should we go or cancel?

[ilovebassets]

We booked a trip to WDW for late March--got a room at POR for $1020 for seven nights with 35% off the rack rate (we found this to be a slightly better deal than the gift card deal. Unfortunately, it's high season rates so the room rate is still about $125-135 a night). Figured we would get standard six day base tickets from undercovertourist.com for $232 each making the major expenses $1484. We could drive down, so figure another $100 for gas total round trip and for driving around WDW (based on aaa.com). Throw in another $500 or so for food (usually less than one TS a day, eat breakfast in the room) and we spend minimal on souvenirs (less than $50). If I moved the trip to May which I'm not sure is possible, we could save $128.

So here's the problem and why I'm thinking about canceling. I just found out I'm pregnant and would be due in September. I'm a medical resident and my husband is a PhD student so our salaries, while perfectly adequate for a good lifestyle for a couple, will probably be stretched with the new addition to our family. My husband may be finished with his work as soon as this spring or summer, and right now has nothing planned for afterward. His job search is complicated by the fact that we can't leave this city until I finish residency which will be one more year after this one is complete. So our combined, comfortable salary for a couple is likely going to shrink significantly right at the time we would need to start paying nearly $20,000 for daycare or a nanny.

I feel like I'm answering my own question--why would we spend $2000 on a trip when we're going to be short money later in the year? I have medical school loans about equivalent to a reasonable sized mortgage. Plus in April, we are going to Mexico for a medical conference (soooo awesome!) I can get reimbursed for hotel and my plan ticket but not his plane ticket or other expenses like food or rental car.

I've just always had this feeling that I wanted to go back to Disney one more time as a couple without children though we wouldn't be able to do some of the fun stuff I like so much anyway as I'd be pregnant and we've been together five times as a couple already. My sister makes the reasonable point that Disney will always be there, and our financial situation is only temporary since my salary will jump significantly when i'm done with residency. so why not just delay it for a year and go as a family with an infant instead?

thoughts? we do not carry credit card debt (and are not going to start) and we do have good cash reserves though that's supposed to be there for emergencies, not as a slush fund.

 

[eeyorethegreat]

First off, congratulations on your pregnancy! It really sounds like you are leaning more towards cancelling than not and really you and your husband are the only ones who know what is going to be the right thing to do. Maybe you can shorten the trip or find another time that it will fit into your schedule, though I am sure that would be difficult with your residency and husband's schooling. If you are at all worried about finances I would say shorten the trip or cancel if you can't rescedule before the baby is born at a lesser expense.

And on a side note ~holy toledo! Child care expenses at $20,000! Yikes that is a year's salary where I live for many.

 

[mumom95]

I'm going to have to agree with your sister on this one.

From your signature, it hasn't been all that long since you've been to Disney. And your future financial situation will more than likely allow you to go back at some point (probably many times).

A new baby can be a bit stressful with the lack of sleep. Adding extra stress because you a financially strapped at the time probably isn't the best idea.

But, you sound like a reasonable adult and I'm sure no matter which one you pick, you'll end up being ok in the long run.

Congratulations and best of luck with the baby!!

 

[rubato]

I think you've answered your own question. If it were me, I wouldn't go. Disney will always be there and you and hubby have gone 5 times together. You can't ride as many rides, but there is plenty of other stuff to do at Disney. I'm sure you'll make the right decision for you.

 

[Swimalie]

I have to agree with the others. While Disney is great without kids, it will be there later when you can go again.

Congratulations on the upcoming arrival.

Where are you doing your residency? My parents live in Atlanta. We're going to Disney in March (flying from VA) and my parents are driving down to meet us there.

 

[Priorityonecb]

I will agree with everyone else, I'd hold off right now. Maybe you could add a couple nights to your Mexico conference for a couple of really nice vacation days as a couple before the baby arrives? That would be far more inexpensive, and more "relaxing" for a new mom to be! Congratulations on your pregnancy!

 

[wdwfan16]

We booked a trip to WDW for late March--got a room at POR for $1020 for seven nights with 35% off the rack rate (we found this to be a slightly better deal than the gift card deal. Unfortunately, it's high season rates so the room rate is still about $125-135 a night). Figured we would get standard six day base tickets from undercovertourist.com for $232 each making the major expenses $1484. We could drive down, so figure another $100 for gas total round trip and for driving around WDW (based on aaa.com). Throw in another $500 or so for food (usually less than one TS a day, eat breakfast in the room) and we spend minimal on souvenirs (less than $50). If I moved the trip to May which I'm not sure is possible, we could save $128.

So here's the problem and why I'm thinking about canceling. I just found out I'm pregnant and would be due in September. I'm a medical resident and my husband is a PhD student so our salaries, while perfectly adequate for a good lifestyle for a couple, will probably be stretched with the new addition to our family. My husband may be finished with his work as soon as this spring or summer, and right now has nothing planned for afterward. His job search is complicated by the fact that we can't leave this city until I finish residency which will be one more year after this one is complete. So our combined, comfortable salary for a couple is likely going to shrink significantly right at the time we would need to start paying nearly $20,000 for daycare or a nanny.

I feel like I'm answering my own question--why would we spend $2000 on a trip when we're going to be short money later in the year? I have medical school loans about equivalent to a reasonable sized mortgage. Plus in April, we are going to Mexico for a medical conference (soooo awesome!) I can get reimbursed for hotel and my plan ticket but not his plane ticket or other expenses like food or rental car.

