[Alfisti]

Not a fan of cruises but maybe it's an idea here, would junior be up for it OP? Or wants the castle etc?

I don't think Op is being insane saying 10K min and planning months ahead, it'll likely cost more and he is likely late already.

[Tyga11]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Not a fan of cruises but maybe it's an idea here, would junior be up for it OP? Or wants the castle etc?

I don't think Op is being insane saying 10K min and planning months ahead, it'll likely cost more and he is likely late already.

$10K is a lot for a vacation. The average person makes $48K a year. Obviously most of us here are more well off than the average Joe but that's a hell of a vacation where I come from.

Props to OP though because it's awesome to do that for your kids if you can swing it.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Not a fan of cruises but maybe it's an idea here, would junior be up for it OP? Or wants the castle etc?

I don't think Op is being insane saying 10K min and planning months ahead, it'll likely cost more and he is likely late already.

I'll float the idea... but I have a feeling the cruise will end up being a separate trip. I know of people who go to Disney every single year willingly as though it's a sacred pilgrimage. So I'm thinking once next year... and then another when my son is a little older will be ok.

But let's see... maybe the castle experience for the daughter and then later do the cruise for the son.

[its55]

Honestly, knowing what I know about Disney World these days I would not ever start heading down that road.

[wtwo3]

I'm curious... besides the increased crowds... what else specifically is going on that's making Disney less and less attractive every year? I've heard a lot of mention of how it's getting worse.

[Our03z4]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

I'm curious... besides the increased crowds... what else specifically is going on that's making Disney less and less attractive every year? I've heard a lot of mention of how it's getting worse.

The up keep apparently hasn't been great. Cutting back on certain services like shuttles from and to some areas. Skyrocketing prices. Basically trying to make the stock holders happy not the guests. Normal people can no longer go if they don't want to take a second mortgage out lol.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by Tyga11

$10K is a lot for a vacation. The average person makes $48K a year. Obviously most of us here are more well off than the average Joe but that's a hell of a vacation where I come from.

I don't disagree but that is what it will cost, Disney is brutal, just brutal.

[floridaorange]

Originally Posted by Our03z4

The up keep apparently hasn't been great. Cutting back on certain services like shuttles from and to some areas. Skyrocketing prices. Basically trying to make the stock holders happy not the guests. Normal people can no longer go if they don't want to take a second mortgage out lol.

I doubt that about the upkeep, but you could be right. Generally the park is beyond spotless. 1,000's were laid off and extremely eager to return to work after businesses opened back up.

[Alfisti]

The issue, i am told, is understaffing, monumental crowds, huge long line ups and absolutely BRUTAL pricing. I am hearing people say they are "lining up" for 65% to 75% of the day.

[Pottah]

Originally Posted by Our03z4

The up keep apparently hasn't been great. Cutting back on certain services like shuttles from and to some areas. Skyrocketing prices. Basically trying to make the stock holders happy not the guests. Normal people can no longer go if they don't want to take a second mortgage out lol.

The wife and I went earlier this month. Yes, it's not cheap but we also don't have kids . We've gone about 5-6 times in the past 14 years. The biggest changes this year that I remember are:

1. There's no more "Magical Express" to take you to/from the airport but nothing a relatively cheap Uber/Lyft can't fix. Then you don't have to wait for the bus to leave.

2. No more free fast passes or fast pass lane. Now it's called "Lightning Lane" and you can only book one at a time if you pay the extra $15/day for Genie +. After that timeframe you can (attempt) to book another one. Plus, some rides will let you pay a one time fee to jump in the lightning lane for like $10-$15.

3. You have to reserve which park you are going to each day. If you buy a park ticket the day of or not far enough in advance you may not be able to get into the park you want.

4. If you get a park hopper pass you have to wait until like 1-2pm before you can hop to another park and that's assuming it's not completely booked.

5. No more free magic bands but you can use your phone for free. Do what I do and save your magic bands to use each time.

That being said we're still going back but probably not for a few years. We also have a friend whose family is in the super uber exclusive Club 33 so we bought two of their passes and were able to jump in the lightning lane for every ride we went on those two days. They come with either 12 or 16 per day.

[happyjack]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

The issue, i am told, is understaffing, monumental crowds, huge long line ups and absolutely BRUTAL pricing. I am hearing people say they are "lining up" for 65% to 75% of the day.

this is exactly what i've heard as well.

in a broader context, the parks are now set up to be visited using all of their widgets and gadgets that force you to plan the day minute by minute in order to get the rides / attractions that you want.

the joy of our first visit with our kids at 4 and 2 years old was just strolling through the park at our own pace and letting the kids discover the park at their own pace. if there was a long line, we'd just grab a fast pass and continue strolling until it was time to go back to that ride. that type of experience is just gone from the parks with the way disney is "managing demand" with technology.

