How long...

[jcemom]

Everyone here on the boards is helping me to decide when to take DD to Disney next year through another poll I posted...it's looking like an October trip to celebrate her 3rd birthday and go to MNSSHP!

Now I need help deciding how long we should stay... I was planning a 10 day/9 night trip--that's what we did in February. DH thinks that 8 days/7nights is plenty and anything more than that is just too long! (He actually thinks 8 days is too long also.) Well, I'm thinking that since neither of us has ever taken a 3 year old to Disney solo that those of you here on the DIS know more than either of us do! LOL What do you think?

It will be just DD (turning 3 on the trip) and I, mid-October right around Columbus Day week. We're planning to fly in from Pittsburgh non-stop (2 hour flight), staying at POFQ and using Disney transportation the entire time. I will have an AP.

Would more days be better because I can build in more "rest" time? Or would less days be better because DD and I will wear out whether we have rest days or not?

Please share your experiences and advice with me!!!

 

[raidermatt]

As long as you go at a pace you can sustain, the longer trip would be fine. And yes, it will allow you to go at a little slower pace and still see what you would have in the shorter trip.

Our experience with our son is that as long as we make sure he gets his sleep, he's fine. (Same thing with us too, really!)

For reference, we've made three trips to WDW with him, 8 nights, 14 nights, and 12 nights. No burn out issues.

We find the longer trips more relaxing because we don't feel rushed at all, and can settle into a groove of sorts...

 

[Miniefan]

I find that my family gets ready to come home in about 5 days. Having said that, when we go in Oct. we will be staying for 8 days, however, during this next trip we will also be visiting Universal. I have 2 kids 4, 6 and during our trip in March, we had a mid-day break every day. We came back to the hotel and swam or napped, it seemed to be needed by both of us, I think also if you just take it slow you will be ok no matter how many days you decide to stay just remember that little ones aren't that interested in a lot of other things that adults would be and if you decide to see the less interesting things make sure the little one is not in a sleepy mood, also, rent or bring a stroller, you would be surprised that most kids who don't usually need them at home definitely need them at WDW. Hope that helps
Kim

 

[liznboys]

I chose the longer trip. We think the longer you have, the more time you have to rest and therefore you don't get worn out as much. We're going for 13 nights next year, and it will be SO nice to go as slow as we want and still not miss anything we want to do. We are super excited!! We went for 7 nights last year, and it simply wasn't enough! There was so much more we wanted to do. And since we have 3 young kids, we have to go at a slower pace.

 

[raidermatt]

I think the folks voting for a shorter trip are travelling at the same time and are trying to keep the crowds down...

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

I chose the shorter time. I can't imagine going on vacation any longer than that with just my dd3 and no help. I'd be pulling my hair out by the end of the first week.

 

[jcemom]

Originally posted by DisneyAddict_M
I chose the shorter time. I can't imagine going on vacation any longer than that with just my dd3 and no help. I'd be pulling my hair out by the end of the first week.

Must admit I AM a bit worried about that!