Will I regret never going to Disney?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:You should go to Disney once. There’s no place that compares. It’s the most magical place on earth. I know grown-ups that go every year. It’s not just for young kids. Spend 1 day at each theme park if you can afford it. It’s memorable.

If you think Disney is the most magical place on earth I feel really sorry for you.

NP. Disney is the most magical place on earth!!!

Compared to what? I think Rome might be the most magical place on earth. Have you ever been there?

I’ve been to Rome many times, yes it is magical but so is Disney. Also you can go to Disney for a long weekend on a 2 hour flight.

I took my 4 and 6yo to Italy. They had significantly more fun on their Disney trip than when we were in Rome. Sadly the highlight of their Italy trip was seeing stray cats on the street and eating lemon candy.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:As Dr. Becky would say: two things are true. Disney is a very magical place to take kids at the right age, AND you can visit a lot of other wonderful places and have a great childhood without ever going.

If a family doesn’t have the resources or limited time, of course Disney shouldn’t be the priority.

There are people who have time and money. I think those parents could find a time to take their kid to Disney sometime between ages 2-11.

Will the kid not have a great childhood because s/he didn’t go to Disney? Of course not.

I have many friends who put themselves first. Whether it is work or couples only or adults only trips or trips where they want to go only. I judge them a little. I don’t care that much but it seems selfish to work a lot, have one or two nannies and then not do kid oriented vacations.

There are other kid oriented vacations, doesn’t need to be Disney. Parents who are more in tune with their kids can make any number of culturally destinations fun and interesting beyond a commercialized theme park. The problem is that a lot of parents don’t want to put in that kind of prep work, so they label Disney as THE childhood “must do.”

We went to Europe, Hawaii, national parks, NY and Disney this year. I get that some parents don’t want to put in the work but Disney actually requires a lot of planning. I want my kids to have a childhood full of joy and enrichment. I love to travel. I love Disney. I love my kids. I know not everyone has the time and money. We have the time and money so we don’t have to choose. It isn’t like we are trying to decide between going to Asia or Disney. We can do both.

Weird flex since it’s not always time and money. Some people just don’t like to saturate kids with rampant commercialism and call it a vacation.

“Saturate kids with rampant commercialism.” This thread has some great one liners form the snobby cultural vacation crew. Imma start writing them all down, I think. An elitist journal of sorts, if you will.

There are plenty of other amusement parks you can go to. My kids have been to their share. Disney is a line I won’t cross, though. I see too many posts about people trying to figure out how they’re going to get their rides in, booking things months in advance, bad expensive food, and long lines. No thanks. If it doesn’t bother you, good for you. I will spend my time and money at other places. For the people turning up their noses at the commercialism comments, I’m with the commercialization posters: Disney has a bevy of people behind the scenes figuring out how to optimize on your dollar during your visit. Your pleasure is secondary for them (and they really only care when it means you will spend less money). Again, no thanks.

We have a high income and I actually like the new methods. I don’t mind peak pricing, limited crowds, paying for lightning lanes and staying on resort. Yes, this all adds up and costs $1000 per day for our family of 5. The cost doesn’t bother us. We go on cheap and $$$ vacations. I would say Disney is in the middle.

I think lower income and higher income people tend to turn their noses at it. We have a few friends who only do trips that are for rich people and they are annoying in their own way. They will take their young kids on African safari but not to Disney. I think the short 2 hour flight is great. We all have the same seven figure incomes.

Having been to both Disney and Tanzania, I would take my kids on safari any day over Disney. If you can’t see the qualitative difference, that’s sad.

what's sad is thinking there is a 'better' way to vacation. do what makes you happy and don't be a judgmental ass.

I do not want to fly to Africa with my 4yo. We are way more down to earth than the people I am thinking of. They are definitely more snobby and won’t go places that they think are LMC/MC.

You can think we are the ones judging. I promise they are far more judgmental.

Given the cost of Disney, you are kidding yourself if you think LMC and even MC can truly afford that. Disney has become a vacation destination for the privileged.

And the African safari is a vacation for the masses. Sure.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:As Dr. Becky would say: two things are true. Disney is a very magical place to take kids at the right age, AND you can visit a lot of other wonderful places and have a great childhood without ever going.

If a family doesn’t have the resources or limited time, of course Disney shouldn’t be the priority.

There are people who have time and money. I think those parents could find a time to take their kid to Disney sometime between ages 2-11.

