Solo Travelers...How do you afford Disney?

shh said:
I always loved using Orbitz, but since the $25 cancellation charge they added this year, not sure we'll book thru them for our next trip. I don't cancel, but I need the ability to change dates at least once if necessary (the past 2 trips I changed due to last min WDW scheduling changes.). With Orbitz, there are no changes - only cancellations and rebooking. For longer trips, it's probably worth it, but $25 feels too steep on a $100/night POP ressie for just a 3-4 day trip.
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Are you allowed to make changes directly through the hotel to avoid the Orbitz service charge?
 
Shock13 said:
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?
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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.
 
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bryanb said:
Are you allowed to make changes directly through the hotel to avoid the Orbitz service charge?
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Nope...if you call WDW, they'll tell you that any changes to the reservation have to go through Orbitz.
 
21stamps said:
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.
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I appreciate this a lot. My left brain tells me that I won't ever be paying $300 per night (and often much higher) for a deluxe resort. But maybe just once, just to experience that special location and view. I completely agree that it's hard to justify. But those rooms ARE getting filled, so obviously it's worth it to a lot of people. I fear that once I stay somewhere with a view of the castle and Bay Lake, I'll be completely spoiled and won't want to go back to my $90/night Sheraton Lake Buena Vista.

shh said:
Nope...if you call WDW, they'll tell you that any changes to the reservation have to go through Orbitz.
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Ah. Smart people. No loopholes.
 


My first solo trip is coming up in December. I usually travel with my sister and niece. My sister would pay 2/3 of the trip since it was for 2 and I would do 1/3 for my portion.

But back to the real topic. I booked this trip in December as a Christmas Present to myself and to hopefully end 2016 a lot better than it began for me. It is on the back end of a solo cruise with NCL. I don't have a massive paycheck but it is decent. I do have debt but I am paying it off whole saving money for my trip.

I also live with my parents. Not due to not being able to afford to live on my own but because I chose to live with them and that helps a lot. No, I don't have rent or a mortage but I pay for my car, cc's and buy most of the groceries..anyway. I also get a travel reimbursement check from work each month and half of it goes into my vacation fund.

I could have splurged for a deluxe resort but I opted for All Star Sports. Why? Because I can take what I am saving and pay off a bill a month or two early. Plus I have a feeling my sister will want to go sometime in 2017.
 
Shock13 said:
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?
Click to expand...
Have you looked into renting DVC points? You can stay at BLT at the Contemporary for a heck of a lot less than $500 a night! Like...half that much. I've not done it yet, but plan to next December. I could never drop the amount of money needed to stay deluxe otherwise.
 
The short answer is, everyone has different incomes/financial situations. I don't have kids, I don't replace my car every year, I don't buy designer clothes, and I have the disposable income to travel, and travel well. The price of traveling solo is no different than, say, a family of 4+ with one stay at home parent (single-income families), of which there are many who go to Disney often; I would argue that it's much cheaper for us than it is for them ;)
 


As some others have indicated, the resort is the last thing on my mind when booking a solo trip to WDW. I'm at the resort to sleep and shower. It's all about the parks for me. That said, I will be staying at the Contemporary in June, only because my nephew's family are vacation club members and they've invited me to stay with them for FREE!! The payment, of course, is the trip is now all about what their kids want to do. Small price for what I'm sure will be a fantastic experience at a resort that is a stones throw from the Magic Kingdom and one that I would not normally pop for.

I am staying an extra fours days as a solo once the family hits the road, but I will be transferring to Pop Century. Much more familiar ground for this gal! :flower:
 
I have read many recommendations where you stay either at a value resort or offsite, then pick one night or two nights of a Deluxe. I have not tried it, but think it's a great idea.
 
LaughinPlace289 said:
Try booking your resort on Orbitz instead of directly through Disney. You can use their 15% off promo code and literally save hundreds on a week at just about any resort.
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with orbits though, can you still get magic bands? and connect through my disney experience?
 
aVASTGrl said:
The short answer is, everyone has different incomes/financial situations. I don't have kids, I don't replace my car every year, I don't buy designer clothes, and I have the disposable income to travel, and travel well. The price of traveling solo is no different than, say, a family of 4+ with one stay at home parent (single-income families), of which there are many who go to Disney often; I would argue that it's much cheaper for us than it is for them ;)
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I also believe in the phrase, "IF, THEN.":goodvibes


Per se, "IF I really want a really wonderful vacation adventure and not just a vacation, THEN work a little harder, longer and financially forcast out your adventures two to 2 and a half years out into the future and VIOLA! U will get what u want.":thumbsup2:thumbsup2


ME? After Disneyland Paris, Its New Orleans (Nov/Dec 2017), DCL May 2018 and then some sort of a train adventure (winter 2018).:smooth:





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL:wave2:







"MY VERY 1ST TRIP 2 WDW / DISNEY WONDER" 01-07-09 to 01-15-09 (w/pics & video)
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2062857
MY ADVENTURES by Disney "Spirit of America" Sept 2009 trip report ...
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2201584 - Cached
My "ADVENTURES N IRELAND" - TRIP REPORT; JUNE 2011 (w/pics & video) -http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2203028&referrerid=0
MY "ADVENTURES N HAWAII" -October 2011 trip report (w/pics & video)- http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2625762&referrerid=0
My "IT'S 5 O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE N KEY WEST, COZUMEL & G CAYMAN DCL TRIP REPORT; JAN'12 (w/pics & video)http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2686953&referrerid=0
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2765761&referrerid=0
 
I made the decision to go solo as my husband and son have had enough of Orlando and theme parks. Having been there before, it was easy for me to make a budget.

