When it comes to family travel, there are plenty of places to visit that can easily eat into your budget. However, when it comes to Disney World, I’ve come to the realization that it’s just not for me. Even though some of the trip might be covered, the costs associated with the Disney experience have made me rethink it entirely. Let me share why I’m too frugal to splurge on a Disney trip, despite all the perks.
The Temptation of Free Travel
Recently, I was working on some credit card rewards strategies and came across a really tempting offer. Southwest Airlines has this fantastic deal where, if you earn 110,000 Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year, you can earn a companion pass that allows a second person to fly free. Initially, I wasn’t planning to go for it, but after realizing that I was just a few points shy with the right cards, I decided to go for it. After meeting the spending requirements, I would easily have enough points for the pass, which opened up several exciting destinations, including Orlando.
The Disney Plan
Once we realized that we could easily fly to Orlando for a weekend with minimal cost, my husband, Greg, started planning a family trip to Disney World. At first, I was excited about the idea. I thought it would be a fun experience, especially for the kids, and I could stomach it if the majority of the trip was essentially free. With our points, we could fly for just $30 in fees, and we could use more points to book a hotel near Disney. It seemed like a steal.
The Harsh Reality of Disney Costs
But then I looked into the actual cost of park tickets, and that’s when things fell apart. I was shocked by the prices. For a family of four, it was going to cost at least $720 just for a weekend at the park, and that’s not even including food, tax, or transportation. I distinctly remembered paying over $30 for two small baskets of chicken fingers at Magic Kingdom, which made the cost seem even worse.
Why I Won’t Pay for Disney
I get it, you’re probably thinking, “Why not just pay for the tickets? You can always find ways to use points or gift cards.” But no, for me, it’s a matter of principle. I simply can’t justify spending that much money on a place that feels like an overpriced, commercialized experience. I refuse to participate in what feels like a money grab. Even if the trip was mostly free, I can’t bring myself to drop that much cash on a place that’s more about selling overpriced food and merchandise than offering a truly magical experience.
A Better Option
Instead, I’m considering taking the kids to our local theme park, King’s Island. It’s far more affordable, and honestly, the kids will probably have just as much fun. Plus, I won’t have to deal with the crowds and high prices of Disney World. In the end, I’d rather save the money and make the most of a simpler, more budget-friendly experience.
Final Thoughts
So, as much as I love the idea of taking my kids to Disney, I can’t justify the expense. Maybe I’ll luck out and they’ll never ask to go, or I’ll stick to more affordable alternatives. Either way, I’m too frugal for Disney World. What about you? Would you go all-in and pay for the tickets, or would you also look for a more budget-friendly option?
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