For some, the Disney parks are some of the most magical places on earth. Unfortunately, the price tag to get it on the fun can be steep, especially for those on a strict budget or fixed income. If you are a retiree and also a full-fledged Disney adult, there are a few impulse purchases you’ll want to edit off your wish-upon-a-star list before your visit.
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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.
Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Membership
While a Lightning Lane multi-pass and top-tier access to Disney resorts sounds like a dream come true, for retirees, the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Membership could cost more in the long run. Even Mickey Mouse in “Mickey and the Beanstalk” and “The Prince and the Pauper” knew the importance of sticking to a budget.
“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,” shared Katherine Read, the senior financial writer of SovereignBoss.
Retirees could 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,” said Read.
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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. She pointed 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.
Private After-Hour Events
Getting the VIP invite to an after-hours event sounds like a fun, exclusive time, but these parties and get-togethers tend to be unaffordable for most retirees. As Read explained, these hard-ticket events are priced at $250+ per person. They promise lower crowds but typically run late into the night, which may not align with retirees’ schedules or energy levels. Better stick to early-bird specials than late-night financial shocks.
“Retirees should instead visit the park during regular hours on low-crowd days, typically Tuesday through Thursday during non-holiday periods,” said Read. “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 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,” said Read.
Instead, Read encouraged retirees to participate in the Disney Pin Trading program and to take advantage of Disney’s artist signing events, which offer affordable original sketches.
She said, “These options provide an engaging, lower-cost way to collect Disney memorabilia without the financial risk of purchasing premium collectibles.”
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Things Retirees Can’t Afford at Disney
