With all the price increases is it worth even going?

[tinkerhon]

We had trips with flights under $100 round trip and Pop at like $75/night. I remember when drinks at the Dawa bar were $5-6, now they're $15.

Yep--- I used to get $108 RT flights with JB--- and $89 at ASMovies or Music.... i remember getting really inexpensive stays at CBR !!!

 

[MillauFr]

Meh, the DL keys are a lot of locals. It's a totally different discussion.

How so? It shows that people are willing to pay more for less.

 

[Jrb1979]

We do lots of different vacations. Last summer we did a few days on the Jersey shore (near my old hometown) followed by a few days in DC. We often do beach trips, renting a whole home, to the outer banks or Savannah/Tybee area. Split amongs friends and cooking multiple meals at the rental house keeps those trips pretty low cost.

Next spring break we're attempting to swing the US Virgin Islands but a week there (plus airfare) will easily outprice our typical Disney spring break trip.

We don't, however, do other theme park vacations. My husband and I did Carowinds (local to us) once as a couple and never went back, or had any desire to. When our three kids are older we'd like to do Universal but while our kids are little (2 are under the age of 5) other theme parks have never held as much value as WDW... so to stay on topic, for us WDW is still "worth it" in the theme park category.

I can understand not doing other parks when your kids are young. There is more for them to do at Disney then any other park.

As far as Carowinds goes, they have some of the best coasters in the country. Fury 325 is always near the top of best coasters in North America.

 

[gmi3804]

I used to get my weekly rental car (pre-pandemic) for $90-$130 for the week. Now I’m lucky if it goes below $375.

 

[Dulcee]

I can understand not doing other parks when your kids are young. There is more for them to do at Disney then any other park.

As far as Carowinds goes, they have some of the best coasters in the country. Fury 325 is always near the top of best coasters in North America.

We like coasters. My husband and I are both ride people and we did Carowinds without kids. But we found the park kind of grimy, the employees while not rude were also not particularly involved and the food was awful. It seemed more like a teen destination without your parents for the day kind of park to us.

It's been ten years so maybe it's changed but despite being a 45-minute drive from us we've never bothered going back.

 

[Jrb1979]

We like coasters. My husband and I are both ride people and we did Carowinds without kids. But we found the park kind of grimy, the employees while not rude were also not particularly involved and the food was awful. It seemed more like a teen destination without your parents for the day kind of park to us.

It's been ten years so maybe it's changed but despite being a 45-minute drive from us we've never bothered going back.

Its gotten a lot better since Cedar Fair took over.

Back to the topic of this thread, for my family even with a 3 year old, the value of going to Disney isn't there. It's not the price, it's all the amount of work involved to enjoy the parks. I'm not saying its hard to do just more work than we prefer when it comes to theme park trips. When you compare it to Universal it's night and day.

 

[kathy884]

It's not apples to apples and it all depends on where you go, what you do, what time of the year you go, but a trip for two to Europe is going to cost me about 11K for 11 nights next September -- that's everything, tours, food, parking car at airport, kennel for dog, you name it (Paris, Disneyland Paris, and Belfast -- and premium economy airfare is a big chunk of that -- I haven't bought air yet, but those premium economy open jaw tickets look like they will cost me about 2K each.), I did a spring break trip to Orlando for 6 for seven nights (March 2022) and that ran about 5K (offsite stay) for all six people. That was everything too. The things we're interested in doing in Europe and airline seats we want for a long haul trip are just way pricier than Orlando/Disney.

I'm at the point in my life when I want to be a little less cramped on an eight hour flight. I'd prefer flat bed seats, but those would be 6K, way more than I'd ever consider spending per person on a flight. I'm not saying it's not worth going to Europe; I'm just saying what we are interested in next year isn't overly inexpensive. And we don't get overseas very often, so when we go we want to do what we are most interested in doing.

And I still like Disney/Orlando too. Not planning to go as often as I have in the past and don't have a trip on the schedule for 2023 or 2024, but I'm sure I'll get back there, but more likely with a little group vs. a huge group. I still think Disney parks are a blast if you go with other fun Disney loving people -- nothing else quite like it really. I like to do all kinds of different types of travel, but there's not way I'd say I wouldn't come back to WDW some day -- it's just too much fun.

 

[RoseGold]

How so? It shows that people are willing to pay more for less.

DL has a lot more people in driving distance who regularly go for an afternoon, plus a whole lot less capacity for that kind of unfavorable behavior. Unfavorable combination.

 

[DCLMP]

It's not apples to apples and it all depends on where you go, what you do, what time of the year you go, but a trip for two to Europe is going to cost me about 11K for 11 nights next September -- that's everything, tours, food, parking car at airport, kennel for dog, you name it (Paris, Disneyland Paris, and Belfast -- and premium economy airfare is a big chunk of that -- I haven't bought air yet, but those premium economy open jaw tickets look like they will cost me about 2K each.), I did a spring break trip to Orlando for 6 for seven nights (March 2022) and that ran about 5K (offsite stay) for all six people. That was everything too. The things we're interested in doing in Europe and airline seats we want for a long haul trip are just way pricier than Orlando/Disney.

