https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 09 Apr 2026 07:49:11 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-864122 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:16:16 +0000 artsyfartsy 864122@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We love DW. We always try and time it out to go on a slow week. Prices are lower and crowds are much lower. Try the first or second week of december. The christmas decorations are already up, weather is comfortable, and crowds are almost as low as they'll get!<br /> Yes it's expensive but I think you get what you pay for. Even staying in the hotel is an experience!</p> <p>I even think its not that expensive when you look at it. You pay for your hotel, tickets, and meals (sometimes) all together, making it seem more. When you vacation somewhere else you usually pay for it all separately. It actually comes close in cost...we added it up once.</p> <p>It depends if you're a disney person or not. The higher expense is worth our vacation experience to us!</p> <p>We don't live close so we aren't planning on taking LO until he/she is old enough to appreciate it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-864032 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:28:44 +0000 Mrs D 864032@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love Disney World (never been to Disney Land so cant comment there). DH and I both went multiple times as children (and each a few more times as teens/adults) and love it. We have been once together and really it wasn't that bad. As others mentioned, we stayed at budget hotels ($90/night for the All Star ones), got the meal plan, brought snacks and got the most bang for our buck we could.</p> <p>We have discussed that we will not go as a family until LO is at least 3. We'll also plan to go before LO#2 is of the age of paying a ticket price. Then we'll wait to go a second time until #2 is 3 or 4.</p> <p>As others mentioned - I think if you just go on the site and price out a package you are basically paying FULL retail and yes it feels insultingly expensive. Do some research, go at the right time and know what you want to do before you go to make the most of it. </p> <p>DH and I will likely make a week off work of it and go to his families place in Naples then drive up to DW on Sunday (as someone else mentioned avoiding the weekends is a plus) and spend Sun-Fri at the grounds. We're fans of the meal plan and the hopper pass too!</p> <p>I also agree with others that the details and service at disney are second to none! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863994 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:14:20 +0000 sarac 863994@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yeah, I seriously have no idea. If my daughter grows up and asks for it, then we'd consider it. If my husband ever gets sent there on business or something, maybe we'd tag along. But we just went along on a business trip to New Orleans, and we managed to have a ton of fun, even in such a child unfriendly city. I can't imagine paying a ton of money at a theme park when we could just go explore a cool city. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863967 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:02:10 +0000 T.H.O.U. 863967@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We live within driving distance so the only real expense for us is gas and ticket price. We recently went to Disney World and got 3 day adult passes for $125. So DH and I spent $250 and LO was free. You can bring your own food in and they give away free water and ice. For three days at the parks I feel we really got our money's worth. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863947 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:52:15 +0000 Smurfette 863947@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is why we won't take R till she is older to appreciate it. Even if we went she is younger and free, under 2, I think, DH and I would have fun but I would rather wait till she is older and will remember it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863945 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:51:15 +0000 Charm54 863945@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I loooveee Disney! My family and I used to make the 32 hour road trip every year (4 kids in a minivan..that was fun!!) and I have the best family memories.</p> <p>I went this past summer with my sister and best friends and we had a blast as adults. We saved money by staying on site so we didn't need a rental car, eating breakfast in our room, and taking advantage of the extra hours for on-resort guests at theme parks. We got our tickets from undercovertourist.com - they are an authorized ticket seller and they sell at a slight discount. Still expensive though!</p> <p>It IS expensive, but to me it is the happiest place on earth and feels like home so totally worth it. I can't wait to take LO! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863923 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:36:16 +0000 lawbee11 863923@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't get it either...too expensive! We are planning to take LO there once just to say we did and so she can experience it, but you better believe we aren't taking her until she is old enough to remember it! I am not spending all that money just so she won't remember it when she's older! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863915 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:20:48 +0000 StrawberryBee 863915@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love Disney. I honestly don't think prices are that bad for what you get? For instance, if you sign up with Mousesavers you will get a link to a site where you can get a 5 day base ticket for $260; that's $52/day. You can get it down as low as $38/day if you stay longer. This seems comparable to me to Busch Gardens/Universal/etc. </p> <p>I think you can get a room at one of the value resorts for as low as $85/day. And of course, if you choose to stay off property there are tons of other options.