Will the kid not have a great childhood because s/he didn’t go to Disney? Of course not.

I have many friends who put themselves first. Whether it is work or couples only or adults only trips or trips where they want to go only. I judge them a little. I don’t care that much but it seems selfish to work a lot, have one or two nannies and then not do kid oriented vacations.

There are other kid oriented vacations, doesn’t need to be Disney. Parents who are more in tune with their kids can make any number of culturally destinations fun and interesting beyond a commercialized theme park. The problem is that a lot of parents don’t want to put in that kind of prep work, so they label Disney as THE childhood “must do.”

We went to Europe, Hawaii, national parks, NY and Disney this year. I get that some parents don’t want to put in the work but Disney actually requires a lot of planning. I want my kids to have a childhood full of joy and enrichment. I love to travel. I love Disney. I love my kids. I know not everyone has the time and money. We have the time and money so we don’t have to choose. It isn’t like we are trying to decide between going to Asia or Disney. We can do both.

Weird flex since it’s not always time and money. Some people just don’t like to saturate kids with rampant commercialism and call it a vacation.

“Saturate kids with rampant commercialism.” This thread has some great one liners form the snobby cultural vacation crew. Imma start writing them all down, I think. An elitist journal of sorts, if you will.

There are plenty of other amusement parks you can go to. My kids have been to their share. Disney is a line I won’t cross, though. I see too many posts about people trying to figure out how they’re going to get their rides in, booking things months in advance, bad expensive food, and long lines. No thanks. If it doesn’t bother you, good for you. I will spend my time and money at other places. For the people turning up their noses at the commercialism comments, I’m with the commercialization posters: Disney has a bevy of people behind the scenes figuring out how to optimize on your dollar during your visit. Your pleasure is secondary for them (and they really only care when it means you will spend less money). Again, no thanks.

We have a high income and I actually like the new methods. I don’t mind peak pricing, limited crowds, paying for lightning lanes and staying on resort. Yes, this all adds up and costs $1000 per day for our family of 5. The cost doesn’t bother us. We go on cheap and $$$ vacations. I would say Disney is in the middle.

I think lower income and higher income people tend to turn their noses at it. We have a few friends who only do trips that are for rich people and they are annoying in their own way. They will take their young kids on African safari but not to Disney. I think the short 2 hour flight is great. We all have the same seven figure incomes.

Having been to both Disney and Tanzania, I would take my kids on safari any day over Disney. If you can’t see the qualitative difference, that’s sad.

what's sad is thinking there is a 'better' way to vacation. do what makes you happy and don't be a judgmental ass.

I do not want to fly to Africa with my 4yo. We are way more down to earth than the people I am thinking of. They are definitely more snobby and won’t go places that they think are LMC/MC.

You can think we are the ones judging. I promise they are far more judgmental.

Given the cost of Disney, you are kidding yourself if you think LMC and even MC can truly afford that. Disney has become a vacation destination for the privileged.

And the African safari is a vacation for the masses. Sure.

Never said it was. But please do argue how very affordable Disney is.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As Dr. Becky would say: two things are true. Disney is a very magical place to take kids at the right age, AND you can visit a lot of other wonderful places and have a great childhood without ever going.

If a family doesn’t have the resources or limited time, of course Disney shouldn’t be the priority.

There are people who have time and money. I think those parents could find a time to take their kid to Disney sometime between ages 2-11.

Will the kid not have a great childhood because s/he didn’t go to Disney? Of course not.

I have many friends who put themselves first. Whether it is work or couples only or adults only trips or trips where they want to go only. I judge them a little. I don’t care that much but it seems selfish to work a lot, have one or two nannies and then not do kid oriented vacations.

There are other kid oriented vacations, doesn’t need to be Disney. Parents who are more in tune with their kids can make any number of culturally destinations fun and interesting beyond a commercialized theme park. The problem is that a lot of parents don’t want to put in that kind of prep work, so they label Disney as THE childhood “must do.”

We went to Europe, Hawaii, national parks, NY and Disney this year. I get that some parents don’t want to put in the work but Disney actually requires a lot of planning. I want my kids to have a childhood full of joy and enrichment. I love to travel. I love Disney. I love my kids. I know not everyone has the time and money. We have the time and money so we don’t have to choose. It isn’t like we are trying to decide between going to Asia or Disney. We can do both.

