Why do I feel crazy for spending 2K on 2 nights?

[mlg32]

I think I just need other Disney peeps to say they get it We made 2 trips to Disney last year, a week in Dec 2012 and then 5 nights in August for DDs 7th birthday. They were both awesome fun trips.

This year we have other vacations planned but my 5 & 7 yr old ask everyday if we can go back to WDW so we a surprising them by adding a quick 2 day trip on to our week in Captiva. We are a family of 6 so with 2 nights at AKL and tickets it comes out at about $2k. I don't want to change my trip but I just feel a little bit crazy for spending more on on 2 days than our weeks rental in Captiva. It's triple that for a week at Disney for our family but some how that seems more sensible

 

[KimK2006]

If you are having second thoughts, do a value or moderate instead of AKL to save a little money.

 

[BadgerGirl84]

Holy moly, I don't think I could justify paying that much for 2 nights and 2 days.

Would rather save the money and apply it to a week long trip later on.

 

[wallawallakids]

I always feel this way!!! We are also a family of 6. We big families have big expenses!! Every trip we have ever taken to WDW and DL has always cost us $10,000. After airfare for 6, 2 rooms, one suite, or one villa, tickets x6, food and transportation it all adds up so quick! I have tried to do it for less and I will probably get flamed but we like staying on property and we like to sit down and eat! So don't feel bad. I am in the same boat. (BTW, we are trying DCL this year. It isn't any cheaper. ) Have a great trip!

 

[LisaTN]

It looks like you are used to staying at the luxery resorts... but for a 2-day trip, maybe you guys would have a really great time staying in one of the family suits at Art of Animation... its not as glamorous at the luxery resorts - but with all the themed rooms, etc it could be a ton of fun... and save some money..

 

[mesaboy2]

I think I just need other Disney peeps to say they get it We made 2 trips to Disney last year, a week in Dec 2012 and then 5 nights in August for DDs 7th birthday. They were both awesome fun trips.

This year we have other vacations planned but my 5 & 7 yr old ask everyday if we can go back to WDW so we a surprising them by adding a quick 2 day trip on to our week in Captiva. We are a family of 6 so with 2 nights at AKL and tickets it comes out at about $2k. I don't want to change my trip but I just feel a little bit crazy for spending more on on 2 days than our weeks rental in Captiva. It's triple that for a week at Disney for our family but some how that seems more sensible

I think that's pretty crazy, but it's not for me or anyone else to decide. You wanna do it, then go have fun!

 

[mom2rtk]

We're going to Sanibel this summer. And it's so hard for me to think of getting so close but NOT stopping at Disney. I am considering a one night stop (leave Sanibel in the AM, and just do late afternoon into PM EMH at the MK). Even staying at a value resort, once it topped $1K, I threw the plan out.

But everyone's perception of value for the money is different. Nobody can tell you here if it's something you should do.

 

[toddinboston]

My family is 6 people too and I budget $1k per night for trips...$2k for 2 nights unfortunately sounds about right...
Whether you want to spend the $$ is your call

 

[ManyMinnie]

I barely spend $2k on a week's trip, so no, I wouldn't even consider it for two days.

It isn't for us to decide. Only you can decide if that amount of money for two days is worth it to you.

 

[2Tiggies]

If you are having second thoughts, do a value or moderate instead of AKL to save a little money.

This is a sensible suggestion in my opinion and a very small compromise. As someone who's family refers to me as a "hotel snob" (I don't do cheap hotels) I have to say that Disney is the exception to my rule in that regard. We stay moderate now but we did do a value resort one year and to say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement.

Firstly, my daughter was 7 at the time and the values are great for the theming, especially for younger kids. Secondly, with only 2 days at Disney, how much time are you REALLY going to spend at the resorts aside from a swim and a sleep? Only you can answer that as we all structure our days differently but perhaps it's worth considering.

I realize that you have a challenge in that you require a room for 6 which makes things difficult. ASMu and AoA do family rooms which may or may not come out cheaper than 2 standard rooms (connecting). You would need to crunch the numbers. AKL is lovely but I could not justify that amount on a couple of days. If you can afford it, and your heart is set on AKL, then go for it.

 

[RookieLady]

I would not move to a value or moderate in your situation, but I would consider changing to a MK resort or an Epcot resort, unless you plan on spending your time at the AK. There are a couple reasons for this. I usually take long trips. I squeezed in a 3 day President's Day trip two years ago and stayed at a value. The travel time on the bus was very unsatisfying. I suppose you could mitigate that with a car, but both my husband and I don't like to drive at Disney. The transportation options are better in the other resort areas if you are not going to drive your car. Second, once you get used to value, it's hard to go back. I stayed value, then graduated to deluxe, where I have been the last number of trips. That President's Day trip was at the All Star Sports, a resort I had previously loved. I could not stand the size and felt like we were on top of each other. I went back by myself and tried Pop for the first time. It was there I realized I had changed to a deluxe girl. The transportation plays a large role in that, but I like the amenities are better, as are the restaurants, transportation etc. I realize some people can stay at any level and don't have trouble going back and forth, but it did not work for me. Given the size of your group, I think you should stay where you are comfortable. If you have the money and are willing to spend it, it may make a big difference in how you enjoy the trip, particularly since you may be moving through the parks more quickly than a leisurely trip would allow.

