I could just cry...DH wants to cancel the trip AGAIN!

[Mugglemama]

i feel your pain, lol! we'd been planning a trip for months, when DH, back around 4th of July, says he doesn't think we should spend money on DL until we have such-and-such amount in our "emergency fund". i was really frustrated, because he waited to say this until after we had already told our kids we were going (i would have had no trouble canceling if we hadn't already told them, but i feel strongly myself about always carrying through with what i say to the kids, unless it's an emergency or something).

so the very next day, i started earning money for the trip (i work from home as a freelance writer - it's a company anybody can write for, you may want to check it out! it's called associated content....good way to earn some extra bucks. it doesn't pay a ton, but it all adds up - i've made about $1500 since that conversation on July 4th).

so basically, i paid for the trip. we're taking 2 weeks to drive down and visit family all through CA and AZ as well, and the money i earned is paying for that, too. here's how i kept it cheap, and kept DH happy...

staying at a super cheap hotel near DLR - nothing grand, but it's SUPER close, and we don't spend much time at the hotel, anyway. we're basically just there to sleep and shower. (super 8, $65 a night!)

we cut back from 4 day park hoppers to 2 day park hoppers. that saved us, as a family of 6, somewhere in the ballpark of $300, maybe a little more. i didn't mind making this compromise because we're going at a less-busy time of year, so we can accomplish what we want even with less days and shorter park hours.

we're driving. after figuring hours and gas prices in various locations along the way, gas will run about $380. but i budgeted $500, just in case.

we are eating CHEAP. we are lucky to be eating several of our meals during the trip with family members that we visit along the way (5 different homes), although we will be purchasing some of that food, we'll be able to keep it simple and relatively cheap. we're buying groceries (hotel has fridge and microwave) and bringing sandwiches into the park in an insulated backpack for lunches and snacks (we don't especially love the food at DLR anyway, so this didn't bother anyone. the only meals we'll buy in the parks are our dinners for the 2 days. and the restaurant the kids always want to go to is Taste Pilots Grill in DCA, and that costs us about $55 per meal for our family of 2 adults and 4 kids ranging in ages from 3 to 16).

we're not buying souvenirs. we've been to DLR 100+ times, and i am letting the kids take in previous souvenirs (spinny light up toys, etc.) to play with while there, and i bought a few things from the disney store, cheap. we're so busy getting on rides that the kids really don't care about the souvenirs anymore, anyway. they have so many from over the years, and we still have them all. we had AP's for a couple of years, during which time we practically lived in the parks every spare moment we had, so souvenirs just aren't an issue for them anymore.

i didn't buy new clothes for the trip, except socks, lol!! that was part of the deal....nobody gets new summer clothes if we want to go to disneyland. nobody argued.

now, i said i kept DH happy. however, last night when i actually forked out the $725 for the tickets, he was noticeably stressed. he wants to go too, but the expense freaks him out.

so check out Associated Content....see if you can earn some extra money there!!!

 

[CrazyDuck]

Well another option opened up and we may take a shorter trip in October instead. DH was MUCH more on board for this idea for several reasons
1. shorter trip=less money
2. Before the elections
3. No Knotts for Thanksgiving which would save another $200
Soooo...

Crossing fingers SOMETHING works out.

Just an observation.... Gas prices will be higher in Oct than Nov because of the continuing Ike fallout so any money you think you will save by shortening your trip will be offset by the higher gas prices (which is the majority of your budget ). Curious about why the elections play any part in your trip planning? Unless your husband is a candidate or a campaign manager I don't see any reason why it would affect your financial situation. It's not as if gas will drop to $1.00/gal after Obama is elected president! If you have already purchased your park tickets from ARES I'm sure you could get them to refund your money. Just give them a hardship story. It's not as if they are going to lose any thing!

 

[JosieGirl71]

If you really CAN afford the trip, I think a compromise is in order. Maybe cut one day off the trip, cheaper motel, eat breakfast in your motel room, pack sandwiches for lunch in the parks, split meals, eat McDonald's, etc. There are TONS of ways to save money then maybe you will BOTH get your way.

 

[Mugglemama]

If you have already purchased your park tickets from ARES I'm sure you could get them to refund your money. Just give them a hardship story. It's not as if they are going to lose any thing!

actually, i'm not sure that's true. i just purchased my tickets from ARES last night, and they are very clear to state (and reiterate) that the tickets are nonrefundable, nonexchangealbe, and nonreturnable, before you ever click on that final "purchase" button.

i could be wrong, maybe they would allow somebody to do this, but from the terms and conditions i read last night, it sure didn't sound like they would.

 

[samkj]

We've scaled down our next trip as well. It was originally 5-6 days in Feb (Presidents week) now its down to 3 days at Christmas! Gas will be "free" since we will be visiting my in-laws south of DL anyway and 3 nights less at the hotel will also save us a bundle. The tickets will also save us quite a bit. Unfortunately it will be MUCH, MUCH busier, but we'll manage. All in all we'll save around $1000.

