AI Vacation Planners Show Wide Variance in Cost Estimates

A group of AI assistants were tasked with planning a five-day Walt Disney World vacation for a family of five, including two adults and three kids ages 12, 10, and six. The prompt was identical for each assistant: plan the trip from Philadelphia to Orlando, staying at a Disney resort and visiting all four theme parks from March 30 through April 3, 2027.

ChatGPT's initial estimate came in at $7,500 to $9,000 for the entire vacation. However, its breakdown included an error: ChatGPT recommended Disney's Art of Animation Resort, but estimated a family suite would cost between $1,800 and $2,600 for five nights.

Gemini took a different approach, factoring in the timing of the trip during spring break. This led to significantly higher estimates, with park tickets priced at $2,800 to $3,500 and airfare estimated at $1,200 to $2,000. Gemini's total came out to be around $10,050 to $13,350.

Perplexity planned the most expensive vacation, but its breakdown also revealed a different style of vacation. It allocated more money for food and Lightning Lane, and suggested character meals and frequent use of the service.

In the end, Gemini's budget was deemed the most realistic, with a total estimate of $10,000 to $11,000. ChatGPT revised its recommendation after seeing the other estimates, but Perplexity's itinerary was still considered the best overall plan.