3 years, our only trips will be long weekends here and there and trips to visit family.

We are making this sacrifice for our child, though. I have no thoughts or plans concerning the college education of my future grandchildren or greats. Their parents can worry about that. When DD graduates, DH and I are resuming our travel bucket list.

If you will have a good time that is all the justification you need. Life is short. You've been 40 times, you know what works for you and your family. I'm w/ you on staying onsite and having the dining plan. Wouldn't go to WDW w/o either.

Yes, yes, Yes! OP, if you can comfortably afford the trip- bills are paid, emergency fund in place- then go and enjoy the time with your grands and greats.

 

[dja14]

The first time I went to Disney World my Grandparents took us. It's been almost 40 years and I can remember sitting next to my grandma and riding rides and I can remember grandpa carrying trays of food and then the two of them dividing up the tickets. Best memories ever.

If you are comparing Gatlinburg and Disney make sure you are comparing the same things. When we went to Gatlinburg the year after a Disney trip we spent more money!

At Disney you pay for a multiday ticket and you are done (or could be) With four year olds and a scooter I would get basic tickets, not PH. Especially if you are doing the party. I think park hopping is nice but really there is plenty of other things to do at the hotels or Disney Springs. If you can't get a free dining plan you could just pay out of pocket and still come close to the regular price or less I'd guess.

In Gatlinburg, unless you are only doing free stuff in the mountains, you will pay for each thing. Puttputt for 6 at 15-20$, tickets to Dollywood, trips in the sky lifts, Aquarium, go carts, kiddie rides, etc. You'd still have the costs of eating out and dinner shows and either a cabin or hotel room. It is not hard to go over the disney ticket price keeping kids busy.

You could also save a lot by putting the kids on a budget for toys and such. We always have and it has never taken away the fun. We have always told them going in how much we would give them (and they usually save and bring some of their own money) Even at a young age kids can understand one thing a day or waiting til the end of the week.

One thing I would budget for is the memory maker for pictures. That is something that would be completely priceless.

 

[DawnM]

This! That amount won't matter much for college. If you want to do the vacation and can afford it, then by all means do it. I would love to have a family vacation like that. Unfortunately, neither my parents nor my in-laws like Disney.

It most certainly would for us! That would cover a full year at retail cost, to our local 4 year college (no room or board, just tuition and fees/books).

I personally could never justify spending that much on a vacation for a week, but I have NO CLUE what your finances are.