Good luck with your trip.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

If you have more than enough funds to go, then go without him, if he really just cannot seem to be on the same page as you and your family, if you don't mind my saying.
No matter the economy, nor the elections, should keep him from going, when it sounds like you and he can more than afford to go. Also, what I am trying to say is, with the former elements, unless we are no more, we will continue to live, no matter what, I don't care who may be elected, or if the economy does not become better, anytime soon, for we will persevere ( I love that word, it's meaning, and that it dates back to the 14th century) and work on moving forward.

Gisele - Sometimes part of marriage is the importance of having patience and coming to an understanding when you have conflict. That is more important than advising someone to impulsively go to Disneyland without their spouse - especially when we don't know everything behind their story. Taking an action that one's spouse feels vehemently against is a good way to irreparably damage your marriage and the trust you have in your spouse.

Todzwife - I think it is best for the two of you to sit back and have an honest and open conversation about this whole thing. It sounds like there are issues that both of you need to address. As one of the PPs said, DL will always be there - and it's getting even better with all of the new improvements that are coming. If you have to take more time - it's okay!

 

[jernysgirl]

Gisele - Sometimes part of marriage is the importance of having patience and coming to an understanding when you have conflict. That is more important than advising someone to impulsively go to Disneyland without their spouse - especially when we don't know everything behind their story. Taking an action that one's spouse feels vehemently against is a good way to irreparably damage your marriage and the trust you have in your spouse.

Todzwife - I think it is best for the two of you to sit back and have an honest and open conversation about this whole thing. It sounds like there are issues that both of you need to address. As one of the PPs said, DL will always be there - and it's getting even better with all of the new improvements that are coming. If you have to take more time - it's okay!

I have to say that I agree with YellowMickeyPonchos here. I would never be able to get the guilt out of me for leaving DH behind and spending lots of money, when I knew that he was really concerned about our finances. Don't worry, it will all work out somehow.

 

[todzwife]

DH is a dentist so he's not directly affected by the election...I think he was just looking for excuses
We talked at lunch and he is MUCH more receptive to going in October. This will mean we cut out half of Tuesday to begin the travel home but I told him I'll take what I can get. By not staying in a hotel that night, we'll save an additional $75 or so.
We have till Jan 18th to use the tickets. I don't care WHEN we go, I just want to go! This would be the third Disney trip that has been cancelled if it does not go through.

 

[Queenbillabong]

That sounds like a good compromise to me - plus you'll get to see the Halloween decorations in October A short trip can be great as well (and you get so save money, so that's all good!)

Have a great trip!

 

[CrazyDuck]

Your DH is a dentist and it took you a year to save $200 in a a can? You know dentists in my city make on average $150,000/year. How is it that your DH can not afford to take you and your kids to DL for at least a week?

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Your DH is a dentist and it took you a year to save $200 in a a can? You know dentists in my city make on average $150,000/year. How is it that your DH can not afford to take you and your kids to DL for at least a week?

This is an unfortunate and very stereotypical response and an all too common misconception for almost all types of medical practices these days, especially with insurance reimbursement tightening it's belt, too.

DDSs and MDs have a lot of expenses and extra insurances they have to carry these days. Their salaries are down (due to insurance), offices costs are up - if he owns his own practice, it's even worse. If they are in a situation where they have taken over an existing practice or are trying to build their own, it's even worse! It's just like if you went out and opened up Crazy Duck's Plate Lunch Shop. You have all sorts of operating expenses, other people's salaries to pay, etc.

Her husband has a legitimate reason to worry. This year has seen a lot of changes in healthcare - the Stark Act, HIPAA laws, etc. There are new laws on the horizon that could affect his practice even more.

I got laid off in January (from a radiology equipment manufacturer) and still have not been able to get a job in my field due to a lot of this. I am also watching this closely and am getting fairly worried. I'm even considering going back to a part-time position with the Disney Store because I can't get a job in my degree field.

Sorry to grump, but it is a hot button.

 

[todzwife]

Your DH is a dentist and it took you a year to save $200 in a a can? You know dentists in my city make on average $150,000/year. How is it that your DH can not afford to take you and your kids to DL for at least a week?

LOL it was just the change jar. We usually use the debit card.

 

[todzwife]

Your DH is a dentist and it took you a year to save $200 in a a can? You know dentists in my city make on average $150,000/year. How is it that your DH can not afford to take you and your kids to DL for at least a week?

LOL it was just the change jar. We usually use the debit card.

But just because he makes good money doesn't mean we have a ton leftover. We live in a smaller town and I can tell you he doesn't make your city's "average".
That said, we're FINE and we CAN afford it, DH is just concerned that the money could go toward something else. I just keep telling him that we need to go to our happy place and make some memories with the kidlets

 

[mybestieismickey]

The husband and I "convinced" each other that we could do a budget trip in August so that we could go one more time before our passes expired. So, I looked at the things that there was no compromising on (kennel fees, gas, etc) and the things that had room to give.

