Sad and know you all will understand

[NWPrincess]

Living all the way up here in Washington, we only get to go to DL every couple of years or so. But I agree with the previous posters that it makes DLR even more special when you can only visit occasionally. The bright side is that there will always be something new each time you visit (for me its Toy Story, Nemo, new DCA parade and possibly the Montessoro House).

 

[mommaU4]

In a sad way it's nice to know that I'm not the only one.

TBH I don't understand why they charge so much for everything. It's not like they're hurting for $ or anything. Does it really cost that much to run the park/hotels?

Nope you aren't the only one.

We bought APs last October but won't be renewing them once they expire this Oct. We just cannot afford it. It's not just the cost of renewals but also hotel, gas, food, etc. for a family of 6 each time we go.

That just adds up too much. So we've got one trip coming up, and then another 5 day trip in October and that will be it. I'll have to settle for memories after that. I know I'll be very upset on our way home after that last trip.....

 

[usschmidt]

Our family lives in another state, so that is where a lot of discretionary money goes...visiting them. I don't want to get into family politics, but they never come here or pick neutral ground. My dh's family is originally from Hawaii and there's a big family reunion this summer. Tix are so expensive ($700/seat) that only dh is going. DLR is the consolation trip for me and the girls. (Dh will come too of course.) Our original plan was to buy AP's and then take short little trips every so often. But it looks like 1 trip now...3 day hoppers and Hojo's.

I forgot to mention that our move to Portland will be on our dime and that is why money's so tight. We're requesting this transfer, so the company is not obligated to foot the bill. We figure we'll be better off in the long run with the cost of living change though.

 

[stacymomof2]

Aww...I'm sorry. It is really getting crazy out there isn't it?

When you move to Oregon, if you are looking at the Garden Home area, you would be riding the bus (Trimet) Maxx isn't out there, so you could always ride the bus to the lightrail station.

I heard rumors that they are doing away with fareless square, but I could be wrong, I don't go downtown very often.

When you do take your DL trip, take TONS of pics and really savor your trip. It will make the memories that much better...and maybe you'll find your way back down there sooner, rather than later!

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

Oh I know, extras like vacations is hard on everyone right now. We got to go twice last year, but we normally only go once a year. I look at it this way though, some people have never gone at all. They'd probably love to go once a year! So it helps to look at it that way. Our AP's expire the week after we get back from our trip in a few weeks. Won't be able to renew them this time. Figure next year we can buy hoppers and then upgrade to AP's. Always gotta have hope!

Going once a year also means I can usually save up to make it a really special vacation. With either staying onsite, or special meals ect... We won't be back after our trip in June for year I'm guessing (you never know though with me LOL). So I really tried to pack in the fun on this trip!

 

[funatdisney]

I know some families that will but one premium AP and the rest of the family gets the Deluxe. That way you can take advantage of the discounts and free parking. Of course you have to be careful what time of the year you will visit. Most Saturdays are out for the Deluxe, but if you go for a Thursday to Monday trip, you can take Saturday off and just enjoy the hotel pool. May give you a much needed rest.

 

[ironpig70]

we went from a 5 hour drive to near a 13 hour drive so i know how you feel. and with 5 flying is really expensive. i have figured we will continue our every 2 years and instead of trying to pay for it all at once when we go in 2 years(after our nov trip) we will save every week so that the cost doesn't kill us. and in order to do so we will have to budget thru the year. these trips are our big vacation and if need be i'll get another job.

 

[jemilah]

we were going to get AP's this trip too and unless a miricle happens we won't get them after all. I am not canceling my ent rate for the Hojo in Nov just yet , like I said things can happen and we may go after all. With the stupid heatwave the electric bill will be soo much already and soon will be 400.oo a month .

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

We normally drive 10 hours to get to DL. It does save us a ton of money that way, but it's a LONG haul. We are all usually very tired (and even more so for DH who does the driving) the day we arrive, and feel zonked even the next day some!

Because of some health problems I have we are going to fly this time. It will cost us over all about $344 more to fly. That includes a rental car too though. It will be well worth it for me, because of my health conditions. But I think it's going to make for a more enjoyable trip for all of us. We all won't be so tired from the long haul, and will even be in the park that morning! So I'm guessing were going to start flying every time now. I think anything over 4 hours and we'll fly.

And this is coming from someone who is scared of flying. LOL

 

[pixiewings71]

That's backwards. Deluxe has blockout dates and doesn't come with parking, but Premium has no blockout dates and come with parking.

What would I do without you? LOL I always mess that up! LOL It's just that I really really really realllllllllllllllly want that Premium pass! LOL

 

[pixiewings71]

Our family lives in another state, so that is where a lot of discretionary money goes...visiting them. I don't want to get into family politics, but they never come here or pick neutral ground.

This is my issue too, my family all lives in Idaho. I've been in CA for (holy cow) over 20 years now, my family has visited me twice. Yup, in 20 years they've made the drive twice. It always falls to us to drive to Idaho and that's a 10 hour drive minimum! Mom asked me the other day if we were coming to visit, I told her no but they were welcome to come here. I love my family but really, they need to make some effort too.
We can't afford to fly but we can still afford the gas to drive, it takes us about $150.00 round trip for the mini van, flying would be at least $50 per person 1 way, driving still beats that price! We are actually looking at hotels farther away so we can drive in and park, DBF seems to think that will work fine for us. He's probably right but I'll always try the HoJo to see if we can get the Ent Rate first.

I miss Oregon, it was a beautiful place state to live in, it was cold but beautiful. I lived the first 15 years of my life in Oregon, in a little tiny town in a valley in the mountains. Soooo pretty but way too cold for me! LOL

 

[usschmidt]

I just pulled a whole bunch of stuff out of storage this morning to see what was sell-able on Craigslist lol. You all have inspired me to get creative and be thankful. I appreciated it!

 

[DoomBugger]

I just pulled a whole bunch of stuff out of storage this morning to see what was sell-able on Craigslist lol. You all have inspired me to get creative and be thankful. I appreciated it!

It is good to see that your entusiasm has replaced the depression... being pro-active can yield just the results you were seeking. Good luck!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

were thinkign we might only get one trip this time and no ap..but were'll see part of me dosent think we will even be able to do the first trip but if not its not the end the world its just so excpicve right now and to me starting to seem less and less importion (oh no is that bad)

 

[Mouse Freak]

The cost of everything seems to be a factor in many of us not taking as many trips as we would like. I live in Hawaii and have noticed the flight costs skyrocket. I used to be able to fly to the mainland for about $199, Now it costs "a mint". The last time I traveled to the mainland was less than a month ago and it cost me $788. I was plannning a trip to see San Diego (Sea World, SD Zoo, Wild Animal Park) but have decided to save my money for my next trip to Disneyland instead.
Michelle Mallow - Maui, Hawaii

 

[Djibouti]

I hope this doesn't sound stupid.... but expedia has a special going on right now, if you book 3 nights you get a $50 gas card. It's not much but it helps. I can't remember if you said you booked a hotel yet.

 

[mariezp]

We live in Texas so we only get to make it to DL once a year. While you have gotten spoiled to going often, I can tell you that it is still SOOOO worth getting to go just once a year. We start planning just as soon as we get back and DL is never very far from our thoughts so when the trip comes it is just all the more sweeter! I plan all the details to make each trip extra memorable so it lasts us the whole year.

Of course, if you decide going to DL more than once per year is a top priority you might be able to find ways to save money for the additional trips. Just set your mind to it and make it happen!

Either way... some DISNEYLAND is way better than none!