1. Fly with Airmiles so it only cost me $150
2. Rent a car with Airmiles so that cost $55
3. $150 groceries so I can make breakfast and take lunch with me.
4. $300 for dinners out so I can enjoy a hot meal.
5. Park tickets $800 (gross!). I may have enough points from a credit card to get these free.
6. Stay on site at POR is $2000. Rent a condo is $750. I chose the condo as I plan to be gone a lot. I know the Disney transportation is convenient but it's not worth $1250. I like the idea of having a kitchen and livingroom to relax in.
7. Gas, spending, shopping, etc $500

So as you can see, my vacation will be roughly $2700. It was easy to cut extras out of my everyday living, like lunches at restaurants, expensive coffees, movies in theatre, etc.
 
Pacolovestacos said:
What sort of ticket are you getting that's costing you $800?????
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That was for a 5 day Disney with hopper.....I know some people say it's a waste of money but I do use it. Also 2 day park to park access at Universal. Convert that to Canadian as that's where I am and it's over $800.

To have just a 5 day base ticket and 2 day universal is $740 CDN. Those are the prices listed as of right now on Undercover Tourist. I wish the CDN dollar was better but it's not. Therefore I'm trying to book as much as I can with points and miles.
 
bryanb said:
I appreciate this a lot. My left brain tells me that I won't ever be paying $300 per night (and often much higher) for a deluxe resort. But maybe just once, just to experience that special location and view. I completely agree that it's hard to justify. But those rooms ARE getting filled, so obviously it's worth it to a lot of people. I fear that once I stay somewhere with a view of the castle and Bay Lake, I'll be completely spoiled and won't want to go back to my $90/night Sheraton Lake Buena Vista.
Click to expand...

This is why we always do split stays - staying at a moderate or even a value is great when you tack on one or two nights in a deluxe just for the experience. Or we will rent DVC points


Real talk: I am in a buttload of credit card debt for the fabulous solo trips I've done (about 6 trips I think)...plus other poor early 20's decisions. I made INCREDIBLY irresponsible financial decisions and I am paying for it (and will be paying for it for a few more years). DO NOT DO A BALLS OUT DISNEY TRIP IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE DISPOSABLE INCOME FOR IT!! Do what you can afford, travel less frequently, stay value instead of deluxe, plan your days so you can skip the park hopper, and embrace the quick service. We are still travelling to Disney about once a year, but our trips are now cash and only when we can budget it in with our debt repayment plans -- I don't regret any of my trips, but I do wish I'd made better choices in how I travelled and how I financed it.
 
Roxy think of the memories and experiences you have though. You might be going through some temporary financial pain but nobody can take the experiences from you.
 
Pacolovestacos said:
Roxy think of the memories and experiences you have though. You might be going through some temporary financial pain but nobody can take the experiences from you.
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Oh absolutely! I don't regret taking the trips, I just wish I'd made better decisions with them like shorter trips, different hotels, less signature meals, bla bla bla

My parents raised me to believe that money is common and when you die you can't take any of it with you so enjoy it - I just wasn't enjoying my own money I was enjoying Visas lol. Poor choices but if I could do it all over again I'd prob still do the same thing....but I'd never encourage anyone to just throw an entire trip on a credit card just to go, i think that was the message I was trying to convey most of all
 
roxysmum123 said:
This is why we always do split stays - staying at a moderate or even a value is great when you tack on one or two nights in a deluxe just for the experience. Or we will rent DVC points


Real talk: I am in a buttload of credit card debt for the fabulous solo trips I've done (about 6 trips I think)...plus other poor early 20's decisions. I made INCREDIBLY irresponsible financial decisions and I am paying for it (and will be paying for it for a few more years). DO NOT DO A BALLS OUT DISNEY TRIP IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE DISPOSABLE INCOME FOR IT!! Do what you can afford, travel less frequently, stay value instead of deluxe, plan your days so you can skip the park hopper, and embrace the quick service. We are still travelling to Disney about once a year, but our trips are now cash and only when we can budget it in with our debt repayment plans -- I don't regret any of my trips, but I do wish I'd made better choices in how I travelled and how I financed it.
Click to expand...


Thank you for your honesty in regards to being in debt. My friend who is a travel agent just called and found me a room at POP for a little more than what I'm paying at a condo. How can I resist being on property, in the middle of the magic with free parking and perks? Sure it's noisier than a condo but I can get around that. She also found at room at POFQ which I LOVE but it's $700 more. I can't justify spending that on a room when I could use it on a VIP Tour, leaving me with better memories. I want to have this trip paid for before I leave and not have to pay interest on it.
 
The last few years DW has attended a conference in Orlando and I tag along. While she networks, I go to the parks. Since her firm picks up the hotel bill, I just pay for a rental car and parking at WDW. I'm retired military so I get the Military Salute tickets. I find most of the TS meals to be too large, so I do QS or just snack as I go (ice cream sundae for lunch!). For souvenirs I usually get a few pins. By my calculations, I don't spend any more on food and drink at WDW than I would if I was hanging out at my favorite pub near the hotel where her conference is held.

The last few years we've taken a DCL cruise prior to or after her conference and stay at a DVC resort for a day or two before heading to the port, but we don't visit the parks. DW likes Disney but doesn't like going to the parks more than once every 5 years or so. Last time she went was about 7-8 years ago and she isn't inclined to go again anytime soon.
 
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