This thread got me wondering, so I went back and looked at what we spent for our 3 trips (in 2009, 2010, and 2012). All three times it was me and my son (he was 4 in 2009, 5 in 2010, and 7 in 2012). We flew each time and stayed at AKL. In 2009 and 2010, we went in early May, before rates went up for the summer. In 2012, we went during spring break (son was in 1st grade, so visiting in early May wasn't an option). Each time we were gone 7 nights (Tues-Tues or Sat-Sat)
In 2009, we took advantage of Disney's 4 nights get 3 free promotion. Plane tickets were $72 one way! I "splurged" on a savannah-view room. Made no ADRs (dining was mostly quick service), but we did eat at the brewery at the Boardwalk and the Yak and Yeti (inside, sit-down location) at AK. We may have eaten at Boma, but I can't remember for sure. Total spent on room, tickets (no park-hopper or other add-ons), food, souvenirs (I can't tell from my spreadsheet if that includes airfare or not) = $2651.
In 2010, I think Disney was running a 30% (might have been 40%) off room-only promotion. Again stayed at AKL, but in a standard room with no view (unless the bus stop/smoking area counts). Plane tickets were $99 one way, and I had enough points to get one free ticket. I also signed up for a Disney VISA and after one purchase received a $200 gift card. That paid for nearly the entire one-week child's ticket for my son. Again, no add-ons to the tickets, but we did both spend one day at Blizzard Beach. We ate a lot better on this trip (ADRs at Tusker House breakfast, Boma, and Ohana). Also, my sister was with us, and I paid for most of her meals (but not park tickets, and there was no surcharge for her to share the room with us). Total spent according to my trusty spreadsheet (again not sure if it includes airfare) = $2946.
2012...Spring break (2nd full week of March). We were hammered on hotel room costs and airfare. I wanted to stay at the Poly, but it was just too much. Rooms at Aulani over spring break were going for less than the Poly (alas, airfare to Hawaii was too expensive). I spent over $700 on two round-trip tickets to MCO (we were also flying from a different city, since we moved after the 2010 trip) that weren't even non-stop! Disney was only offering a 10% or 15% discount on the room. Booked a standard room at AKL, but received a free upgrade to a savannah view room. I also got Park Hoppers this time (as a precautionary measure because I was expecting high crowds - as it turned out, we didn't really need them). ADRs at Tusker house breakfast, Boma, and Ohana. I can't remember the exact number, but the total spent on everything (and I know this includes airfare) = ~$4800.
Pros to visiting over spring break compared to May - with the exception of one day (cold and rainy) the weather was beautiful! I didn't break a sweat the whole time we were there! Our May visits were pretty hot and even uncomfortable at times. I must say, the cooler weather did impact when and how many times we rode rides where you get wet! Son already had time off of school, and I would have taken the week off to be with him, so might as well spend it in WDW.
Cons to visiting at spring break - Cost (obviously) and crowds (although May 2010 was much more crowded than I expected). We were able to manage the spring break crowds, though, and ride all of our favorites multiple times. I also didn't like the later park hours (which means later fireworks and parade times). In May, the parks close early. We are early risers (always at the park before it opens), so it is hard to stay out much past 9. We completely missed Illuminations and really did not enjoy Wishes because my son was exhausted. We did see the MSEP, and it was really interesting to be at AK before sunrise (there were EMH hours at 7 am one morning).
I think the comparison of costs (not just Disney, but the airlines, too) for a "low" season visit vs "peak" season is really interesting. As with most vacations, the time of year you choose to visit really has a huge impact. Also, Disney's discounts and promotions aren't nearly as good now as they were a couple of years ago. Granted, I could have gotten a better discount if we'd stayed at another Disney resort, but we LOVE AKL. The food is great, the resort is a manageable size, and I have NEVER had an issue with the bus service. We typically also spend two days at AK, so it is great to be so close.
In June, I booked our first
Disney cruise (7 nights) out of Galveston for Thanksgiving. Total was just under $3500 (double the price of other weeks in Nov). I paid another ~$80 for
trip insurance (not through Disney). We save on airfare because we can drive to the port. I received $150 in onboard credits (through
travel agent and Disney Visa). I can't book them, yet, but I priced our excursions, and expect to spend about another $600 (not including OBCs and tips). If I had booked earlier, I probably could have saved $1000. Out of curiosity, I priced a 2013 Thanksgiving cruise, and it was only about $2500-$2600 (same room category).
Bottom line for me...as long as it is my son and myself traveling, I expect to spend over $3k. If we travel at peak/holiday times, add another $1k premium to that. Certainly, I could save money by downgrading hotels or traveling at other times, but being able to travel when school is out is a huge priority.
, but it's worth it. I have never regretted a single vacation we've taken.
