Help Me Avoid the Mouse! (Disney World)

Fowl Play

WKR
Joined
Oct 1, 2016
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I'm talking about Disney World.... my goodness, that Mouse likes his money!

Wife asked to take the kids to Disney World next year. I am all about "Happy Wife, Happy Life" -- so if that's what she want's, I'll make it happen. But I figured I'd at least look into some other options to float by her. 1 week trip, Annual Passes, Animal Kingdom Lodge, air travel, Food... honestly this trip would be pushing close to $15K.

Any other options you guys think I should look into to possibly sway this thing? It would have to be "Grand" probably. Talking small boat cruise to the Galapagos Islands or something crazy to that equivalent, but more family oriented 😂

Kids are 7 and 9, totally cool with traveling. We've done all the major national parks, 10 days in Iceland this year, etc. kids had a blast. Just having a hard time swallowing that kind of money to go stand in lines, bump shoulders with 1,000 people, and hug princesses -- knowing it could be turned into an absolutely amazing nature oriented vacation. Give me all your ideas!
 
We've been to Disney World and Disneyland several times each. Weve never stayed on property. You can go for a fraction of that price if you dont stay on Disney property. You guys are going for a week. By staying in a bnb, you'll save money on the lodging and youll save money by being able to cook meals too.
 
We've been to Disney World and Disneyland several times each. Weve never stayed on property. You can go for a fraction of that price if you dont stay on Disney property. You guys are going for a week. By staying in a bnb, you'll save money on the lodging and youll save money by being able to cook meals too.
Fowl Play, these are the guys you gotta watch out for.
 
As a kid who went to Disney a handful of times at various ages, I can tell you they'll barely remember it by the time they're in high school.

I'd look into Alaska in the summer. Incredible hiking, whale watching, fishing, and you can probably get some peeks at the local wildlife and saw some money.
 
Go when it's not peak season or a major holiday weekend. Take the kids out of school and go during the week.

Ask yourself how much you're going to spend in transportation staying off property vs staying on property, and how much time you'll spend driving.

Disney has major brands on property such as Hilton. So if you have Hilton points you may want to use them.

Fort Wilderness is nice for the "not a hotel" experience. If you're traveling via RV, it's a nice camp destination. They also have fifth wheels and cabins, you can cook meals in them.

To completely avoid scams, only buy your passes directly from Disney. You can shop your options on their website. You easily spend an entire day in one park. If you or your family are into Star Wars, Galaxy's Edge is great. Budget for collectibles if you're into that, budget big.

You and your wife can purchase and carry around adult beverages in the parks. Since she is suggesting this trip, find out what Disney things to do she's into and find out how to make the most magic happen. Ask the cast members. Ask when you're buying tickets. Make the magic happen for your wife.

Sometimes the fast pass is worth it depending on the crowds.

Take the time to suspend your adult realities and enjoy the happiest place on earth. It really can be magical if you're willing to be so as well.
 
Don’t do it! The mouse is the root of all evil!

My wife knows I won’t go. She brought it up a couple years ago and I suggested she have some well deserved alone time and I take the boys hunting instead. It was a win win
 
My family travels a fair bit as well and I’m generally open to different places and suggestions. Disney isn’t one of them.

Kids don’t know what they don’t know. My son asked if we could go to Disney and I asked him if he’d rather do that or go to the mountains and fish. He quickly and confidently said “Fish!” Parents build Disney up as the end all, be all, thing for kids to do and it’s simply not. Expensive as hell and basically zero redeeming value in terms of life experience. You can go see real castles in Europe for $15k. Or fake ones in Florida. Hard choice.
 
Growing up, my wife's family went to Disneyland several times.

I never wanted to go. First time she took our kids, I stayed home because of work.

Agreed to go several years ago, it was something my kids (tween/teen age) wanted to do as a family. I set the money aside, and committed to staying in budget, which was generous for the event, AND not fussing about prices while we were there. That last part was key. And i had one goal, get a picture with Tigger! Lol.

Awesome trip! As my wife walked around Disneyland, I heard stories of her family from back in the day I'd not heard in 20 years of marriage. Great memories and I'll go back with them, someday.

For my wife, Disneyland was for her like hunting season is for me. Best I can explain it. I got to share in that, with my kids.

It would be like taking my wife and kids on an awesome elk hunt, the combination of fond past memories and excitement of new adventures together.

It's a once in a while thing. Yes, it's expensive, yes the prices are kind of stupid, all that is true.

But it was HER adventure she asked me to be a part of AND it wasn't about me, it was about me sharing something with her and the kids they will remember for a long time.

If you go, decide to have a good time and make it a wonderful memory, then just relax and have fun. Commit to it all the way and be there to create an adventure with them.

I wish that had been a lesson I learned much earlier in life!
 
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