Disney World out of reach for middle class families (camping, cost, rental)

[Htown2013]

Looking into a family vacation at Disney World and realize that it is no longer affordable for middle class families - it is so expensive that only rich people (i.e. upper middle class and above) can afford it.

[MOKAN]

Please define "middle class family".

You also might as well present the break down of the costs, since you've already looked into it. I'm curious.

[boxus]

It would be better to take the family to see Yellowstone or something.

Also, what MOKAN said.

[Ghengis]

sell grandma's silver service or dip into the kids college fund, anyone who would deny their family the right to embrace Mickey and Goofy is Un-American.


It's A Small World - Disney - YouTube

[jasper12]

I would agree with that. Disney eats money. The entrance fee alone is $90 for one person, for one day at Epcot. Add food, drinks....hotel, car rental, airfare...

We have been there, many years ago...

A lot of middle class families that I know, don't have that disposable income. Disney would be a huge trip to save for...I think a family of five, would cost, conservatively, without air fare,
For four days....food, entrance fee, hotel, car rental,
Park fee: $1500
Hotel: $600, and that is not a fancy place!
Gee gaws, food, water, $40 a day, minimum. Probably more...at least $800.
Car: $40 a day, 160.

$3000 give or take, for four days....no airfare in that...add airfare, conservative, $250 x 5
$1250.

I am not wealthy, but I have a lot of experience traveling with kids, and I have been to Disney, you may not believe me, but I have probably way underestimated on costs.

I suppose, a family could drive there, do camping, ( even camping at Disney is $54 a night!).

One bottle of cold water at Disney? $2.50.

They have a dining plan, which makes a lot of sense, here is the cheapest one...
Magic Your Way Package Plus Quick Service Dining Plan | the disney food blog

Personally, take the kids to a National Park...pack your cooler, go camping and hiking. And don't stress about the money.

[wit-nit]

I remember when you could get into Disneyland for $1.00 and the rides were .10 cents to .35 cents, or you could buy a discount coupon book. The book coupons were marked A,B,C,D & E for the different popular rides and you could ride nearly all day or night for about $5.00. We used to take our dates there frequently.
Today our son, his wife and their 2 kids spend about $2500.00 for 3 days with costs of gas, food, rooms entry fees etc.

[brokencrayola]

I grew up in S. Calif. and went to Disneyland many times growing up. Those were the days with the ticket books. I no longer live in Calif. and have 4 children now and would love nothing more than to be able to take them to Disneyland. It makes me sad that this has not been a part of their childhood.

[jambo101]

I used to go to Disney World for a few years after it opened, but today they've priced themselves out of my price range, At an income of $50K a year before taxes taking the wife and 2 kids to Disneyworld from Montreal would probably run around $1000 a day, doable but would leave a very large hole in the bank accounts.

[Newdaawn]

The first time we visited Disney World - we went to the Epot Park - It was $18 a day for adults. The next time we went about 8 years later it was $35 a day. Now I wouldn't even think of going as it is almost $100. For kids over 11 or 12 Epcot is a better experience. Maybe we will look into Universal for something different.

I agree with Boxus, that a National Park experience would be a better choice and very educational for kids and can be relaxing for adults.

[in_newengland]

My dentist, who makes good money, just returned from Disneyworld and she was complaining about the prices. I've always thought a trip to something "real" like a national park would be better anyway. Maybe kids are brainwashed into thinking they need to go to Disney. Save the money and do something meaningful.