Middle Class Priced Out???

[Hikergirl]

It seems that my use of the words "I feel sorry for...." hit a nerve with a few people. Maybe I did not explain my thought process very well in my reply posted on the Budget Board. I was mostly thinking of a young family scenario. I know that when we were a young family, that there was not a lot of excess money in the monthly/yearly budget.

A young family of four, driving to WDW for a late August, 6 night, 5 full day park visit, can easily spend 2500 to 3000 dollars. That is with a 20 percent discount on a Pop room....... and no park hopper or waterpark option. I assumed the kids were school aged and could not be pulled out during a value season.

I was trying to express a desire for more families with tight budgets to experience WDW without the cost being so painful. I was not trying to upset anyone.

I don't think anyone is upset, we are all just pointing out that spending thousands of dollars at is WDW is a choice, nobody is forced to do it. There are options for doing WDW less expensive.
Just for a little info, I have a family of 5, and we typically go at the end of August, and stay in deluxe (I spent less that your posted numbers for 7 nights, and 7 full park days). There are great deals to be had for that time of year

I also don't think $3000 for a family of 4 is alot to spend on a WDW vacation.

 

[JCSCBROWN]

I feel that the vacation is doable, if you stay within your budget. We drive, from Missouri.
We are a family of four. The last few times we have stayed 9 nights and gotten free dining. I am not sure what we paid just for the Disney part. We rented a house on the beach in Daytona. Paid 1,000 to board our dog.
The total was around 7,000 for a 16 day vacation. If you are careful, and watch what you spend, it is doable. We used to go every two years, but are going twice next year (one short trip, one long). It is WELL worth it for us. We use Disney transportation and buy meals at the parks (except breakfast, we take breakfast bars). We stay at value resorts because we only sleep there - why pay more? I never went as a child, but as an adult I love it! Our families keep asking how we do it, and we have had many friends ask me to help plan so they can afford it. You just have to do what is right for you. (Also, don't use snack credits on drinks. Use the water fountains)

 

[lelew]

I grew up poor in Washington DC. To me Disney was only a dream something for only the rich and famous. ( BTW I'm in my late 30's ) My first trip to was sometime in 2003 as a young adult with no kids. My new husband treated me to Disney and I was hooked. We stayed in a cheap motel off property and had the best time of my life. Fast forward a few years later I was able to start taking my kids, cousins and even staying on property plus a few Disney cruises on the Fantasy and Dream with the income of the two of us ( we make together a little over 150,000 ) our last trip was summer 2016 we did free dining and stayed AOA and RS. I am trying to plan our 2017 trip with a 3 day cruise and it's super expensive. I'm was wondering how I was able to afford this just a few years ago with problem. Disney has really went up on prices which to some point is okay, but as I think back to our last Disney vacation including 3 day cruise the service is not the same as it was a few years back. For example at the parks cast members were not as friendly as they use to be, quick service tables were dirty, trash on grounds ( when i first visited MK 2003 you could eat off the ground because it was soooo clean lol ), no parade at HS or AK, dining on the cruise was lacking, resort cast members not welcoming as once was, room not cleaned properly ( and I heard this job had been out sourced to private company ) Disney was known for excellent customer service that is the main reason I kept returning year after year. But if the service is declining and the prices keep rising then I see no point in returning. Sad because I loved Disney!!!

 

[kymom99]

I follow the boards but haven't taken a trip to WDW since 2010. I've heard about ticket increases but didn't give it much thought until last night when I tried pricing a trip. Holy moly! Tickets are insane! I can see what PPs meant when they said ticket prices are killing people! Ouch!

I am contemplating renting DVD points sometime and really liking the idea but those tickets. Smh

It's going to be a while, and my kid isn't getting any younger. Would love to bring my one grandson who probably wouldn't get to go otherwise but it will be a stretch.

