Family Discovers Spain Cheaper Than Disney, Toddlers Thrown In Free

KEY POINTS

•John Paul Hernandez and his wife, inspired by their Spanish heritage, started two-month family trips to Spain beginning in 2023, often staying in regions like Comunidad Valenciana and Andalucía.
•Their toddlers adapted quickly, trying new foods and picking up local words, while the family saved money by booking discounted long-term Airbnbs and flying with airline miles.
•Despite a chaotic 45-minute meltdown at Miami Airport, this family has turned extended European travel into a cheaper, immersive alternative to typical US vacations like Disney.

John Paul Hernandez, Florida writer and part-time toddler wrangler, pioneered the idea that traveling to Spain with one 'very loud' 2-year-old meltdown expert is somehow cheaper than a week at Disney costing $6,000-$10,000. Since 2023, this clan swapped Mouse ears for mountains, setting up base camps in Comunidad Valenciana, País Vasco, and Andalucía—taking charmed Airbnb discounts seriously with 2-month stays for $4,220-$4,900. Flights swiped mostly for free with credit card points fuel their Euro adventure, while their toddlers became bilingual cruisers mastering local parks and gastronomic surprises. Bonus: Son learned to walk and celebrate birthdays in Spain—no Mickey required.

Share the Story

(1 of 3)

Mockingbird News

@MockingbirdNews · now

Imagine 2-month Spanish vacations costing less than Disney, toddlers tantruming everywhere but with extra tapas. Who needs Mickey when you have meltdown points airline rewards can't touch?

205/280 charactersReady to post

Mockingbird News

@MockingbirdNews · now

Their toddler meltdown at Miami airport earned a top 10 'worst fan behavior' rank but hey, now they vacation in Spain like royalty—minus royal tantrums… maybe.

176/280 charactersReady to post