Random I know - is Disney worth it ?

[Pisssssedofff]

We went when the kids were 8,6,4 and I remember it being horribly expensive, a bit stressful but yes fun with the Ariel photos etc and we loved discovery bay with the Dolphins.
I have an additional child now that never been aged 6, he loved Lego land and they all really enjoyed Disney Paris at Halloween last year.
I'm trying to talk myself into booking but god it's a lot of money isn't it? I'm looking at £6000 for a fortnight I think being conservative and not eating in Disney ever

[NeedACleverNN]

It's extra to swim with the Dolphins. I don't know how much extra though. My nan paid.

You have a time slot aswell to do it

[Pisssssedofff]

Jesus that is crackers

[Shezza71]

Look at villas in Florida on owners direct. Book flights well in advance and decide which theme parks you want to do then get a deal on tickets here before you go. If you can go term time, quieter and cheaper.

[NeedACleverNN]

Was it worth it?

Yes I will never forget it.

Would I do it again? Unless they drop their prices no way

[LunaLoveg00d]

We're going for three weeks next summer, flights accommdation and car for 2 adults and 3 kids is £7.5k, we will spend more on tickets and food etc.

We can afford it and it's worth it to us. We have been to Florida before but haven't done any of the Universal stuff and now the kids are older we can see more of the waterparks and encourage them to stay up later for evening events and fireworks too.

There is no right and wrong to this, everyone likes a different holiday, everyone has different budgets. What's "worth it" to one family is not to the next.

[rookiemere]

We went when DS was 7 and he loved it, I liked it a lot more than I thought I would, but I wouldn't go every year even if I could afford it and it's not a cheap holiday.

Like shezza71 I'd recommend looking for cheap villas/condos. Having said that if you're not bothered about sharing a room together then it might be better to stay at a moderate Disney hotel.

I'd also be tempted to wait and see what happens to the exchange rate. We were pretty sure that we were going to go next October ( we get two weeks hols) but unless the pound recovers a bit it makes it too expensive.

[CPtart]

Doesn't appeal to me in the slightest. It seems like hard work tbh, and that I'd need another holiday afterwards to recover. Would also need at least 2 weeks leave which we both just can't take together at the minute.
Would absolutely love to go the Kennedy Space Centre though, but for now, I'd rather go to the Bahamas.

[namechanger1981]

I love it there.

I would look at a villa with a lot of you as will give you more space and the kids will love the pool. Most villas are great but not all so check here or on the dibb before booking one.

[happyandsingle]

to all netmums if you go please don't give your custom to the dolphin shows/attractions. They live such a miserable sad existence in these theme parks you would be horrified if you knew the truth that of course Disney doesn't want you to know.
Seeing them in the wild is the only way you should see them. if you can pose with a wild animal or take a selfish with it you can guarantee its been mistreated.
Same goes for elephant treks etc

[happyandsingle]

I meant selfie with it bloody typis

[Dixiechickonhols]

catanddogmake6 If you are thinking of going then do come over to the dibb. Lots of good advice. I'm on there as dixonsontour.

I personally do like staying onsite at disney with all the food/transport included. I do accept it isn't everyones cup of tea though.

[Dixiechickonhols]

Disney doesn't have dolphins happyandsingle??. There is a small section at Epcot that is underwater themed with fish in a giant aquarium. You can eat in coral reef overlooking the tank.

[PNGirl]

Just picked a random day and all inclusive with dolphins is 400 dollars this month vs a normal ticket which is about 200. I would never ever pay those prices.

[Pisssssedofff]

We did it in 2008 with me and the two eldest, I didn't think we'd paid even half that though, maybe we did 😳

[happyandsingle]

they used to do a dolphin in depth tour where you could swim and interact with dolphins in their tiny enclosure.

[Pisssssedofff]

They are only in the enclosure for a short period though, not justifying it, clearly it's crap if they are used to the ocean and I wouldn't step foot in seaworld but discovery cove seemed quite well run.

[Grumpyoldblonde]

We took a trip down to Clearwater and took a boat ride round the Gulf coast and loads of Dolphins swam beside us, magical and where they should be in the ocean swimming free. It was a fantastic day if you want to see Dolphin up close.

[HoneyDragon]

I think you can do it on 6k .... We've booked a 3 bed Condo 5 min drive from Disney for the accommodation, flights Disney tickets and Universal tickets it was £6300.

[HoneyDragon]

Disney doesn't have Dolphins but more important....

Mumsnet doesn't have NetMums

[Pisssssedofff]

I've just had a look at owners direct, £750 for the 14 days rather than £1900 for the cheapest Disney hotel. Thing is I remember last time one of the guys selling the tourists packages made a joke about us being Disney prisoners because we were on site, no car etc ... It did feel a bit like you were at their mercy so I want to avoid that but I'm terrified of driving over there too

[HoneyDragon]

Ours includes car hire too, forgot about that.

We don't like staying in Disney we like to do other bits.

[Pisssssedofff]

Did you go through a travel agent Honey ? Or book it all yourself ?

[HoneyDragon]

Did it all through Virgin. I signed up for the Virgin club thing, that gives you 7% of standard price.

Then I just keep monitoring the cost of the holiday we want (not during a sale though). When flight prices drop the prices do to significantly .... I then swooped in, called up and booked.


The same apt, package and car etc at present has gone up to nearly 9k , that's how much prices fluctuate.

I do it this way as although shopping around is cheaper I prefer just having just one company to shout out if stuff goes wrong.

[PanGalaticGargleBlaster]

Would rather take the family on a three week safari in Namibia for that kind of money!

[Pisssssedofff]

I hear you, I've got virgin membership too, gym and life insurance that should count for something .... Was nearly considering taking a job for a discount lol