I'm NOT going to WDW

[profdsny]

And I'm so disappointed! Gas prices are just way too high. It would cost us almost $500 in gas just to drive there and back. And no cheap airfares anywhere. We were all set to go in a week, but can't justify the cost. What a shame. Not Disney's fault, but it hurts them, and us.
Anyone else in the same boat? (of course, if I HAD a boat, we could just sail down the rivers. That would be cheaper)

 

[CleveRocks]

I'm assuming you had this trip planned for a while. I'll bet when you planned the trip gasoline was AROUND $2 a gallon, now it's AROUND $3 a gallon. If you say gas will cost $500, that means that when you planned the trip it would have cost about $167 less.

Is $167 going to make the difference between Disney and no Disney? Is there any way to still go but spend less? Like maybe a cheaper hotel room there and back? Or counter service meals instead of much more expensive table-service meals? What I mean is, a table-service meal could easily cost $100 for a family of 4, but a counter-service meal might cost $40, a difference of $60 per meal. Three counter-service meals instead of table-service meals pays for the more expensive gas to get there.

All this change may be more aggravating than it's worth to you, I understand that.

What I'm about to say, I'm saying in a supportive way, I'm trying to be helpful, I'm NOT being negative or anything: If a difference of $167 is going to make or break your Disney vacation, then why not wait a year and save more money and have a better, more enjoyable, less-stressful WDW vacation!

Good luck whatever you do!

 

[nic589]

hey dude, you are not alone. We were supposed to go in August or end of july, but have to suspend to Jan of 07 because of transportation cost, and my 2yr is now a 3yr. I have to get a 2rms to fit 5 people. Such a big price jump from POR to one of the deluxes that handles 5. (the kids are not old enough to sleep in a room by themselves, 3,6,and 8yr olds). The Airlines keep raising the fares we might be looking at middle or end of next year!!!! So Just to let you know I FEEL YOUR PAIN.

Dkkdaddy

 

[alcoromom]

Por sleeps 5

 

[ducklite]

Buy a Prius.

Round trip from central NJ to Orlando is about $125 in gas, based on $3 a gallon. My husband mankes the drive in his Prius every month.

Anne

 

[Harvest02]

I hear ya! We went in June and decided to fly because it was about the same price as driving(we are from Indianapolis area). Pretty sad when 4 people can fly for the same price as driving 1 car!!! I am planning our next family trip for October 2007, and have to go during fall break so won't have as much time since their break is short. I am planning on flying, but will have to see what happens with the airfares. Driving takes way too much time! Maybe if costs keep rising, Disney will throw in some deals? We can only hope!!!!

http://www.***************.com/ticker/user_tickers/12072006141106.gif http://www.***************.com/ticker/user_tickers/12072006141106.gif.png

 

[mickeyfan2]

Gas have been over $2.50/gallon for way over a year now. Is that 50 to 75 cents per gallon really going to stop the trip?

 

[ducklite]

Gas have been over $2.50/gallon for way over a year now. Is that 50 to 75 cents per gallon really going to stop the trip?

I agree. I guess I'm just not understanding the concept of planning a budget for a vacation so closely that under $200 will make a difference in going or not. What happens if there's an unexpected expense while you're there? Trip to medical clinic, bad weather that causes an extra night in a hotel and extra food for a day, car repair...there are just too many variables. It seems that if the margin is that tight to begin with maybe the timing of the trip in regards to the financial situation should be rethought regardless of the price of gas.

Anne

 

[Mississippian]

And I'm so disappointed! Gas prices are just way too high. It would cost us almost $500 in gas just to drive there and back. And no cheap airfares anywhere. We were all set to go in a week, but can't justify the cost. What a shame. Not Disney's fault, but it hurts them, and us.
Anyone else in the same boat? (of course, if I HAD a boat, we could just sail down the rivers. That would be cheaper)

I agree with the other posters that gas at $3 a gallon really isn't all that much higher than gas at $2.25 a gallon. In fact, when you calculate the cost of a newer vehicle, gas is a small part of the cost even at $5 a gallon.

If you travel from Chicago, the round trip is 2,324 miles. At 20 miles to the gallon that comes to 116.2 gallons of gas, which will cost about $350. The only vehicles getting less than 20 miles to the gallon are Suburbans, Excursions and the like. And let's face it, if you can afford one of these, you ought to be able to afford the gas!

Good luck to you! I don't mean to be argumentative, and only you know the best decision for your family. I'm just pointing out that high gas prices really have very little effect on the overall cost of the trip.

 

[phorsenuf]

We just got back beginning of May and it cost us $350 total in gas to drive from NH. We have a Dodge Caravan.

Check out this site. It'll figure out your cas cost for you.

http://www.fuelcostcalculator.com/TripGasPrice.aspx

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Southwest is running a Florida sale. If you would consider flying take a look at the web site under sale. We are paying $69 pp each way for a total of $628.40 out of STL. We had planned to drive but decided this would not cost that much more and is so much easier. If you are staying at a Disney hotel you can use their transportation to and from the airport free and you will not need a car while on-site.

Sometimes you just "know" that the timing is wrong for a trip. Don't worry if you end up cancelling. It will give you more time to plan for the next one! Many of us have had to put off a trip for one reason or another. I had to cancel a Disney cruise this summer, and we thought we would have to stay home, then we found a great deal on a RCCL cruise , then I found the low airfare then we added on a 1 night stay at the Dolphin . All for less than the original cruise! You never know how things will work out!

