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

[housetomouse]

It does add up doesn't it? I am always a bit appalled at what our vacations add up to Before I knew much about WDW, we'd vacation in Florida and drive a couple of hours to WDW for a (long!) day in the parks (with baby/toddler, what were we thinking? lol). One year we stayed a night at an All Star hotel, so had 2 days in the parks. It really was fun and quite economical, if you are looking for a cheaper way to do it. And with only 2 days, maybe you wouldn't spend that much time at the hotel?

 

[carolinamama]

It doesn't matter if some would do it and some would not. If you can afford it, it's totally up to you.

We're leaving in a few days, and when I look at our price, we have already paid about $1000k a night for package and airfare, but we have a 1 bedroom at BLT. So I hear ya on the per night cost. But this works for us. Do what works for you and what makes you comfortable. When it comes down to it, it really doesn't matter what the rest of us think.

 

[fla4fun]

OP, I figure you wouldn't be asking if you're crazy for spending the money unless you wanted some ideas to save a little of that money. You have been presented with some excellent choices.

You say you have vacations planned to other places for this year, but do you plan to go back to WDW next year? For how many days? If you are going two days now and considering a week long (8 day) trip next year that you can work into the same 12 month window, then an AP might be the way to go. Yes, it's more to spend now, but overall you'll spend less.

If you are considering going back, but the AP window won't work for you, then I would consider buying some non-expiring tickets while you still can. That way you will have your admission paid for for this trip and the next while keeping your per day cost low.

I would also agree that downgrading to a mod or value would be an excellent idea for this trip. You will probably spend most of your time in the parks if you are only there two days, so why not save on the room. You'll get all the Disney perks, and if for some reason it's not your cup of tea, well, you're only there two days. The value suites are a perfect size for a family of six.

I don't see anything wrong with paying $2k for two days, so long as it doesn't put you in debt or take away funds from something else in your budget. Only you know if you can afford it and whether the two day trip is worth the cost to you.

 

[d1gitman]

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

We have done a few spur of the moment trips to wdw last year and they were fantastic. Short but fantastic. Bottom line is if you have the means to afford it then its really just a preference thing


Lately we've been finding our trips average $1000/day for our family of 4.

 

[DakotaRose]

It depends on your situation. If you are spending some of your kids' future college tuition for it, then yes, it's crazy.

 

[michelleiada]

I say if you can afford it then go for it. Only you know your financial situation. If you have the money then splurge! Life is short! Do the things that make you happy.

 

[married2mm]

If you can afford it,and you're happy,that's all that matters.
As others have said,a different resort or offsite,would work out cheaper,but if that's where you want to stay- just do it!

We are going in August,and there's only 4 of us 17 nights it's costing over $15k-everything all totalled up.

 

[dacky041208]

Look into renting DVC points. You can get a great deal or nearly half of what pay normally.

I second this suggestion. A friend of ours rented our points for a week this coming Sept for a one-bedroom at the Boardwalk. The same week would cost them over double what it cost to rent the points from us if they had booked through Disney.

Definitely at least check out the DVC- Rent/Trade board.

 

[eliza61]

Every one has a different perception on worth. I hate the values so for me to stay at one is a bit of a waste, no matter what the cost. Bottom line is a vacation should be pleasurable. No matter what the cost. Have fun

 

[Cinderumbrella]

To everyone who is suggesting that they scale down their resort to save money, the bulk of cost for the OP is 6 park tickets, not the resort choice. Not to mention that he/she is also limited as to where the family can stay because there are 6 of them.

OP, if you can afford it GO FOR IT!!

But if its a stretch, I would save the money towards a longer trip next year.

 

[pl4bby]

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

Are you staying in two rooms? Akl only fits 4 plus one under three. If yes then switch to aoa suite or asm suite. It will be cheaper than two rooms. Or rent points and stay in a 2 br villa

 

[bigjwood]

A WDW trip is a luxury. If your 401k is on track, if you are contributing enough to your kids college savings plan, if you have enough money in savings for emergencies, and still have enough extra, then by all means go.

If it is a financial stress, then don't do it. There are plenty of ways to have fun without breaking the bank.

 

[mlg32]

I so appreciate everyone's views on the trip. My day got insane after my post and didn't realize I had so many replies.

We do usually stay deluxe at Disney and travel to WDW about once a year. If I upgrade to APs that would cost about $3600, my tickets cost for this trip is $1090. We do not plan to do Disney again this year. I get that its a cumulative savings but its still $2600 additional for this trip! My older kids are busy so vacations are planned around their activities. And the saddest part is that my 11 yr old and 13yr old are not thrilled with WDW as a vacation anymore

DH and I feel that trips to WDW is just something we love being able to give to our kids( we do not think they should get everything handed to them just because they ask etc.. ). They are only little once and our older girls have gone once a year since they were 5 and 3 and they are good , caring kids!

Anyway I should also mention that a huge factor for us is airfare so its cheaper to combine this trip than to save for another trip which would be another round trip airfare for 6 people. We used points this time and are flying for a total of $650 round trip which is less than 1/2 what we normally pay!

I do truly enjoy staying deluxe( this is for DH and I we enjoy the resorts, even if its just sitting by the pool late at night) and the difference in price from CS and AKL is $350, its just worth it to stay AKL.

Thanks all it was great reading everyone's opinion!

 

[mlg32]

Forgot to add yes we get 2 connecting rooms, the 2 bathrooms is a life saver for getting ready in the morning!

 

[momto3gr8boys]

Forgot to add yes we get 2 connecting rooms, the 2 bathrooms is a life saver for getting ready in the morning!

We are five and I totally agree with this! We get connecting rooms for the same reason!

 

[JZCubed]

No vacation is inexpensive if you have to include outsized travel cost, deluxe hotels, ground transportation etc. - particularly for larger families that have fewer option.

But in fairness to Disney versus other vacations, have you added in entertainment costs and/or added car rentals needs that your might have at Captiva or someplace other than Disney? A day sailing is not cheap, neither is a day shopping with the family.

If your just spending time on a beach or climbing a mountain, or whatever - is it free? Disney can never compete against free.

Disney is expensive, but a day at the beach is not the same entertainment. Better for some, of course, but not the same a theme park.

If the cost troubles you, save the funds and add half to your next trip to Disney.

Make your next trip to Disney more exciting, not a stress.

 

[Disney grandma]

Staying 2 nights at AKL is so much better than not staying at all, and totally worth it. Enjoy your trip!

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

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!

Exactly! For or family, 2 grand is a lot of money, so I would not spend that on the whim of a 5 and 7 yr. old. Also, ther is value in them knowing that a vacation is a luxury and sometimes they go to Disney and sometimes they don't... Not a comment on OP's family in particular as I don't know them, but in general I think our culture tends to overindulge our kids to the point that they have unrealistic expectations and an entitlement world view.

 

[gjl]

Removed

 

[java]

We were a deluxe family all the way. Even staying concierge level our past several trips as they had a deluxe room that slept 6.
This year I wanted to try the new AOA.

We loved it. Loved the space. Loved the pool. Loved that it was all new.

It was cheaper for us for the week than going deluxe by about $1500. Have you priced out that option? For just 2 days I don't know if the savings would be worth it to switch.


That being said, I am not sure if we would go back. My boys really want to stay in the Lon King room, which wasn't open when we went.

Is it worth it? Only you know for your family. If money isn't an issue go make some memories.