1 big trip or 2 small ones?

[Luv2trav]

I'm so torn. We went last February and I am itching to get back in the worst way...

Our initial plan was to wait until next May and stay at the Poly for 7-9 nights. Since it's a year away this gives me A LOT of time to save...

However, now I am thinking I would rather do 2 5 day trips and stay at a moderate or AKL/WL standard rooms. I really want to go again this Aug/Sep/Oct and back again next Spring.

I have 2 very small children (3, 1) and the monarail is priceless. So I keep telling myself to wait until we can afford to stay at the Poly.

What would you do/perfer to do?

 

[**pixiedust**]

I personally would rather take one bigger trip than two smaller ones. I want to be immersed in the magic for as long as possible when I'm there!

 

[DisneyaholicRaquel]

I vote for 2 smaller trips...there's magic at both resorts!

 

[crisi]

How much does transportation figure in?

We really need to fly from Minnesota at $1000+ for the family. So short trips aren't an effective use of our transportation budget.

If you drive, you need to figure the drive time as part of the "vacation time" budget. For us, time is also a factor, we just don't get endless vacation time.

 

[Grumpy'n'Goofy]

I would go for one long trip, cut the travel costs in half. But it's really a win/win situation for you. Good luck on making your decision!

 

[Buzz2001]

2 smaller ones

 

[lovethattink]

When we 1st started going to Disney, we stayed at the Beach Club for a week. Did this for several years. Then realized that we could get 2 trips for same price staying at moderate. Did that for a few years, then wised up and did 4 trips at a value. Then we really wised up and just moved to central Fl.

 

[smjj]

Every family is different. For us we have been doing 2 trips a year for the last two years now. We go in May and then again at Xmas time, usually the week after turkey day. This lets us see WDW in two dfifferent lights. It cost more going two times but with our life style, its hard to get away for that length of time anyway. Being DVC members now it does not seem to hurt as bad leaving, knowing we will be back at OKW in just 6 months. Besides sometimes to much of a good thing can get old after a while and this way, it does not lose that special feel...smjj

 

[Luv2trav]

How much does transportation figure in?

We really need to fly from Minnesota at $1000+ for the family. So short trips aren't an effective use of our transportation budget.

If you drive, you need to figure the drive time as part of the "vacation time" budget. For us, time is also a factor, we just don't get endless vacation time.

Airfare from Akron/Canton for our family is about 600-700 pending on the price. Right now our little one is free.

Another reason I am leaning towards waiting is because my 17month old is a handful right now... We have taken him when he was 6 months and 14 month but now he's trying to become more independant and refuses to sit still.... He would be a nightmare on a plane right now.

Oh but I want to go back so bad!! A year sounds so far away... We were there last May and I just loved it!!

 

[Luv2trav]

All in All it's a good decision to have to make!! I feel very fortunate that I can have such a dilemma!

 

[married@wdw]

Do you have good childcare options? Maybe a three-night romantic trip for two in the fall (perhaps for food & wine festival?) in a moderate resort? Then you could still afford your longer trip at the Poly by just making it a night or two shorter.

 

[tkldisney]

I'd do two smaller ones. This way you can visit at different times of year. Maybe be able to do Flower & Garden festival in spring, and then Food & Wine whichs overlaps Holloween (MNSSHP) or early in December to see all the Christmas decor.

 

[Luv2trav]

Do you have good childcare options? Maybe a three-night romantic trip for two in the fall (perhaps for food & wine festival?) in a moderate resort? Then you could still afford your longer trip at the Poly by just making it a night or two shorter.

Actually this is an option for us. Our anniversary is over Labor Day weekend and we do have sitters for 3 days..... I would love to go without the kids!! However a part of me would feel EXTREMELY guilty leaving them behind. My 3 year old loves Disney. I don't feel guilty leaving them behind just leaving them behind and going to Disney... BUT my DH and I have always wondered what it would feel like to go to the parks without kids/strollers/diaper bag etc in tow.... What a glorious thought.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Another reason I am leaning towards waiting is because my 17month old is a handful right now... We have taken him when he was 6 months and 14 month but now he's trying to become more independant and refuses to sit still.... He would be a nightmare on a plane right now.

If you bought a ticket for your 17 month old he could be in a carseat and maybe even nap on the plane. But if you think he'd be a bit "active" on the plane I think you might have "troubles" in the parks as well. I brought my youngest at 11 months and 21 months. At 21 months she wanted nothing to do with the stroller-well she would ride in the rental one. She wanted to walk everywhere and was often a challenge waiting in line-especially for shows where they corral you first. We still had a great trip and in truth she had much more fun at 21 months but she was so much easier at 11 months. So I would suggest hold off for a longer trip at the Poly. The quick trip with your DH sounds great but could you do that and still stay at Poly with the kids in May?

 

[Luv2trav]

If you bought a ticket for your 17 month old he could be in a carseat and maybe even nap on the plane. But if you think he'd be a bit "active" on the plane I think you might have "troubles" in the parks as well. I brought my youngest at 11 months and 21 months. At 21 months she wanted nothing to do with the stroller-well she would ride in the rental one. She wanted to walk everywhere and was often a challenge waiting in line-especially for shows where they corral you first. We still had a great trip and in truth she had much more fun at 21 months but she was so much easier at 11 months. So I would suggest hold off for a longer trip at the Poly. The quick trip with your DH sounds great but could you do that and still stay at Poly with the kids in May?

I'm affraid he would be horrible at waiting in lines as well. We are used to the fact that when we take children this young that sometimes you just don't get do to anything.... but it's still worth it!

If DH and I go this Sept we could still swing a trip next spring we probably couldn't stay as long but we could still do the Poly... Maybe 5-6 nights next May vs... 7-9 nights.

Thank you for all the advice! We are definately going to hold off taking our family vacation until next May... Maybe DH and I can swing 2-3 nights for ourselves this Sept.....

 

[Manon]

I would take that romantic option!! Imagine 3 days just for the two of you!!! WONDERFULL!!!! The kids wont even remember that when they will be older! And you know taking care of you and your marriage is taking care of your children!

So GO FOR IT AND INJOY!!!!