Help Me Avoid the Mouse! (Disney World)

[Fowl Play]

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!

 

[Hunt_Jefferson]

Have fun at Disney World!

 

[idcuda]

You can do this. I fought the fight for many years as my buddies folded all around me. My boys are all in high school now, so I can relax until I have grandkids. Then it'll start all over again.

 

[CptBlkBrd]

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.

 

[idcuda]

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.

 

[mulveymo]

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.

 

[dreadi]

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.

 

[Bobcat]

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

 

[JFK]

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.