We are going to begin by making something clear. We all wish a Disney vacation were cheaper. I don’t think many Disney fans would turn their back on a discount or more affordable price if it didn’t have any strings attached. Today’s Disney Debate topic is not a question of whether it is too expensive or if Disney is greedy and just wants too much money; it’s much simpler than that. Today, we are asking the do-or-die question of Disney fans, where ultimately, when all is said and done on internet forums, what is your bottom line: As it stands right now, is Disney worth it to you?
It’s a question of magic versus money, and in a society where costs are skyrocketing, there is an undeniable affordability mismatch between the things we used to enjoy and the increasing cost of following those dreams. However, there is something to be said for the need being higher as well. I don’t know about you, but before 2020, my life didn’t feel anywhere near as chaotic as it does now. Perhaps it is just the stage of life or parenthood that I am in, but it feels, at times, downright overwhelming. Where I was once spending time enjoying the research phase before vacation as a stress-relieving pastime, I now find myself clinging to it, more driven than ever to find the escape I need to shut off and reconnect with family. This leads me to the crux of my question. If the cost has increased, but so has not only demand but our personal need to have the joy of Disney in our lives, is there anyone out there who doesn’t think it is worth the cost?
I see a lot of complaining when it comes to Disney. Some are fair enough, calling out quality more than anything, and others, well, there is a level of entitlement for some (and most of you already know where I stand on that one). In the midst of all of it, I find myself taking note of one curious result of most opinions. People are still investing in a Disney vacation and choosing to go, even those with the most negative opinions, leading me to understand that, disappointment aside, Disney still does remain worth it, even for them. Just a few months ago, one fella sent me an admittedly well-constructed argument to the contrary of the point of my recent article; I couldn’t help but be left with one takeaway. No matter how disappointed he was, he was still actively returning. Which, to me, must mean that even though it isn’t what it is supposed to be, the majority of people would still spend the money and go if they could. Even though some have unfortunately been priced out of the Disney bubble, I get the impression that, given access to the money to cover it, they wouldn’t prefer to spend it elsewhere. They would still reinvest in Disney, making this whole kerfuffle a cash flow problem rather than a value problem.
I’m hoping you share your thoughts on this one with me, keeping that refinement of the question in mind. All changes and expenses aside, is Disney still a valuable vacation destination for your family, or is the magic no longer worth the money?