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

I am wondering what kind of vehicle you have, too. We have a Ford Expedition (a 99, so even more of a gas guzzler than newer ones). The fuel calculator told us something like $400 round trip for may, and I think we ended up spending $347 or something like that, and we had over 1/2 a tank when we parked in the driveway.

At that time, gas here was approximately 2.90-ish a gallon. Right now it is hovering around 3.00. So 10 cents more.

Our trip is 1200 miles each way. We also checked the gas temperature map, which shows you where in each state (by county) gas is cheaper. We used it in May, and it helped.....like we waited til we crossed the state line into S.C. before getting gas, saved us 10 cents a gallon.

Then, we stopped right before leaving GA on 95, cheaper there than more north in the state.

Here is the map:
http://www.gasbuddy.com/gb_gastemperaturemap.aspx

It is color coded, and when we went in May, most of the map going down was orange/yellow. Now it is green, which indicates cheaper.

 

[bdcp]

Count me in as confused also. If $200 makes a difference between going and not going, how could you justify going at all if you're that cash strapped? What's your food budget/plans? Souvenirs? It's also been studied recently and the majority of people are not changing their vacation plans because of gas prices. Nor are they driving less overall. So, I highly doubt Disney will see a dip in attendance based on gas prices. So, gonna come back and let us know what you're driving that could possibly cost $500 rt from Chicago in gasoline? It just seems there are more than a few people who need to rethink vacations if money is that tight. That's what we did a few times when our kids were young.

 

[profdsny]

Hello again. Some good points, and questions being made.
First off, when we used to drive before, we would have 6 in a van (4 kids) with gas in the $1.25-1.40 range. Now it would be 3 at the $3.25+ range. But this would be for a 'short trip'. I suppose if we were going for 7 or 8 days, we could average the cost out over the days, but we didn't intend to buy any souvernirs, shirts, etc.etc.etc. It would be a stay at hotel, eat a few meals out, and do the parks. But adding the gas cost increases the whole thing to the point where we can't justify spending the money for 4 days. Granted it's only about $200 more, but that puts it out of range.
Understand, there are an awful lot of people who a trip to WDW is a major major life event and costs a lot of money. I suspect that there will be an impact on visitors both in the short and long term. Not suggesting Disney do anything about it, it's not their fault, but the reality is, the extra cost is now there.
But, as someone else suggested, we'll just save up and do it bigger next time.

 

[CleveRocks]

But, as someone else suggested, we'll just save up and do it bigger next time.

Good luck! You and your kids will probably enjoy it more when it won't be as much of a financial stretch for you, and it also sets a great example for the kids. You could even have a large clear jar for spare change and call it your Disney Fund or Mickey Money or whatever.

I've also heard of some people saving for trips by buying Disney Dollars (at Disney stores, if one is convenient) $10 and $20 at a time. This is neat because you can't spend it any other place, so it makes it impossible to raid the vacation fund for convenience. Disney Dollars can't pay for gas, of course, but it can cover your on-site meals and stuff like that.

GOOD LUCK! Pixie dust going your way!

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

For a short trip, I wouldn't do the drive even with cheap gas and I am a flying wimp!! We are going in September for a Sat to Thurs and we are flying. Not worth the hassle when it is just me, DH, and DS1. In February, we will drive, well, part way, we are taking the AutoTrain from VA. But that trip will be Me, DH, DS12, DD3, DS(then 2) plus 2 wks worth of luggage, water, etc for all of us plus the stuff for DD14 and my mom, and possibly my older sister, who are flying, but use us as a pack mule.

Good idea to save it up and maybe head out for a longer stay next year. (I highly recommend the beginning of May!!) We went this year at that time and it was wonderful!!!

Good luck planning the next trip!!

 

[Goofy22]

hey dude, you are not alone. We were supposed to go in August or end of july, but have to suspend to Jan of 07 because of transportation cost, and my 2yr is now a 3yr. I have to get a 2rms to fit 5 people. Such a big price jump from POR to one of the deluxes that handles 5. (the kids are not old enough to sleep in a room by themselves, 3,6,and 8yr olds). The Airlines keep raising the fares we might be looking at middle or end of next year!!!! So Just to let you know I FEEL YOUR PAIN.

Dkkdaddy

Why not try The new All Star Music Family Suites? They sleep 6 people! and have a mini kitchnette! Also maybe by the time you go POP Century may also have Family Suites! We are going in April 2007 and staying at the All Star Music Family Suites! can't wait!!!!!Just thought I'd suggest that it's a way to stay economical and sleep all the family!

 

[ducklite]

Why not try The new All Star Music Family Suites? They sleep 6 people! and have a mini kitchnette! Also maybe by the time you go POP Century may also have Family Suites! We are going in April 2007 and staying at the All Star Music Family Suites! can't wait!!!!!Just thought I'd suggest that it's a way to stay economical and sleep all the family!

They are the same price as two value rooms, so how would that be a savings?

Anne

 

[Goofy22]

They are the same price as two value rooms, so how would that be a savings?

Anne

Sorry! I didn't see where they said 2 values rooms ! I see where they said they would have to go from POR to a DELUXE resort where they would be able to sleep 5! Also if the children are not old enough to be in a room alone the suite would work very well! Nothing about 2 value rooms maybe I missed something! Not to get off subject I was merely making a suggestion to try and help!