5 Tips for Millennial Parents Planning Their First Trip to Disney
Written by
Cynthia Measom
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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A trip to Disney, often considered the ultimate family vacation, can be staggeringly expensive. General admission tickets for the whole family can add up quickly and may not feel within reach for parents who are already juggling the cost of everyday expenses, according to Jack Howard, head of money wellness at Ally Bank.
Here are some helpful tips for millennial parents (or anyone) who are struggling to afford a first trip to Disney.
Also see how much a middle-class family should spend at Disney.
Start With Setting Your Intention
When planning a trip this expensive, take the time to set some financial and emotional guardrails, Howard suggested.
She explained that your family should discuss what matters most for the trip and what will bring the “highest return on joy,” which means that you should evaluate any spending you’re planning on the true happiness you’ll derive from it.
“This step can help prevent impulsive purchases and make room for ‘value-based spending,’ which prioritizes what’s going to be most fulfilling,” Howard said. “So ask yourself: What matters most for this Disney trip — is it feeling the thrill of roller coasters? Seeing your kids dine with their favorite movie characters? This mindset will help avoid overspending and instead create lasting memories.”
Use Budgeting Tools Early and Often
Daily expenses can edge out saving consistently for a Disney trip.
Howard recommended exploring budgeting apps or tools to make the process easier, such as Ally savings buckets, which allow you to visually monitor your progress and keep you motivated with alerts, reminders and auto transfers.
Map Out Known and Unknown Costs
Known costs are travel, accommodations and admission tickets. But Howard said you should also factor in an estimated budget for meals, souvenirs, cash for tips, and park add-ons or upgrades.
She also pointed out that being realistic and committed to a spending cap will make it easier to stick to your vacation budget.
Work In a Guilt-Free Spending Buffer
Howard said that, for many families, a Disney trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and suggested putting aside some extra funds for spontaneous purchases that can make the trip more magical.
“Maybe it’s purchasing the Disney park photograph that captured your family having a blast on a ride or matching hoodies from the gift shop,” she said. “Financial responsibility doesn’t always mean saying ‘no’ to everything; budgeting for fun is part of financial wellness too.”
Leave Any Money Stress at the Door
Once you’ve hit your savings goal and locked in a realistic budget, pause and take a breath, Howard said. She explained that a well-planned trip can go a long way in easing any financial stress you might have.
However, if you tend to struggle with financial anxiety, she recommended considering free financial wellness resources, like Ally’s Money Roots program. She said that the program can lighten your mental load and equip you with better money habits before your trip, which will allow you to be more present and make the most of an unforgettable trip with your family.
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