Walt Disney World is so large and there is so much to do, it is impossible to do everything on every trip. However, if you are one of the lucky ones to live within a reasonable distance or flights are easy to come by – you may want to think about just a weekend jaunt. Quite obviously, there are several deciding factors, but it may be worth looking into to get your Walt Disney World magical fix!
Distance from Disney World: Best situation – if you live within a couple of hours or a plane ride is just a couple of hours, this could be a no-brainer! 3 – 4 hours; Still not too bad to drive early morning and be there right after park opening! 5 – 6 hours; You may want to think about a 3 day weekend. More than 7 hours; This could be pushing it for just a weekend. How many hours away do you consider just a weekend jaunt?
Where to stay: Staying off site may be less expensive and there are several places close that wouldn’t be too bad if you don’t mind the drive back and forth. But look into current Disney package discounts, as there may be a promotion that makes staying on Disney property a better deal for you. If you stay off site, be sure to factor in parking charges at the park. Staying onsite would definitely give you more time in the parks. Are you here for the ambiance or to catch a few special rides? Are you there to soak up the magic or maybe doing some browsing to smell the roses?
Passes: This one is a little trickier! If weekend jaunts will really work for you – consider an Annual Pass which start at $665 each, or if a Florida resident, you can look into a FL Annual Pass. If 1 weekend jaunt is all that will work with your schedule, you’ll need to look for 2 or 3 day passes, either with park-hopping or not. These can start at $192 for 2 days and generally aren’t discounted, but again, with a Disney vacation package, may be a good deal, depending on if there is a discount.
Food: Maybe a weekend jaunt could include at least 1 sit-down nice meal at a special restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. If not, counter-service restaurants give you plenty of options. Or think about taking snacks and water for most of the day and only plan on 1 meal each day. If you are planning on 2 or 3 days, think about your budget for that little jaunt. The possibilities are endless!
I have talked to a lot of people and everyone seems to have their own ideas on the length of stay to get the most for your money! Some people feel 3-4 trips during the year gives them more variety and they can plan them around paid holidays or slow times in the parks. Others feel to get the most out of the parks – they need a week every 3-5 years. If there is anything I have learned, it is, if you can go to Disney – GO! Walt Disney World is an ever-changing magical place for all ages!
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Debbie and her husband live in Collegedale, TN where her youngest son is going to college. She is a huge Disney fan who dreams of someday retiring and working as a tour guide at Walt Disney World. She has enjoyed many trips to WDW with children, grandchildren and sometimes adults only. It is her ultimate goal to make sure everyone who visits WDW has the same magical time that she enjoys every time she visits.
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