 

[Darcy03231]

I grew up poor in Washington DC. To me Disney was only a dream something for only the rich and famous. ( BTW I'm in my late 30's ) My first trip to was sometime in 2003 as a young adult with no kids. My new husband treated me to Disney and I was hooked. We stayed in a cheap motel off property and had the best time of my life. Fast forward a few years later I was able to start taking my kids, cousins and even staying on property plus a few Disney cruises on the Fantasy and Dream with the income of the two of us ( we make together a little over 150,000 ) our last trip was summer 2016 we did free dining and stayed AOA and RS. I am trying to plan our 2017 trip with a 3 day cruise and it's super expensive. I'm was wondering how I was able to afford this just a few years ago with problem. Disney has really went up on prices which to some point is okay, but as I think back to our last Disney vacation including 3 day cruise the service is not the same as it was a few years back. For example at the parks cast members were not as friendly as they use to be, quick service tables were dirty, trash on grounds ( when i first visited MK 2003 you could eat off the ground because it was soooo clean lol ), no parade at HS or AK, dining on the cruise was lacking, resort cast members not welcoming as once was, room not cleaned properly ( and I heard this job had been out sourced to private company ) Disney was known for excellent customer service that is the main reason I kept returning year after year. But if the service is declining and the prices keep rising then I see no point in returning. Sad because I loved Disney!!!

This is the way we feel. For us, the value just isn't there for the money you spend. It's not that we can't "afford" it, we're just finding we can do/see other things that we're finding we like just as much (or more) for the same or less money. In a way it's been freeing. I never thought I'd be able to go to Europe and see England, France and Germany for less than what it costs to tour the World Showcase! We'll still go back, but it won't be as the main vacation anymore. This summer we're doing 4 days/3 nights post-cruise at AKL with a 2 day park hopper. I see future trips being done this way as well. An add-on to a different trip.

 

[Jennabeth]

This is the way we feel. For us, the value just isn't there for the money you spend. It's not that we can't "afford" it, we're just finding we can do/see other things that we're finding we like just as much (or more) for the same or less money. In a way it's been freeing. I never thought I'd be able to go to Europe and see England, France and Germany for less than what it costs to tour the World Showcase! We'll still go back, but it won't be as the main vacation anymore. This summer we're doing 4 days/3 nights post-cruise at AKL with a 2 day park hopper. I see future trips being done this way as well. An add-on to a different trip.

Yes, this exactly. We are traveling from Michigan to San Francisco over spring break. We'll be there for 7 days and with flights, rental cars, hotels, food and tours were are spending less than what we spent last summer for a 5 day Disney vacation. It's not that we can't afford it, it's that we can do so much more for the same price or less. I remember staying at Pop when my girls were 5 & 7 and getting free dining (when tips were included) and spending less than $2000 for a week. Those days are long gone and so are all of the free 'extras' that made things a little more special.

 

[Hikergirl]

Yes, this exactly. We are traveling from Michigan to San Francisco over spring break. We'll be there for 7 days and with flights, rental cars, hotels, food and tours were are spending less than what we spent last summer for a 5 day Disney vacation. It's not that we can't afford it, it's that we can do so much more for the same price or less. I remember staying at Pop when my girls were 5 & 7 and getting free dining (when tips were included) and spending less than $2000 for a week. Those days are long gone and so are all of the free 'extras' that made things a little more special.

We went to San Francisco and Monterey Bay last Spring Break and we spent more than our last trip to WDW. We did alot of free things like hiking, sight seeing, driving along the coast to Big Sur and stopping at parks along the way.
Although the cost was more, our family loved our West Coast vacation and the cost was totally worth it.

 

[undertheradar]

Part of the challenge of threads like this is that going to WDW is a choice, not a right. Disney experiences have never been aimed at the middle class, just that people have chosen to go to "keep up with the Jones'." We just don't see the value in going to WDW as it currently stands. From the over planners, to the obnoxious practice of booking meals 6 months out, what used to be a relaxing family vacation no longer exists.

 

[Darcy03231]

Part of the challenge of threads like this is that going to WDW is a choice, not a right. Disney experiences have never been aimed at the middle class, just that people have chosen to go to "keep up with the Jones'." We just don't see the value in going to WDW as it currently stands. From the over planners, to the obnoxious practice of booking meals 6 months out, what used to be a relaxing family vacation no longer exists.

I don't know what I want for dinner tonight, never mind six months from now!

 

[persimmondeb]

I constantly see these threads and...

Disney was only ever sort of aimed at the middle class (and the definition of middle class has changed somewhat over the years, to increasingly mean those of median income, rather than those who inhabit the social space between the working and upper classes). It was always expensive. I grew up unquestionably middle class and we never went. My parents wouldn't have dreamed of spending that kind of money (they also had a perception that it was bland, fake, and only for very young children, which would not have inspired them to find the wherewithal either).

For years I priced out Disney vacations, and not only could I not easily pay for them, I would end up saying "Well, I could go to Europe for that." Sometime in the middle 2000's, in a relatively prosperous moment, I realized that this was no longer really true, and we finally went.