I'm at the point in my life when I want to be a little less cramped on an eight hour flight. I'd prefer flat bed seats, but those would be 6K, way more than I'd ever consider spending per person on a flight. I'm not saying it's not worth going to Europe; I'm just saying what we are interested in next year isn't overly inexpensive. And we don't get overseas very often, so when we go we want to do what we are most interested in doing.

And I still like Disney/Orlando too. Not planning to go as often as I have in the past and don't have a trip on the schedule for 2023 or 2024, but I'm sure I'll get back there, but more likely with a little group vs. a huge group. I still think Disney parks are a blast if you go with other fun Disney loving people -- nothing else quite like it really. I like to do all kinds of different types of travel, but there's not way I'd say I wouldn't come back to WDW some day -- it's just too much fun.

You will be glad you have priority checkin and security if it’s anything like last Summer. We had both. We got to CDG 3 hours before flight and only got to the gate about 20 minutes before boarding.

 

[slbgnb]

Airlines run sales to Europe. You can sign up for their rewards programs and they’ll send you emails. There’s also tools like sky scanner that will alert you. AirBNB is great for families. Hotels in Europe rarely accommodate 4 guests much less five. We rented an Airbnb in Athens that slept 8 for under 200 a night. Booking.com will also list a lot of apts and homes.
Have you considered a cruise? It’s the cheapest way to see Europe and kids love it.

With having 2 kids in college and 1 in HS (who plays travel baseball in summer), our travel time is so strict when we can go, it's hard to get any good sales. We pretty much ONLY do VRBO/AirBnb when we travel. Very few hotels can accommodate 5 people comfortably. Most places to stay we find are reasonably priced - but, 5 air tix, at least 7 nights stay, food, drink, tickets to attractions, tours - I still don't see how someone can go to Europe for $700-800/ person. But, that could just be the way I plan and/or like to travel. If I could do that, I'd book it today. No one in my family is interested in cruising - just not our thing. And talked about cramped rooms - my kids would be miserable in those tiny rooms - lol.

 

[brentm77]

With having 2 kids in college and 1 in HS (who plays travel baseball in summer), our travel time is so strict when we can go, it's hard to get any good sales. We pretty much ONLY do VRBO/AirBnb when we travel. Very few hotels can accommodate 5 people comfortably. Most places to stay we find are reasonably priced - but, 5 air tix, at least 7 nights stay, food, drink, tickets to attractions, tours - I still don't see how someone can go to Europe for $700-800/ person. But, that could just be the way I plan and/or like to travel. If I could do that, I'd book it today. No one in my family is interested in cruising - just not our thing. And talked about cramped rooms - my kids would be miserable in those tiny rooms - lol.

Don't know if you have cruised Disney, but we fit very comfortably in a standard verandah room, even though our two children are young adults now. Disney has found the sweet spot of maximizing space. In fact, I would say we are more comfortable there then a standard resort room, because the kids each have their own bed and their is a couch to use during daytime. Plus the split bathrooms make it easy to get ready compared to a standard hotel room. We have never felt cramped on DCL. Not all cruise lines are as comfortable for a family of four though.

I'm curious if you have tried cruising, because my wife didn't think she was a cruise person either, but I convinced her to try DCL once and we have been hooked ever sense. There is something really unique about it. I can't think of a less stressful way to travel, while still seeing new places the entire trip. The moment I walk onto a Disney ship, the stress just melts away. I know everything is taken care of for me for the next week. It's totally cool if you have a different opinion, it's not for everyone, but I would seriously consider trying it if you haven't.

When compared to a week-long trip to the Disney parks, I find we get much more bang for our buck, have better family time, and it's significantly less of a pain in the rear that the parks have become. It's one of the alternative options that is making us feel more and more that the parks aren't worth the money - at least not as often as times past.

 

[MrsInsG]

Not sure if I agree with grouping "higher costs" with "a tiered removal of people who behave inappropriately". How would the tiered removal work? Are you equating wealthier clientele with better guest behavior or am I missing your meaning? Some of the loudest, most entitled, and rudest guest behavior that I've witnessed directed at CMs, has been unhappy guests staying at Disney Deluxe hotels at check-in or at Guest Relations counters at the parks, shouting about not getting what they wanted after spending so much money.

