Is A Long Disney Stay Expensive?

I was at the gym today talking with a friend. I explained how we were going on a 37 day trip this summer that included 32 days at Disney. He thought that sounded expensive. And he is right - it is expensive. But it might not be as expensive as you think. I decided to compare our trip budget to going to Disney for a week.

Going to Disney for a week would be 9 days: 4 driving and 5 at Disney. With the cheapest food plan, tickets, and staying at Riverside it would cost $4000 (not including the costs to drive there and back).

In comparison, our villa is $3000, renewing our annual pass is $2300, and food is budgeted $1200, for a total $6500.

For approximately 55% more money we get more than six times the Disney! The average cost per day staying the traditional way is $667. Our way, the average cost per day is $203. When considering we'll return in December to get more use out of the annual pass? It becomes an even better deal! And remember: many of these costs (like groceries) are costs you would have anyways whether on vacation or not.

I know this is very expensive and I am fortunate to have this time in my life where I can do this, and I am grateful. My point is: if you think about staying for a month based upon traditional Disney package costs it might seem more expensive than it really is.