Guess how many parents go into debt for a Disney vacation? Surprisingly, they consider it a “treat” and have no regrets

A LendingTree study found that a significant portion of U.S. Disney theme park visitors take on debt to finance their magical getaways. According to the data, 24% of visitors surveyed incurred debt for their Disney trips, a figure that jumps to 45% among parents of children under 18.

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The study highlights that for many families, the financial strain of a Disney vacation is outweighed by the perceived value and joy of the experience. “Among these parents, 59% say they regret nothing,” we read in the study. “Plus, 90% of parents who took their kids to Disney say it was a treat.” On average, parents of young children incurred about $1,983 in Disney-related debt.

Respondents who went into debt highlighted the surprisingly high costs of their trip: 65% said food and drink in the park was a major expense, followed by transportation and accommodation, cited by 48% and 47%.

The study’s demographic breakdown offers deeper insight into who is most likely to go into debt for a Disney vacation. Men were more likely than women to take on debt (32% vs. 16%) and younger generations reported higher levels of debt, with Gen Z and Millennials at 39% and 36%, respectively. In contrast, only 7% of baby boomers reported taking on debt for their travels. Household income also played a role, with higher-income households more likely to take on debt, although the percentage remained significant regardless of income level.

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The financial strain of Disney vacations is a recurring topic among Disney enthusiasts on social media. In the Disney Annual Passholder group on Facebook, a post asking whether to go into debt for a Disney vacation sparked a variety of responses, reflecting varying approaches to financing these trips. One user posted: “This may be a crazy personal question for some. But do many people go into a little debt to take a Disney vacation?”

One user shared their approach, noting: “No, we save up beforehand and then we’re good to go.” Another recounted a family experience related to significant life events: “So my dad was in the Navy and was getting ready to leave for what we didn’t know would be two years… We pulled out all the stops! Disney, water parks, Universal, resorts. It was incredible. What my dad did was transfer about $10,000 in debt onto a credit card that had no interest the first year and paid it off over the course of that year.

Other responses ranged from financial prudence to a carefree attitude. One user wrote: “Yes! » A young adult in her twenties said: “I save until I have the money to pay. For vacations, I always make monthly payments after booking or paying in full to the resort upon check-in. Another person simply said: “YOLO. No money will accompany me when I die. As long as my bills are paid, I’ll spend it however I want.

The LendingTree study’s findings reveal the financial pressures and personal values ​​that influence how families plan vacations. If you’re considering a similar trip, it might be a good idea to consult a financial advisor to ensure your vacation plans fit your budget and financial goals.

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