This Family of 4 Lives Over Half the Year at Disney World — Here’s How Much It Costs (Exclusive)

**Ewings Embrace RV Lifestyle at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort**

In a unique twist on family living, the Ewing family of four has made Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort in Florida their semi-permanent home, spending a significant portion of their year there. Adam and Lauren Ewing, alongside their two children aged 10 and 12, adhere to a specific routine that requires them to vacate their RV for a full day after every 26 days of residency—a rule that highlights both the joys and challenges of their lifestyle.

The Ewing family’s routine does not lack structure. Each cycle begins typically, encompassing a morning walk or exercise session, followed by breakfast and some homeschooling before they must pack up their belongings by 11 a.m. Adam has referred to this ritual as “controlled chaos,” a description that resonates with many who juggle family responsibilities and explorative living. The family shares their journey on their Instagram page, @travelwiththeewings, where they offer followers a glimpse into their unique life.

One of the notable aspects of the Ewing family’s experience is the extraordinary environment in which they reside. Lauren describes Fort Wilderness’ “26 days in for 24 hours out” rule as an inconvenience, but it comes with the priceless opportunity to enjoy a plethora of family-friendly activities that make Disney World an attractive base. “We laid in bed last night at 10 o’clock, and we could hear the fireworks going off at the Magic Kingdom,” Adam noted, relishing the proximity to the park.

The family’s journey to RV living began during the COVID-19 pandemic, following life-altering events that prompted them to leave behind a large 10,000-square-foot home in Georgia. Embracing travel as a family, they purchased an RV, seeking to explore the country in a more intimate way. While the Ewings do venture to other locations—including skiing in Canada and enjoying summer in Vermont—Disney World remains their central hub.

Adam, a real estate developer, reflects fondly on their history with Disney. “This has just always been our go-to place,” he says. He and Lauren spent their honeymoon at the theme park, and since then, their connection has deepened. “We developed a community of friends here and we never wanted to leave,” he added.

Lauren, a stay-at-home mum, estimates that the family spends approximately 60 to 70 per cent of the year residing at the resort, although their travel preferences can alter that figure. “If we do leave this year, we’ll probably go from like July to August and then come right back,” she explained. Last year, they remained on site for the entire duration.

Despite being annual passholders for Walt Disney World, the Ewings do not spend every day in the parks. “Most of the time, it is that normal life—working out, doing school work, regular work—and then we’ll go to the parks, mostly at night,” Lauren said. They prioritise balance, often opting for meals at home to avoid the pitfalls of constant dining out within the Disney bubble.

However, the Ewing family’s Disney lifestyle does carry a significant financial burden. Reservation fees can fluctuate seasonally, with costs peaking during busy periods. The family reported spending over £300 a night during the last spring break season, leading to an eye-watering total of more than £8,000 for their typical 26-day stay.

Despite these expenses, Adam insists the costs are justified. “I grew up in the mindset of working hard all your life to enjoy a few years of retirement,” he said. “But my children are only young once. I want to create memories with them now.” This philosophy drives their decisions and continues to shape their distinctive lifestyle.

Adam’s desire to be present during his children’s formative years encourages him to embrace travel and adventure now, rather than postponing these experiences for the future. He noted, “I don’t want to look back when I’m 70 and regret missing those moments.”

As the Ewings continue to navigate the balance between routine and adventure, their story stands out as a testament to the joys of familial connection and the creation of lasting memories in one of the most magical places on earth.