 

[blessedby3]

I couldnt do it...but everyone is different.
We were down in Jacksonville last March for my nephews wedding. We were so close, but just to head over for the day was gonna be a hefty amount for 6 park tickets and food plus a nights lodging.
We sucked it up and saved that money towards our October trip and I felt much better about doing that.

I would definately move resorts to save a few bucks. You are only going to be there for a very short time, and I would think you are going to be in the parks more than the resort. I would try a value like POP and get 2 rooms, or try a suite at ASMusic or 2 Little Mermaid rooms at AOA. Anything to get that cost down for just 2 days.

We are looking at going down for 2 weeks in June of 2014, and my lodging costs wont even be $2000 for the 2 weeks

 

[AshleeH]

Holy moly, I don't think I could justify paying that much for 2 nights and 2 days.

Would rather save the money and apply it to a week long trip later on.

Same here. We don't mind spending money on Disney, but for two nights, I would downgrade to a mod or value and put the rest of the money toward a weeklong trip later.

But the bottom line is - if you're comfortable with it, then consider it money well spent!

 

[Tormania]

Everybody's situation is different so I start with that. But here is my honest take on the situation:

In the last 6 months you have gone to WDW twice and spent a total of 12 day there. The kiddos want to go back, well duh, of course they do.

So you would drop $2000 for 2 more nights at WDW because you'll be nearby for a different vacation?

I know it's just my opinion which is meaningless I know but that is out and out nuts! What could $2000 and 2 more days at your other destination get you? Or as someone said, just put that $2000 away for another longer stay at WDW in the future.

My son is only 3 but if I did and got him everything he asked for I would be broke!

I know that may seem sacreligious as there are some SERIOUS Disney addicts here that would "almost" sell their souls for more time at Disney, but it's not like you haven't been for a good long time and recently.

Instant gratification is way to prevelant in today's society.

Again just my own opinion and others are free to do what they feel is best for their families, but no way would we be doing that in the same situation.

Enjoy your trip either way!

 

[AlohaAnnie]

We would do it


We own DVC, we are still paying it off and we have monthly dues we are still paying. We are going to 2 weeks and we are not getting dining plan but have reservations for all kinds of restaurants. We are using TIW and we have APs. We are dropping a huge chunk of money not only monthly but also to go for 2 weeks.

Our vacation time is our time away from reality and we are willing to pay for it.

If that is what you want to do, do it!!!!

You can look back on your time and the fun you will have with your kiddos and have wonderful memories. To us, that is why it is worth it!!!!

 

[Mommyof3inVA]

When I first read the title to this I thought for sure it was a joke...I can not believe you are paying that much for just 2 days!! Ahhh....stay off property, you can stay at the Hilton at Downtown Disney in a 2 bedroom connecting room for probably half the price.

OR stay on property but stay at the Art of Animation family suites.

My family of 5 is staying off property for 7 nights and doing 5 days in parks for less than $2,000 and that is for 7 nights not 2.

 

[brymolmom]

I couldn't do it for 2 nights! YIKES!

That's why I LOVE my non-expiring tickets and want to buy more before they're gone. Still only $30 per day at the parks even when we only go 2 days.

We're going for 10 nights to USF and WDW this summer...Not counting airfare, we're spending around $2,800.
I couldn't imagine spending $2000 for 2 nights.

Personally, I would save that $2000 and put it toward a longer trip to WDW in the future - when it would mean less cost per day.

 

[RnbwSktles]

Yowza! I have a hard time justifying that amount for DH and I for a whole week.

Of course you are free to do whatever you want with your money, but don't spoil your kids too much

If I am going to be in the area and need a Disney fix, I just stroll through DTD or visit hotels.

 

[dalayney]

I don't care how much money I had to spend, I couldn't do it. I'm cheap. Concerning me and my family only.


That being said, your bills are paid, you have good jobs, you're responsible w/your money, and you can afford it? Heck yes! Go for it! I actually admire those who do!

Sometimes, when it comes to money, I wish I could "unclench" a little.

And really I just figured it out .... w/everything? It will average $682/day for us 4, going 10 days. (airfare, food, souvenirs, disney package, tickets) And you have 2 more people than us. So, really, you're doing great!

 

[Masonmj84]

I'm in the midst of planning a 4-way split stay over 12 nights at WL-Poly-AKL-BC for spring 2014.

Our ADRs will be scheduled as if we were on the DxDP (i.e., a 1 TS + a 2 TS per day), although we'll probably pay OOP and use TIW.

Even with, say, 35% AP discounts, I figure the trip will cost somewhere north $12K with room, tickets, dining, tips, and airfare (not counting merch - which we're generally pretty disciplined about not spending a lot on).

So I can see how it's easy to get to $1K per day and we're only a family of 4 and are not staying club level (we'll probably only pay for a room upgrade at AKL in order to get Savannah view).

And we're not people who otherwise spend extravagently (prior to discovering WDW, I would have considered spending over $2K on a week vacation to be somewhat extravagent - our family vacations growing up were almost always camping trips).

Seinfeld's Frank Costanza wasn't kidding when he said, "you can drop a grand at Disney World like that!").