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

[Shanti]

I just started playing around with a budget for hubby and I, our great 2 grandchildren and their parents for a week at Disney World in December 2016. Hubby will be turning 80 soon. He can do the parks with a scooter. I can probably get along without one. If we don't do it now it may never happen. I think the next few years will be it for us traveling to Florida from the Midwest.

I keep thinking how the money would be better spent in a college fund. This would be a big amount for us that could go towards their education. I was thinking it might be better to compromise and go to Dollywood and enjoy the Smokies with them for probably half the cost.

The kid in me says go to Disney World and enjoy our grandkids there before it's too late

You know better than us what the grandkids' family situation is, and how badly your contribution of college money will be needed down the road. If they have financially stable parents, my choice would be to do the trip. For one thing, it will take the pressure off their parents to finance the big Disney trip that those kids might end up begging for. For another, it would be a special family experience for you all to share, especially since you likely won't have the opportunity to do something like this much longer.

Since money is a concern, I strongly recommend staying offsite to economize. Shop around (and look & ask around on the Orlando hotels section of Disboards), and you'll find villas very close to Disney that can fit the whole family, for less than you would pay for two rooms or a suite at a value Disney resort. Even nearby hotels, such as Bonnet Creek Hilton (actually on Disney property) are bigger, more comfortable, and cheaper than Disney value resorts in December (the most expensive month for Disney resorts).

If you choose to stay onsite, don't purchase the dining plan. You're very unlikely to come out even, let alone save money. Only get the dining plan if you can get it via "free dining".

 

[myhoney]

We are going in December, also a family of 6 (2 adults, 4 kids). We have 2 rooms at POFQ and the Deluxe Dining plan. Our trip without airfare is $6315. We have air miles, so our flights are free. That total does not include tips or souvenirs, so maybe another $500? But we aren't big on souvenirs. Last time they picked out 1 thing each.

There are deals to be found. It sounds like this is a trip of a lifetime for you. We are saving like mad to be able to do this, but feel like it's a great age for our littlest ones to experience it for the first time, just like for your great grand kids.

 

[Bete]

Ok... here is how one of our disney world trips went. In 2005, our family of 3 went with my mom and step dad. Right off the bat, we agreed that it was ok to split up. That there was no way they would be able to keep up, as we were rope drop to close disney lovers!
They would usually meet us in the parks at around 11am for lunch so they weren't rushed in the morning. They would enjoy the park with us and usually leave around 7pm. A couple of times they would open the parks with us? And a couple of times they would stay for fireworks! It was great! They went at their pace and we went at ours! People got to get it through their heads that there is no problem with splitting up.
Now, our upcoming trip starts the monday after thanksgiving this year. It's our family of 4, my wonderful inlaws, and sister in law with her 3 kids. My sweet mother in laws health is rapidly declining. And my son will be a senior this fall. This might be one of our last family vacations with her, and who knows when the next one will be with my oldest son. Will he be too busy during college to take vacations with his parents? Who knows. But this trip has really made me realize how your not promised tomorrow. Do it now! While you can! Hugs to you!

I agree. I'll pray for your MIL to have a wonderful trip. I hope your son will enjoy her on the trip.

For what you are saying about your MIL is one of the reasons I want to go now and also, it's why I don't want to separate; unless, the situation gets absolutely ridiculous.

I think we are going to try an outing in Chicago first with the great grandkids. We are getting there at the end of July. I think we will take them to the Aquarium and see how this works for a day. We will do an early time on purpose to see how mom will do. This outing may be a tell all. I'm not trying to sabotage anything here, but maybe we should take some baby steps first and see how it goes. There's the Science museum, Brookfield Zoo and other places to visit there, too.

 

[QueenIsabella]

I think you're wise to do a "test run". I would feel bad for you to do a huge trip, spend lots of money...and then be disappointed or resentful because the actual trip didn't meet your expectations. I assume your funds are not unlimited, so you want to make a wise choice, and get good value for the money you spend.

 

[halfpintpeggy]

Keep the opinions coming. I know I won't go off site. We've been off site but I want this to be an entire Disney experience for the great grandkids.

The boys are good eaters and so are all of us; so, I think we would get value with the dining plan especially if we can get the free dining promo.

The total in our group would be 4 adults and two, great grandchildren. My budget is based on no deals, right now. I wanted worse scenario. We would do one week.

I just don't see that free dining would be offered for December, so I wouldn't hope for it. Also...if it's been several years since you've visited WDW you're in for some shocking crowds, it's crazy! Mobility issues might be a concern. Could you plan for the fall when they may offer free dining or another time when the crowd levels are lower?

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

I agree. I'll pray for your MIL to have a wonderful trip. I hope your son will enjoy her on the trip.

For what you are saying about your MIL is one of the reasons I want to go now and also, it's why I don't want to separate; unless, the situation gets absolutely ridiculous.

I think we are going to try an outing in Chicago first with the great grandkids. We are getting there at the end of July. I think we will take them to the Aquarium and see how this works for a day. We will do an early time on purpose to see how mom will do. This outing may be a tell all. I'm not trying to sabotage anything here, but maybe we should take some baby steps first and see how it goes. There's the Science museum, Brookfield Zoo and other places to visit there, too.

