I imagine it must be tough to have those conversations about money with your kids. I’m not quite there yet but know I will be one day. It sounds like you have your priorities in order though, and looking back as an adult she will realize that the good school was so much more valuable than an exotic vacation. And an attentive and doting father is worth more than almost anything 🙂
She is a great kid, never pushing harder if we say "no" or "something isn't possible". In the end it was just a passing sadness for her, so nothing terrible, but these things leave a longer impression on the parents!