</p> <p>Perhaps the difference is Disney World vs. Disney Land? I prefer the World (in FL); they have much more land to expand there than in CA. And if you time and plan things right, you can avoid the majority of the crowds and hot crazy summer weather.</p> <p>I've already started buying tickets one-sy/two-sy for when LO is old enough to go ;). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863866 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:48:01 +0000 Katrocap 863866@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Like @bananapancakes, I grew up close to Disney World (2.5 hours away), so a love for the place is ingrained in me. But as an adult, I balk at the prices. It is TOO expensive. Yes, the place is detailed-oriented and the service is great, but even with Fast Passes and everything timed perfectly, you sometimes only end up going on a handful of rides in a day.</p> <p>However, the Magic Kingdom at night is pretty amazing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863842 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:33:21 +0000 SugarplumsMom 863842@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just commented on the other other Disney thread and although I'm not so into Disney gear, I LOVE Disneyland! DH and I can't wait to take DD there. </p> <p>I was pretty shocked to see the prices though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863840 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:32:31 +0000 mrskc 863840@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BananaPancakes: I grew up 3 hours away from Disneyland and took many trips there as a kid. Some very fond memories for me, which is why I think I love Disney so much. </p> <p>@yoursilverlining: DH and I LOVE the corn dogs!</p> <p>As far as savings... I've seen 20% discounts sent to us if we use our Discover card. My friend has a Chase disney card that I think you save a certain % at Disney when you use it. I don't think it's a credit card.. I think it's just her debit card. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863826 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:26:23 +0000 sorrycharlie 863826@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@swedishfish: haha same! I hate laying on the beach.</p> <p>I am totally aware that I am going to sound like a Disney snob but....if you don't go with a plan, you won't necessarily love it. If you go knowing what to do - whether you've been before or read a few websites for tips - it's awesome. You have to plan out by ride wait times, fast passes, any meal reservations you have, etc. Take advantage of extra magic hours, nap times, show times, etc. Wait for a promotion - free dining plan, 30-40% off resort/package pricing, off-season, during the week as opposed to weekend. Friday and Saturday nights at the resort properties are usually more expensive. Take advantage of the Magical Express from the airport if you're staying on property and save rental car money.</p> <p>Yes, it can be expensive. But I think it's worth it - there's so much to do, the atmosphere is just fun, and I agree with @yoursilverlining that the details are incredible. </p> <p>I would recommend - </p> <p><a href="http://www.allears.net" rel="nofollow">http://www.allears.net</a><br /> <a href="http://www.mousesavers.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.mousesavers.com</a><br /> <a href="http://www.themagicforless.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.themagicforless.com</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863822 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:25:17 +0000 MrsTal 863822@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@swedishfish: is right, it's not for everyone. I'm with you I find beach vacations boring.</p> <p>My family are Disney fanatics. I've been 20+ times and keep going back for more. It is expensive but you have to look for deals. DH and I like to go in the off season to avoid crowds and look for major deals. We stay on property so of we can get usually get 30% off our room or free dining, which helps a lot. I love always having something to do, the great customer service, the shows, festivals and activities. If we stay on property we don't need a car and if we get free dining its almost like an all inclusive. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863817 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:21:40 +0000 yoursilverlining 863817@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think its crazy expensive, but Disney is also top-of-the-line when it comes to details, which I LOVE. The fake dust and cobwebs hanging around the haunted mansion, all the trees that are grown and pruned to look specific ways, the ruins around the Indiana Jones ride, watching Pirates of the Caribbean from inside at the Blue Bayou, etc. I love all that kind stuff!</p> <p>They also have the best corndogs! lol</p> <p>I don't think the lines are bad if you get there when the park opens, or you use a combination of fastpasses and a line-timer app. </p> <p>We're taking LO for the first time in August; I don't expect to really get our moneys worth, but I find that to be true for a lot of activities with kids! (We also have a friend/family buy everyone's tickets who gets a CA resident discount, which helps a tiny bit). