Skip to Content

How Many People Go into Debt for A Disney Vacation

How Many People Go into Debt for A Disney Vacation


For a stress-free Disney or Universal Studios vacation, let the FREE expert planners at Royal Carriage Vacations take care of every detail including dining reservations, applying discounts, and onboard cruise credit.


Would you go into debt just to take a Walt Disney World vacation? One Study shows that some people actually go into debt to make the magic happen.

Disney World Price Increases

Credit: KtP

It is no secret that a trip to Walt Disney World is expensive. In fact, it has only gotten more expensive in recent memory.

In early December, we saw a ticket pricing increase. Prior to that, Genie+ services, the paid system that replaced the once complimentary FastPass+ system, also moved from a fixed daily price to a pricing system that fluctuates with crowds. Pricing hit an all-time high with the holiday season. Even Minnie Ear Headbands increased in price.

Credit: Disney

Needless to say, it is more expensive to visit Walt Disney World now than ever. By the time families book hotel accommodations, arrange air travel (if needed), purchase theme park admission, and pay for meals, the price tag has likely already gotten pretty hefty.

And that doesn’t even include extras like souvenirs and other premium experiences.

In Debt for Disney

Photo: D23.com

Certainly, you have to come up with a lot of money for a Walt Disney World vacation, but would you actually go into debt for Disney? A recent study from LendingTree shows that some people who experience the magic do indeed ultimately end up with some not-so-magical debt.

The study revealed that 18% of Disney goers have taken on debt in order to afford at least one of their Disney trips. Additionally, 5% reportedly went into debt multiple times for Disney vacations.

One study shows 18% of visitors go into debt for their Disney trips.

No Regrets

Credit: KtP

However, guests who have incurred debt to experience the magic have few regrets. In fact, 71% report that they do not regret a thing.

One factor for these Disney goers could be that they kept the debt incurred during vacation manageable. Of those who do take on debt, 80% have reported being able to pay off that debt within 6 months. This is great news since it does not seem the debt is crippling for those Guests.

Surprise Expenses

Credit: Monica

Disney goers who participated in the study were not completely surprised by the all vacation costs. However, there were a few factors that a large percentage of Guests found surprising.

For example, 46% of visitors in the study reported being shocked at how much food and beverage costs inside the Disney theme parks. You, dear readers, of course, will not be surprised since you follow along and stay up to date on price increases. Character Locator subscribers will also have the most up-to-date menu pricing available and at their fingertips so that they can research them while making their budgets.

Making a Disney Trip More Affordable

Credit: Monica

Of course, many of you follow along looking for ways to make your Walt Disney World vacation more affordable. It is possible to visit with discounted room rates, and we will cover discounts as they arise. You might even want to try to save money just by utilizing value accommodations or by staying off-property.

It is also easy to save money through the use of discounted Disney Gift Cards. You can read about where to find them all year round right here and follow along for discounts that drop throughout the year.

Credit: KatieP

Additionally, look for money-saving tips such as tricks for cooking in your hotel room. Finally, don’t forget that some things are still FREE at Walt Disney World.

Would you take on debt for your Walt Disney World Vacation? Let us know in the comments or join the conversation on Facebook.

Source: LendingTree

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Nana

Wednesday 28th of December 2022

Going into debt only adds to a person's stress.

Liz

Wednesday 28th of December 2022

Speak for yourself, @Linda. For some of us with stressful jobs, a vacation is definitely a necessity.

Sam

Wednesday 28th of December 2022

Yep sure did take on debt. I went and took my Mom. I don’t regret a thing. I used all the discounts I could. She’s passed now. I can’t go now due to health issues. I knew this day was coming but didn’t know it would come so soon. Glad we went while we could. Those memories are worth every penny.

KatieP

Friday 30th of December 2022

So glad you had a great trip! It sounds like you are in good company with many who decide to do the same.

Linda

Wednesday 28th of December 2022

We have never gone into debt for a vacation and we've gone to Disney World dozens of times, staying at all resort levels.. Vacations are a luxury, not a necessity

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.