This sounds like a great idea. Chicago is so fun in the summer! The Field Museum is also a great place to visit. If you make this a 2-3 day excursion, you will get a really good idea of what a week at WDW would look like with the family. It's usually pretty easy to wake up and get going on a single day, but on day 2 or 3, you will see if early mornings are reasonable and if the kids need naps/down time during the day. Also make sure to go to a sit down restaurant for lunch so that you can see how the kids behave. This will give you a clue if several table service meals are reasonable on your trip or if you need to plan for mostly counter service.

 

[MinMou]

Have you looked to see whether a dining plan would be worth it? I used this site to see how the different plans would compare to the meals I actually wanted us to use, and at this time, all the plans would cost us more.
http://www.distripplanner.com/
It takes a bit of time to fill out, but I thought it was worth the time. I plan to look at it again once they update it for 2017 meals.

Honestly, I think family time is worth investing in just as much as a new house. If that makes me crazy, then it's a good crazy. You will be making memories for your grandkids and greatgrandkids, and don't forget, for you too!

 

[verleniahall]

This is a quote that when I went to my "Army Wife 101" Class (Yes, that is really what it was called) they told us

Live Like He Deploys Tomorrow

I have lived by that every since

Life is too short - you never know what will happen - I am only 28 and have been to WAY more funerals and been on way to many casualty team calls/ Care and Go Calls that I ever thought I would have been to at this point in my life.

 

[Bete]

With regards to the dining plan we will shoot for free dining. The 4 adults are all good eaters with good appetites. I have maximized the dining plan in the past and we come out ahead. The great grandkids eat well, too, but are the appropriate weight for their age. I think with more activity then normal we will all eat well. Typically, there are two weeks in December that has free dining based on history. I'm promised we will get free dining.

I'm in favor of the trip now based on our trial run going well with Chicago sightseeing. If that goes well, we will give Disney World a try.

 

[JaimeK]

For a one-time only trip I'd wait until the grandkids are a tiny bit older - 6 or 7. They'll be able to go on more rides and a much higher probability of them remembering it.

You know that "free dining" at the values would be the QS plan. You'd still either have to pay to upgrade that or pay for character meals OOP.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

For a one-time only trip I'd wait until the grandkids are a tiny bit older - 6 or 7. They'll be able to go on more rides and a much higher probability of them remembering it.

You know that "free dining" at the values would be the QS plan. You'd still either have to pay to upgrade that or pay for character meals OOP.

I believe OP said this is a now or never trip because of the mobility/age of her DH.

 

[mshanson3121]

Let me first say that hubby and I have been to Disney World over 40 times throughout the years. We have been very lucky to have gone when prices seemed to be more reasonable in years past. We have not been for 4 years. To me it seems prices have gotten outrageous.

I just started playing around with a budget for hubby and I, our great 2 grandchildren and their parents for a week at Disney World in December 2016. Hubby will be turning 80 soon. He can do the parks with a scooter. I can probably get along without one. If we don't do it now it may never happen. I think the next few years will be it for us traveling to Florida from the Midwest.

Anyway, this looks like it can cost us between $10000 to $12000 staying on site for all of us. This would include transportation and souvenirs and such. I'm looking at either 2 Pop Century rooms or a suite at the Art of Animation. I want to do the regular dining plan; because, we want character meals. This will probably be the only time the great grandkids will ever go. They adore Disney toys and movies; so, we would like to make this happen before they get older and we can't go. Currently, prices are without a promotion and I sure would like to catch a free dining plan. Even if I squeezed the pennies it would still probably be at least $8000.

I keep thinking how the money would be better spent in a college fund. This would be a big amount for us that could go towards their education. I was thinking it might be better to compromise and go to Dollywood and enjoy the Smokies with them for probably half the cost.

The kid in me says go to Disney World and enjoy our grandkids there before it's too late.

So, how do you justify a trip to Disney World?

Myself, I'd stay off site. You could do a trip for almost half that price if you stayed off site: Off site 3 bedroom condo or townhouse, $80 a night, so $650. Rental vehicle (either a van big enough for everyone, or two regular sized cars), $500. Gas, $150. Groceries $300. Couple character meals $500. 7-day tickets x 6 people $2200. Souvenirs $600. So, that's only $4900. I have no idea where you're coming from so not sure on the transportation costs but let's assume flying for $250 round trip x 6 = $1500, so $6400... as opposed to $10-12K. That would leave you with almost $6000 that you could then contribute to their education savings.

Anyways, that's just me. Disney is every bit as magical to kids staying off site. We stayed in a 4-bedroom house with a 24' private pool (only $100 a night). Guess what one of the biggest highlights of the whole trip was for the kids? That pool. They LOVED it. So... you don't have to stay on-site for magic and fun and excitement. This way you can have fun with them AND be responsible

 

[Bete]

For a one-time only trip I'd wait until the grandkids are a tiny bit older - 6 or 7. They'll be able to go on more rides and a much higher probability of them remembering it.