And were hooked.

It's a stretch, especially these days, but I'm creative, and I can make those pennies scream. Yes, pretty much all of our disposable income goes to vacations, but that's okay, because it's our money and we get to spend it as we prefer. We're probably right around the bottom of that NPR middle class line, and we can make it happen. Not necessarily every year, and with some compromises that aren't necessarily for everyone, but it is possible.

I wish the prices didn't keep going up, along with everyone else, but they're obviously responding to demand, and Disney has no moral obligation to make their vacations affordable.

 

[dakotix]

Put your big boy/ girl pants on. Save money. -- yes it might take a year, two or maybe even three years-- book the trip you want. Go.

 

[DeblovesWaltandMickey]

I grew up poor in Washington DC. To me Disney was only a dream something for only the rich and famous. ( BTW I'm in my late 30's ) My first trip to was sometime in 2003 as a young adult with no kids. My new husband treated me to Disney and I was hooked. We stayed in a cheap motel off property and had the best time of my life. Fast forward a few years later I was able to start taking my kids, cousins and even staying on property plus a few Disney cruises on the Fantasy and Dream with the income of the two of us ( we make together a little over 150,000 ) our last trip was summer 2016 we did free dining and stayed AOA and RS. I am trying to plan our 2017 trip with a 3 day cruise and it's super expensive. I'm was wondering how I was able to afford this just a few years ago with problem. Disney has really went up on prices which to some point is okay, but as I think back to our last Disney vacation including 3 day cruise the service is not the same as it was a few years back. For example at the parks cast members were not as friendly as they use to be, quick service tables were dirty, trash on grounds ( when i first visited MK 2003 you could eat off the ground because it was soooo clean lol ), no parade at HS or AK, dining on the cruise was lacking, resort cast members not welcoming as once was, room not cleaned properly ( and I heard this job had been out sourced to private company ) Disney was known for excellent customer service that is the main reason I kept returning year after year. But if the service is declining and the prices keep rising then I see no point in returning. Sad because I loved Disney!!!

I so relate to this! I have been telling my husband this year that it is just so frustrating that it was so much harder to pay for last years 2 week, 40th anniversary trip than in prior years. I love Disney so much and it breaks my heart that I just don't feel like we are now getting what we used to get on our vacations. We started going every year when we adopted our youngest almost 18 years ago now. I will still go, I hope, but it will have to be in value resort. I will always love Disneyworld, no matter what, I will just have to go less often. Thanks for your post, it was so nice to find there was someone else that understood how I also was feeling.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

I know this topic comes up in discussions a lot. But I'd really love to know if everyone believes that WDW is pricing out the middle class? Or...any other classes for that matter! If you feel like you're being or have been priced out, why specifically do you feel that way? Do you still go on trips to WDW? How have you compensated for their price increases? On the other hand, if you don't feel as though WDW is pricing people out, I'd love to hear your thoughts on that as well!

Yes I believe the middle class gets priced out here particularly if you have multiple kids. There's another thread on here that asks anonymously to put what your salary is. The results showed that the majority on here made between 100 to 150K a year. Tho I will say where I live 100K is middle class and probably average to live just comfortable.

 

[maxiesmom]

Yes I believe the middle class gets priced out here particularly if you have multiple kids. There's another thread on here that asks anonymously to put what your salary is. The results showed that the majority on here made between 100 to 150K a year. Tho I will say where I live 100K is middle class and probably average to live just comfortable.

Multiple kids is another one of those choices we all make. I think most people know going in that everything is going to cost more if you have more than 2 kids. Not just vacations.

 

[Bete]

We've been priced out for about 5 years. We have been enjoying other destinations like Dollywood; we go during festivals there. We took an East coast road trip last year that was wonderful.

We are finally going back this December to DW but we will stay off site and keep our dining budget tight. I want to see Pandora and River of Lights and a few other attractions. We are doing 6 days.

The next time we may go back to DW will be with the 50th anniversary. I'm waiting to see what will be announced. We did the 50th for Disneyland.

There were years we bought annual passes and visited as much as 4 times in a year. I have over 40 trips to DW and we are from the Midwest. There was a time the free dining promo was a good deal and we came more often.

We don't miss all the wait in lines and all the walking and standing you have to do day in, day out at DW.

 

[dreiwhit]

And if you are like most people, your health insurance costs have been increasing for around 20 years as well - as your employer passes along some of the increase. During my career I went from good health insurance covering my entire family for free, to a high deductible plan that only covered me for $50 a month - I had to add my dependents at cost - $800 a month.

