4 Things Retirees Can’t Afford at Disney

Disney is one of the most magical corporations, but for some, it can be a bit out of their price range to get in on all of the fun. That includes retirees on a fixed income.

Contents

Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Membership Disney’s Deluxe Dining Plan Private After Hour Events Limited Artwork and Jewelry

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Here are four things retirees can’t afford at Disney, as well as some alternatives that could better fit their spending limits.

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Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Membership

Having top-tier access to Disney resorts sounds like a dream come true, though for retirees the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Membership could cost them more in the long run.

“While the idea of having access to deluxe Disney resorts might be appealing, this timeshare program comes with an initial buy-in cost averaging $25,000, not to mention annual maintenance fees that start around $2,000 and increase each year,” stated Katherine Read, the senior financial writer of SovereignBoss.

Retirees can see a strain on their finances due to the long-term financial commitment of the DVC. Instead, Read recommended renting points from existing DVC members through brokers like David’s Vacation Club Rentals.

“This will allow retirees to enjoy the same luxury resorts at about half the cost, without the large upfront payment or long-term financial obligation that comes with owning a timeshare,” noted Read.

Disney’s Deluxe Dining Plan

Priced at over $100 per person per day, these prepaid meal plans lock guests into expensive table-service restaurants and often include more food than most people can reasonably eat, according to Read.

“In fact, many retirees find they don’t need three large meals and snacks each day,” stated Read, pointing out that a more cost-effective way to eat at Disney is buying discounted gift cards through retailers like Target or Sam’s Club, which offer savings of 5-10% on food costs.

“This allows retirees to enjoy the same luxury resorts at about half the cost, without the large upfront payment or long-term financial obligation that comes with owning a timeshare,” Read added.

Private After Hour Events

Getting the VIP invite to an after hours event sounds like a fun, exclusive time, only these parties and get-togethers tend to be unaffordable for most retirees.

Read explained that these hard-ticket events are priced at $250+ per person and promise lower crowds but typically run late into the night, which may not align with retirees’ schedules or energy levels.

“Retirees should instead visit the park during regular hours on low-crowd days, typically Tuesday through Thursday during non-holiday periods,” Read went on to say. “To further minimize wait times and make the most of their visit, retirees can use Disney’s Genie+ service, which costs $25-$35 per day. This allows them to enjoy the park without the late-night hours or the premium cost of the after-hours events.”

Limited Artwork and Jewelry

In Read’s professional estimation, Disney collectibles carry price tags that can span the price range of $500 to $10,000 and rarely retain their value as investments

“While they may seem like a unique way to commemorate a Disney trip, they are typically not a good financial choice for retirees because their resale value tends to be much lower than the original price, meaning retirees may not recoup their investment down the line,” Read commented.

Read encouraged retirees to take advantage of Disney’s artist signing events, which offer affordable original sketches, or participating in the Disney Pin Trading program.

“These options provide an engaging, lower-cost way to collect Disney memorabilia without the financial risk of purchasing premium collectibles,” Read described.

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