[CarsAndGuitars]

Originally Posted by happyjack

this is exactly what i've heard as well.

in a broader context, the parks are not set up to be visited using all of their widgets and gadgets that force you to plan the day minute by minute in order to get the rides / attractions that you want.

the joy of our first visit with our kids at 4 and 2 years old was just strolling through the park at our own pace and letting the kids discover the park at their own pace. if there was a long line, we'd just grab a fast pass and continue strolling until it was time to go back to that ride. that type of experience is just gone from the parks with the way disney is "managing demand" with technology.

Seems they are also managing demand by pricing people out.

Bottom line: $10K to go to amusement parks for a week is fucking insane. Buy the kids cars instead

[Tommy-G]

Originally Posted by floridaorange;

I doubt that about the upkeep, but you could be right. Generally the park is beyond spotless. 1,000's were laid off and extremely eager to return to work after businesses opened back up.

We were there in December and it was spotless....and plenty of staff. All this talk has got me wanting to take the wifey for a weekend. We tend to do more of the Disney things outside the parks (Disney Springs, eat/drink at the different resorts, etc) and then go to Epcot for one day

[DocL]

The other thing I really hated about Disney World is that they have a law that you can't carry a weapon, even if you are Florida CCW permit holder on their property. That means once you drive in through the Disney Welcome banner, you are now breaking their law. And don't ever get caught mistakenly bringing a gun into the park. You will go to jail. A few times when we were approaching the gates I had to go back to my car because I forgot I had my nine on my hip.

[Alfisti]

if two adults, why not a 6 flags (or whatever) instead of disney?

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by DocL

The other thing I really hated about Disney World is that they have a law that you can't carry a weapon, even if you are Florida CCW permit holder on their property. That means once you drive in through the Disney Welcome banner, you are now breaking their law. And don't ever get caught mistakenly bringing a gun into the park. You will go to jail. A few times when we were approaching the gates I had to go back to my car because I forgot I had my nine on my hip.

I'll need to make sure my daughter isn't strapped when we enter.

[Tommy-G]

Originally Posted by DocL

The other thing I really hated about Disney World is that they have a law that you can't carry a weapon, even if you are Florida CCW permit holder on their property. That means once you drive in through the Disney Welcome banner, you are now breaking their law. And don't ever get caught mistakenly bringing a gun into the park. You will go to jail. A few times when we were approaching the gates I had to go back to my car because I forgot I had my nine on my hip.

If nothing else you would be in Disney's jail which I imagine is much nicer than Downtown Orlando lockup

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by DocL

The other thing I really hated about Disney World is that they have a law that you can't carry a weapon, even if you are Florida CCW permit holder on their property. That means once you drive in through the Disney Welcome banner, you are now breaking their law. And don't ever get caught mistakenly bringing a gun into the park. You will go to jail. A few times when we were approaching the gates I had to go back to my car because I forgot I had my nine on my hip.

This is the most American thing I have ever read.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Not a fan of cruises but maybe it's an idea here, would junior be up for it OP? Or wants the castle etc?

I don't think Op is being insane saying 10K min and planning months ahead, it'll likely cost more and he is likely late already.

I was looking into the cruise and wow it looks SO MUCH BETTER than the park. I pitched the idea to my wife and she gave me this look like, "but I want her to experience disney world!".

There's no winning this man.

[BMWGUYinCO]

I've been meaning to reply to this thread for a week now, but my wife and I were on an epic road trip and just returned last night.

I consider us expert Disney planning people....not trying to brag, but we've been going for 30 years. A lot has changed, especially recently.

I'll keep this high level, but Disney World can be an excellent family vacation, but there are several things you need to be aware of, first.

1. Planning - unfortunately today, DisneyWorld requires a TON of advance planning. Which park on which day (we go by the longest hours for any one park to determine which one we will be visiting on which day.)
2. Are you planning to Park Hop (jump from one park to the next? This can be useful, if you visit the Magic Kingdom for early entry days, but then want to finish in Epcot especially if you want to have dinner in one of the lands).
3. Time of year - yes, there are lesser crowds during certain times, but you especially want to avoid the heat & humidity. Jan - Feb are very good, but the parks close earlier so it's a trade off. November is good, especially if you would pull your kids out of school before the Thanksgiving breaks start....so too is early December.
4. Remember when I mentioned planning? DisneyWorld requires advanced dining reservations, 6 months in advance. If you don't have them, you'll be frustrated when you can't just show up, sit down and have a meal.
5. You need to use the Disney Genie and Disney Genie + service in order to avoid long lines for the most popular attractions. This is unfortunate, because not only is this an extra cost - it also means you can't just be spontaneous. Also, you have to plan to wake up every day before 7 a.m. in order to book the most popular rides, like Rise of the Resistance, etc. This kind of takes the luster off a relaxing vacation idea, but no one said DisneyWorld is relaxing.
6. In order to do all the Parks and surrounding areas, you need a minimum of 6 days - more if you want a more leisure pace.
7. I do recommend to stay on property (a Disney hotel) because the transportation system is good - and there are several price tiers to accommodate your budget.
8. Yes, Disney is expensive....but if you compare a price per day vs a weeklong stay in Vail, including ski passes, you get a lot more. So it's all relative.
9. Lines - again, with a lot of planning, you can avoid most of the long lines, but you will have to queue up for a lot of rides. It's all part of the experience, but it isn't 75% of your day, either.
10. There are a lot of experiences besides the rides, like shows, character breakfasts etc. that also add to the experience and you aren't waiting in a line!
11. Visit Disney specific forums for the latest news such as ride closures, special events, etc.

