Is a regular DLP trip enough?

[angel659]

I have to confess to being a Disney nut, I mean not totally obsessed, but I do like to go on a regular basis and usually only a trip to Florida was enough. Only problem being at around 5k a time for myself and my lovely family, we just cant afford to do it every year.

So, we decided to give DLP a go, as mentioned before we are off for 5days (4nights) and are camping on a site locally to DLP for a fantastic €112.

Now, I am definately not comparing WDW to DLP as they are so different, but the main thing I like about Disney (Especially for the kids) is the Magic factor that other places just dont have.

So... we calculated that the basic cost of our trip ( 3 day Tickets, Accomodation, Ferry, Fuel ) is about £400 for the 5 of us, which is a huge saving compared the basic cost for WDW.

Whats my point you ask?? Well, as its a lot cheaper we can afford possibly to go for a couple of times per year plus have enough spare left over to do some things at home, but is it enough of a Disney hit to satisfy our craving for the land of the Mouse?

I guess only time will tell, and its 6 weeks and counting away, but I would love to hear from anyone on this subject, and how much you tend to spend in addition to the basics I set out earlier?

 

[Bexx]

As you say - see what you think of the place when you get there. But, for me I find that a trip to DLP is just as good as a trip to WDW - in a completely different way! I very much look forward to our DLP holidays, and never "wish I was going to WDW instead"

We plan to visit WDW every few years, and then the more frequent trips to DLP keep the Disney cravings at bay very nicely.

 

[fatratstew]

I have to confess to being a Disney nut, I mean not totally obsessed, but I do like to go on a regular basis and usually only a trip to Florida was enough. Only problem being at around 5k a time for myself and my lovely family, we just cant afford to do it every year.

So, we decided to give DLP a go, as mentioned before we are off for 5days (4nights) and are camping on a site locally to DLP for a fantastic €112.

Now, I am definately not comparing WDW to DLP as they are so different, but the main thing I like about Disney (Especially for the kids) is the Magic factor that other places just dont have.

So... we calculated that the basic cost of our trip ( 3 day Tickets, Accomodation, Ferry, Fuel ) is about £400 for the 5 of us, which is a huge saving compared the basic cost for WDW.

Whats my point you ask?? Well, as its a lot cheaper we can afford possibly to go for a couple of times per year plus have enough spare left over to do some things at home, but is it enough of a Disney hit to satisfy our craving for the land of the Mouse?

I guess only time will tell, and its 6 weeks and counting away, but I would love to hear from anyone on this subject, and how much you tend to spend in addition to the basics I set out earlier?

Wow, that just shows how expensive it is staying in one of the Disney hotels. I am going for the same amount of time just with my girlfriend, and it's cost us just over a grand between us. (and that dont include meals and souviners etc.)

 

[BONITATIME]

I have to confess to being a Disney nut, I mean not totally obsessed, but I do like to go on a regular basis and usually only a trip to Florida was enough. Only problem being at around 5k a time for myself and my lovely family, we just cant afford to do it every year.

but is it enough of a Disney hit to satisfy our craving for the land of the Mouse?

I guess only time will tell, and its 6 weeks and counting away, but I would love to hear from anyone on this subject, and how much you tend to spend in addition to the basics I set out earlier?

I am looking forward to hearing your comments I have been to WDW and although we plan to go next year it is a one off thing.
I find DLP enough of a Disney hit. Especially as you can go for a few days and still have a holiday else where which keeps the non-disney member of my family happy as well.

 

[TotallyAngelic]

We really love DLP and finds it satisfies our Disney obsessions quite nicely. By buying annual passes it means we can go 2 or 3 times a year. We also enjoy Florida, but with 4 kids it isn't a cheap option, as the theme park tickets alone cost over £1000. DLP certainly has it's advantages...no long flight, everything very compact and easy to get to, no driving required, better rides, lovely summer weather (Florida a bit too hot during school summer hols), cheap flight prices with Easyjet etc etc. The only things we miss from Florida are Epcot, waterparks and being able to shop in American malls and eat in American non-park restaurants. We also like visiting other areas in Florida, but for Disney experiences, DLP more than suffices, in fact we prefer it! Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!!!!

