Hi Ho Hi Ho, It's Off To Disney World I Go - Part Three

The Walt Disney World five part trip planning series continues today with the third thing you have to decide - how long to stay?

How Long Should I Stay?

If I had my way all of my trips would be at least 10 days during low attendance time periods.  Of course I don’t get my way often.  Little things like, work schedules, school schedules and budget for trip often stand in my way!

The first trip I took with my family was for 3 nights and 4 days.  It was before Animal Kingdom opened so there were 3 parks to visit.  We went at a low attendance time and stayed at the Polynesian Resort.  We were able to do everything we wanted.  Key factors that played into that happening were the low attendance, the great transportation options at the Polynesian and having a plan.  We didn’t take a break during the day and went morning till night.  It was a great trip but I did learn that we needed a break during the day!

Factors in determining how long to stay are:

1. Time of year you are visiting.
2. How you want to spend your days.

It will take 7 days during a visit in crowded times of the year compared to 4 to 5 during a slower time to experience the same amount of attractions.

The following may help you decide how long to stay.  The recommendations are my opinion and are based on my own vacations. 

How Long to Stay Guide:

 (based on trying to see it all! - most attractions, parades & fireworks)

See part one of the trip planning series to find out the dates of low, moderate and high crowd levels.

During Low Crowd Levels:

• 4 days - Tour the theme parks morning till night with no breaks and grabbing quick stuff to eat (counter service).
• 5 to 6 days – Tour at a more leisurely pace, take a break during the day, have a few sit down meals at nicer restaurants.
• 7 to 8 days – Take your time, spend a day at your resort, break during the day, have sit down meals, go to water parks and do other recreational activities like mini golf or rent a boat.

During Moderate Crowd Levels:

• 4 to 5 days - Tour the theme parks morning till night with no breaks and grabbing quick stuff to eat (counter service).
• 6 days – Tour at a more leisurely pace, take a break during the day, have some sit down meals at nicer restaurants.
• 8 to 10 days – Take your time, spend a day or two at your resort, break during the day, have sit down meals, go to water parks and do other recreational activities like mini golf or rent a boat.

During High Crowd Levels:

• 5 to 6 days – Tour the theme parks morning till night with no breaks and grabbing quick stuff to eat (counter service).
• 7 to 8 days - Tour at a more leisurely pace, take a break during the day, have a few sit down meals at nicer restaurants.
• 10 days – Take your time, spend a day or two at your resort, break during the day, have sit down meals, go to water parks and do other recreational activities like mini golf or rent a boat.

Most of us have time and/or budget restrictions.  If you can only go to Walt Disney World for 5 days during peak times – GO!  I am by no means saying to forget it if you can’t stay for at least 10 days.  You may not get in everything you want to, but any day at Walt Disney World is better than a day at home or work!

Something to keep in mind also:  Disney has made it very affordable to stay longer.  The difference in cost for theme park tickets from 4 – 7 days is very minimal (we’re talking $5 per day per person!).