This is a very general list - but if it seems overwhelming just to take a vacation, consider using a Disney Planner that specializes in structuring your ideal stay. Also, sign up for this newsletter: www.mousesavers.com - each month it provides a lot of valuable data and savings.

Lastly, I gotta say, while we still like DisneyWorld, because of all the above we much prefer DisneyLand in California - it's a lot more manageable and has just as many rides.

Good luck!

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

I was looking into the cruise and wow it looks SO MUCH BETTER than the park. I pitched the idea to my wife and she gave me this look like, "but I want her to experience disney world!".

There's no winning this man.

I actually hear you, i know exactly how those conversations go. I try talking sense to my wife and she just calls me cheap, especially re. kids and vacations, you're just looking after them in a nicer spot, especially if under 5.

September 2019 we were supposed to go with sister in law to Croatia (wife is slav), rent a house etc and I am like, why the flying fuck are we do ing this to ourselves guys? Who wants to spend 10 to 14 days with 4 kids under 7 for fuck's sake. i proposed we do a week away each couple, other couple watches kids. Wife and I went to Nice, spent a week up and down the French Riviera and even a bit of Italy. Same price and way more enjoyable.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by BMWGUYinCO

I've been meaning to reply to this thread for a week now, but my wife and I were on an epic road trip and just returned last night.

I consider us expert Disney planning people....not trying to brag, but we've been going for 30 years. A lot has changed, especially recently.

I'll keep this high level, but Disney World can be an excellent family vacation, but there are several things you need to be aware of, first.

1. Planning - unfortunately today, DisneyWorld requires a TON of advance planning. Which park on which day (we go by the longest hours for any one park to determine which one we will be visiting on which day.)
2. Are you planning to Park Hop (jump from one park to the next? This can be useful, if you visit the Magic Kingdom for early entry days, but then want to finish in Epcot especially if you want to have dinner in one of the lands).
3. Time of year - yes, there are lesser crowds during certain times, but you especially want to avoid the heat & humidity. Jan - Feb are very good, but the parks close earlier so it's a trade off. November is good, especially if you would pull your kids out of school before the Thanksgiving breaks start....so too is early December.
4. Remember when I mentioned planning? DisneyWorld requires advanced dining reservations, 6 months in advance. If you don't have them, you'll be frustrated when you can't just show up, sit down and have a meal.
5. You need to use the Disney Genie and Disney Genie + service in order to avoid long lines for the most popular attractions. This is unfortunate, because not only is this an extra cost - it also means you can't just be spontaneous. Also, you have to plan to wake up every day before 7 a.m. in order to book the most popular rides, like Rise of the Resistance, etc. This kind of takes the luster off a relaxing vacation idea, but no one said DisneyWorld is relaxing.
6. In order to do all the Parks and surrounding areas, you need a minimum of 6 days - more if you want a more leisure pace.
7. I do recommend to stay on property (a Disney hotel) because the transportation system is good - and there are several price tiers to accommodate your budget.
8. Yes, Disney is expensive....but if you compare a price per day vs a weeklong stay in Vail, including ski passes, you get a lot more. So it's all relative.
9. Lines - again, with a lot of planning, you can avoid most of the long lines, but you will have to queue up for a lot of rides. It's all part of the experience, but it isn't 75% of your day, either.
10. There are a lot of experiences besides the rides, like shows, character breakfasts etc. that also add to the experience and you aren't waiting in a line!
11. Visit Disney specific forums for the latest news such as ride closures, special events, etc.

This is a very general list - but if it seems overwhelming just to take a vacation, consider using a Disney Planner that specializes in structuring your ideal stay. Also, sign up for this newsletter: www.mousesavers.com - each month it provides a lot of valuable data and savings.

Good luck!

What a monumental pain in the tits.