Or do you mean a different kind of inappropriate behavior (ex., line-cutting, poor clothing choices)? Certainly, I've seen pretty poor behavior from some inadequately chaperoned youth/sports groups and large tour groups. But it's extremely unlikely that Disney would ever turn away or out-price travel groups. I've also seen a lot of stressed-out parents yelling at their kids because they've spent so much money and their kids were too worn out to enjoy it after the first day or two, while the parents pushed to get value for their dollar by touring hard all day long. So I guess I don't understand your idea of higher costs redcing stress and reducing inappropriate guest behavior.

I'm definitely not equating higher costs and better behavior. They are two separate issues. Higher costs (at some point) will result in fewer guests and lower crowd levels. A tiered behavior enforcement - i.e., if you can't follow rules/behavioral norms, you are removed from the park. Whether it's a day, two days, five days, a year, lifetime, different levels of punishment for different infractions. Basically, if you act the part of the fool, you are no longer welcome. Between these two things, I believe a better experience will be had for all.

 

[DCLMP]

Don't know if you have cruised Disney, but we fit very comfortably in a standard verandah room, even though our two children are young adults now. Disney has found the sweet spot of maximizing space. In fact, I would say we are more comfortable there then a standard resort room, because the kids each have their own bed and their is a couch to use during daytime. Plus the split bathrooms make it easy to get ready compared to a standard hotel room. We have never felt cramped on DCL. Not all cruise lines are as comfortable for a family of four though.

I'm curious if you have tried cruising, because my wife didn't think she was a cruise person either, but I convinced her to try DCL once and we have been hooked ever sense. There is something really unique about it. I can't think of a less stressful way to travel, while still seeing new places the entire trip. The moment I walk onto a Disney ship, the stress just melts away. I know everything is taken care of for me for the next week. It's totally cool if you have a different opinion, it's not for everyone, but I would seriously consider trying it if you haven't.

When compared to a week-long trip to the Disney parks, I find we get much more bang for our buck, have better family time, and it's significantly less of a pain in the rear that the parks have become. It's one of the alternative options that is making us feel more and more that the parks aren't worth the money - at least not as often as times past.

We started cruising when our kids were 5 and 6 now they are 18 and 19. It's by far the best way to travel with kids especially in Europe. On our first trip to Europe they were 10 and 11. They would have been bored to death at a hotel. I know you tour all day, but there's still down time at the hotel. My kids have sadly out grown the teen clubs, but they still think a cruise ship trumps a hotel.

Where I may disagree with you is I don't think you have to sail Disney. There's a lot of great ships out there for a lot less money and better itineraries. Better itineraries is key. Once you have done a number of DCL cruise you start running out of places you haven't been.

 

[fireflyer]

Thread has been cleaned. To keep the thread open, please stay on topic.

“Cleaned”? Got ride of the filth?

 

[fireflyer]

There's a service now that will do this for you. I don't know how it works (I've read that you have to give them your MDE info) but I see it on my IG. Some vloggers I follow on IG use them (I'm sure as a free service to promote them).

Can you share what “IG” is? The annoyance of the 6:45 wake-up to connect on Wi-Fi and start reservation attempts by 7am, continuing for about 20 minutes, was a horrible morning experience in spring’22. Least restful vacation ever.

 

[Minnie1222]

“Cleaned”? Got ride of the filth?

We were literally discussing about  filth. I thought it was clever that the Mod used the word "cleaned".

 

[snikki]

Can you share what “IG” is? The annoyance of the 6:45 wake-up to connect on Wi-Fi and start reservation attempts by 7am, continuing for about 20 minutes, was a horrible morning experience in spring’22. Least restful vacation ever.

Instagram. But the company is called Standby Skipper. I am not promoting them. I’ve never used them.

 

[dmancuso]

Does anyone know how much 4 or 5 day Park Hoppers will increase in price in Dec or how much they went up earlier in 2022? We're trying to figure out if it's worth purchasing now for next November.

 

[AliceIn]

Does anyone know how much 4 or 5 day Park Hoppers will increase in price in Dec or how much they went up earlier in 2022? We're trying to figure out if it's worth purchasing now for next November.

Undercover Tourist is running a sale right now (ends today) where you get adult tickets at child prices. I compared a 7 day park hopper at through Disney vs UT and it was a $400 savings for our family of 5. We are going in 2023, because have DVC and love the resort we're staying at. We're still deciding how many days to get, but the price is the best I've seen thus far.

 

[aggiedog]

Regarding Disney cruises, I love DCL (we've done 2), but find the prices absurd, particularly during peak "school's out" times. We pulled our kids out of school a week early to do their Baltic cruise and saved 35% off the next sailing 2 weeks later. For a one week Mediterranean cruise, after looking at a veranda plus inside room on DCL (not concierge), I found a deal on MSC in the concierge section, and saved enough money to do a week land trip in France, and still came out ahead. The MSC rates in concierge were about 40% the DCL rate for non-concierge. The itinerary was not exact, but very similar. I like DCL, but not THAT much more. LOL