I'm a schoolteacher. I'm also in my 40's (I never could afford to travel to WDW at all in my 20's...) Now that I'm at a place in life where I have no debt besides my mortgage, I have decent employer-paid health insurance, and my ex actually has to help pay a significant share of my son's major expenses, I can afford to travel.
I'm too old (to my mind) to do bare-bones backpacking type or Motel 6 travel. I want comfort and to be treated as a valued customer. Deluxe stays are as expensive as you make them. There are times of year that are cheaper than others, there are standard rooms, there are resort discounts &
travel agency deals, and because we are very efficient at touring, we don't feel the need for long stays. So those factors cut down on the cost. I also have only one child, not a brood. That helps.
I'm not at chic boutiques buying designer shoes and handbags, and I drive a (very nice) used car. I live in an affordable part of town, and am not the home-remodeling type. My priorities right now are getting my son the best education for him (he's autistic and at a private school), and building memories with him via great vacations. Works for us.