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

Sorry Was I missed your tone.

It's the flights and tickets that rack it up. When you think that a day out at a UK is often at least £120 for a day .... Your paying for 14 day tickets to two theme parks in the States as that works out better value ironically .

Our park tickets work out 2k which even I go "fuuuuuuuuck" at, but you get a bit more for your £120 per day

The the flights are 4.5k

I won't disagree it's a staggering amount of money. And it's certainly not a holiday where you just chill but we love it.

Just been to California Disneyland.

Yes totally worth it. I didn't want to leave and I'm 42. We just did a day pass as we were staying locally and DD is nearly 3 so just did the junior section but it was truly magical. She met Minnie Mouse, Pluto and Donald Duck and saw Mickey Mouse. We also saw Mary Poppins and Bert sing Suoercalifragilisticexpialidicious. We saw the parade which is spectacular. So for all that alone without even the rides it was amazing. The level of detail everywhere elevates it from other adventure parks.
And the Mickey Mouse Waffle I had was one of the most d luscious things I have ever eaten.

In case it's helpful, the night before we did Disneyland California for the day, we stayed at Hilton Anaheim and they have shuttle buses that take you direct to Disney from 7.20am. It's literally around the corner and you can have Disney facing rooms to watch the fireworks.
Day pass was about $100 . I think the room only hotel was about $80. We had breakfast at Disney and snacks and then ate at iHOP when we came out of Disney. Way better value than going to Alton towers.
I did spy a hotel called Candy Cane Inn (check out my username) which if we went back if like to consider.
We were in Cali for two weeks staying with family so it wasn't a Disney holiday.

I took mine to Disneyland Paris . Enjoyed it but very overpriced. We waited for chn to be bit older( 10 and 13 as we knew we'd only go once and so they could go on all the rides. It confirmed what I thought, not really my thing. I wouldn't go to Florida due to the expense. Could go to some wonderful places with that money.

I went to Dismey when attending a bridal shower and wedding so just lots off twenty somethings, was a hoot. Also as a family we did enjoy ourselves but think we spent close to your budget about 8 years ago, we were in a Disney hotel for the week though and then Sarasota which is expensive.

The thing is most people on here are saying it is worth it because it is their kind of holiday. I have just come back from an 11 night holiday in Orlando and it was nice, but not fabulous.

I did Disneyland in Anaheim 30 years ago and loved it - aged 27. At 57 my preference is for something a little less frantic.

CalmDownBeyonce we stayed at the Cabana Bay Beach Hotel. The location was perfect for Universal Studios, and the free shuttle bus service runs all day until 2 am.

I admit that I don't get the love for this hotel. The 50s decor isn't to my taste, but the rooms are nice, the beds, supremely comfortable, the pool area is good and there are plenty of free towels and the lazy river is great. There are fridges in the rooms and coffee making facilities as well.

However, it is huuuuuge and impersonal, and the dining area is like a school canteen - self service with OK pricey food, but the most irritating thing is the raucous 50s/60s music which is played on a loop all day every day. The aircon is freezing.

We finally worked out the best way of doing breakfast by buying coffee from Starbucks and food from the canteen bit, and taking it outside to eat in peace and quiet. We then ate elsewhere in the evening. We found some fab restaurants locally, and there are loads of dining options at City Walk.

I'm glad we went, but I really don't understand why people go back again and again.

We went with Virgin, who I can highly recommend.

We took our 2 daughters to Orlando Disney last summer and although we got a good discount through our jobs, it was still around 8k after discount (and about 15k before the discount!). This was for staying in a premium Disney hotel and no meal plan. On top of this we had to buy park passes and we bought passes for Universal too for Harry Potter etc.

We were advised feom someone who had been before not to do the meal plan because of the age of our children (5 and 8 at the time) - ie. That we wouldn't get good value because the allowance you get is for adult portions, but we found it a bit of a bind having to book and choose where to eat every day. By not being on the Disney meal plan also meant we didn't feel limited to only eating in Disney restaurants. We did sign up for a few character dining experiences but you're looking at around £200 for 4 people each time, and not £60 as a PP said. Worth doing though for guaranteeing the children get some Disney character time.

Overall, super pricey - we don't regret it but of we did it again we wouldn't go in August because we couldn't cope with the heat and humidity.

I don't like theme parks so first time I went thought I'd hate it. However there is plenty to do, and not all of it in the parks.

We've always eaten in breakfast in our room, because I can't often be bother eating in the hotel. I'm looking forward to a kitchen as we can just go to Walmart, then cook something easy, eat on the balcony and chill out out in the evenings.

I couldn't do what one lot of our friends do, which is get up and get to the parks for opening, come back at 5pm, shower, eat out and then go back to the parks till midnight.

I like a base that's comfy with a nice pool and time to recover.

But yes, Disney is only worth it it if it's your sort of holiday.

No I don't think so. We went a couple of years ago and I'm going to be shot here but we found it really boring. We got totally fed up of eating rubbish food and going round theme parks and that was eating in places we were told were good. We loved Florida though, fabulous state and there's so much more than Orlando

The thing is most people on here are saying it is worth it because it is their kind of holiday

Its one of a variety of holidays I enjoy. Last September it was Whale Watching in Alaska. Last May it was a History of Art Cruise around the Med. This May it was 3 weeks of Art and Archeology in Italy. In July it was sightseeing in Scotland. This August its a 4 day Salsa course in Miami followed by a one week cruise to the Caribbean before going to Disney.