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863797 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:11:39 +0000 swedishfish 863797@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BananaPancakes: I agree! Disney is so much fun! I've been over 20 times and I can't wait until this baby is old enough to visit. DH and I went in February for our pre-baby vacation and had a blast. I was upset I couldn't have my usual glass of champagne wandering around EPCOT though ;-)</p> <p>ETA - it's not for everyone. Some people love beach vacations and those make me want to poke my eyes out, ha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863794 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:10:51 +0000 MsMamaBear 863794@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsH: Now, that makes me REALLY want to go, drink around the world! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863792 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:09:09 +0000 BananaPancakes 863792@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You people are crazy; Disney is the happiest place on earth! :)</p> <p>But really, I grew up 1.5 hours away and love for Disney is just ingrained in me. I can't say I would have any interest if I didn't live so close and it wasn't such a huge part of my childhood. But it makes me giddy to even think about going. Except in summer. Those people are crazy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863779 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:04:08 +0000 MrsKoala 863779@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't get it either! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863777 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:02:30 +0000 Navy_Mommy 863777@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would never even consider going if we couldn't get the military prices (which are SIGNIFICANTLY less). I don't get it, honestly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863765 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:54:26 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 863765@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@highwire: and that's why we still haven't bit the bullet and purchased any passes even though we live 15 minutes away! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863764 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:53:43 +0000 Mrs. Twine 863764@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm in the camp of not getting it. I went with family and Ellie right before I got pregnant with Lorelei. Ellie was 4. She was terrifed of and hated lots of it. The things she liked were things like stage shows-- we can go to excellent ones for much cheaper LOTS closer to home. Many of the things she loved most were things we can do here (playing in water features, looking at animals, playgrounds, the pool). My favorite was riding the bus back to the airport. I'm pretty sure that someone had scripted the conversations because every set of caregivers was asking, "so, what was your favorite thing about Disney?" And, to a child, every child answered either, "the pool!" or "the gift shop!" Yeah-- that's a whole chunk of change to pay for a pool and/or gift shop. Plus it's crowded (no thanks), there are long lines... I can just think of about a million things that would be a better time all around. But I know that there are lots of people who love it (including myself when I was little) so maybe I'm just nuts. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863755 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:46:18 +0000 MrsH 863755@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We went to Epcot and drank around the world last year. Was it expensive? Yes. Was it the best day of my vacation? Yes! Would I drop the cash to do it again. Absolutely!</p> <p>Eta: no kids at that point. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863754 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:46:06 +0000 .twist. 863754@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>soooo, I just had to go take a peek at the prices. Um, what exactly does a 3 year old get out of disneyland that is worth $86.00 for a day pass alone!???? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863753 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:45:29 +0000 Mrs. Yoyo 863753@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@highwire: haha I know a lot of Disney devotees swear up and down that it's worth it, but I am in the camp of putting that significant chunk of change toward something else! Especially when your LO is too young to appreciate it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863746 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:40:59 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 863746@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@highwire: lol! I was just there at the end of April, and to be honest.. It was a lot of money for what you get! The lines were SO long, and the rides seemed so lame!! I remember liking them when I was young and we went a couple times. It was a fun trip, but I feel like I don't ever need to go back again until we have kids and they are like.. older than whining age. When is that? Never? haha </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-help-me-understand#post-863731 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:30:43 +0000 DillonLion 863731@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How can it be so expensive? I just can't even wrap my mind around the concept of paying so much money for a theme park. </p> <p>I've been a few times when I was younger and had no idea how much people were charging my loved ones for taking me there. I was last there when I was 16 so I have a pretty vivid memory of the parks, and can't say that it is remotely worth the ticket prices I'm seeing online. </p> <p>Is there a way to get deal on tickets that I don't know about? Do people just suck it up and pay the big bucks to go there? I am appalled at this whole situation LOL </p>