In the end, our final trip ended up being only 3 days in the park instead of 5, we took sandwiches with us for lunch, our own water bottles, and committed to only spending $20 a day total (including food, snacks, and souveniers). I made the husband take out the money from the ATM, so everything was cash with no overspending. Obviously, this meant no sit down restaurants, but that's okay with us since we still got to go to Disneyland. Besides, Corn Dog Castle is a must do and the two of us can eat there for $10 (with the AP discount). In the end, we spent an extra $20 on a souvenier that we couldn't justify leaving till our next trip.

I'm so glad we talked ourselves into it. Our passes expire at the end of this month and right now the budget won't allow for renewal. We've never regretted a Disney trip in hind sight. Even if it meant cutting out extras else where (can't remember the last time I went to the movies )

 

[CamdenLab]

Your DH sounds a little like mine. I know John would LOVE to spend all our Disney money on other things, like our house, for instance and sure, it would be a better investment to spend it on finishing our front yard, new siding, etc. John spends money on 'things' not 'experiences' whereas I'm just the opposite. I love a good restaurant, a show, to travel. He loves a cheap restaurant with lots of food, waits to buy a movie on DVD (used for $5) and hasn't traveled in nearly 20 years. However, the kids aren't getting any younger (the oldest is 13) and he's been "wanting" to take them to Disneyland forever. But, he hasn't made any sacrifices to do it. He's bought hundreds of dollars worth of movies and CDs, goodies for his bike and motorcycle, etc., but those, again, are things. People have a different way of thinking, of spending money.

I decided last winter that it was time to take the kids to Disneyland. I came up with a plan (that wouldn't affect him much) and talked to him about it. We used the kids' birthday money (he'll spend at least $300 per birthday and there are three kids -- so that paid for all of our Disney tickets @ $900). Then, the kids started doing extra chores and there is their spending money. We have padded their spending money over time as a bonus for their birthdays. We are making our own meals about 50% of the time. We are bringing our dogs (saves at least $300). We are driving and saving over $1,000 there. We are having a yard sale this weekend and using that money toward Disney. My parents are giving us some stuff for the sale and my Mom said to keep half of the money we make off her stuff to take to Disneyland. So, that's nice if you have family around and the kids are old enough to help and get into it. We also sold a few things on Craigslist.

Now, some things came up recently. I am not spend-thrift and not having savings worries me -- we have three kids, two dogs, a horse and a house, not to mention our cars. I had to talk to him about tightening the purse strings and he was not happy. But, he'll be happy to see that when we get back our savings will be well-stocked.

So, I guess my advice is to present it in a way that is more positive than negative. Use money that you would have used either way toward the trip. Work hard to make the extra money that you wouldn't have had if it weren't for the trip. If your kids are old enough, get them involved by having them do extra chores, maybe babysitting, pet-walking or mowing lawns. Our kids are going to appreciate the trip more since they worked toward it and gave up other things to have it.

 

[CrazyDuck]

We used the kids' birthday money (he'll spend at least $300 per birthday and there are three kids -- so that paid for all of our Disney tickets @ $900).

Our kids are going to appreciate the trip more since they worked toward it and gave up other things to have it.

They gave up birthday presents??? Oh how sad!!!

 

[Gisele]

Camden Lab,


Good post! and I love horses too! and I know the expense involved with owning one too. I hope that you are able to board your horse on your own property, that saves money right there, I alas do not most unfortunately own my own land, so horses that I have been fortunate to own, ( at different times) I had to board them, which can be good, when one needs an extra pair of hands, at one time or another, or if one is going to be away for a few days or more, that way, you can arrange to have someone take care of your horse.
So there are definitely pluses and minuses to boarding at home, or elsewhere.

 

[pixiewings71]

They gave up birthday presents??? Oh how sad!!!

Not really, my kids would gladly give up birthday and Christmas gifts to get a trip to Disney!! Your priorities are obviously not the same as the people who "gave up" $300 worth of gifts to go to Disney. I'd give that up, in a flat second, if I could get back to DL anytime soon.

OP, I hope it works out. I know I had to do some wheeling and dealing with DBF for our last trip. Luckily it worked out and we were able to do everyone's b-days (except mine) at DL last year. It was a GREAT experience and we still talk about how much fun we had. Even if you have to postpone you've got tickets that are good until January, maybe postponing until Jan would help, then you could actually GIVE things that pertain to the trip for Christmas gifts.

 

[CrazyDuck]

Not really, my kids would gladly give up birthday and Christmas gifts to get a trip to Disney!! Your priorities are obviously not the same as the people who "gave up" $300 worth of gifts to go to Disney. I'd give that up, in a flat second, if I could get back to DL anytime soon.

Well I guess thats the difference between you and me... I wouldn't even think to ask my kids to give up birthday and Christmas presents to get a trip to Disney! If I couldn't afford it and they wanted to go, then "I" would be the one to sacrifice something ($10 lunches, HBO, frappucchinos, whatever...) to make it happen for them!

 

[kkmcan]

We don't give up birthday presents for our kids but we have given up throwing expensive birthday parties. At $300 a party that's $600 a year! We also have a yard sale right before each trip (make about $250), save money in a jar and sell on ebay. All of our trips have been paid in full before going with little stress since it isn't coming out of our savings accounts.