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Disney World in THIS economy?!?
At first, I almost felt guilty going to Walt Disney World — and writing about it — during the worst recession any of us has lived through.
When people are losing their jobs and wondering how they will provide for their families, is it appropriate to talk about spending money on extras like family vacations?
But after a bit of thought, I realized that because of the recession, it may be even more important for me to write about the Disney experience.
Why? Because people need jobs!
And Disney employs a LOT of people — approximately 62,000!
Throughout our time at Disney, I thought about the employees. Everyone worked so hard to make Disney a wonderful experience for their guests. Everyone seemed so thrilled to be a part of the Disney magic.
The hotel clerk, the waitress, the bus driver, the cast members dancing, flipping and singing, and everyone in between — they all desperately need and want their jobs. And if the people who still have their jobs panic and stop visiting Disney World, they will lose their jobs. And so the snowball grows.
I am not advocating spending money we don’t have. I am not recommending lavish luxuries we can’t afford.
But I am saying that for those who do still have jobs and family vacations are in their budget, maybe visiting Disney World is a good thing.
During a family vacation at Walt Disney World, not only are you having an incredible time with your children, you are helping the economy and helping those 62,000 workers keep their jobs!
If you would like a chance to win Four 1 Day Walt Disney World Park Hoppers, click over to my Disney World Review post to enter.
Updated to add: Yes, in case it wasn’t clear in this post, Disney did provide our family with passes to their parks and a stay in their hotel. As we state in our Disclosure Policy, we often receive free products and services when we are preparing a review or a giveaway for this site.
Disney is a fantastic supporter of the blogging community and they have had several bloggers review their parks.
You can read our disclosure policy at http://www.5minutesformom.com/disclosure/.
disneyland vacations says
Yes, I completely agree with you. By taking vacation, we can help the economy.
Andy says
Choose from a selection of great Disney vacation homes over at Zonder (http://www.zonder.com/Listings.aspx?loc=Disney+World).
Amy says
We’re supporting and going to Disney too at the end of April. We did do things to lower our cost (like take our daugther before she turns 3) and budgeting our trip. But we’re still going. So Yay! for Disney!
chris says
Your right, the Disney people need jobs too and they are taking a hit and laying people off. I do think they could stop being so greedy and lower thier prices too, maybe more people could afford to go. It is a hard subject.
Maria D. says
I think it’s really easy to gripe about anything and blame it on the economy. In my opinion it’s great you took that trip and anyone who has anything negative to say should just refrain from complaints. This world is too negative without someone else coming out and harping on something you do with your family. Disney was special for you and that should be more than enough. I think you should sings it’s praises if it brought you and your family special memories. You shoudl never be made to feel guilty for talking about your vacation. As for prices being too high; that is the way it is. We need to just accept it. I agree with Cheryl. It’s best to budget and be responsible about your spending. Once you do that your in great shape!
Cheryl says
There is a big difference between saving and planning for a trip to Disney vs putting the whole vacation on your credit card when you don’t have the money. Absolutely if you have the money saved you should continue with your family vacation as you planned. You can have a great vacation when you save and plan ahead for it. For instance smart shoppers purchase Cinderella dresses from my website before arriving at Disney. Or shop on ebay or garage sales and purchase Disney souviners to take with you and whip out when kids start begging for things. If you purchase these items at Disney you’ll pay alot more. The key is to spend wisely, not on vacations, but everything.
casual friday everyday says
We all need to realize the more we hold onto “extra” money, the more this economy fails. If we have the funds for a trip, then we need to take it and not worry what others think. Great post.
Nell
Courtney says
This was a great post! I do agree that disney should be responsible with their pricing and I believe they continue to improve with the special packages they offer. For one, they have resort options for a wide ranges of budgets!
I never knew they employee that many individuals! thanks for sharing that information.
Disney World Pictures says
I agree with you. If we are all paralized and don’t go about living our lives, things will get even worse.
Michelle Wyson says
I agree. My husband talks about how we need to spend to help the economy. When we don’t spend money, people lose their jobs and places go out of business.
Melanie Nelson says
My family is returning to WDW in May! I love WDW and can’t say enough about it.
FWIW, I don’t think you need to feel weird about discussing the fact that you’re going to DW during a recession. Good for you! Bottom line: I’m happy for anyone who gets to take a vacation with their family–whether it’s a “stay”-cation or a WDW extravaganza. Go! Have fun! Be guilt free!
Jennifer Valerie says
That is an excellent way to look at it. Thanks for sharing that perspective.
Tiffany says
Uh, well….I guess that point could be argued. But Disney could also do something about their ticket prices, making a trip there more affordable to the average American family with children. I mean, Cadillac employs many people too….but if I can’t afford a Cadillac, I can’t be too concerned for their jobs. You know?
It was a good move to offer free admission on your birthday this year. Since we’re within driving distance from Disney I thought that may be our chance to finally afford to go. Nope. It would still cost over $70 for the non-birthday guest. That’s more than I spend on groceries a week.
So although I’d hate to see ANYone lose their job……it’s not always up to the customer. The company who employs those people can step up too.