In Defense of Shorter Disney Trips
Walt Disney World is a huge place. It’s the size of a large U.S. city, and it’s impossible to see everything in one trip.
Even if you visit the four main parks, you still have waterparks, hotels, mini golf courses, restaurants, bars, and shopping districts to cover.
The sheer volume of Disney World activities has caused many to believe that only week-long trips are “worth” it. But this isn’t possible for all.
Financial limitations, less vacation time, and the stress of traveling can make a week-long trip difficult. In that case, there is a solution. Shorter trips.
Disney
I’ve always enjoyed a long-weekend style vacation, but now I appreciate it more than ever. As a busy mom, I love getting my Disney “fix” with less preparation.
Allow me to explain why a more brief, but equally lovely Disney trip may be just what you need.
Photo: Disney
More Affordable
The cost of park tickets is technically cheaper the more days you visit. But if I’m really crunching numbers, that doesn’t save me money when I need to pay for more nights in a hotel and daily meals.
When my budget is tighter, or I’m planning a bonus vacation, it comes down to total cost. And the difference between a three-night stay versus a six – or seven-night trip is significant.
Thanks to that, I’ve been able to sneak in magical getaways without blowing my budget.
Photo: Disney
Less of a Time Commitment
Speaking of budgets, vacation time is a hot commodity. A shorter trip keeps my PTO bank fuller and my stress levels down.
Plus, this has given me flexibility to travel to other places, like other Disney parks or my first Disney cruise.
Photo: Disney
This compromise gives me the best of both worlds. No complaints here.
(Sometimes) More Relaxing
Since Disney World has seemingly limitless activities, a short trip may sound like a recipe for planning agony. In my experience, this isn’t the case.
You can’t cover everything on property, even with a full week. Shorter stays, on the other hand, force you to do two things.
Magic Kingdom
First of all, it forces you to prioritize what you really want to do. And secondly, it forces you (definitely me) to relax and smell the roses.
When checking off a massive to-do list isn’t even possible, I live in the moment fully. Every ride, show, or hug from Mickey is extra special. And it’s a bonus to come home from a vacation not feeling like I need a vacation.
Magic Kingdom
Easier to Splurge
I’m praising the affordability of shorter trips, but there’s another side to the coin. The shorter my trip is, the easier I can justify treating myself to splurges.
Long weekend trips are the ideal time to finally stay at a deluxe resort. (Plus, depending on your dates, you might qualify for deluxe extra magic hours.)
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
When I stay for a week, I order more groceries and stay at more cost-effective resorts. But shorter trips give me the wiggle room to eat more signature restaurant meals and upgrade my accommodations.
And did I mention shopping? I feel less guilty picking up a new Dooney and Burke handbag when my overall vacation was cheaper.
Disney Store
For me, sometimes a great vacation comes down more to quality than quantity. At least once, I recommend everyone try a shorter, but more indulgent trip.
Cake Bake Shop
Less Stressful for Younger and Older Travelers
My husband and I still take “parents only” trips, but for the most part, we are very much in our family trip era. That means packing up tiny humans and asking grandparents to come for reinforcement.
Ironically, our oldest and youngest family members have a lot in common.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
They need a daily midday nap. They don’t enjoy walking the parks from rope drop to fireworks. And overall, they thrive on a slower-paced trip.
Shorter trips are so much easier and so much more enjoyable for our whole family.
Photo: Disney
Because we’re less exhausted, there are fewer meltdowns (from children and adults). These trips feel less like an endurance test and more like the quality family time we crave.
Photo: Disney
Makes it Easier to Return
Most importantly of all, shorter trips mean I can return to Disney sooner.
With more money, more banked PTO, and more patience at my disposal – I can realistically start plotting out my next adventure.
Disney
If you’re like me, nothing brings you greater joy than knowing a Disney trip is in your future. That alone makes the sacrifice completely worth it.
If you’ve been hesitating on a short but sweet vacation, I dare you to give it a try! Who knows? You may fall in love all over again.
Disney
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Feature Image: Disney
