Ask Yourself These Questions Before Splurging on a Disney Vacation

I'm one of those people who swore I'd never set foot in a place like Disney World because I don't like crowds, heat, and hoopla -- things you'll commonly find in the House of Mouse. But in the wake of incessant begging from my kids, I've now been to Disney World not once, not twice, but three times over the past five years. 

Thankfully, I've been able to find ways to visit Disney on the cheap. Because I live in New Jersey, driving to Orlando is doable, and that's cut our costs compared to the price of flying. I've also stayed off-property every time I've gone. And not paying for a Disney resort can be a huge source of savings.

MouseHacking reports that the average cost for a family of four to go to Disney World this year is $6,320. That includes flights, transportation to and from Disney World, a five-night stay at a lower-priced Disney hotel, Genie+ at two parks (which lets you get on rides faster), and quick service meals, snacks, and two table service meals during that time.

Your actual Disney plans might differ, of course, so consider that number a baseline. If you're looking at a higher-end hotel or want table service at every meal, you're going to spend more. And the time of the year you visit might impact your costs, too.

But either way, a Disney trip is a big expense. Before you commit to visiting the House of Mouse, it pays to run through these questions.

1. Can I afford this trip without taking on debt?

U.S. credit card balances reached $917 billion during the first quarter of 2023, says TransUnion. If you already have credit card debt, then you may want to hold off on Disney, or any big trip for that matter, until your balance is whittled down.

Similarly, Disney is billed as an unforgettable vacation that every family should experience and blah blah blah. But as magical as it may be, it's definitely not worth taking on debt. So if you can't pay off your vacation outright, you may want to choose something more economical and save up to go to Disney instead. After all, nothing takes away from a fun experience like the stress of a lingering credit card balance.

2. Is there a less expensive alternative that's just as fun?

The fun of Disney World for kids is going on rides and meeting different characters. You won't necessarily get the same experience at another theme park. But your kids might have just as much fun hurtling their bodies down water slides or riding roller coasters at an amusement park that's closer to home and far less expensive to visit.

Before you commit to Disney, explore your options if money is tight. You may find that you can pull off a great trip for a quarter of the price of Disney. 

3. Will my kids even appreciate a Disney trip?

You may be able to tell from the tone of this piece that I find Disney to be a bit overblown and very overpriced. But I will say that it's probably worth experiencing with your kids once if you can swing it. 

That said, you'll want to go at an age when they're apt to really appreciate it. And it's hard to hit that sweet spot, but my recommendation is to go when your kids are between five and 10 years old.

If you go when they're younger than that, they may not remember the trip, and they may be too small to get on certain rides. If you go when they're older, they might roll their eyes at Mickey Mouse (or, like my daughter, boo Mickey outright when he waves at you during the afternoon parade) and find the rides too tame.

A Disney vacation might seem like a great thing for your family. And if you do go, I hope you have the time of your life. But no matter your financial situation, a Disney vacation is apt to cost a hefty sum. So make sure it's the right choice for you.