Question about length of stay

[kim75]

We are planning a last minute trip to WDW in early May and have been going back and forth on how long to stay, Thursday-Monday or Tuesday 5/2-6 or 7. I thought we decided on Tuesday, so we have 4 full days to work with. I also want some pool time (we are staying at Art of Animation). DH didn't get the memo and booked returning flight on Monday. I think we can change without fees, but now I'm indecisive on what to do.

Flights have us getting in at 1:45pm and departing at 4:30pm. It will cost $300 to stay an additional day. I'm on the fence because we really need to be as budget conscious as possible, and I am pulling my oldest out of school for this trip. I'm feeling guilty pulling her for 4 days, even though it is just Kindergarten. Our kids are 5 (almost 6), 2.5 years and 6 months. My 2.5 year old needs to nap so I'm worried about fitting things in.

Given all of the above ($$$, time out of school, and kids ages) would you opt for a Thurs-Mon or Thursday-Tuesday trip? I think we will only hit 3 parks (MK, AK and HS) and had not planned on getting park hoppers.

We will be back in 1 or 2 years, so this is not a once in a lifetime trip, but I do want to maximize our time and money! Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

 

[stacy6552]

I'm a cheapskate, so I'd stick with what you have and figure that fate is at work.

Take a double stroller that reclines and front baby carrier. That way you can keep going no matter who is sleeping.

oh and BTW, May isn't last minute. Once we planned a trip, with plane tickets a week in advance.

 

[bless7ings]

I like to be frugal too and I like to maximize my stay to get more of my moneys worth, but only if I didn't have to pay a fee to change the plane tickets! I usually like to stay at least 7 nights. You are maximizing the park tickets. But I guess at you length of stay it is not as cost effective. I definately wouldn't do it if it cost money to change the tickets.

 

[kim75]

Thanks for the feedback. We decided to stay the extra night. No fee change flights, otherwise I definitely wouldn't have done it! Now the fast and furious planning begins!

 

[bless7ings]

An extra day in Disney is always fun! I think it will also make you feel less stressed to just relax and enjoy and not feel like you have too much to do and too little time!

HAVE A MAGICAL TIME!!!