Weird flex since it’s not always time and money. Some people just don’t like to saturate kids with rampant commercialism and call it a vacation.

“Saturate kids with rampant commercialism.” This thread has some great one liners form the snobby cultural vacation crew. Imma start writing them all down, I think. An elitist journal of sorts, if you will.

There are plenty of other amusement parks you can go to. My kids have been to their share. Disney is a line I won’t cross, though. I see too many posts about people trying to figure out how they’re going to get their rides in, booking things months in advance, bad expensive food, and long lines. No thanks. If it doesn’t bother you, good for you. I will spend my time and money at other places. For the people turning up their noses at the commercialism comments, I’m with the commercialization posters: Disney has a bevy of people behind the scenes figuring out how to optimize on your dollar during your visit. Your pleasure is secondary for them (and they really only care when it means you will spend less money). Again, no thanks.

We have a high income and I actually like the new methods. I don’t mind peak pricing, limited crowds, paying for lightning lanes and staying on resort. Yes, this all adds up and costs $1000 per day for our family of 5. The cost doesn’t bother us. We go on cheap and $$$ vacations. I would say Disney is in the middle.

I think lower income and higher income people tend to turn their noses at it. We have a few friends who only do trips that are for rich people and they are annoying in their own way. They will take their young kids on African safari but not to Disney. I think the short 2 hour flight is great. We all have the same seven figure incomes.

Having been to both Disney and Tanzania, I would take my kids on safari any day over Disney. If you can’t see the qualitative difference, that’s sad.

what's sad is thinking there is a 'better' way to vacation. do what makes you happy and don't be a judgmental ass.

I do not want to fly to Africa with my 4yo. We are way more down to earth than the people I am thinking of. They are definitely more snobby and won’t go places that they think are LMC/MC.

You can think we are the ones judging. I promise they are far more judgmental.

Given the cost of Disney, you are kidding yourself if you think LMC and even MC can truly afford that. Disney has become a vacation destination for the privileged.

And the African safari is a vacation for the masses. Sure.

Never said it was. But please do argue how very affordable Disney is.

I've been on both. A safari is very expensive, way more so than Disney, and honestly unless your kids are in their teens they aren't going to want to sit in a safari vehicle for 6 hours a day driving around looking for animals and then relax with drinks in the lodge at night.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As Dr. Becky would say: two things are true. Disney is a very magical place to take kids at the right age, AND you can visit a lot of other wonderful places and have a great childhood without ever going.

If a family doesn’t have the resources or limited time, of course Disney shouldn’t be the priority.

There are people who have time and money. I think those parents could find a time to take their kid to Disney sometime between ages 2-11.

Will the kid not have a great childhood because s/he didn’t go to Disney? Of course not.

I have many friends who put themselves first. Whether it is work or couples only or adults only trips or trips where they want to go only. I judge them a little. I don’t care that much but it seems selfish to work a lot, have one or two nannies and then not do kid oriented vacations.

There are other kid oriented vacations, doesn’t need to be Disney. Parents who are more in tune with their kids can make any number of culturally destinations fun and interesting beyond a commercialized theme park. The problem is that a lot of parents don’t want to put in that kind of prep work, so they label Disney as THE childhood “must do.”

We went to Europe, Hawaii, national parks, NY and Disney this year. I get that some parents don’t want to put in the work but Disney actually requires a lot of planning. I want my kids to have a childhood full of joy and enrichment. I love to travel. I love Disney. I love my kids. I know not everyone has the time and money. We have the time and money so we don’t have to choose. It isn’t like we are trying to decide between going to Asia or Disney. We can do both.

Weird flex since it’s not always time and money. Some people just don’t like to saturate kids with rampant commercialism and call it a vacation.

“Saturate kids with rampant commercialism.” This thread has some great one liners form the snobby cultural vacation crew. Imma start writing them all down, I think. An elitist journal of sorts, if you will.

There are plenty of other amusement parks you can go to. My kids have been to their share. Disney is a line I won’t cross, though. I see too many posts about people trying to figure out how they’re going to get their rides in, booking things months in advance, bad expensive food, and long lines. No thanks. If it doesn’t bother you, good for you. I will spend my time and money at other places. For the people turning up their noses at the commercialism comments, I’m with the commercialization posters: Disney has a bevy of people behind the scenes figuring out how to optimize on your dollar during your visit. Your pleasure is secondary for them (and they really only care when it means you will spend less money). Again, no thanks.