You know that "free dining" at the values would be the QS plan. You'd still either have to pay to upgrade that or pay for character meals OOP.

I want to go during times that all the kids would be in school; so, once, the great grandkids start school we would be stuck with holidays and breaks for being off only. I don't think mom will go for skipping school. That's why going at 4 is perfect. I think we can make it memorable enough. I feel we will have less crowds during the non-peak times. That's why Disney will hopefully give free dining and I want that advantage.

Even if I do value resorts I can always upgrade the free QS dining plan to get the regular dining plan. I think we will be happy with QS and paying OOP for some character meals. I will make this decision once I book.

 

[OhMari]

I want to go during times that all the kids would be in school; so, once, the great grandkids start school we would be stuck with holidays and breaks for being off only. I don't think mom will go for skipping school. That's why going at 4 is perfect. I think we can make it memorable enough. I feel we will have less crowds during the non-peak times. That's why Disney will hopefully give free dining and I want that advantage.

Even if I do value resorts I can always upgrade the free QS dining plan to get the regular dining plan. I think we will be happy with QS and paying OOP for some character meals. I will make this decision once I book.

I do not want to doubt your feelings on low crowd times and free dining, but many people are saying, Disney is raising prices. Adding on hours that they want you to pay for, because the parks are actually over crowded, and they are saying, if the mass crowds are coming, let's start charging for some of these free perks that are offered. Th summer Free Dining is only counter Service. There may be free dining in September, but I do not see it all Fall. If anything you will be getting Free Counter Service. If this happens, you could upgrade to The regular Dining Plan. I sure hope this works out for you. My inlaws promised my kids all their lives to take them to Disney and it never happened. Now the great grandkids are coming and I am starting to hear, "we should go." We stopped waiting and took the kids ourselves. When we asked them to go with us, they told us they hate Disney. So I am glad you have the love of Disney.

 

[Bete]

I will do a wait and see on free dining. I can adjust my dates perhaps to get it. I will not stay onsite without free dining.

 

[mshanson3121]

That's why going at 4 is perfect. I think we can make it memorable enough.

My cousin went when she wasn't even four, she's in her 20s and still remembers it today.

 

[mshanson3121]

I will do a wait and see on free dining. I can adjust my dates perhaps to get it. I will not stay onsite without free dining.

Are you set on December? Because the likelihood of getting free dining this year, in December, with all that's going on, is probably slim. Also, crowds are going to pick up some in December (5/6) because of the Christmas parties, so you might want to take that into consideration.

Really, your best time would be early September - traditionally, there's a free dining plan offered, and if you go early in September before the Halloween parties start, you will get some of the lowest crowds of the year. The current crowd calendar shows 1-3 as the average for the entire month, compared to 5-6 for the early part of December.

 

[TwoMisfits]

Are you set on December? Because the likelihood of getting free dining this year, in December, with all that's going on, is probably slim. Also, crowds are going to pick up some in December (5/6) because of the Christmas parties, so you might want to take that into consideration.

Really, your best time would be early September - traditionally, there's a free dining plan offered, and if you go early in September before the Halloween parties start, you will get some of the lowest crowds of the year. The current crowd calendar shows 1-3 as the average for the entire month, compared to 5-6 for the early part of December.

Low crowds are unlikely in early Sept b/c of the Halloween parties starting so early this year...add in the delay of most of the new stuff and people may be holding off to tour in the fall. And the heat and humidity that time of the year will be awful for anyone looking to do longer park days in not the absolute best of health...and not too mention the daily thunderstorm (and keeping scooters dry and out of the rain).

I think the Op has the right time. But I think (if you read the Rumors board), Free Dining outside of Magical Dining Month is almost a certain no for 2016.

 

[Bete]

In past years free dining was suppose to be a very minimal offering and the year it was rumored so had the most times available ever. It's a wait and see. I can certainly go somewhere else for a trip or stay offsite. I have options. I will get value one way or the other.

 

[Kriii]

OP, I have only read the original post not the replies so I apologize if this has been said previously. My family has also been to WDW multiple times when the family was younger. The trips varied between budget and moderately expensive relative to Disney costs at the time and are definitely cherished memories. We now have college aged kids in the family and the expenses that come with it. My question is, do the parents have a solid plan to finance college? Many parents assume the child can borrow sufficient funds for college or that scholarships and grants will be easy to obtain but this is not so. In reality a student is very limited in what can be borrowed without a cosigner and a student is not considered independent until age 24. What a student can borrow independently does not usually cover costs by a long shot. If there are no savings in place, please consider a 529 plan (with perhaps a shorter and less expensive trip to Disney if you can afford both). Both parents and grandkids will bless you when college comes if there is ANY amount of funding available. Just to give you some perspective, in my family student #1 attends an instate public school as a commuter and has tuition/fees of approximately 11K per year, student #2 attends an instate public school and has tuition/fees/room and board at approx. 25K and student #3 attends a private university with tuition/fees/room and board of approximately 30K after scholarship money is applied. None of this includes the many additional expenses that come with college. Only you know the situation, but I am thinking that if you have some doubts you should give them consideration before booking the trip.