How often do you go to WDW?

[robinbutterfly]

If you don't live in FL, how often do you go to WDW? I am planning our first trip and am realizing that we can't see everything this trip.
But once a year seems too much to go. So I was just wondering how often other people go.

 

[HARASW]

We go once a year. Believe me, once you go, you'll realize that once a year is NOT too much. I wish I could go more often.

 

[aDVCguy]

I agree with harasw...
once a year is perfect! DW,DD,myself and 7 others
are heading down to WDW first time together...woo-hoo!
Point being, since 6 of 10 have been here before you don't
need to rush to the "rides!" This is my 4th family trip and by now
I look to discover other attractions...take your time seeing
the sights...you'll be back and try something different!
For example...been to Animal kingdom 2 out of 4 trips and still
haven't seen it all! Who cares! There's always a next time!

Enjoy your trips- aDVCguy

 

[robinbutterfly]

I would love to go once a year. I just don't think we could afford to pay 4,000 on a trip to Disney World every year!!

 

[TamTab]

By the time this year is over we will be going to WDW 3 times and DL once.

On a usual year we go once to WDW sometimes twice.

 

[PrincessToozie]

Since 2003, we have gone in 03, 05, 06 and again this year. I would love to go every year but I dont know if we could afford it. The only time we have gone is when they offer free dining!

 

[NJWaltfan]

I've been to WDW 35 times and I always find something new and exciting.

 

[mplsmom1]

I would love to go once a year. I just don't think we could afford to pay 4,000 on a trip to Disney World every year!!

I quite agree! So I would say, don't stress - plan to have a wonderful time and see your 'must/must dos' (I found these boards a tremendous help in determining these, although they are full of people who go multiple, multiple times hence your question). If you are lucky enough to go back - do it! I feel extremely fortunate that this fall is our 4th trip in 10 years and it will probably be our last for 10 years (College looms!). I bet you may just find the DWD magic gets under your skin and your next trip is sooner than you think!

 

[robinbutterfly]

I quite agree! So I would say, don't stress - plan to have a wonderful time and see your 'must/must dos' (I found these boards a tremendous help in determining these, although they are full of people who go multiple, multiple times hence your question). If you are lucky enough to go back - do it! I feel extremely fortunate that this fall is our 4th trip in 10 years and it will probably be our last for 10 years (College looms!). I bet you may just find the DWD magic gets under your skin and your next trip is sooner than you think!

FREE DINING???? What in the world is that about?

 

[OhMari]

FREE DINING???? What in the world is that about?

Back in April, you could book your rooms with a package, (tickets) and you could include the Dining Plan. The dates are April 29-Sept. 30. I think the Dining Plan is $27.99 per person per day. You get one Table Service Meal, one counter Service Meal and one snack. Your Table Service Meal, you get an entry, dessert and drink. You still have to pay Tax & Tip.

I am going to move this over to the Theme Park Strategy Board.

OhMari

 

[BillSears]

How often do I go? No matter how many times I go in a year the answer is always:

Not often enough.

 

[vicki_c]

1978, 1996, 2001, 2004, [moved to Florida for 2004-2006 so a bunch of trips there], none in 2007, January 2008, June 2008, upcoming December 2008 [making up for 2007, I guess].

We are now DVC members so starting with our last trip we won't be spending the usual amount like you posted. I think we will probably take at least 1 trip a year from now on, skipping some years, doubling up some others.

If you look at lots of DISers signatures, you will see that same kind of pattern - 1 trip in the 70s, another trip like 10-20 years later, than one every few years, evolving to one a year, then multiple times a year! It cracks me up to see how it evolves for so many people!

 

[ireland_nicole]

about once a year; sometimes a couple of months more unfortunately, but I do my best to go once a year We save a set amount of money each month and that's our Disney Fund.

 

[rie'smom]

Usually 2x/year. This last year 4 times but I think it was too much. So, I'm going back to end of May and Thanksgiving.

 

[MousekaMaddi]

untill my husband says" OH COME ON KAREN !!!"

 

[cmul04]

We go about once a year and it never seems like enough!

Enjoy it when you get there and go as often as you can, whatever time frame that ends up at!

 

[aquaticmom]

We live in Western Pa and usually go once a year, sometimes we just do a long weekend to get our Disney fix in for the second time that year. But this year we bought Annual Passes and have already taken one quick trip in December, a week in January, 10 days in June and have a September and one more December trip before our AP's expire. I am considering taking a break for at least a year after that.

 

[MaxsDad]

Back in April, you could book your rooms with a package, (tickets) and you could include the Dining Plan. The dates are April 29-Sept. 30.

OhMari

Do you mean AUG29-Sep 30?

 

[tink4ever]

.....so much that my family thinks I am crazy ....my husband thinks I need a shrink and my kids are begging me not to go. We just had a fight in the car 5 minutes ago because we have been 6 times this past year and I just scheduled a "road trip to see family" in Jupiter, Fl but not until we stop in Disney and then end our trip in Disney. My 21 yr old DD just yelled that I am ruining everything by planning yet another trip to disney!!! Sorry to rant but they make me feel so bad that I want to keep going back to Disney. So I guess the true answer would be TOO OFTEN!!

 

[bkfree]

Since our kids got old enough , we are embarking on our third trip in Dec.
First trip in 2004, they were 4 and 6
Second Trip in 2006, they were 6 and 8
Third trip coming up in Dec, they will be one monthy shy of 8 and 10.

From trip one, we looked at Disney as a long term family experience, not a get it all done in one trip deal.
This has helped us relax and really enjoy each and every trip and activities.
I think some people get so wrapped up in trying to mark things off their to do list or are looking to the next ride or park that they do not truly enjoy the moment or magic they are in the midst of.

Going on our 3rd trip we have come to believe in these three things.

1)It takes at least a 6 or 7 day trip to be able to relax, park hop and get the most out of all the parks at a nice pace.

2) Have a plan somewhat-Having a TS ADR each evening for dinner makes us as parents relax about where we will dine and will there be a crowd and will we even get in. I can be relaxed and sponataneous about our other meals during the day,since I have that one pre covered. Also knowing in advance which EMH's we will hit and then being flexible for the rest of the day. This is where Park Hopper tickets are necessary.

3) Know that you very likely may not hit every ride or every show and you cannot dine at every place in one trip. We love that this leaves us something to look forward to and be excited about on the next trip.

Even if we could go every year, I do not think that we would.
We like the thrill and building anticipation and financial freedom that going every other year gives us.