We have a high income and I actually like the new methods. I don’t mind peak pricing, limited crowds, paying for lightning lanes and staying on resort. Yes, this all adds up and costs $1000 per day for our family of 5. The cost doesn’t bother us. We go on cheap and $$$ vacations. I would say Disney is in the middle.

I think lower income and higher income people tend to turn their noses at it. We have a few friends who only do trips that are for rich people and they are annoying in their own way. They will take their young kids on African safari but not to Disney. I think the short 2 hour flight is great. We all have the same seven figure incomes.

Having been to both Disney and Tanzania, I would take my kids on safari any day over Disney. If you can’t see the qualitative difference, that’s sad.

what's sad is thinking there is a 'better' way to vacation. do what makes you happy and don't be a judgmental ass.

I do not want to fly to Africa with my 4yo. We are way more down to earth than the people I am thinking of. They are definitely more snobby and won’t go places that they think are LMC/MC.

You can think we are the ones judging. I promise they are far more judgmental.

Given the cost of Disney, you are kidding yourself if you think LMC and even MC can truly afford that. Disney has become a vacation destination for the privileged.

And the African safari is a vacation for the masses. Sure.

Never said it was. But please do argue how very affordable Disney is.

I've been on both. A safari is very expensive, way more so than Disney, and honestly unless your kids are in their teens they aren't going to want to sit in a safari vehicle for 6 hours a day driving around looking for animals and then relax with drinks in the lodge at night.

This is on my bucket list and I’m waiting until DD is much older — maybe even college age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As Dr. Becky would say: two things are true. Disney is a very magical place to take kids at the right age, AND you can visit a lot of other wonderful places and have a great childhood without ever going.

If a family doesn’t have the resources or limited time, of course Disney shouldn’t be the priority.

There are people who have time and money. I think those parents could find a time to take their kid to Disney sometime between ages 2-11.

Will the kid not have a great childhood because s/he didn’t go to Disney? Of course not.

I have many friends who put themselves first. Whether it is work or couples only or adults only trips or trips where they want to go only. I judge them a little. I don’t care that much but it seems selfish to work a lot, have one or two nannies and then not do kid oriented vacations.

There are other kid oriented vacations, doesn’t need to be Disney. Parents who are more in tune with their kids can make any number of culturally destinations fun and interesting beyond a commercialized theme park. The problem is that a lot of parents don’t want to put in that kind of prep work, so they label Disney as THE childhood “must do.”

We went to Europe, Hawaii, national parks, NY and Disney this year. I get that some parents don’t want to put in the work but Disney actually requires a lot of planning. I want my kids to have a childhood full of joy and enrichment. I love to travel. I love Disney. I love my kids. I know not everyone has the time and money. We have the time and money so we don’t have to choose. It isn’t like we are trying to decide between going to Asia or Disney. We can do both.

Weird flex since it’s not always time and money. Some people just don’t like to saturate kids with rampant commercialism and call it a vacation.

“Saturate kids with rampant commercialism.” This thread has some great one liners form the snobby cultural vacation crew. Imma start writing them all down, I think. An elitist journal of sorts, if you will.

There are plenty of other amusement parks you can go to. My kids have been to their share. Disney is a line I won’t cross, though. I see too many posts about people trying to figure out how they’re going to get their rides in, booking things months in advance, bad expensive food, and long lines. No thanks. If it doesn’t bother you, good for you. I will spend my time and money at other places. For the people turning up their noses at the commercialism comments, I’m with the commercialization posters: Disney has a bevy of people behind the scenes figuring out how to optimize on your dollar during your visit. Your pleasure is secondary for them (and they really only care when it means you will spend less money). Again, no thanks.

We have a high income and I actually like the new methods. I don’t mind peak pricing, limited crowds, paying for lightning lanes and staying on resort. Yes, this all adds up and costs $1000 per day for our family of 5. The cost doesn’t bother us. We go on cheap and $$$ vacations. I would say Disney is in the middle.

I think lower income and higher income people tend to turn their noses at it. We have a few friends who only do trips that are for rich people and they are annoying in their own way. They will take their young kids on African safari but not to Disney. I think the short 2 hour flight is great. We all have the same seven figure incomes.

Having been to both Disney and Tanzania, I would take my kids on safari any day over Disney. If you can’t see the qualitative difference, that’s sad.

what's sad is thinking there is a 'better' way to vacation. do what makes you happy and don't be a judgmental ass.