I'm glad we went, but I really don't understand why people go back again and again

Because we enjoy it. Its our second childhood. Its lovely and I love having the life scared out of me on the rides with my brother even though Im 58 and he's 55. I also enjoy looking at the extent of creativity. Im in awe of the people who are talented enough to come up with the ideas and the designs - especially the smallest of detail that just make it all magical.

We went with Virgin, who I can highly recommend Sometimes I fly a local airline to the UK and meet up with my brother and his wife in Gatwick We then go BA to Orlando. On other occasions I fly Qatar Airlines non stop to Miami before making my way to Orlando.. Its a good journey.

We did sign up for a few character dining experiences but you're looking at around £200 for 4 people each time

I love the Cinderella character dinner and it was almost 8 months after my first character dinner that I realised Prince Charming was only ever going to say he loved my perfume. I would even say to people - I can't recall the name but Prince Charming said its lovely.

We got totally fed up of eating rubbish food and going round theme parks and that was eating in places we were told were good

We self cater because we like to eat nice meals and even so called high end fast food is nor for us, its our age, though we do eat our every evening.

We loved Florida though, fabulous state and there's so much more than Orlando

I only go for Disney.

We had a brilliant trip to California pre DS, oh to be young again. I wouldn't take him until he's at least eight I think, the flight alone is just too much to reckon with.

When we went, I have a vague memory of it costing about forty dollars a day, and cheaper if you picked up a voucher leaflet from all the petrol stations. This was about fifteen years ago mind.

If we do go, I can't see us doing more than maybe two days in the actual theme park. I remember being exhausted by it then, innocent childfree twenty something that I was. I'd do other California stuff and probably only stay ten nights max anyway.

Six grand!?

Six grand is a conservative estimate for 2 weeks words based on flights, park tickets, accommodation and food.

However to put it in context going away within Europe flying in the school holidays our latest holiday cost us around £3k and that's booking budget airline flights, staying in a shared villa, hiring a modest car, going to see a number of attractions and eating out quite frequently.

It was a nice holiday and we enjoyed it but DS still talks about Florida and Disney/Universal that we visited 3 years ago, whereas this most recent holiday will merge pretty fast into the other villa/beach holidays we've been on.

Disclaimer - before I get thrown to the dogs, I do appreciate holidays can be done more cheaply - this one was a bit more pricey as we were sharing with friends so I couldn't buy flights as soon as they came out and villa was pricier than say an apartment. I know that DS is extremely fortunate to go on any holidays at all.

We shall have to agree to disagree OhDearMe. Much as I enjoyed our Florida holiday it isn't one I want to repeat.

Its all about the kids though so in many ways, it'll not be a relaxing experience I've no doubt but they will love it

I believe the dolphins are in the sea world parks in orlando and san diego. Over sixty bottle nosed dolphins have died in the past ten years in sea world parks.
They are often caught in the wild as infants and made to live in concrete tanks and perform for visitors.
They suffer stress and anxiety and these extremley intelligent creatures are crushed in spirit and loose the will to live.
Others have died whilst performing dangerous and unnatural tricks. Please dont give custom to these places or do any of the swim with dolphins shows.
I believe most educated decent peoole would not give custom to mistreatment of animals anyway.
With lack of custom hopefully these places will shut down.....

I agree with the recommendations for the Dibb. dixie has a fantastic trip report on how to spend under $100 a day (I'm mostly a lurker but she's famous on the Dibb). Some people spend crazy money but you don't have to do everything.
My biggest tip is not to buy too many different tickets, as it's just too much to fit in plus a huge expense. We did all 4 Disney parks plus Universal on our first trip which was only a week. We were exhausted and needed a break when we got home!

Yes it is worth it. All holidays cost money and aren't necessary. We have been several times and are going again this year. The Disney parks are fab , but have never gone back to SeaWorld I found it upsetting the first time we went watching a Polar Bear pacing in it's cage. Horrid. We've done lots of other holidays too including other places in Florida.
I would go again but I think DH is Disneyed out and DS going on holiday with mates next year.

NICKNAMEUSED I agree, I'm delighted that we've ticked the Disney box and don't have to do it again. My kids have never mentioned it again since we got back. When we ask them the highlight of that holiday they always talk about Segway rides we did in another part of Florida.

I took my dd for New Year 07 into 08, and to be honest. I can't even remember how much it cost.
One thing I do remember though. Is how rude the staff were dd wanted an autograph and he/she just saved their hand and walked off. But what can you do. You have the audacity to speak your mind. You're being threatening. .
So don't believe those bull shit pictures.
Of Smiling Princess and gleeful children because IOE. It just wasn't so. However, on the whole dd loved it, so that's the main thing I guess.

We went this year may half term, 2 adults & 2 children, off site hotel & car was £2400. Park tickets on top of that

Went in August last time, same but we had a villa and park tickets included £4K

I only took about £1k spending this time but I did buy lots of trainers & clothes on credit card

You have to shop around.

Ps am lone parent and have driven out there twice now.
It's so much more pleasant than driving in the uk and if you get lost people are really helpful

I can't believe some people spend £10k on going to Florida do you stay in the Polynesian or similar for that?? That's crazy money

Think it depends when you go.

August, is busy, queues for rides are long and you can spend a whole day for just a few. Its hot and the water parks are good, but again busy! Performances are good in general but the parade isn't all that.

Butlins for people with more money than sense was one view I came away with lol.

I actually found August (last 2 weeks) much more pleasant than may.
Weather was the same
Parks much quieter in August

Really? It was heaving and hot when we were there! Loads of US families are there at that time!