Just too expensive now !

[DisneyRookie2007]

With the kids now in University, I'm sad to say that the drive and desire to go to WDW has diminished - but the flame is not totally out.

Last May we priced a WDW vacation for just my wife and I - and then priced a Carnival Cruise - WOW was I shocked. WDW was $1000 more than the same duration caribbean cruise.

I know they are 2 different types of vacations, but when you factor in the exotic destinations, relaxing beach time, on board activities and fabulous all-you-can-eat food, I'm sad to say out trips to WDW may be behind us.

I do however, keep going online to get some pricing - just in case a fabulous WDW offer comes out.

Anyone feel the same?

 

[sunset7132]

With the kids now in University, I'm sad to say that the drive and desire to go to WDW has diminished - but the flame is not totally out.

Last May we priced a WDW vacation for just my wife and I - and then priced a Carnival Cruise - WOW was I shocked. WDW was $1000 more than the same duration stay @ WDW.

I know they are 2 different types of vacations, but when you factor in the exotic destinations, relaxing beach time, on board activities and fabulous all-you-can-eat food, I'm sad to say out trips to WDW may be behind us.

I do however, keep going online to get some pricing - just in case a fabulous WDW offer comes out.

Anyone feel the same?

Not us yet lol husband and I are 50 and 52 always took the kids. They are grown with their own agendas now, and we can't get enough adult trips. Between FD All the good food ,shows, downtown disney being redone , avatar,land and new nite time festivities at AK coming soon WE ARE even more excited for future trips ... ,lol 2 big kids here. But our trips in 2 weeks and I'm not recovered from knee surgery. Going to rent an ECV. Yuck

 

[Sprockie]

We always alternate between Disney and cruises. Cruises I think end up being cheaper. We always go on Holland America with our 2 kids - last year it was $2300 for the 4 of us in a balcony. The kids like cruising just as much or more than Disney! Great way to travel.

 

[Ted in Halifax]

I think 2014 is the year we look for something else ... so perhaps a cruise?

 

[Skjhjb]

Our first time at Disney was only last year, for four days. Our kids were 16, 14 and 11 at the time. We had so much fun, and really felt we needed more time if we went again.

We are booked for May, and the kids couldn't be more excited! Even at 18, 16 and 13 this trip, they are beyond thrilled we chose todo this with them instead of a couples only trip for our 20th anniversary.

We probably won't go again for quite a long time (if ever), so this is it for them!

 

[dsneygirl]

I *still* find WDW good value when compared to other events/resorts. I read an ad last week for the JW Marriott in Muskoka advertising a mid week stay at $299.night IN OCTOBER. Said the regular rate was $450. I can't imagine what it would cost a family for a week in peak season.

That's why we never vacation in Ontario. My BIL and SIL rented a trailer at resort in July for $2k a week before food/beverage/activities etc.

 

[dis_guy]

I think 2014 is the year we look for something else ... so perhaps a cruise?

My wife and I did a different trip this year and took that trip to Europe we'd been talking about for forever. Visited London, Paris and Rome plus numerous side trips in each country. It was way more expensive than any Disney trip, mostly because of the cost of the flights and exchange rates. We're very lucky to be able to still get reasonable flights (sometimes under $500/person) to WDW on United from Edmonton so it helps keep costs down compared to other destinations. Which is why we're going back in March!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

OP, we find DISNEY to be ridiculously expensive (with a few exceptions), but Orlando can be fun *and* affordable. I know its not popular opinion on these boards, but some of our favourite Orlando vacation memories have been found outside Walt's emporium. Have you considered a SeaWorld Parks vacation? The cost savings can be staggering, and the experiences (think Discovery Cove) can often rival those offered by Disney.

 

[torontodisneyfan]

Personally, for me, it is not about the money. Perhaps I could go else where and save a few dollars. Research tells me that isn't always the case though. Not to mention the simple fact is that there is something *Magical* about a Disney vacation be it at the parks or on a cruise... and I am guaranteed everything will be perfect or they will make it perfect!

I am a single dad raising a soon-to-be 16 year old girl and I will always find a way to vacation every year... and I can't see doing anything else for a long time.