I do not want to fly to Africa with my 4yo. We are way more down to earth than the people I am thinking of. They are definitely more snobby and won’t go places that they think are LMC/MC.

You can think we are the ones judging. I promise they are far more judgmental.

Given the cost of Disney, you are kidding yourself if you think LMC and even MC can truly afford that. Disney has become a vacation destination for the privileged.

And the African safari is a vacation for the masses. Sure.

Never said it was. But please do argue how very affordable Disney is.

I've been on both. A safari is very expensive, way more so than Disney, and honestly unless your kids are in their teens they aren't going to want to sit in a safari vehicle for 6 hours a day driving around looking for animals and then relax with drinks in the lodge at night.

This is on my bucket list and I’m waiting until DD is much older — maybe even college age.

I did this as a young adult with a good friend when we were working in Kenya. I think it might be a fantastic late high school age or college-age trip! That's when I would consider taking my daughters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As Dr. Becky would say: two things are true. Disney is a very magical place to take kids at the right age, AND you can visit a lot of other wonderful places and have a great childhood without ever going.

If a family doesn’t have the resources or limited time, of course Disney shouldn’t be the priority.

There are people who have time and money. I think those parents could find a time to take their kid to Disney sometime between ages 2-11.

Will the kid not have a great childhood because s/he didn’t go to Disney? Of course not.

I have many friends who put themselves first. Whether it is work or couples only or adults only trips or trips where they want to go only. I judge them a little. I don’t care that much but it seems selfish to work a lot, have one or two nannies and then not do kid oriented vacations.

There are other kid oriented vacations, doesn’t need to be Disney. Parents who are more in tune with their kids can make any number of culturally destinations fun and interesting beyond a commercialized theme park. The problem is that a lot of parents don’t want to put in that kind of prep work, so they label Disney as THE childhood “must do.”

We went to Europe, Hawaii, national parks, NY and Disney this year. I get that some parents don’t want to put in the work but Disney actually requires a lot of planning. I want my kids to have a childhood full of joy and enrichment. I love to travel. I love Disney. I love my kids. I know not everyone has the time and money. We have the time and money so we don’t have to choose. It isn’t like we are trying to decide between going to Asia or Disney. We can do both.

Weird flex since it’s not always time and money. Some people just don’t like to saturate kids with rampant commercialism and call it a vacation.

“Saturate kids with rampant commercialism.” This thread has some great one liners form the snobby cultural vacation crew. Imma start writing them all down, I think. An elitist journal of sorts, if you will.

There are plenty of other amusement parks you can go to. My kids have been to their share. Disney is a line I won’t cross, though. I see too many posts about people trying to figure out how they’re going to get their rides in, booking things months in advance, bad expensive food, and long lines. No thanks. If it doesn’t bother you, good for you. I will spend my time and money at other places. For the people turning up their noses at the commercialism comments, I’m with the commercialization posters: Disney has a bevy of people behind the scenes figuring out how to optimize on your dollar during your visit. Your pleasure is secondary for them (and they really only care when it means you will spend less money). Again, no thanks.

We have a high income and I actually like the new methods. I don’t mind peak pricing, limited crowds, paying for lightning lanes and staying on resort. Yes, this all adds up and costs $1000 per day for our family of 5. The cost doesn’t bother us. We go on cheap and $$$ vacations. I would say Disney is in the middle.

I think lower income and higher income people tend to turn their noses at it. We have a few friends who only do trips that are for rich people and they are annoying in their own way. They will take their young kids on African safari but not to Disney. I think the short 2 hour flight is great. We all have the same seven figure incomes.

Having been to both Disney and Tanzania, I would take my kids on safari any day over Disney. If you can’t see the qualitative difference, that’s sad.

what's sad is thinking there is a 'better' way to vacation. do what makes you happy and don't be a judgmental ass.

I do not want to fly to Africa with my 4yo. We are way more down to earth than the people I am thinking of. They are definitely more snobby and won’t go places that they think are LMC/MC.

You can think we are the ones judging. I promise they are far more judgmental.

Given the cost of Disney, you are kidding yourself if you think LMC and even MC can truly afford that. Disney has become a vacation destination for the privileged.

And the African safari is a vacation for the masses. Sure.

Never said it was. But please do argue how very affordable Disney is.

