Honestly, I think this may be my last Disneyland trip for a while.
I first visited during the 50th anniversary celebration in July 2005. Our trip was very similar to the one we are taking now: five-day Park Hopper tickets, two days at Universal Studios, and a few extra days for other attractions and relaxation. Back then, we also spent a day at SeaWorld, while this time we are visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific. We stayed at the same hotel area and even planned a stop in Las Vegas on the way home, just like before.
The biggest difference is the cost. In 2005, the trip came out to roughly $1,000 per person for a family of four. This time, it is closer to $4,000 per person. Out of curiosity, I adjusted the 2005 cost for inflation and found it would be about $1,700 today. That means the increase goes far beyond inflation.
At this point, it feels difficult to justify the expense. For a similar budget, I could take a two-week trip to Japan, visit Tokyo Disney, and still have money left over. That option is starting to sound much more appealing.