if you only had 4 days and a budget

[dolphindan1]

we usually go in early December for about 10 days but this year money is tight and we will not be able to do that. So I am thinking when I get my tax money next year i was thinking of using it for a 4 or 5 day trip. My question is we will be driving 8 hours each way. SO thats 2 of the days what would you plan to do the other 2 or 3. Park hop and hit major rides or just enjoy 2 parks to the fullest. Also I am use to the early december crowds. When would you recommend I go to enjoy those same type of crowds. Thanks and I am gonna miss my Dec. trip. We are supporting my father in law right now. House payments, utilities etc along with our own so its real tough....the price you pay right...its all good

 

[goofy's friends]

Since you have been before--I would choose two or three favorite parks and concentrate my time there. Hopping can take a lot of time, so I would limit that to make the most out of your time. I would do an out-of-park character dinner the night you arrive, then you won't have to take the time for it in the parks. it also is great to get in the disney mood, esp. after a long drive. We've been there, done that and it's hard!

 

[skiptomypooh]

I know what you mean about keeping track of two households. Good Luck with it. You definitely need to take the time, even if it's a short trip.

Regarding when, can you do early February and miss the President's day weeks? That's a quiet time, but shorter hours and not everything is open. The other thought is maybe really late April, beginning of May, when it's warmer and the hours are longer.

As far as schedule. The earlier idea about a character dinner is great. We usually hit 1900 Park Fare or the Contemporary and do a little monorail ride and some browsing at the hotels.

Hit a couple of parks on your two days and maybe do EPCOT at night for dinner, since there are so many choices, and catch the fireworks one night.

On check out day you might grab breakfast at a buffet to be sure you're all well fed for the ride. Someplace like Trail's end buffet or Cape May Cafe (also character) is fun on your way out. If you have time before the drive you could also hit the Downtown Disney area for some last little gifts and maybe some french fries, chocolate or ice cream for the road.

Whatever you do, it'll be a great break. You deserve it. Enjoy the trip.

 

[The Sweetness]

I agree that park hopping could eat up time. If you could somehow manage 4 days of park time, I bet you could have a satisfying family break

 

[elastigirlfan]

I would focus on your favorite parks and spend most of your time there. Having a character meal the night you arrive is an awesome idea - maybe at Chef Mickey's so you don't have to use a park ticket. I would also leave some time for shopping at Downtown Disney. No matter how short or long your trip is you will have a great time cause' you will be at Disney. A short trip is better than no trip at all.

 

[Leota]

I have gone on short trips before (where I only had 2 or 3 days in the Parks) I tend to be a Hopper on regular trips & a Hopper on Short ones too. What I have done on short trips is do 2 Parks a Day.

Example-
Day One:Start at Opening at MK (EMH would be bonus) hit my favorites & stay until I was "done" & hop over to Epcot.
Day Two: Start out at Opening at MGM, do my favorites & hop over to Epcot

I skip AK on short hops. It's not my favorite Park & it's time consuming to get to unless you are at AKL (where I wouldn't go for a short trip anyways, I'd be at the Dolphin for it's high quality accomodations in a central location). I make sure I get lots of Epcot time, as it is my favorite. I do it at night as it's open latest on off-season (the only time I've gone for weekend trips) Also, I like to eat at Epcot best, so I like to be there for dinner (at least).

 

[minkydog]

Since you're gonna be there for 4 nights, stay on site. I personally would pick a moderate, but I'm sure someone can make a good argument for a value. I just like POR so much--they have a great food court and pool, plus the boat to DTD. Pick 2 parks that you love and just go to those,rather than wasting time on transportation. Eat one sit-down meal a day and don't stop for characters--book a character meal if you want characters. EAt breaskfast in your room, up & out early and close down the parks. Hope you have a gerat time!

 

[Bill From PA]

Regardless of the number of days we stay at WDW our park strategy is the same, hit a park other than Epcot and at rope drop and stay until we do the rides and attractions we planned for, or until crowds become unbearable, then hop to Epcot which rarely seems crowded in comparison to the others, has more dining choices and is generally a change of pace. Then there's Illuminations. With 3 park days you can hit the 'other three' and devote plenty of time to WS and FW. Also, Boardwalk is a stroll away if you'd like more variety.

Bill From PA

 

[dolphindan1]

anymore suggestions on time frame to visit....I have heard Feb avoiding MLK weekend and late April early may....are those the 2 best times to try and go...like I said I have really only been in early Dec....I like the spring idea due to the fact maybe I can go to a waterpark as we have yet to go to one and the wife says she always has wanted to visit one....

 

[Bill From PA]

I imagine you've been spoiled by low crowds. We usually go the First week in March which is peak season for WDW resort rates but I'd describe the crowds as 'moderate'. Get to a park early, use FP and you'll get in all the big attractions before 45 min + lines develop. We were there from New Year's Day this year 'til 1/10 and daily highs were from 75 - 85 degrees so you can't rule out swimming in Jan., but it's a crap shoot. We were there a few Noverbers ago during Soap Weekend, Wine & Food Fest. and the dreaded New Jersey Week and the crowds were less than for our March trips. So, from personal experience, first week in March will be more crowded than you're used to but more than fine for us, and we're not fans of crowds either. Early to mid November is less crowded than that with temps in the upper 70s low 80s and Jan. 2 on it's a ghost town with iffy weather, but we really lucked out this year. Stay away from Easter.

Bill From PA

 

[WaltD4Me]

I did a 3 day trip in early May -- actually it was 5 days, but only 3 at the parks because we got in late the 1st day and went to DTD on the last day.

One of the 3 days we left our room at 8:30am and didn't get back until Midnight. We hit AK, then MK for a couple rides, Spectro and Wishes.
Tiring, but fun!

Then one day we did Epcot and the other MK and MGM.

I honestly don't know which park I would leave out. I love them all!
We went in early May and had no trouble fitting in all 3 parks, but didn't do any waterparks (which we never do) or Quest like I had wanted to.

 

[Leota]

I have been the first during the first 10 days of Feb a couple times. Crowd level is great! Just get out before President's week. Weather can be iffy tho - the first year we had some pretty chilly days. The next Feb. trip, it was in the high 70's tho.

We just went this April & it was packed when we were there - Spring Break for much of the Northeast. I would do it again if I had to. The weather was gorgeous & we swam daily. If you choose to go April-May, just beware that schools may have Spring Break & it may be a little more crowded.

 

[DonnaL]

I agree with Bill on weather conditions for January ......you really don't know what type of weather you'll have. We were there this past January also,
NYD to 1/9 and the weather really was great, but, a few years ago we were there in mid December (I think the 12th through 19th) and it got really cold a few evenings, especially if you were near water. One night we were at Illuminations and we froze (and we're from NE PA so we're not wimpy when I say it was cold!!) DH and I have been there the past two years in mid May and weather/crowds were both very good. The last few days were even a little too hot for my liking. So, if you're thinking early May I'd say it should be a good time.