I've been on both. A safari is very expensive, way more so than Disney, and honestly unless your kids are in their teens they aren't going to want to sit in a safari vehicle for 6 hours a day driving around looking for animals and then relax with drinks in the lodge at night.

Why are you arguing with me about taking a kid on safari? Read what I said: my point was that Disney is has become unaffordable for the average family, let alone a Disney experience with all the add ons. I could care less if you take your kid on a safari, but don’t use the cost of THAT to argue to working and middle class people that Disney is some type of bargain vacation.

[Anonymous]

Not even a little.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should go to Disney once. There’s no place that compares. It’s the most magical place on earth. I know grown-ups that go every year. It’s not just for young kids. Spend 1 day at each theme park if you can afford it. It’s memorable.

Oh gag me.. magical.. it's just a theme park with a TON of lines

[Anonymous]

DP

Disney can be done at a less expensive price point. There are tons of blogs and Fb groups dedicated to it:

-Drive
-Stay at an Airbnb
-Eat breakfast and dinner at home
-Pack lunch, snacks and drinks

I realize most dcumers fly, stay on property, buy the most expensive tickets, eat out, etc. That’s fine; that’s how we roll. But other people take a less expensive approach.

[Anonymous]

I hate crowds and will never regret not going. Kids are teens and have never expressed interest. I feel like I dodged a bullet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should go to Disney once. There’s no place that compares. It’s the most magical place on earth. I know grown-ups that go every year. It’s not just for young kids. Spend 1 day at each theme park if you can afford it. It’s memorable.

If you think Disney is the most magical place on earth I feel really sorry for you.

NP. Disney is the most magical place on earth!!!

Compared to what? I think Rome might be the most magical place on earth. Have you ever been there?

I’ve been to Rome many times, yes it is magical but so is Disney. Also you can go to Disney for a long weekend on a 2 hour flight.

I took my 4 and 6yo to Italy. They had significantly more fun on their Disney trip than when we were in Rome. Sadly the highlight of their Italy trip was seeing stray cats on the street and eating lemon candy.

My kids love Rome. They loved running around the piazzas at night, eating lots of gelato, playing soccer with Italian kids, rowing boats in the Borghese gardens, going to the zoo, spending a day at the beach.

They hate waiting in line at amusement parks, so Disney is not their thing. To each their own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DP

Disney can be done at a less expensive price point. There are tons of blogs and Fb groups dedicated to it:

-Drive
-Stay at an Airbnb
-Eat breakfast and dinner at home
-Pack lunch, snacks and drinks

I realize most dcumers fly, stay on property, buy the most expensive tickets, eat out, etc. That’s fine; that’s how we roll. But other people take a less expensive approach.

And at a cheaper price point, we can still do other things that we prefer as a family. My children are heading to college, and we never did Disney. They’ve never expressed any regret. They do talk a lot about other wonderful trips we’ve taken over the years, both very close to home and on the other side of the world. Any vacation has the potential to be magical.

[Anonymous]

I sort-of remember having fun at age 9 when we went, but I don't think it was a crazy then (30 years ago). We stayed with family in Orlando.

We didn't really have plans to take the kids anytime soon as they haven't asked about it (4 and 6) and it's gotten so crazy expensive. But taking the grandkids to Disney is high on the ILs bucket list so I guess we are going over the winter. I worry it's just going to open a big can of worms where they will be forever obsessed with Disney after this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My only child is 10. Disney has never been a big draw for me, I never went as a child myself, but after hearing friends going on and on about the magical place, I'm wondering if I'll regret not going when my child is still young enough to appreciate the magic. Plus they're now getting into Harry Potter so might be interested in that part, too.

We enjoy other theme parks like Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens for a day, (but not necessarily more than a trip to NY or Philly for museums and culture). How much better of an experience is Disney?

We have international family so most of our family vacations have been to them. Should I reconsider Disney?

I as a child went to Disney World twice, EPCOT once or twice, and Disneyland once.

I also went to my local town's amusement parks many times.

I think that, for kids who aren't absolutely in love with the Disney Princess universe, the Disney parks are just not that great. They're very expensive, the rides are baby rides, and, if you're at Disney World in Orlando, the ocean is two hours away. Downtown Orlando is fine, but it's not nearly as much fun as Melbourne, Florida, let alone St. Augstine, Sarasota or Tampa's Ybor City.

For most kids, it would be better to combine a trip to a fun city with a beach and a good, affordable local amusement park than to blow a lot of money on a Disney park.