 

[minnie mum]

With the kids now in University, I'm sad to say that the drive and desire to go to WDW has diminished - but the flame is not totally out.

Last May we priced a WDW vacation for just my wife and I - and then priced a Carnival Cruise - WOW was I shocked. WDW was $1000 more than the same duration stay @ WDW.
I know they are 2 different types of vacations, but when you factor in the exotic destinations, relaxing beach time, on board activities and fabulous all-you-can-eat food, I'm sad to say out trips to WDW may be behind us.

I do however, keep going online to get some pricing - just in case a fabulous WDW offer comes out.

Anyone feel the same?

Did you mean to say that the Carnival Cruise quote was $1,000 less than the quote for WDW?

I suppose that might be true, depending on the type of cabin you were looking at vs the type of resort and vacation package you wanted.

If you have never cruised before, prices can be deceiving. There are a lot of things not included in a Cruise quote: port fees, mandatory gratuities, most beverages, port excursions, etc, etc, etc. Prices can also vary enormously depending on the type of cabin or suite you book, the itinerary or time of year, and of course on which cruise line you book with. Frankly I'd never set foot on a Carnival ship, but they are one of the cheapest lines. You get what you pay for.

We find that our Disney vacations are either on par or slightly less expensive than a similar length vacation on land or sea. We take lots of different types of vacations- WDW resort stays, AI resorts in the Caribbean, cruises, land vacations in Europe or Asia. We always end up loving our return visits to WDW. For us it is a familiar place where we know what we can expect. It's just not our ONLY place to visit.

 

[dis_guy]

For us it is a familiar place where we know what we can expect. It's just not our ONLY place to visit.

Yes, that's us exactly!

 

[Sugar Jones]

I have been pricing out all inclusive resorts for my family if 5 and they are just as expensive if not more than Disney. Most don't allow 5 per room. Cruises are not an option for us, DH will never cruise.

I've also been pricing out beach vacations in NC, & Virginia beach but finding a suitable beach house isn't cheap either!

 

[maplevale]

Well - DH and I did a Carnival Cruise last October (without the kids) and will never go back! However we are heading back to Disney this winter (with the kids)!

We don't find Disney that much more then other option. We have gotten into the habit of alternating Disney and an All Inclusive resort in Cuba. (As a note - the food in Cuba was better then the Carnival cruise for the most part!) We can do an all inclusive (family of 4 however we try to travel when kids stay free even if we have to pay for flights) costs about $4000 in the winter and we are doing Disney for $3000 right now (8 nights - dining plan but 2 days at friends instead of at the resort). I figure by the time we add in the extra food we will be about the same.

As someone stated the cruise prices are deceiving. Don't forget to add: drinks, special meals, port excursions (even if just walking off the boat and shopping), transportation to and from the port, possible hotel the night before, gratuities, photos, gambling if you partake etc.


Again - it is all relative. To stay in a hotel in the town we live it is like $200 a night (even through Hotwire or Priceline)! That is not a 'resort' it is a basic Holiday Inn! So for me - the prices at Disney resorts don't seem so much (we are staying at POR).


Family of 5 or above is when you get complicated. AI resorts don't often have rooms for 5 so if you have young kids you may be stuck splitting up at night. Not ideal - but if you get a great deal it can be worthwhile. At least Disney has some resort rooms for 5 or there are private houses you can rent.

 

[mulan1123]

Earlier this year, my family and I went on Oasis of the Seas and LOVED it.

In a few weeks, I'll be going to WDW for the first time EVER with some friends.

My mom suggested that we should go to WDW next year (no one in my family had ever been to WDW). She asked me to check how much it is for 7-8 night stay at one of the value resorts for next week for Oct/Nov. And it was about the same price as our cruise fare. If we do go, I'm hoping for at the dining plan. Because after doing calculations for a value resort with a discount vs. free dining plan, it'll only save a couple hundred $$.

Although, our family love cruising! We'll see and see how much next year is at WDW compared to a cruise.......you can get really good deals on last minute cruises.....

To the OP - have you ever thought of a Disney cruise?? I know they're a little more pricy than Carnival but at least you'll still have your Disney fix...

