As the holiday season approaches, families across the country are beginning to plan their winter vacations, and for many, the enchanting realm of Disney remains a top choice. Now, the Orlando International Airport has given out a signal to tourists that if they expect to come over the holidays, that crowds will be more chaotic than ever before.
With its festive decorations, themed events, and unparalleled magic, Disney during Christmas is truly a sight to behold. But, as ticket prices continue to rise, the question arises: why do so many families still flock to the parks, even if it means incurring debt?
Christmas at Disney: A Spectacle of Joy
Visiting Disney during the Christmas holidays transforms the parks into a winter wonderland. Guests can experience the famed Candlelight Processional at EPCOT, a beautiful retelling of the Christmas story with a celebrity narrator. Magic Kingdom dazzles with its Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, featuring special parades, fireworks, and holiday-themed attractions. The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays offers culinary delights from around the world, showcasing seasonal treats and cultural traditions.
Guests can also delight in stunning decorations, such as the iconic Christmas tree at Disney Springs, and meet beloved characters dressed in festive attire. Plus, holiday-themed attractions like It’s a Small World Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday provide a unique spin on classic rides, making this a memorable time to visit.
The Financial Reality of a Disney Vacation
Despite the allure of the parks, the financial burden of a Disney trip is a growing concern for many families. A recent study by LendingTree revealed that 45% of parents with children under 18 took on debt to fund their Disney vacations, with the average amount of debt reaching nearly $2,000. This marks a significant increase from previous years, highlighting a troubling trend: while families are still enthusiastic about visiting Disney, many feel pressured to finance the experience.
Interestingly, the survey showed that despite the debt incurred, 59% of parents expressed no regrets about their decision. They view the memories created at Disney as priceless. The experience of seeing their children’s faces light up in front of Cinderella Castle or meeting their favorite characters makes the financial strain seem worth it.
Why the Demand Remains High
Even with rising prices and many guests leaving with debt, the demand for Disney vacations shows no signs of slowing down. The nostalgia associated with Disney trips creates a deep emotional connection for parents who want to share the same experiences with their children that they enjoyed in their youth. Furthermore, the growing costs of Disney vacations haven’t deterred many from visiting; in fact, studies indicate that about 24% of all Disney visitors took on some form of debt for their trips.
LendingTree’s Chief Credit Analyst, Matt Schulz, articulated that for many parents, the allure of Disney is so compelling that they are willing to go into debt to create those unforgettable memories. He refers to this type of spending as “good debt,” suggesting that the experiences gained from a trip can be a worthwhile investment in family happiness.
The holiday season at Disney is a magical time filled with joy, wonder, and cherished memories. While the financial challenges cannot be overlooked, the desire to share the Disney experience with loved ones remains strong. As families prepare for their Christmas adventures at the parks, they are reminded that the magic of Disney is more than just a vacation; it’s about creating lasting memories that can be treasured for a lifetime.
Orlando Internation Airport Issues Crowd Warning
The Orlando Business Journal has reported a range of new flights that will enhance connectivity to Orlando. Here’s a detailed list of routes that travelers can look forward to:
November
- Air Transat: Quebec City, Quebec (November 1st – April 25th)
- Spirit Airlines:
- Cleveland
- Milwaukee
- Salt Lake City
- St. Louis
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Richmond, Virginia (All starting November 9th)
- Bahamasair: Freeport, Bahamas (November 18th – January 2nd)
- Frontier Airlines:
- Cancun, Mexico (November 21st)
- Seasonal service to LaGuardia, New York (November 5th)
- Columbus, Ohio and Milwaukee (November 22nd)
- Silver Airways: Marsh Harbour, Bahamas (November 23rd – January 4th)
- Southwest Airlines:
- Chicago O’Hare (November 9th – January 5th)
- Seasonal service from Sacramento and Salt Lake City (November 23rd – November 30th)
December
- Air Transat: Halifax, Nova Scotia (December 17th – May 11th)
- Spirit Airlines:
- Cartagena, Colombia (December 5th)
- Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (December 19th – January 7th)
- Latam Airlines: Santiago, Chile (December 5th – March 27th)
- WestJet:
- Regina, Saskatchewan (December 6th – April 25th)
- Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (December 13th – April 25th)
- Frontier Airlines:
- Omaha, Nebraska (December 3rd)
- Norfolk, Virginia (December 4th)
- William P. Hobby Airport, Houston and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (December 6th)
- Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (December 13th)
- Des Moines, Iowa (December 18th)
- Seasonal service to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (December 21st – January 7th)
- Sun Country Airlines: Milwaukee (December 12th – January 15th)
- Southwest Airlines: Seasonal service to Sacramento and Salt Lake City (December 21st – January 4th)
- Avianca:
- Medellin, Colombia (December 2nd – January 31st)
- San Salvador, El Salvador (December 1st – January 31st)
January
- Delta Air Lines: Seasonal service to Las Vegas (January 5th – 10th)
- Silver Airways: Service to Fort Lauderdale (January 6th – March 6th)
- Southwest Airlines: Service to Detroit (January 11th)
February
- Frontier Airlines: Service to Phoenix (February 13th)
- Southwest Airlines:
- Sacramento and Tulsa, Oklahoma (February 15th)
- Seasonal service to Salt Lake City, Boston, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Portland, Maine (February 15th)
March
- Southwest Airlines: Seasonal service to Long Beach, California (March 8th – April 5th)
- Silver Airways: Marsh Harbour, Bahamas (March 8th)
April
- Southwest Airlines:
- Chicago O’Hare (April 8th)
- Seasonal service to Portland, Maine (April 12th – 26th)
- Virgin Atlantic: Edinburgh, Scotland (April 2nd)
June & July
- Latam Airlines: Santiago, Chile (June 1st)
- Avianca:
- San Salvador, El Salvador (July 7th)
- Medellin, Colombia (July 9th)
For those considering a Disney trip this holiday season, be prepared to embrace the magic while also managing the costs. After all, the memories you make at the Most Magical Place on Earth might just be worth every penny—and every moment of holiday magic.
Will this new airport regulation route change make you rethink your upcoming Disney vacation?
