Okay, I'm not going to start whining about their prices or anything and I really don't care to hear "well Disney is a business" but seriously, how do you do it? I'm not married or have kids and my family and friends can't usually do Disney as much as I want to or they're just not into it as I am. Which is fine since I can handle going solo and still have a good time. I've done DLR solo and also USO and WDW solo. I have my first
DCL cruise booked next year. I'm currently planning another trip to WDW this fall and even though I'm booked at POFQ and may do a couple of nights at the Swan (using a discount), I find myself still contemplating just staying at POP since it saves so much more money! My dream resort is the Contemporary but there is no way I would pay $500+ a night! And that's just for the Garden Wing! I read on here about some of you staying at Deluxe resorts and I'm like "how do they do it?!" Do all of you have great paying jobs? Do you plan years in advance? I admit I don't make a lot of money but I also don't have the usual bills (mortgage/car) but still...
If it came down to it, I could stay a week at the Contemporary and it wouldn't put me in the poor house but I would have a hard time justifying the cost.
Thoughts?
I am now a Solo + 1 (kid) traveler.
Before kiddo Disney was a lot easier to afford on my adult trips. Ok wait...Sorry..., I just got hit by a flashback...now have to pause for a moment and remember how nice disposable income was....
Ok, back.
Anyway, during the pre kid days we didn't do any character meals, not on our radar at all. Always went during food & wine. 3 nights max. (Fla resident)
We did stay at the Epcot area deluxe resorts. Also OKW once and GF twice- I have no desire to do either of these again.
If you want to stay at CR then do it now!!!! Ok, ONLY if you can responsibly budget for it.
Here's the thing- I chose not to have a child until my 30s, because I wanted to travel the world and experience as much as I could before that giant life step..
I'm so glad that I did!!!!
The past few years we haven't traveled outside the US (besides the Bahamas), and last year was the first in almost 5 that I went to Disney World (kiddo's first time). Now I feel like he is old enough to justify and "afford" a higher travel budget ( even with my child attending a private school I have MUCH LESS of an expense than when he was in early learning and pre K)- so off to travel we go. but it's different types of vacations than what I did previously. Wonderful vacations, just different.
As far as justifying the deluxe resorts? There is no actual justification. They are crazy prices. They aren't 5 star hotels, but yet charge more than any.
BUT-- for me, the MK resorts, especially with a theme park view, are something so different, and the same with the Epcot resorts pre kid..they make me think they are "worth" paying for. The convenience saves precious time, the view- well, 'nuff said.