Shocking number of parents going into heavy debt for Disney trips with their kids: survey

Their economies become monorail.

A new survey found that 45% of parents with children went into debt following their recent Disney trip – with the average amount putting them $1,983 in the red.

LendingTree’s staggering numbers also revealed that 41% of parents with children regret the financial damage caused by vacationing at one of multiple Disney destinations.

“For many parents, taking their children to Disney is a rite of passage, something they remember fondly from their youth and want to experience with their children,” said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst of LendingTree.

“Because of these feelings, they are often willing to go into debt to get there.”

Just two years ago, the site revealed that 18% of all park visitors were in debt, but only 30% of families were. This figure has since increased by 50% as the “Mouse House” continues to be criticized for its unrealistic costs.

In total, about a quarter – 24% – of all park guests are now saddled with Disney debt.

However, the parents begin to admit that the magic is gone. Many families take their belongings to more cost-effective destinations, such as Great Wolf Resorts, for a more convenient getaway.

Families make up about 77% of Disney’s population, according to LendingTree, and they complain the most about how much food costs them — even if they anticipated their high prices before the trip.

A whopping 65% complained that the food in the park was significantly more than they had budgeted for, as many were shocked to see Disney World restaurants promoting dining options at a premium price at $60 per adult.

Over the past ten years, food prices have risen 61%, according to a recent report.

“One of the best ways to keep costs down is to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages to the park,” Schulz said.

“There are limits to what you can bring, but packing snacks and refillable water bottles, for example, can make a real difference in the overall cost of your Disney experience.”

Behind that was the cost of public transportation, lodging, and then park entrances.

Ultimately, Disney travel can no longer be a fairy tale these days, which impacts future activities. Of the 25% of Americans who have visited non-Disney theme parks, 60% of them say they avoid them because of their cost.