I've just always had this feeling that I wanted to go back to Disney one more time as a couple without children though we wouldn't be able to do some of the fun stuff I like so much anyway as I'd be pregnant and we've been together five times as a couple already. My sister makes the reasonable point that Disney will always be there, and our financial situation is only temporary since my salary will jump significantly when i'm done with residency. so why not just delay it for a year and go as a family with an infant instead?

thoughts? we do not carry credit card debt (and are not going to start) and we do have good cash reserves though that's supposed to be there for emergencies, not as a slush fund.

If you DH loses his job why would you need to pay for daycare or a nanny? DH would be the SAHP.

If it was me I would go in March.

 

[dex08]

Congrats on your new!

I'd cancel the trip and use the money to buy baby necessities -- like furnish your nursery and save for other unexpected baby expenses.

 

[ilovebassets]

If you DH loses his job why would you need to pay for daycare or a nanny? DH would be the SAHP.

If it was me I would go in March.

It's complicated. It's not so much about losing a job as techincally he's still a student though gets about $20,000 a year as a research assistant and doesn't pay tuition so it's like having a job with an expiration date.

We've thought about him being a stay at home dad and it's a short term possibility but we both feel it would probably interfere with his ability to be looking for work and taking time off right after finishing your schooling is not a great idea career-wise....for men and women alike.


Thanks for the advice everyone. That's why I like disboards so much--I know I will always gets quick, well thought out responses to my questions!

 

[Vickie46]

I totally agree you shouldn't go and spend a huge amount of money.. but you could volunteer for a day and get a day.. and then maybe buy a 1 or 2 day pass... stay at a value and enjoy a 3 day weekend with your hubby before a child does come! You could cut expense way way down! if you have too... stay off property.. but I would try and stay on... just an idea!

 

[KibbyCat]

Don't forget that, next year, you'll be able to claim the baby on your tax returns. Not only will you get a break having a dependent, but you may qualify for child tax credits, etc which will make your refund better (or amount you owe less). There are also credits for daycare spending, etc.

 

[C-CMom]

Slightly different spin - what rotations would you have around your vacation dates? In the middle of an elective? Immediately before or after an ICU month? For me, what I need to do before and after a vacation makes a difference in how I can enjoy the time. Maybe a week preparing a nursery could be fun - and not free either, so could be a wise use of funds. Prepay your loans a bit with any savings for some nice peace of mind? It could really be big fun to go to WDW as a family later. An extra couple of days in Mexico sounds nice.

Good luck either way!

 

[SandrA9810]

You've been to Disney several times, I think that if you hold off, You'll enjoy being there and seeing it through the eyes of your baby.

Sometimes I get a little pull of the heart strings walking down main street, remembering what it was like as a little kid. But being there to show some one else for the first time is amazing too. A few years back, my aunt asked to get some of her friends into the park, they had a little girl, like 5 I think, and it was just amazing to see her light up over the Castle, seeing Mickey and Minnie. I meet them the first day they arrived and brought her a pair of minnie ears and she thought that was the most amazing thing in the world and wore them the whole time.


And are you sure you're gonna wanna deal with being pregnant, the heat, the crowds and all that other "fun" stuff that Disney holds at peak times?? I've seen tons of soon to be moms waddling or being pushed around the park, and it really makes me wonder if it's all that great being pregnant at Disney. I realize 4 months is far from being 9 months along, but there's always some sort of strain on your body.

And I'd be a live in nanny at 20,000 a year... sorry just saying. 20 grand sounds a bit extreme for child care.

 

[englishteacha]

Rather than going to Disney, could you and your DH take a few days to just relax together? Or go to Orlando for a few days, but skip the parks and go to DTD, resort touring, etc.? There are lots of lovely places to stay in the Orlando area that are much less expensive than the WDW resorts. Maybe you could do a day at SeaWorld or drive out to Busch Gardens. I think it is important for you to take some time to decompress and relax before the baby comes, but it doesn't have to be expensive at all.

It is very responsible for you to consider your future finances.

 

[lila]

20 grand for childcare is not excessive in many urban areas. Every location has different demands.

I wouldn't go this year. Many congrats on your baby and all the accomplishments you and your husband have achieved.

 

[christa112]

I would cancel and save it for a future trip with the baby. Honestly, I would think going while pregnant would not be much fun. It have been one thing if you have other children that you were going for, but you are not. Not sure if you are a huge ride person or not but for me I am and to just walk around WDW would be my idea of pure torture.

Good luck with your decision and your pregnancy!!

 

[Va-bear]

I totally agree you shouldn't go and spend a huge amount of money.. but you could volunteer for a day and get a day.. and then maybe buy a 1 or 2 day pass... stay at a value and enjoy a 3 day weekend with your hubby before a child does come! You could cut expense way way down! if you have too... stay off property.. but I would try and stay on... just an idea!

I think this is a genius idea, as close as you live. In fact, I'd suggest drive there, stay at Pop, and ONLY do the one free day (Give/get) and spend the other days at pool and Downtown Disney.....drive home. Short and sweet and cheap - but you also get in the quicikie last fling w/out kid(s).

I too spent about 20,000/yr on childcare w/ little ones - it takes a HUGE toll on any savings you may have....any extra you can save now may come in VERY handy later.

As you said, soon your salary will skyrocket and you can go to Disney yearly w/no worries . Also, as you said, for your DH to become a SAHD would be problematic - most PhD's are lucky to find ANYTHING right now - you dont want to add any 'ifs', 'ands', or 'buts' in the mix...

Congrats and have fun whatever you decide!