Arizona, that is for lodging only at a value resort.

There are still "deals" out there. We got a fairly good deal for our trip in September but that is value season and we are staying a a value hotel.

But heck, it is a kiddy vacation. DD6 and DD4 will be in heaven, and DH and I are investing in a good plastic flask! :)

Motor City Girl- www.thebeerbelly.com

They even have an ice pack for it!

I think the issue of whether you can go to Europe less expensively than WDW depends on the airfare you can get to Europe. I've had a couple of mid-March trips to Europe where the tickets cost in the low $600s each. But the fares I'm looking at this summer are more in the $1200 range.

I will tell you that the beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath apartment, with kitchen and terrace we are renting in Barcelona costs $275 per night (and that's with a terrible exchange rate). We have a "garden view" room (least expensive) at the Polynesian booked for November at $346.50 (AAA rate). Over 8 nights, the flat in Barcelona costs $522 less (for about 5 times the room).

It's apples and oranges to compare like that. I could do both for 1/2 of what others say they can and not been in any low end lodging. With airfares in the USA as they are in 2007, right now- Disney can be done MUCH cheaper than Europe re mid or large size family. They have many package deals that those who are "figuring" what Disney costs are not taking into consideration at all. I have also done Italy, for example, in Liguria and near Formia, very, very cheaply overall for elegant lodgings- so I do think re what country/ re what exchange rate- you can not say that Europe is cheaper. Not from Chicago, it isn't and never has been.

coco, I think I love you!

Amy, I agree w/ you that perhaps high prices have hidden motives, and am recalling a friend bemoaning a very unpleasant Carnival cruise for a similar reason...lower prices do change the customer base. I am not saying I agree with this kind of thing, but it seems within the realm of possibility.

My parents chose not to take us to DW, but I am looking forward to going with my son soon. We will only go for two days and we certainly won't see everything, but that's not our goal. More just looking to get the overall experience and check that trip off our list.

It resonates with me all of the comparisons like skiing, movies, and pro sports prices...I am reminded of spending 100 bucks for hockey tickets almost ten years ago, and for only 3 hours of fun. The food is equitably overpriced at stadiums, too. I think it boils down to this: we all get to choose. One of my least favorite things about this site is that folks seem to get knocked for what they choose, and that's too bad. If you would rather canoe that go to a themepark, cool, but that doesn't make you a better person, and sometimes that's the vibe I get here.

Amen bethmac.

Amen is right. I know I have been trashed because of my thoughts on my way to spend my vacation on here

So well said, bethmac. I have said the same and been flamed. It's rampant too right now. You said it better than I.