Very much so. Before I got the job with lower health care costs ($330 a month), I was paying $500 a month, and had 20% coinsurance to pay AND a deductible for anything other than an office visit. We paid out of pocket $1400 in two months in 2016 alone.

I remember the days of $200 a month family coverage, $20 copays and everything covered for free or after you paid your copay. And it wasn't so long ago. Sadly, those days are now gone.

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

Very much so. Before I got the job with lower health care costs ($330 a month), I was paying $500 a month, and had 20% coinsurance to pay AND a deductible for anything other than an office visit. We paid out of pocket $1400 in two months in 2016 alone.

I remember the days of $200 a month family coverage, $20 copays and everything covered for free or after you paid your copay. And it wasn't so long ago. Sadly, those days are now gone.

Not for everyone. My husband pays $46 a month and I pay $58 a month for insurance. We have a $25 copay and no deductible. Once our baby is born in October, we will put the baby on my husband's plan and his rate will increase to $162. So we will pay $220 for family coverage. Premiums at our employer are charged based on an income scale. Over the last 6 years, my insurance premium has gone from $43 per month to $58 (a 34% increase), but my pay has also increased roughly 25% over that time.

 

[crisi]

Not for everyone. My husband pays $46 a month and I pay $58 a month for insurance. We have a $25 copay and no deductible. Once our baby is born in October, we will put the baby on my husband's plan and his rate will increase to $162. So we will pay $220 for family coverage. Premiums at our employer are charged based on an income scale. Over the last 6 years, my insurance premium has gone from $43 per month to $58 (a 34% increase), but my pay has also increased roughly 25% over that time.

You are very lucky. If you switch jobs, make sure to factor in the fact that you seem to have GREAT insurance. My son is working on getting into a union trade - they also have great insurance. But its more and more rare to get it - and it isn't just the ACA - mine started increasing twenty years ago.

 

[MKCP5]

I have to admit, and it pains me to admit, that after our trip last May (which was after not going for several years) I felt that a lot of the magic had just worn off for me. I still had a good time. I worked hard at finding experiences that I hadn't had before to "refresh" our time there. But the incessant upgrades (want a great seat for fireworks? pay $50 each for a dessert buffett) The 6 months out ADR's (or else spend your days hitting refresh on your browser in hopes of getting a table) the fastpasses in advance, the ticket price increases and another charge if you want to hop --we all know the drill for all of these things and accept them --usually with joy because we love Disney so much, but somehow it has just diminished it all for me and I had no plans to return again for quite some time. Then old friends called who I did the college program with years ago and said let's do a reunion in the fall. I really really thought long and hard about it. It's going to be a very pricey trip staying onsite in a deluxe (the four of them were adamant--I could have been fine at a value) a four day park pass etc etc. The price is frankly not worth it. But I decided I would go because the experience of being with that group of people is what I am really paying for. A once in a lifetime reunion of college friends who I rarely see in the place that brought us together. So I will go and have a wonderful time, but after this trip I don't expect to be back for a very long time. The is a very big world for me to explore and I can see a lot for it for the same price as yet another trip to see the mouse.

 

[100AcreWood]

I have to admit, and it pains me to admit, that after our trip last May (which was after not going for several years) I felt that a lot of the magic had just worn off for me. I still had a good time. I worked hard at finding experiences that I hadn't had before to "refresh" our time there. But the incessant upgrades (want a great seat for fireworks? pay $50 each for a dessert buffett) The 6 months out ADR's (or else spend your days hitting refresh on your browser in hopes of getting a table) the fastpasses in advance, the ticket price increases and another charge if you want to hop --we all know the drill for all of these things and accept them --usually with joy because we love Disney so much, but somehow it has just diminished it all for me and I had no plans to return again for quite some time. Then old friends called who I did the college program with years ago and said let's do a reunion in the fall. I really really thought long and hard about it. It's going to be a very pricey trip staying onsite in a deluxe (the four of them were adamant--I could have been fine at a value) a four day park pass etc etc. The price is frankly not worth it. But I decided I would go because the experience of being with that group of people is what I am really paying for. A once in a lifetime reunion of college friends who I rarely see in the place that brought us together. So I will go and have a wonderful time, but after this trip I don't expect to be back for a very long time. The is a very big world for me to explore and I can see a lot for it for the same price as yet another trip to see the mouse.

That was well put. I also love Disney but there is a lot of world to explore.