Parents Are Going Into Debt for a Disney Vacation—Here Are Tips To Avoid That
If you want to visit Disney with your family, these tips can help you save.Fact checked by Sarah ScottFact checked by Sarah ScottFor many families, there’s nothing quite like a vacation to Walt Disney World. From that special moment of meeting Mickey Mouse to a spin on the Mad Tea Party, it’s called the “Most Magical Place on Earth” for a reason.I’ve been visiting with my family regularly for over 30 years and I, too, am not immune to that intangible magical feeling that draws me back time and time again.But as expenses rise, those memories have a cost. Some families are even going into debt for a Disney vacation.
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The Rising Costs of a Disney TripA survey from LendingTree shares that many parents will go into debt—and gleefully—to give their kids the pixie-dusted experience.The survey details that among the 77% of parents with kids under 18 who have been to Disney, 45% have gone into debt for a Disney trip. Eight-three percent said that the debt occurred in the last five years.And more so, 59% said that they have zero regret about that decision. The memories of that first hug from Minnie Mouse or that coveted family photo are evidently worth it to many.Yet, costs are only escalating.“Everything from park tickets to snacks is more expensive,” shares Megan duBois, theme park journalist and expert.The first (and largest) expense to tackle when booking your vacation will be park tickets and hotel. For example, a week-long fall vacation package for a family of four with overnight accommodations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and theme park tickets costs over $10,000. Of course, it can cost more or less depending what and where you book.And that doesn’t factor in food. Of the Disney-goers from the LendingTree survey, 65% said in-park food and beverages cost more than they anticipated.“The cost of meals has also increased, and some Disney restaurants, such as Be Our Guest, have switched from a la carte to fixed meal prices, increasing the overall cost of a meal," says Matt Roseboom, publisher of Attractions Magazine, which covers major theme parks and attractions.“Another sneaky expense are snacks in the parks,” adds Roseboom. “Disney has so many cute cupcakes, specialty drinks, and limited-time foods—it’s hard to resist.”There are also pesky unexpected costs to factor into your budget, like tips for valet, and spur of the moment activities, such as mini golf, duBois points out.Disney’s expedited line service will also add further costs. If your little one is set on enjoying Peter Pan’s Flight or Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, there is undoubtedly value and peace of mind in skipping lines. But a Lightning Lane Multi Pass can set a family back hundreds of dollars for a week-long vacation.”Disney’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass is something many vacationers may not expect," says Roseboom. "And they are really surprised after they purchase the Multi Pass when they realize not all attractions are included and they have to buy separate Lightning Lane Single Passes."Plus, free services like the FastPass, a virtual queue system allowing guests to avoid waiting on lines, was replaced in 2021 by one you have to pay for.How To Save on Your Disney TripThe good news is that there are ways to cut corners and save. For starters, try and book your family travel when it isn't peak season and more expensive, such as during holidays. And then look at your options.Take advantage of free activitiesThere are many things to do at Disney outside of the theme parks, meaning you can stretch your dollar further by not purchasing park tickets for every day of your vacation. Disney Springs, a mega entertainment and dining complex, is free to visit and is home to shops, chef-led concepts, and shopping.All guests are welcome to visit any Disney resort and that in of itself can be a fun experience. Explore the tropical vibes of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or the grandeur of the iconic Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa—and you’ll be traveling in style aboard the Monorail.Also, at Disney’s hotels you’ll find some of the best dining and the same immense detailed theming as you would in the parks.Find ways to save on foodTreats, like popular Dole whip and adorable Mickey pretzels, can easily add up, but there is a way to save.“My best tip to cut costs is to book a hotel room, at Disney or off property, that has a kitchen or kitchenette,” shares duBois. “Even though they may be slightly more expensive than regular hotel rooms, being able to cook some or all of your own meals is always cheaper than buying every meal in a theme park.”Grocery delivery services are also available. But if you want to dine at restaurants, Roseboom suggests avoiding pricey ones that don’t offer a la carte options.Consider all your hotel options“There are lots of hotels just miles from Walt Disney World that may offer larger rooms and things like breakfast, and even dinner, included for less than staying at a Disney resort,” shares Roseboom. “Just be sure they also offer free transportation to the parks, so you don’t have extra parking or ride-sharing fees.”Disney Springs Resort area hotels, like the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando, are a great option for finding savings. Rates are competitive and there’s helpful perks, like complimentary shuttles. Plus, these properties are walking distance to Disney Springs.Another great option is the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, just steps from Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And Marriott Bonvoy members can access perks. I’ve been staying there for several decades and it’s home to some of my favorite restaurants and one of the best pool complexes in Orlando.Buy tickets wiselyWith a bit of strategy and research, it may be possible to avoid purchasing pricey ticket add-ons.“To avoid Lightning Lane costs, pick one of the attractions on the Lightning Lane Single Pass and head to it first thing in the morning before the standby lines have gotten long,” Roseboom shares.And always be on the lookout for ticket deals, which Disney runs from time to time. For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.
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