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Family of 5 or above is when you get complicated. AI resorts don't often have rooms for 5 so if you have young kids you may be stuck splitting up at night. Not ideal - but if you get a great deal it can be worthwhile. At least Disney has some resort rooms for 5 or there are private houses you can rent.

I honestly don't know how families of 5 actually squeeze themselves into a 340 square foot room (or less, like at POR). I know they sleep 5, but quarters must be mighty cramped at bedtime. We had our family of 3 in one of those rooms in 2009 and vowed never again.

There are so many affordable options for larger families in Orlando that it makes a great destination as long as you are willing to look outside the Disney gates. Incredible resorts with lots of great amenities, and tons of room for your family.

My sister is currently planning her first Disney trip for October 2014. She has a family of 5....herself and her husband, and three daughters who will be 20, 17 and almost 7 by the time her travel date rolls around. They are looking at the Beach Club, which is coming up somewhere around $508 plus taxes per night. They could rent one of our two bedroom, two bathroom units at the Sheraton Vistana Resort for the cost of our maintenance fees ($830 all-in for an entire week). No one but the parents would have to share a bed. They'd have three TV's, 1200+ square feet, and in-room laundry facilities. I know most of their time will be spent at the parks (particularly for a first visit) but you have to come back to the room some time. Would they be giving up the free transportation to the parks? Absolutely. But I honestly can't see them be happy riding the buses anyway. And I know they will want to do some offsite shopping while they're down south.

 

[Ted in Halifax]

I honestly don't know how families of 5 actually squeeze themselves into a 340 square foot room (or less, like at POR). I know they sleep 5, but quarters must be mighty cramped at bedtime. We had our family of 3 in one of those rooms in 2009 and vowed never again.

Well ... when we stayed at POR with 5. My son, then 10, who was slated for the trundle bed, announced that he "felt like a slave" having to sleep on what he called the "floor bed". It fell to me at 200 plus lbs to sleep on this bed ... for two weeks (occasionally, I did get a night in the real bed when my teenage daughter took a shift). Guess it proves who is the slave.

Ted

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Well ... when we stayed at POR with 5. My son, then 10, who was slated for the trundle bed, announced that he "felt like a slave" having to sleep on what he called the "floor bed". It fell to me at 200 plus lbs to sleep on this bed ... for two weeks (occasionally, I did get a night in the real bed when my teenage daughter took a shift). Guess it proves who is the slave.

Ted

Aw, Ted.....you are a good dad .

We pulled out one of those trundles and gave it a sleep test. NOT comfy.

 

[bfamily5]

Family of 5 here My teens would rather sleep on the floor in WDW than in their beds at home. We are doing POR this March Break and the 14 yr old DS will be on the pull down bed and the 2 girls age 20 and 16 will share a queen. We pull every second from each vacation - we will sleep when we are dead, is the motto- so we all drop at the end of our day. The next few years are going to be tres exciting with new lands and attractions. We had such an awesome time for our mom and dad only trip we are hoping to alternate between WDW and DCL.

 

[AJ1983]

We did a one week Carnival cruise and 5 nights in Orlando last year. The Orlando portion cost us roughly $2000.00 for transportation, hotels (RPR @US for one night, and Pop for 4 nights), US and Disney passes for 2, and food/beverages. The cruise was $2400 for the room, food,alcohol (for one person-I didn't drink on the cruise except for 2 frozen cocktails), gratuities, transfers from airport-ship return. We did not do any excursions, nor did my DFi drink as much as he would have if the alcohol had been cheaper haha. If we had spent an additional 2 nights at Pop and did two more Disney days, the price would have been roughly the same.

 

[Ted in Halifax]

Family of 5 here My teens would rather sleep on the floor in WDW than in their beds at home. We are doing POR this March Break and the 14 yr old DS will be on the pull down bed and the 2 girls age 20 and 16 will share a queen. We pull every second from each vacation - we will sleep when we are dead, is the motto- so we all drop at the end of our day. The next few years are going to be tres exciting with new lands and attractions. We had such an awesome time for our mom and dad only trip we are hoping to alternate between WDW and DCL.

All of the Alligator Bayou rooms now feature an extra fold-down Murphy bed instead of the old trundle bed ,,, major improvement!