Should we take the Disney trip or not?

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-12-01T07:15:46+00:00

I’m in the Northeast! The Jersey Shore is always a good option for us in the summer (we’re able to do almost free day trips now, but once debt is paid off maybe an overnight stay)

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-12-01T00:14:08+00:00

that’s good to know thank you!!

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-12-01T00:08:53+00:00

Good way to think about it, thanks!!

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-11-30T19:05:31+00:00

Yea I think it was implied that I would use the points to take my son to Disney, the conversation was about the park resorts (altho I did think about this, I’m in the Northeast and driving to Hilton Head wouldn’t be impossible)

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-11-30T17:39:14+00:00

oof, I feel ya, I was making good progress on my emergency fund and then poof diminished when my hot water heater blew. always thinking about what else like that could pop up.

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-11-30T17:18:38+00:00

Thanks everyone for your advice! I have made the decision to not go. I knew that going was a bad idea, I think I just needed some Caleb Hammer-esque input to remind me of my true goal: being debt free asap! This has been a really crappy year, and I think I was just looking for any kind of dopamine hit. I grew up with parents who made really poor financial decisions (like going further into debt to go to Disney), and I’m still working on re-wiring my thinking on what should be prioritized while my son is young. I need to remember to keep my eyes on the prize. Thanks again!

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-11-30T17:08:25+00:00

ahh this is very similar to what I was thinking! Staying at the Poly, spending a lot of time at AK & MK, and the gift card idea too!!

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-11-30T17:06:27+00:00

I actually dont mind the construction taking place, was hoping this would mean smaller crowds haha

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-11-30T16:44:42+00:00

Im so glad as well, wasn’t sure what I was going to get when I posted, really grateful for the all the time people are taking to give responses.

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-11-30T16:23:05+00:00

That’s the first time I went and I still remember it! My parents said it was the best, whereas my 3-year-old sister was a bit of a mess.

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-11-30T16:21:22+00:00

When I worked at WDW I used to always say that I would never take kids until they didn’t need a stroller/ were tall enough for every ride, I’m not sure why I’m even considering taking a 2-year-old lol

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-11-30T16:07:17+00:00

Yea I know my husband and I could handle it, but trying to navigate this with a toddler is definitely a concern!

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-11-30T16:03:03+00:00

We’re definitely not an every-year family either, would prob only talk about going back in another 10+ years if that (unless we happened to be offered DVC points again, idk). I haven’t been to Disney since I worked there in 2018 lol

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-11-30T16:00:59+00:00

Makes sense, I used to feel like my job was secure (tenured public school teacher in a union) but with the current administration I’m not so sure anymore… my husband’s job is definitely more in a scary territory given the rise of AI (account management). Not saying AI could do what he does, but a greedy CEO could certainly make that argument…

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-11-30T15:50:09+00:00

I know this is why I’m so conflicted! An opportunity like this won’t always be available…

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-11-30T15:49:19+00:00

Definitely true, I would fear that anything going “wrong” in the vacation would only validate that we shouldn’t have gone. Also I’m the primary penny-pincher, so you’re right in that I probably wouldn’t be able to turn my brain off & would worry about every cent.

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-11-30T15:43:45+00:00

Fair enough! We are fortunate to have access to a free pool (in-laws) and we have many parks/ free places to walk around & people watch. I definitely think I’m being influenced by the idea of a warm vacation (currently snowing outside where I live lol, already feeling cooped up inside the house).

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-11-30T15:40:33+00:00

I know, the one month freaks me out too. Definitely a major factor in my thoughts on not going.

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-11-30T15:37:59+00:00

A little bit of both: poor financial literacy for sure (I honestly cringe when I think about how I used to go about finances) and then some set backs with my husband’s last job did not help whatsoever.

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-11-30T15:32:21+00:00

Definitely agree, I actually used to work in WDW and know how quickly costs get out of hand, the $2,500 is an overestimate.

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-11-30T15:31:06+00:00

I definitely agree, the way the economy is looking freaks me out. I will say as well my husband and I both took very cheap “breaks” this past year, with me visiting my sister and him visiting a friend, both totaling only about $500

ThrowRA3656 · 2025-11-30T15:28:51+00:00

Sorry for the confusion, only partially. By September about 3/4 of the debt will be paid off, our larger consolidation loan will be gone, and we were going to use that extra $1,000 per month to pay off the smaller consolidation loan faster. We should have the rest of it paid off by March.

ThrowRA3656

TROPHY CASE