I guess we’re never taking the family on a Trip to Disney. That was my reaction to reading about the recent increase in ticket prices for the theme park.  It’s not like we had set plans to visit Disney any time soon, but it just seems like something that should be a part of every childhood. Why is that? And where will go on vacation, instead of Disney?

Disney announced increased prices for all admission tickets this month.  The cost of a regular, adult (10 + years old) ticket is now $129.  That’s for one park, for one day.  Apparently, I’m not the only one who was rather disappointed by this news.

How Many Families Can Actually Afford A Trip To Disney?

Walt Disney has been quoted as saying, “We believed in our idea – a family park where parents and children could have fun- together.”   The park was supposed to be a place for all families to enjoy.  Now, it’s turning into an elitist rite of passage.  When you consider the cost of travel, admission tickets, parking, and food . . . the cost is prohibitive for many, many families.  It’s simply not an option.

Yet, we somehow expect that all kids should get to visit Disney at least once during their childhood.  I have been there twice.  Mr. Smith has never been there.  I remember my own surprise when he told me about never visiting Mickey down in sunny Florida.  I felt a sort of pity for him, for being short-changed as a child and missing out on some fundamental experience.  Of course, that was before I started to think for myself when it came to money and priorities.

Is The Cost Of Disney Even Worth It?

For the families that can actually afford the costs of a trip to Disney, I have to wonder, is it even worth it?  According to this chart, most rides are ten minutes or less.  While there are plenty of tips on maximizing your time in the park, on average, you’re able to go on eight to ten rides.  Ten rides, at ten minutes each, equates to one hour and forty minutes spent on rides.  You’re paying over one hundred dollars, and standing in lines all day, for less than two hours of actually enjoying rides (and that’s not including all of the other costs).

I realize that Disney is supposed to be about more than just the rides.  There are costumed characters interacting with the kids and the park is designed to have an immersive, magical atmosphere.  Yet, it’s all based on movies and make-believe.  There is a whole world beyond the 142 acres of the Magic Kingdom, and it is filled with real-life captivating sights and experiences.

Where To Go On A Family Vacation, Instead Of Disney?

Instead of Disney, we’re planning a visit to Washington, D.C. this spring.  We will head there in our bus and rent a small apartment through AirBnB.  This trip was being planned before any announcement regarding ticket prices, but it’s a great example of a different option.  An option that is less expensive, more educational, and hopefully won’t involve much time spent waiting in lines.  The museums and monuments in D.C. are mostly free of charge.  Admission to the zoo is even free!  Our biggest expenses will be travel, lodging, and food.  We are also planning another frugal trip to Maine again this summer.

I do worry about the memories our kids are creating of childhood.  Sure, we could use the credit cards to book a trip to Disney, amassing thousands in debt, and they would probably have a good time.  But what about five years from now?  We hope to be semi-retired in the near future, so we can go on all sorts of adventures with our children.  If we start spending money on things like expensive day passes to theme parks, then we would have to continue working full-time jobs longer, and miss out on spending time together with our children . . . now, before they become grown ups.

Life is all about making choices, and deciding not to go to Disney feels like the right choice for our family.