I've gone to Disney parks every year for decades. As prices rise, here's what I still splurge on and skip.

"I try to get at least three visits to Disney parks in a year. Sometimes it's a quick 1-day trip with my parents, other times it's a week-long stay with my parents and my husband, or a solo trip to visit my best friend. I've been on Disney cruises, run Disney races, and have a wide collection of Disney memorabilia and merch, from mouse ears and pins to artwork and snow globes."

"However, over the years, as Disney keeps raising prices, I've had to adjust where and how I spend my money. For example, if there was a party happening while we were visiting a park, we'd always get tickets. We used to go to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Very Merry Christmas Party all the time. Now, we have to really talk as a family about whether we want to spend $600 for a group of three to go, and the answer is often no."

A lifelong Disney fan visits parks at least three times a year in varied trip formats, including day trips, week-long stays, solo visits, cruises, and runDisney events. The traveler collects a wide array of Disney merchandise such as mouse ears, pins, artwork, and snow globes. Rising Disney prices have led to deliberate cutbacks on discretionary experiences, like seasonal parties that can cost around $600 for a small group. Membership in the Disney Vacation Club since 2002 provides discounts on dining, merchandise, and events, but spending choices still require reassessment. Maintaining an annual pass remains a cost-saving priority because it covers admission, parking, and park hopping.

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