 

[Happy Tappy]

I've only been to WDW once when I was 4. I really want to go back but my girlfriend doesn't like theme parks. She'll go if I pay for it all as she'd rather spend her money on a beach holiday.

I drag every year to DLP for a couple of nights (me paying ) but can't afford WDW for the both of us. I'm trying to talk my sister into going to WDW with me early next year, here's hoping.

 

[stargatebarbie]

I went to WDW years ago (when i was single ha ha) and I wanted my children to experience the magic of Disney so when DLP opened I was so happy it will be our 5th trip this year and I find it the perfect size for children to cope with and get the feeling of the disney magic at a fraction of the cost of WDW .also I think WDW is soooo big it can be overwhelming espcially for younger children who cant always go on many of the rides ,so if the sun is shinning in Paris you can almost belive you are in florida .

 

[Ware Bears]

but is it enough of a Disney hit to satisfy our craving for the land of the Mouse?

This was my exact concern this time last year but when we went I definitely felt the magic!

We can't afford to go to WDW every year either, it will actually be exactly three years between our first trip and our next one but by going to DLRP inbetween it definitely keeps the magic alive! Soon we will have been three times to DLRP in a year, the last two times for 5 nights and this summer for 8 nights. Although I love WDW for the other Disney parks and Florida in general, I really love DLRP. It is a very beautiful park and is so easy to get to as we are lucky enough to be able to get the Eurostar from London. I also love the way you can walk from DL park to Studios to Village so easily rather than having to drive/bus it as in WDW. It makes for a really relaxing holiday.
I am sure you will love it too!

 

[angel659]

Thanks for all comments so far, its very reassuring. I cant wait to go, I havent told the kids, but I cant wait to!!

Wow ware bares, 3 times per year! That sounds fab. Do you buy annual passes? Ive had a quick look and cant see any on the DLP website.

Going back to the cost of it all, any ideas on the spending money of the average trip?? Im trying to keep this trip as cheap as poss and want to comapre with others to see if im being realistic.

 

[Disney owl]

We love DLP but will visit WDW when we can afford it

Have a great trip

 

[ely3857]

I do love DLRP & have a massive soft spot for it as it was my first Disney park.

You are going to DLRP with the right attitude, DO NOT compare to WDW!

I think a couple of trips a year to DLRP will simply delay the desire to go back to WDW but certainly wont override it.



Jodie

 

[Ware Bears]

I havent told the kids, but I cant wait to!!

How on earth are you managing to keep it quiet!

Wow ware bares, 3 times per year! That sounds fab. Do you buy annual passes? Ive had a quick look and cant see any on the DLP website.

There is info about annual passes on here.

Going back to the cost of it all, any ideas on the spending money of the average trip?? Im trying to keep this trip as cheap as poss and want to comapre with others to see if im being realistic.

We bought annual passes for this year, that's why we are having 3 holidays to get as much use as possible. For us, three holidays to DLP has pretty much equalled the cost of one holiday to Florida next year. We generally eat at table service restaurants which I think equal the prices at WDW park restaurants but you can keep costs down by eating at counter service. Have you checked out this website here? If you click on the name of the restaurant, then on MENU it will give you an idea of prices.

 

[SandraVB79]

While I was at WDW, I was wishing I were at DLP instead... so... DLP is a good alternative!!!!

 

[tinkerbell36]

I've never been to WDW but I would love to go but my goodness I cannot believe the prices!! Also I'm not someone who loves the heat and the thought of how big the parks are overwhelms me!

I will go one day, but I think when I'm there I couldn't help but compare it to DLP, although I think in most ways they would be incomparable. But trust us, you will have an amazing time if you let yourself, just don't go in with expectations that it will be exactly like WDW because from what I've heard the one thing they do have in common is the magic!

 

[julieannbabe]

my trip staying off site on a four star hotel for three nights plus two day park hoppers for two people comes to £500. (direct via eurostar)

cheaper than WDW!